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Germans from Russia Search Strategies: Difference between revisions
Germans from Russia Search Strategies (view source)
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For a more detailed description of the research process see [[Principles_of_Family_History_Research|Principles of Family History Research]]. | |||
Begin your research with family and home sources. Look for names, dates, and places in certificates, family Bibles, obituaries, diaries, and similar sources. Ask your relatives for any additional information they may have. It's very likely that your second cousin, great-aunt, or other relative already has some family information. Organize the information you find and record it on pedigree charts and [[Family group record: roadmap for researchers|family group record]] forms. | == '''Step 1. Identify What You Know about Your Family''' == | ||
Begin your research with family and home sources. Look for names, dates, and places in certificates, family Bibles, obituaries, diaries, and similar sources. Ask your relatives for any additional information they may have. It's very likely that your second cousin, great-aunt, or other relative already has some family information. Organize the information you find and record it on pedigree charts and [[Family group record: roadmap for researchers|family group record]] forms. | |||
== '''Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn''' == | == '''Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn''' == | ||
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Next, decide what you want to learn about your ancestor, such as where and when he or she was married, or the names of his parents. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or a librarian to help you select a goal that you can successfully achieve. | Next, decide what you want to learn about your ancestor, such as where and when he or she was married, or the names of his parents. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or a librarian to help you select a goal that you can successfully achieve. | ||
It is usually best to begin by verifying information about the ancestor for whom you know the most, and then continue searching from there. It is often hard to find an ancestor’s records when you know only a name and country of birth. With so little information, your research is limited to a few general indexes like the [http://productsupport.familysearch.org/SupportRoot/Eng/Frameset_Products.asp?ReqPg=ProductTopics.asp&Selected=1&Color=green&Product=IGI&DisplayName=International+Genealogical+Index&FAQ=IGI&SS=True ''International Genealogical Index'']®, [[Ancestral File|''Ancestral File'']]™, [http://productsupport.familysearch.org/SupportRoot/Eng/Frameset_Products.asp?ReqPg=ProductTopics.asp&Selected=1&Color=green&Product=PRF&DisplayName=Pedigree+Resource+File&FAQ=PRF&SS=True Pedigree Resource File], New FamilySearch, or the various searches listed at [[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research#Databases Online|Databases Online]]. | It is usually best to begin by verifying information about the ancestor for whom you know the most, and then continue searching from there. It is often hard to find an ancestor’s records when you know only a name and country of birth. With so little information, your research is limited to a few general indexes like the [http://productsupport.familysearch.org/SupportRoot/Eng/Frameset_Products.asp?ReqPg=ProductTopics.asp&Selected=1&Color=green&Product=IGI&DisplayName=International+Genealogical+Index&FAQ=IGI&SS=True ''International Genealogical Index'']®, [[Ancestral File|''Ancestral File'']]™, [http://productsupport.familysearch.org/SupportRoot/Eng/Frameset_Products.asp?ReqPg=ProductTopics.asp&Selected=1&Color=green&Product=PRF&DisplayName=Pedigree+Resource+File&FAQ=PRF&SS=True Pedigree Resource File], New FamilySearch, or the various searches listed at [[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research#Databases Online|Databases Online]]. | ||
== '''Step 3. Select a Record to Search''' == | == '''Step 3. Select a Record to Search''' == | ||
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*''Locate the town or place of residence''. Examine maps, gazetteers, and other place-finding aids to learn as much as you can about each of the places where your ancestors lived. Identify the major migration routes, nearby cities, county boundaries, other geographical features, and government or ecclesiastical jurisdictions. Place-finding aids are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Maps|Maps]],” “[[Germans from Russia Gazetteers|Gazetteers]],” “[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]],” and “[[Germans from Russia History|History]]” sections of this outline. | *''Locate the town or place of residence''. Examine maps, gazetteers, and other place-finding aids to learn as much as you can about each of the places where your ancestors lived. Identify the major migration routes, nearby cities, county boundaries, other geographical features, and government or ecclesiastical jurisdictions. Place-finding aids are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Maps|Maps]],” “[[Germans from Russia Gazetteers|Gazetteers]],” “[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]],” and “[[Germans from Russia History|History]]” sections of this outline. | ||
