Hi Listers, I've been on this list for, oh, about a year or two, and have some friendly suggestions........ If you come across something written in Latin or German or? and don't know the language, there are many translation websites on the Web. German/English translation dictionaries should be available at your local public library. Maps and locations may be a little trickier to find on your computer. Your library can help there, too. There are many excellent encyclopedias with articles about World/European history, Germany, Bavaria, etc. at your library. Your public library should also have books on world history, emigration/immigration, European history, as well as German and Bavarian history. I realize that we all come to this list with different levels of experience. And those of us who have been here for a while are always glad to help those who are "newbies." Sometimes one has to hike, bike,or drive to the library and do a little digging in this business to get the best results. Your public library is a treasure trove of information. They may not have your family's history, but they have tons of good, basic, helpful genealogical information. Best Wishes to all, Beth STEINBERG ARNOTT