PP158 An Overview of Pennsylvania German Fraktur

Webinar Description

Thursday, June 15, 2023
1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern US

The purpose of this webinar is to identify and define the term Fraktur as it pertains to its history in North America while addressing common misconceptions. We will discuss the difference between the term used in German-speaking Europe versus North America. Likewise, the progression of the art form from its early manuscript beginnings to the later, printed formats will be demonstrated.

The many hands which helped to create Fraktur will be discussed including printers, artists, and scriveners. Viewers will get a general sense of the value placed upon these sheets by institutions, collectors, and genealogists. We will also review the pitfalls to collecting as posed by the Fraktur fakers, refreshers, period copyists, and revivalists.

At the conclusion, we will introduce the audience to the Pennsylvania German broadside as a natural transition for some elements of Fraktur in response to evolving American demographics and technology. 

Webinar Audience

Anyone with an interest in the folk art and genealogy of the Pennsylvania Germans would benefit. 

Additionally, appraisers, collectors, auctioneers, design consultants, and antiques dealers would profit from this webinar.

General Webinar Information

Important login information will be e-mailed to registrants prior to the webinar. 

System Requirements

To ensure the best ASA webinar experience, be sure to download the Zoom app on your device before the webinar begins.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

This webinar will award 1.2 CE hours.

If you are a designated member of the American Society of Appraisers, CE credit will automatically be entered into your record ONLY if you participate in the live webinar. Please allow approximately 2 weeks post-webinar for ASA to notify participants via email regarding a certificate of completion.

Webinar Agenda

I. Introduction

II. Discuss and Define Fraktur
     A. Misconceptions about Fraktur
     B. North American vs. European
     C. Birth and Baptismal Certificates
          a. Other Categories
     D. Manuscript vs. Printed
         a. A timeline
         b. Horizontal vs. vertical
     E. Travel beyond Pennsylvania

III. An Overview of the Many Hands of Fraktur Creation
     A. The printers
     B. The artists
     C. The scriveners

IV.  The Desirability of Fraktur
      A. Folk art enthusiasts, institutions, and genealogists
      B. Condition matters

V. Period Copyists, Fakers, Refreshers, and Revivalists

VI. A Brief Discussion of Broadsides

VII. Conclusions

VIII. Q & A

Learning Outcomes

After the webinar, participants should be able to:

• Define Fraktur and evaluate misconceptions sometimes made by auctioneers, dealers, and the public
• Recognize and differentiate between the various Fraktur sub-categories
• Assess these differences and determine the multiple values (monetary, historical, and genealogical importance) associated with those variances
• Summarize their findings for potential clients, family members, or other interested parties.

Recommended Pre-Readings

Earnest, Patricia and Russell, “In the Beginning: A Fraktur Genesis,”Der Reggeboge:Fraktur Fest IV, Volume 54, no. 1 & 2, The Pennsylvania German Society, 2020. pp. 7-13

Earnest, Corinne and Russell, Fraktur: Folk Art & Family, Schiffer publishing, 1999

http://treasuresontrial.winter...

http://www.frakturweb.org