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GFO Research Library


Operating Hours:

1st/2nd Sat: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mon: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tue: 9:30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Wed: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Most classes and meetings are online.

Additional information on weather closures

GFO
2505 S.E. 11th Ave., Ste B018
Portland, OR 97202

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Fall Seminar 2026

Fall Seminar 2026

Saturday Oct 17, 2026 -- 10:00 am - 5:30 pm (PT) with a bonus meet-and-greet/happy hour Friday evening (no-host bar)

Mastering German Records


Join us for a full-day seminar "Mastering German Records" with Katherine Schober, founder of Germanology Unlocked. This seminar is oriented to researchers at the beginner and intermediate level of experience with German records. This seminar is co-hosted by GFO and the German American Society of Portland (GASP).

This seminar will take place in person at the German American Society of Portland, 5626 Northeast Alameda Street, Portland.

Pricing:

  • GFO or GASP Members 
       - Event Registration only
       - $55 until Sep 1, 
       - $60 from Sep 1 until Oct 3,
       - $75 thereafter.
  • Non-members 
       - Event Registration only
       - $75 until Oct 3, 
       - $90 thereafter.
  • GFO Membership Bundle 
       - 14 month new or renewed membership with the GFO; and 
       - Event registration
       - $115 until Sep 1, 
       - $120 from Sep 1 until Oct 3,
       - $135 thereafter.
  • GASP Membership Bundle 
       - 12 month new or renewed membership with the GASP; and 
       - Event registration 
       - $115 until Sep 1, 
       - $120 from Sep 1 until Oct 3,
       - $135 thereafter.

Seminar Time Schedule (Pacific Time Zone):

 

Friday, October 16th

 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Meet-and-Greet with the principal lecturer Katherine Schober at the German American Society of Portland.  This takes place in conjunction with Stammtisch, GASP's monthly Happy Hour.

 

Saturday, October 17th

Note: All times are approximate.  Sessions are variable length, and we will provide breaks as appropriate.

  • The Magic of German Church Records
  • Finding German Records with Archion and Matricula: A Deep Dive
  • Breaking Down Brick Walls in German Genealogy
  • Church Records Workshop

9:30 am - 10:00 am

Check-in and Coffee Meetup

10:00 am - 10:30 am

The Magic of German Church Records

10:45 am - 12:30 pm

Finding German Records with Archion and Matricula: A Deep Dive

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Lunch.  A traditional German lunch will be available at GASP, or try nearby options. We will send details a week before the seminar.

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Church Records Workshop

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Breaking Down Brick Walls in German Genealogy

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Final Q & A and Closing

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Next Steps for Your Research - informal help from GFO volunteers


Katherine Schober

Meet Our Speaker:

Our speaker Katherine Schober is German-English genealogy translator, author, and dedicated educator. As the founder of Germanology Unlocked, she brings over a decade of professional experience to her mission of helping individuals uncover and preserve their German family stories.

Katherine specializes in deciphering old German handwriting, and offers a range of services that include expert translations, engaging webinars on German genealogy, and in-depth classes and workshops. Her expertise has made her a sought-after speaker at major national genealogy conferences such as RootsTech, the International German Genealogy Partnership Conference, the National Genealogical Society, and more.  Katherine was the presenter at the GFO's summer seminar in 2025.

Her contributions to the field have been featured on the History Channel and PBS’ “Finding Your Roots”. 

 


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GFO Research Library


Operating Hours:

1st/2nd Sat: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mon: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tue: 9:30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Wed: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Most classes and meetings are online.

Additional information on weather closures

GFO
2505 S.E. 11th Ave., Ste B018
Portland, OR 97202
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