Hi Jean Do you know of the Anglo-German FHS? Although the society is very much UK based, they produce some good booklets on various subjects including the old states etc. They have a web site at http://feefhs.org/uk/frgagfhs.html >From memory they have a couple of books to do with emigration from Germany to the US which might help you in where to start first. They produce 4 newsletters a year with some good background info in. hope this of help. Caroline NZ