"how far anyone has traced there German ancestors and are they hard to trace?" Luck is especially useful. I checked the IGI only after considerable urging from friends. Even though my ancestors were Roman Catholics, the surname I sought, my mother's maiden name, was on the IGI. The IGI dates agreed with those passed down by the family and those that I corroborated with the US Federal Census. The IGI provided the LDS film reference of the Roman Catholic church records which had accurate family group pages back to 1770. -----Original Message----- From: SANDY FAIRCHILD [mailto:co_sandy@msn.com] Sent: Monday, July 25, 2005 7:26 PM To: BAVARIA-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [BAVARIA] Tracing German Ancestors New at this Hi Donna, This URL might be very helpful in answering some of your initial questions and providing resources for you to explore. http://www.genealogienetz.de/faqs/sgg.html<http://www.genealogienetz.de/faqs /sgg.html> In a word, no, it is not easy, whether here or in Germany. Mike's advice is excellent, with great emphasis on the need to know what village or town family came from for any hope of success in Germany. There is much available on line, but much that is not. American records are critical sources of information. Some are free and many not. Start with yourself and work backwards thoroughly. Be very organized from the beginning so you have fewer regrets later. Some spend years, even lifetimes researching their families. This and other lists are very helpful and supportive with the process. It is a remarkable journey, and you will learn much. Good luck to you. Sandy P.S. Never hesitate to ask a question. Provide as much information as you can so others can be helpful to you. ----- Original Message ----- From: Donna Osborn<mailto:dosborn@pldi.net> To: BAVARIA-L@rootsweb.com<mailto:BAVARIA-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, July 25, 2005 6:19 PM Subject: [BAVARIA] Tracing German Ancestors New at this I would like to know how far anyone has traced there German ancestors and are they hard to trace? Is it easy to trace people in Germany? And does anyone have any suggestions for some one getting started? I need help. Donna