Our Blogs
Dive into our collection of blog pieces focusing on unearthing family history, bridging generations, and embarking on family history research.
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The Strecker Family Reunion in Hannover, Germany (1929)
As I was looking over some of the papers from R. Stuart Hummel located at Stanford University collection, I came across a very old German Newspaper clipping. The newspaper clipping talked about a Strecker Family reunion that took place in 1929. The Strecker family held a family reunion that in 1929 was news in the…
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Anne-Marie’s Unintentional Immigration To America (1952)
Would you have the courage to travel alone to America at age 20 when you couldn’t speak much English? My grandmother, Anne Marie, was born in 1931 in Stockholm, Sweden. She lived in Sweden until 1952 when she decided to go to America. In the 1950s, American movies and music were very popular in Europe.…
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Memoirs of Germany – 1952, From R. Stuart Hummel’s Round-The-World Trip
My dad’s cousin R Stuart Hummel (1915-2007) worked for the U.S. Government. He was also a great historian who kept many of his own records plus our family’s records. These records are now part of the Stanford University Collection. 1n 1952, R. Stuart Hummel was on a trip around-the-world for the U.S. State Department; he…
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Are Swedish People Slavic? The Origins of Sweden Explained
A question that many people ask is if Swedish people are of a Slavic origin? Many people assume that Sweden may have some Slavic origins because Sweden is very close to this part of the world. Swedish people do not have Slavic origins but come from Northern Germanic people. Since the beginning of Sweden, Northern…
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What Does Swabia Mean? About Swabian German
We have many German ancestors from Swabia, so I have often wondered what Swabia means? Or where was Swabia? Swabia is a region in southern Germany; the people in this region speak Swabian German. Though the region is today part of modern-day Germany, historically and culturally, it was different. The name Swabia came from the…
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A History of Westphalia, Germany
I have great parents who came to the United States from the Minden area of Westphalia. Like many parts of present-day Germany, this area has a fascinating history. Westphalia’s history goes back to the times of the ancient Saxons. For a period of time, Westphalia was under the rule of Napoleon and the French. Later…
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A History of The Kingdom of Württemberg – Germany
The Hummel Family is originally from present-day Baden- Württemberg, Germany. This area of Germany is the former Kingdom of Württemberg. The Kingdom of Württemberg existed from 1805 to 1918. The Kingdom had four different Kings. Though the Kingdom of Württemberg is now part of present-day Germany, during its existence, the alliances of the Kingdom changed.…
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What Is Santa Lucia In Sweden? Sweden’s Santa Lucia Holiday
Santa Lucia holds an extraordinary place in the hearts of the people of Sweden. Santa Lucia represents charity and love while simultaneously bringing light to the cold long winter nights. Santa Lucia is an Italian Saint who died as a martyr; she is one of the earliest Christian saints to gain widespread popularity. Santa Lucia…
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What Are Sweden’s Household Examination Records (Husförhörslängder)?
When you start your Swedish family history research, you will learn that Sweden has some amazing family history records called the Household Examination Records. You can discover many things about your ancestors through these Household Examination Records or (Husförhörslängder). Sweden’s Household Examination Records, or Husförhörslängder is a church records book recorded by the Swedish Lutheran…