German Emigration in the 19th Century: Beyond Passenger Lists – Overlooked Emigrant & Ship Records (SGGS Meetings and Events)
Passenger lists often tell only part of the story - and sometimes none at all. This presentation explores alternative record groups that document German emigration when manifests are missing, incomplete, or misleading. It introduces passenger-adjacent sources, vital events recorded at sea, and maritime records such as seamen’s books, crew lists, and deserter files. The session also touches on return migration and common stowaway myths, showing where the paper trail continues and how emigrant journeys can be reconstructed beyond the passenger lists.
