In my first couple of years as a member of the Ohio Chapter of Palatines to America (Pal Am), I have become a fan (and Facebook friend). I happen to be descended from people of the Palatine region, as were the founders (in 1975) of Palatines to America, but the mission of Pal Am has broadened so much, the society might better be named “Germans to America.”
PALATINES TO AMERICA (Pal Am) is a national genealogical society of persons researching German-speaking ancestry, with emphasis on migration from the Germanic regions of Europe to North America (primarily the United States and Canada). Most of these immigrants were from Germany, but there was also a significant number from other areas of Europe including Switzerland, Austria, France, Poland, and other countries. … Now our membership includes people who have ancestors from all German-speaking areas. (from “About Us” at palam.org)
The organization, with over 2,000 members and chapters in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania (anyone with an interest in German-speaking immigrants can join, whether from North America or abroad), offers a wealth of German genealogy resources, newsletters, a bookstore, and more.
This year’s annual conference is coming soon:
June 14-16, 2012
“German Research: Methodology & Technology”
Indianapolis, IN
With seminars on researching, surfing the Internet, and more.
Pal Am is also offering a 74-hour search-till-you-drop genealogy research excursion to Salt Lake City September 23-30, 2012. Visit Pal Am’s web page, under Events, for details.
Pal Am also offers research and translation services.