The science of genealogy describes and documents kinship and family connections on the basis of historical sources. The Institute of Genetic Medicine's historical and genealogical work includes the research, preparation and evaluation of genealogical data and information on selected microisolated populations covering the years from 1600 to today.

© Udo Bernhart / NG-D

Records going back as far as 15 generations (gathered from Parish and Province sources) are accessible in the institute's archives.

The drafting of family trees and ancestor lists on the basis of historical sources is the starting point for the institute's medical and genetic research.  In order to provide genealogical profiles is it essential to collect and analyze relevant data from various historical archives. Using this data family clustering of genetically caused diseases can be determined.

Above all, settlement, population, family and social histories form a starting- and reference point for the genealogical collections in the Microisolates. Demo- and biodemographic data from past centuries are analyzed and compared so that new explanations about the development of population can be determined.  External and internal migration, descent, age and gender statistics, family composition, birth, marriage and death rates, exogamy and endogamy, among other variables are considered.

Photos by Udo Bernhart courtesy of National Geographic Deutschland