Get the Most From Visit to Old Country

Question: My ancestor was born in Germany in 1830 and I am planning a visit to his birthplace. Do you have any tips?

Answer: Since you know the name of the town where he was born, and I am assuming that you have completed your research of records available in this country, read “In Search of Your German Roots” by Angus Baxter (Genealogical Publishing Co., 1001 N. Calvert, Baltimore, Md. 21202: $11.95). This book contains addresses of repositories that you may wish to visit, plus some tips.

Take your pedigree and family group sheets to show officials or cousins you may locate. Shoot many pictures of the ancestral village as you will want to include them in your family history.

Q: Could you tell me something about the Huguenot Society and its requirements for membership?

A: There are several, and they are religious societies for individuals at least 18 years of age of the Protestant faith.

The National Huguenot Society is a federation of state societies. An individual joins a state society and automatically becomes a member of the national group. Write them at Hearst Hall, Washington National Cathedral, Wisconsin Avenue and Woodley Road., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016.

The Huguenot Society of America is for lineal descendants of Huguenot families who immigrated to America prior to the Edict of Toleration on Nov. 28, 1787. Its address is 122 E. 58th St., New York, N.Y. 10022. The Huguenot Society of South Carolina, 25 Chalmers St., Charleston, S.C. 29401 has the same requirements.

The Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia is for any lineal descendants of any Huguenot resident of Virginia prior to 1786. Its address is 4419 Washington Pike N.E., Knoxville, Tenn. 37917.