Minert and Riemer in their book, " Researching in Germany ", make some points that support the recent discussion.
Germans and other Europeans make frequent use of the business card, or calling card, which provides one's name, titles, address, and affiliations. Many family historians have noted the obvious appreciation shown by people who receive these cards. Many times these cards can serve as an "icebreaker" when the card holder does not speak German.
You might want to design a card with your name which shows your affiliation with a society that is involved in German research. I might put on it:
John Blankenbaker
Member of The Germanna Foundation
Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society
Palatines to America.
Be sure and include your address, perhaps your telephone number, your email address, and perhaps a web page. In the address, do not use abbreviations that might not be understood as, for example, PA for Pennsylvania. Conclude your postal address with USA.
You may want to add the names of families that you are researching. Don't list all of your names, but just the ones you will be working on in Germany. If you have a specific ancestor you will be working on, you might want to name that individual, his village, and his dates (if possible, give these in German). Perhaps you do not speak German, and the other person does not speak English, but if he can read your prime interest he may know someone who can help you.
Five hundred cards can be purchased inexpensively at a printer. You may be able to make your own. Riemer and Minert suggest that 50 cards would be more than sufficient. On my trip, I wish that I had prepared note paper, about a quarter sized sheet, that had much of this information on it. You could turn the sheet over and use it as notepaper when you had a special message to leave. You will be surprised to discover in what strange circumstances you will be able to use this.
For some really serious work, Riemer and Minert suggest taking several copies of a letter of introduction in German. This letter should be written in proper, polite German. They say that has proven to be one of the smartest moves that a non-German researcher has made. The reports are abundant that these letters have opened many doors. Be sure and have copies so that you can leave copies with people who want to keep one. Get a native German to help in writing this letter so that it will be professional. Perhaps you might start by writing a letter in English. Then have it translated. You should explain why you have made a trip to Germany and that you would appreciate any helpful suggestions.
(22 Jan 02)
We gratefully acknowledge the work of John Blankenbaker who published over 2,500 Germanna History Notes via the Germanna-L@rootsweb.com email list from 1997 to 2008. We are equally thankful to George Durman (Sgt. George) for hosting the list and republishing the notes via rootsweb.com.