Finding and Transcribing Kurrent Script: A Genealogy Case Study

Genealogy research often involves the exploration of historical records such as baptismal records, marriage certificates, and census records. These documents can provide important information about our ancestors, including their names, birth dates, and family relationships.

However, many of these records were written in handwriting styles that are no longer used today, such as Kurrent script.

Kurrent script was widely used in German-speaking countries from the late Middle Ages until the early 20th century. This style of handwriting is characterized by its flowing, connected letters, which often resemble a series of loops and squiggles. While Kurrent script was the standard form of handwriting taught in schools at the time, it has since fallen out of use and is now considered a historical form of handwriting.

For genealogists and family historians, deciphering Kurrent script can be a daunting task. The handwriting style is not easily readable to those who are not familiar with it, and it can be difficult to distinguish between similar-looking letters. Additionally, Kurrent script often uses abbreviations and variations that may be unfamiliar to modern readers.

In the case of the baptismal record of Andreas Bersch, our genealogist Kelly Draper was able to use her expertise in reading and transcribing Kurrent script to provide a comprehensive and accurate record of our client's ancestor's baptism. Kelly searched through the St. Vincent de Paul records for the requested time period, but the baptismal record was not located. She then consulted the records of Sts. Peter & Paul, a Catholic church also located in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis.

After locating the baptismal record in the original records of Sts. Peter & Paul, Kelly transcribed the record and provided a translation to our client. This process was especially important given the challenges of reading Kurrent script, as any errors in transcription or translation could lead to incorrect information being recorded in our client's family history.

Through her work, Kelly was able to provide an accurate and comprehensive record of Andreas Bersch's baptism, contributing to our client's understanding of their family history. This case study demonstrates the importance of having a professional read and transcribe historical documents, particularly those written in Kurrent script, to ensure accuracy and completeness in genealogy research.

If you need help uncovering your family's Catholic records in St. Louis or navigating historical handwriting, contact us at hello@backlog-archivists.com and let us help you discover your family's story