Join us on Tuesday, March 17 when native Pennsylvania Dutchman, Ken Weaver helps answer questions like these:
Have you ever wondered whether a German surname in your lineage has some significance or meaning? What about how your ancestors named their children? This presentation will explore German naming customs of both forenames and surnames to help you better understand how your ancestors got their names, the importance of naming customs, and how names evolved over time.

Register Here.

LancasterHistory Librarian Jessica Barbera nee Gutacker will guide us through historic highlights of Palatines in Lancaster County and share tips on searching for items in LancasterHistory’s collections. She will also discuss the unique challenges related to researching German heritage items and offer suggestions on how to request access for digital and in-person viewing, including this Fraktur by Christian Strenge from 1801, details of which are shown on the right. If you are thinking of attending the National Pal Am conference in Lancaster in June, this is a great opportunity to learn more about resources you might access while you are in the area.
Register Here.

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Ellen Endslow, Director of Collections/Curator at the Chester County History Center in West Chester, PA, will present on how the large number of German settlers who emigrated to Pennsylvania in the colonial era and during early statehood influenced settlement patterns.

Register Here.
Download the flyer.