heritage, Genealogy & Family History

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Discover the stories, roots, and traditions that shape our identity.

Learning Who We Are

Every family has a story a thread woven through generations that connects us to the past and shapes who we are today. By exploring your family’s heritage, you uncover more than names and dates; you reveal the values, struggles, and triumphs that built your identity. Whether it’s tracing your ancestors through records, discovering forgotten traditions, or connecting with relatives across the world, learning who we are begins with understanding where we come from.

Blog

Understanding our past helps us appreciate the present and guide the future.

Latest Posts

  • Kirchgassner Kinship

    As I begin this blog today, there is some background information I want you to know. Fifty plus years ago when I started this quest of family history, driven by a profound curiosity about my roots, I discovered that the Church of Latter Day Saints collected data on family histories. It is part of their…

  • Here Comes the “Folzenlogels:

    Good day everyone! Before I get started on the next blog about the Folzenlogels, I just want to take a moment to recap our ancestors’ names and locations in the family tree to provide some context for those who might be unfamiliar with our heritage. On Mom’s side, the Hoffmeier/Winter family began their journey in…

  • Stories from Grandma Dorie

    Supernatural-Grandma Dorie believed strongly in the supernatural, which was a fundamental aspect of her character. She often told me a variety of stories that she firmly believed occurred, each one more intriguing than the last. One such story revolved around a priest from St. Mary’s in Greensburg, who had died prematurely. According to Grandma, after…

  • Tidbits and an Up-to-Date Nordmeyer Wedding

    1920’s and 1930’s and 1940’s The Dearborn County Register. 1920–US-Census-names Dad as Robert Heimburger. (Wonder who the Census worker was????) 11/17/1927- Diamond Jubilee Celebration at St. Martin Church. Dad is confirmed during Solemn High Mass by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Chartrand, Bishop of Indianapolis. Chicken dinner served after Mass in the church basement. (Still a…

  • Nordmeyer News

    Happy New Year All! Before I continue on with the history of the Nordmeyers, I visited with Bill Martini the other day, and we discussed family history in depth, sharing stories and anecdotes that have been passed down through generations. He is going to take the research to the next level and visit Limerick, Ireland,…

  • Nordmeyer-from the North!

    The name Nordmeyer has its roots in the German language–Nord means north. Meyer is a German take on a Latin word meaning “master” or “great one.” Together, these components reflect a sense of authority and geographical significance, highlighting the origins of the name in regions associated with northern landscapes and governance. Nordmeyer is an old…

About the author:

Rita Kirchgassner is a retired educator whose unwavering curiosity has fueled fifty years of family history research. In 2015, she published “Semper Anticus,” a compelling chronicle of her father’s service in WWII, earning praise from readers and historians alike. Now, through her upcoming blog, Rita is eager to share the fascinating stories and discoveries she’s uncovered over decades of dedicated research. Driven by a passion to ensure future generations appreciate and cherish their heritage, Rita invites you to join her on this journey. Beyond genealogy, she enjoys gardening, photography, and exploring ancient history. She is also proud to be the mother of Abigail Weber.