*''Review local history''. You will need to understand Russia's and Germany’s history because they have greatly affected the development of records of genealogical value. If possible, study a history of the areas where your ancestors lived. Look for clues about the people, places, religions, and events that may have affected their lives and the records about them. Records with information about migration and settlement patterns, government jurisdictions, and historical events are described in the "[[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]," "[[Germans from Russia Emigration and Immigration|Emigration and Immigration]]," “[[ | *''Review local history''. You will need to understand Russia's and Germany’s history because they have greatly affected the development of records of genealogical value. If possible, study a history of the areas where your ancestors lived. Look for clues about the people, places, religions, and events that may have affected their lives and the records about them. Records with information about migration and settlement patterns, government jurisdictions, and historical events are described in the "[[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]," "[[Germans from Russia Emigration and Immigration|Emigration and Immigration]]," “[[Germans from Russia Gazetteers|Gazetteers]],” "[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]]," “[[Germans from Russia History|History]],” "[[Germans from Russia Maps|Maps]]," “[[Germans from Russia Periodicals|Periodicals]],” and "[[Germans from Russia Societies|Societies]]" sections of this outline. | ||
*''Learn about jurisdictions''. You will need to know about how the nations where your ancestor lived are divided into political subdivisions. The United States are divided into states, counties, towns, and townships. Canada is divided into provinces, counties, towns and townships. The Russian Empire is divided into ???true? provinces and counties. See the “Historical Geography” section of this outline, the [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/RG/images/34061_Germany05.pdf Germany Research Outline] (34061), and the research outline of the nation where your ancestor settled. | *''Learn about jurisdictions''. You will need to know about how the nations where your ancestor lived are divided into political subdivisions. The United States are divided into states, counties, towns, and townships. Canada is divided into provinces, counties, towns and townships. The Russian Empire is divided into ???true? provinces and counties. See the “Historical Geography” section of this outline, the [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/RG/images/34061_Germany05.pdf Germany Research Outline] (34061), and the research outline of the nation where your ancestor settled. | ||
*''Use language helps''. The records and histories of German from Russia are often written in German. You do not need to speak or read German to search the records, but you will need to learn some key words and phrases. You may also need to use Russian gazetteers to locate some German settlements. A few records were kept in Russian about German settlers. Some helpful sources are described in the “Language and Languages” section of this outline. | *''Use language helps''. The records and histories of German from Russia are often written in German. You do not need to speak or read German to search the records, but you will need to learn some key words and phrases. You may also need to use Russian gazetteers to locate some German settlements. A few records were kept in Russian about German settlers. Some helpful sources are described in the “Language and Languages” section of this outline. | ||
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*Naturalization and Citizenship. ??? | *Naturalization and Citizenship. ??? | ||
For each record type, ''the section heading used in this portal is the same as the heading used in the Family History Library Catalog''. <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> | For each record type, ''the section heading used in this portal is the same as the heading used in the Family History Library Catalog''. <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> | ||
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== '''Step 4. Obtain and Search the Record''' == | == '''Step 4. Obtain and Search the Record''' == | ||
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RAGAS<br> 1929 18th Street N.W.<br> Washington, D.C. 20009 USA | RAGAS<br> 1929 18th Street N.W.<br> Washington, D.C. 20009 USA | ||
• [[ | • [[Copying Sources|''Photocopies'']]. The Family History Library and a few other libraries offer limited photoduplication services for a small fee. You must specify the exact pages you need. Books protected by copyright cannot be copied in their entirety. However, a few pages can usually be copied for personal research. Photocopying facilities are rare in Russia. | ||
When requesting services from libraries or professional researchers through correspondence, you are more likely to be successful if your letter is brief and very specific. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) when writing within your own country. When writing to other countries, enclose international reply coupons (available from large post offices). You will usually need to send a check or money order in advance to pay for photocopy or search services. | When requesting services from libraries or professional researchers through correspondence, you are more likely to be successful if your letter is brief and very specific. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) when writing within your own country. When writing to other countries, enclose international reply coupons (available from large post offices). You will usually need to send a check or money order in advance to pay for photocopy or search services. | ||
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*''Search for one generation at a time''. Do not attempt to connect your family to others of the same surname who lived more than a generation before your proven ancestor. It is much easier to prove parentage than descent. | *''Search for one generation at a time''. Do not attempt to connect your family to others of the same surname who lived more than a generation before your proven ancestor. It is much easier to prove parentage than descent. | ||
