9 months to go: Was your ancestor a 49er?

In 1848, many Germans were part of a larger movement in Europe to obtain political power for the growing middle class. But when their revolution failed, many emigrated to the United States to avoid political persecution. As a group, they became known as the “48ers.”

One year later, word spread of the discovery of gold in California, and some of those who emigrated in 1848 packed up again to join the rush west for gold. Now they were called the 49ers.

Maybe we should nickname those who participate in the International German Genealogy Partnership conference next June the “19ers.” After all, their German ancestors carried similar nicknames right to Sacramento in their search for a new life.

In a few weeks, we will be announcing the list of programs and presenters for the 2019 conference in Sacramento. There will be lots of gold nuggets among them, and with registration opening in November, the rush will be on.

We hope that in nine months, you’ll be boarding a train or steamship or covered wagon and heading to Sacramento. Welcome to the 19ers!