In Search of our German Ancestors Bremerhaven, Bremen, and Celle

We arrived at Bremerhaven

and the Emigrant Center.  As we entered we were each given the name of a person who immigrated either of the first sailing ships of the 1870's, a turn of the century cast iron ship, or an ocean liner of the 1930's.  Photos, artifacts, and simulated rooms gave us the feel of life on board ship leaving the fatherland with a small suitcase.

 

 High Tech computerized passenger lists
were available to those of us who brought the dates of our ancestor's immigration.  Here Barb and Mark Zimmerman strike gold and print out their loved one's names found on the center's database.

 The original port was Bremen
which dates back to the time of the Hanseatic League of merchants.  Early immigrants sailed from this port until the waterway silted up in the mid 1880s.  We were charmed by the town market square and the Schnoor neighborhood which winds like a shoelace.  Luckily much of the original buildings remain in the Old Town.  The Cathedral dates back to 1000 AD.

 The Ducal Castle of Celle- Herzogsschloss Home of the Duke of Luneburg
Our private tour of this castle right in the center of Celle was so helpful in gaining insight on the relationship with this royal family of the Hanover area and the British royal line  of King George, Queen Victoria, and yes even the current Queen Elizabeth.

 Duke Georg Wilhelm had a great influence on this 700 year old city of half-timbered houses.
We arrived during market day with people and vendors around every corner.  Much effort has been taken to keep the charming medieval character of Celle continuing into the 21st century.  Even the newer department stores keep the half-timbered facade.

 The Village Church, originally Catholic, but transitioned during the Reformation has recently been restored.  Wittenberg is not that far away and the royal family was much influenced by Martin Luther's teachings.  How luckly we have been to be blessed with another day of billowing clouds and blue skys.