I find it amazing that people try to do German research without any tools. I myself am not a big tool buyer but folks, a good map of your area is #1 essential tool. Ravenstein puts out wonderful maps 1:2500000 for all the areas of Germany for $11.95. #2 is a German English Genealogical Dictionary, #3 Germanic Genealogy-A Guide to Worldwide Sources and Migration Patterns, #4 The German Research Companion. To me genealogy is more than birth and death dates, but putting some flesh and meat on the bones. How did they dress, what kind of houses, occupations and of course why did they leave. Gaycha Mayhew