Greetings from Frankfurt!
I’m sitting in Germany, but not really in my ancestors’ Germany. This is Hessen. When they left in 1848, their homeland was Prussia. “Germany” as a country didn’t even exist until 1871. So my bones don’t stir here in Frankfurt the way they might if I were further east, in what is now Russia, where my Prussian ancestors once lived.
It gets me wondering: what ties us more closely to our roots—place, or language? Five generations and 18,000 kilometres away, without German on my tongue, I don’t feel much connection. A few stereotypes float in—efficiency, analysis, and of course… “ don’t mention the war!”
By contrast, on this trip I’ve been able to read the handwritten words of three ancestors—in English. That blew my mind. Language bridges not just years but thoughts, personalities, humour. It’s a gift not everyone has; many of the people I work with at PEP are separated from their heritage by both distance and language.
So here in Frankfurt, as I stumble through a few “danke schöns,” I catch a glimpse of what that feels like. And I’m thankful that AI tools are making it easier than ever to recover languages, translate letters, and give today’s descendants access to voices that once felt lost.
Wherever you are in your journey, may you find those threads—be they places, words, or stories—that tie you to your people. I’ll be sharing more of mine soon, so make sure you’re on the list at OneAncestor.co.
Did you miss my updates on this trip? Make sure you’re subscribed to the YouTube channel, and following our Facebook page. And thanks to the many of you who sent supportive and encouraging comments on the way. It’s been a blast sharing this trip with you!
