Upcoming Events

December Presentation: 

Germans to America’s Midwest 1848-1900

     Please join us Monday, December 11, 2023, at 6:30 pm for a very informative presentation on Germans to America’s Midwest 1848-1900. The presentation will take place at the Watertown Public Library in the Community Meeting Room. The presentation is free to the public and all are welcome to attend. 

     Duration: Approx. 45 minutes with 15 minutes of Q&A

     Handout: A summary handout will be distributed during the presentation

     Presenter: Scott Norrick, Member APG, NEHGS, and other genealogical societies

Presentation Covers:

  • German immigration trends in latter half of 19th century
  • What factors caused citizens to leave Germany?
  • What factors attracted Germans to the American Midwest?
  • Ports of departure and arrival
  • Midwest hotspots for German immigration
  • German cultural influences on Midwest
  • Researching your German ancestors

    Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree from Northwestern University. He combines over 30 years of family history research with the necessary skills and passion to provide meaningful and proven results in breaking down family history brick walls. Having traced and documented thousands of ancestors and relatives in both the US and Northern Europe, he is experienced with all the latest and time-tested genealogical tools and resources. Visit Scott’s website: Ancestralpast.com or contact him directly: Scott@ancestralpast.com 

December Board Meeting and Christmas Gathering

     December Board meeting and Christmas Gathering will occur on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Watertown Public Library community meeting room, starting at 5 pm. After the meeting, the group can enjoy a small potluck dinner and conversation, starting around 5:30 pm. All Dodge/Jefferson Counties Genealogical Society members are welcome. Please bring a dish of finger food or a treat to your liking. The presentation will start at 6:30 pm on the same night.