GSWC Zoom Meeting and Program
Date: March 22, 2026
Time: 01:30 PM to 04:30 PM
Location: Online via Zoom

GSWC Zoom Meeting and Program

After the brief business meeting starting at 1:30pm Ursula C. Kraus will present, via Zoom, “The Push and Pull of Emigration.” After a short break, we will organize into small groups in breakout rooms on Zoom. The discussion topics today are Germany and two other countries to be determined. Members are invited to share their stories. A GSWC facilitator will be assigned to each group. Download: Flyer for March 2026 meeting

Topic details

Between 1820 and 1920, approximately six million Germans left their homeland, with the majority heading to the United Staes. Let’s examine the reasons behind this unprecedented wave of emigration. What motivated ordinary people to leave their homes for an uncertain future? What were they hoping to find at their destinations? Additionally, how did these factors evolve throughout the century?

Biographical

Ursula is dedicated to helping you discover your ancestral heritage and uncover the rich stories of your family’s past. With a strong legal background and extensive experience in German genealogical research, she has made lasting contributions to the fields of genealogy and family history. Her passion lies in providing accurate, thorough research to help you understand the connections and histories that shape your family. She began her professional genealogy journey in 2009 when she founded Rootseekers - Genealogical Research and More. During her many years as a senior genealogist with AncestryProGenealogists, she further deepened her expertise while making significant contributions to the team. Her commitment to detailed, accurate research has helped her establish a reputation as a trusted expert, especially for clients tracing their German ancestry from the 20th century. She has also been fortunate to contribute to popular genealogical television shows, including Finding Your Roots, Who Do You Think You Are, and Every Family Has A Secret. Her work on these programs, as well, as on the award-winning documentary The Upside Down Book, has allowed her to bring family stories to life for a broad audience. Additionally, her expertise in German genealogy has been recognized in the German Media, where she has appeared on national television and in the press.

How do I get a link to join the Zoom meeting? Members will receive an email invitation to register for the meeting about a week prior. Non-members, please send a request to register to info@washtenawgenealogy.org (must be received by *March 19*). Registration is not required to attend in person at Trinity Health Ann Arbor. Please see www.washtenawgenealogy.org > About Us > About Meetings for more information.