Speaker Profile-Teresa Steinkamp McMillin, CG

Teresa Steinkamp McMillin, CG*

I first became interested in my family’s history when I was in sixth grade. I think it was triggered by Alex Haley’s made-for-television movie, “Roots.” This was a blessing because both of my grandmothers were still alive, with great memories. All of my ancestors emigrated from Germany and I am passionate about researching them and the German ancestry of my clients. Reading church records written in German gothic script has become second nature to me.

I attended multiple classes at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). I earned the credential of Certified Genealogist in 2011. I frequently speak at local, regional, and national conferences. In August 2014, I published the Guide to Hanover Military Records, 1514-1866, on Microfilm at the Family History Library. For more information, please visit http://www.hanovermilitary.com and http://www.lindstreet.com.

Thursday, 11:00 a.m., T223–“He Took Her Name: Understanding German Farm Names”
In some areas of northwest Germany, in some cases, men had to change their surname to that of their bride to inherit the family farm. My goal in presenting this talk is to raise awareness of this custom and recommend research techniques for dealing with it. I will also include a discussion of inheritance and marriage practices that could impact broader regions in Germany. Anyone doing German research is sure to get something from this talk.

I hope you will join me in session T223. I look forward to seeing you there!


 *CG or Certified Genealogist is a service mark of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, used under license by Board-certified genealogists after periodic competency evaluation, and the board name is registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office.

Speaker Profile-Teresa Steinkamp McMillin, CG