Dr. Richard Haberstroh, author of German Churches in Metropolitan New York: A Research Guide, joined host Jane E. Wilcox on the Forget-Me-Not Hour podcast this week. Richard talked about Germans in the New York City metro area – their political and religious history in Germany, why they came to New York, where they settled, and what churches they organized here. Richard also discussed his book (published by the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society) and gave some tips on researching German ancestors in the New York City area.
Listen on-demand here.
Dr. Richard Haberstroh is a native of New York City, whose six German ancestral lines arrived between 1835 and 1852. He has been involved in German research since 1984, when he made his first of many trips to Germany.
Order the book here.
My German ancestors arrived from Bavaria in the mid 1880’s. How can I find out the town or village they originated from? No relatives are alive and none discussed their heritage over the years. They settled in Jersey City NJ. Names Bardon (Barden) and Clemmens (Clemons).
My name is Martha Masiello and my parents’ families are from Rome and Sicily. Interesting that you have German heritage!
Richard gives some tips from church records in his book. I’m sure there are other resources for the late 1800s that can help you as well. It’s a complicated answer and a book would be the best reource for research suggestions.