*[[ | *[[Research a Family in Community Context|''Search for the ancestor's entire family'']]. The records of each person in a family may include clues for identifying other family members. In most families, children were born at regular intervals. If there appears to be a longer period between some children, reexamine the records for a child who may have been overlooked. Consider looking at other records and in other places to find a missing family member. | ||
*''Search each source thoroughly''. The information you need to find a person or trace the family further may be a minor detail of the record you are searching. Note the occupation of your ancestor and the names of witnesses, godparents, neighbors, relatives, guardians, and others Also, note the places they are from. | *''Search each source thoroughly''. The information you need to find a person or trace the family further may be a minor detail of the record you are searching. Note the occupation of your ancestor and the names of witnesses, godparents, neighbors, relatives, guardians, and others Also, note the places they are from. | ||
*''Search a broad time period''. Dates obtained from some sources may not be accurate. Look several years before and after the date you think an event, such as a birth, occurred. | *''Search a broad time period''. Dates obtained from some sources may not be accurate. Look several years before and after the date you think an event, such as a birth, occurred. | ||
*''Look for indexes''. Many records have indexes. However, many indexes are incomplete. They may only include the name of the specific person the record is about. They may not include parents, witnesses, and other incidental persons. Also, be aware that the original records may have been misinterpreted or names may have been omitted during indexing. | *''Look for indexes''. Many records have indexes. However, many indexes are incomplete. They may only include the name of the specific person the record is about. They may not include parents, witnesses, and other incidental persons. Also, be aware that the original records may have been misinterpreted or names may have been omitted during indexing. | ||
*''Search for prior residence''. Information about previous residences is crucial to continued successful research. | *''Search for prior residence''. Information about previous residences is crucial to continued successful research. | ||
*[[ | *[[Guessing a Name Variation|''Watch for spelling variations'']]. Look for the many ways a name could have been spelled. Spelling was not standardized when most early records were made. You may find a name spelled differently than it is today. | ||
'''''Record Your Searches and Findings.''''' Copy the information you find and keep detailed notes about each record you search. These notes should include the author, title, location, call numbers, description, and results of your search (even if you find nothing). Most researchers use a [[Research Logs|Research Log]] (31825) for this purpose. <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> | '''''Record Your Searches and Findings.''''' Copy the information you find and keep detailed notes about each record you search. These notes should include the author, title, location, call numbers, description, and results of your search (even if you find nothing). Most researchers use a [[Research Logs|Research Log]] (31825) for this purpose. <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> | ||
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== '''Step 5. Use the Information''' == | == '''Step 5. Use the Information''' == | ||
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'''''Share Your Information with Others.''''' Your family's history can become a source of enjoyment and education for yourself and your family. Contributing your information to Ancestral File is a good way to share your information (see p. #) «Refer to section on FamilySearch under “Records at the Family History Library.”». In addition, you may want to compile your findings into a family history. You can then share copies of your history with family members, the Family History Library, village coordinators (see “Archives and Libraries”), and other archives. | '''''Share Your Information with Others.''''' Your family's history can become a source of enjoyment and education for yourself and your family. Contributing your information to Ancestral File is a good way to share your information (see p. #) «Refer to section on FamilySearch under “Records at the Family History Library.”». In addition, you may want to compile your findings into a family history. You can then share copies of your history with family members, the Family History Library, village coordinators (see “Archives and Libraries”), and other archives. | ||
If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be sure to submit information about your deceased family members so you can provide temple ordinances for them. Your ward family history consultant or a staff member at the Family History Library or your Family History Center can assist you. You can also use ''Members Guide to Temple and Family History Work'' (34697) available through Church distribution. <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> | If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be sure to submit information about your deceased family members so you can provide temple ordinances for them. Your ward family history consultant or a staff member at the Family History Library or your Family History Center can assist you. You can also use ''Members Guide to Temple and Family History Work'' (34697) available through Church distribution. <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> | ||
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[[Category:Germans_from_Russia]] | [[Category:Germans_from_Russia]] | ||