Introducing the BGG “Roter Adler”

Already during the first regional genealogical meeting in Brandenburg in 2004, the unfortunate lack of a dedicated association or workgroup or similar body was mentioned. It became clear that such an organization was past due as comments grew louder to found one for Brandenburg and the area of the historical Mark Brandenburg in particular.
We then worked to establish the requirements in order to found such an organization. On June 29, 2006, it happened: 14 founding members signed the articles of the Brandenburg Genealogical Association “Roter Adler” (Red Eagle) at the foundational meeting. Sixteen additional fellow researchers had already joined as written absentees.
In the meantime we have grown to more than 200 members, perhaps soon to include you!

What we have accomplished so far:

• Founding the Brandenburgische Genealogische Gesellschaft “Roter Adler” e.V. on June 29, 2006.
• Adopting articles and policy statements, published on our homepage.
• Recognition of “Common Public Interest”, starting January 1, 2008.
• Setting up and publishing a homepage: www.bggroteradler.de.
• Establishing an internal e-mail list (BGG-L).
• Integrating the already existing and expansive Brandenburg database and the Brandenburg e-mail list (BR-L).
• Publishing the quarterly journal “Brandenburgische Genealogische Nachrichten” as well as the yearbook “Brandenburgisches Genealogisches Jahrbuch” among other publications.
• Providing opportunity for participation in regional and topical research groups.
• Providing access to the databases with various opportunities to research and participate.

What we would still like to accomplish:

Our association was not founded out of self-interest, rather, we are interested in:

• Unifying and invigorating research activities in Brandenburg including Berlin, as well as providing an access point for researchers in Brandenburg.
• Cooperating with other genealogical associations or related associations.
• Taking better advantage of today’s technological possibilities with the help of the Verein für Computergenealogie.

An exhaustive representation is documented in our policy statements.

What we need:

• Active and passive members!

What we do not want:

• We are not interested in competition, rather, in cooperation with other association with research in the same areas and common interests
• We do not wish to develop sole claim to “our” research area.

Membership fees are a necessary evil:

• The one-time entry fee is currently 10 €.
• The regular annual membership fee is currently 40 €.
• Fees and donations are tax-deductible.
• With an application, fees can be reduced by half for e.g. students, unemployed persons or persons in a similar situation, as well as for members of the same family who only receive one publication.
• Membership fees include the publications “Brandenburgische Genealogische Nachrichten” and “Brandenburgisches Genealogisches Jahrbuch.” All other publications are available to members one time only at half price.
• Membership fees also include access to our databases.