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| link1=[[Tracing Immigrant Origins|Tracing Immigrant Origins]] | |||
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| link5=[[Tracing Immigrants Search Strategies|Search Strategies]] | |||
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= '''Step 1. Identify What You Know about the Immigrant | :See also ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnUv8RXFw5I The Tired, the Poor, and the Huddled Masses: U.S. Immigration 1820-1954]'' in the FamilySearch Learning Center. | ||
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| Successful researchers follow a series of steps as they conduct research. This section describes the steps to take to find an immigrant's place of origin. | |||
[[Image:Pedestal for Bartholdi's Statue of Liberty.jpg|thumb|right|283px|Pedestal for Bartholdi's Statue of Liberty]]__TOC__ | |||
== Step 1. Identify What You Know about the Immigrant == | |||
To successfully determine an immigrant's place of origin, you need to learn some minimum facts about him or her. This will help you select record types to search and identify the immigrant in those records. Additional information can also be helpful. | To successfully determine an immigrant's place of origin, you need to learn some minimum facts about him or her. This will help you select record types to search and identify the immigrant in those records. Additional information can also be helpful. | ||
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== | === Minimum Identification === | ||
Before trying to find an immigrant's place of origin, be sure you have learned as much of the following as possible: | Before trying to find an immigrant's place of origin, be sure you have learned as much of the following as possible: | ||
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*'''''A relative.''''' Learning the name of a relative of the immigrant, such as the father, helps you identify your ancestor in country-of-origin records. If you cannot learn the father's name, try to learn the name of the mother, spouse, brother, sister, or other close relative (such as an aunt or uncle). | *'''''A relative.''''' Learning the name of a relative of the immigrant, such as the father, helps you identify your ancestor in country-of-origin records. If you cannot learn the father's name, try to learn the name of the mother, spouse, brother, sister, or other close relative (such as an aunt or uncle). | ||
== | === Additional Information === | ||
While minimum identification helps you recognize your ancestor in country-of-origin records, additional information could provide clues to the place of origin or confirm that you have found the right family. If possible, learn the following about the immigrant: | While minimum identification helps you recognize your ancestor in country-of-origin records, additional information could provide clues to the place of origin or confirm that you have found the right family. If possible, learn the following about the immigrant: | ||
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*'''''Religion.''''' Religious groups in many countries create records. By learning the immigrant's religion, you can further identify him or her, determine others he or she may have traveled with, limit your searches to the records most likely to contain useful information, and gain clues to the region where he or she lived. For example, a Protestant Irishman most likely came from northern Ireland, not central or southern Ireland. | *'''''Religion.''''' Religious groups in many countries create records. By learning the immigrant's religion, you can further identify him or her, determine others he or she may have traveled with, limit your searches to the records most likely to contain useful information, and gain clues to the region where he or she lived. For example, a Protestant Irishman most likely came from northern Ireland, not central or southern Ireland. | ||
= | == Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn == | ||
Select an immigrant you want to learn about. Choose one for whom you have minimum identification. It helps to know where the immigrant lived in the country of arrival and any names used there (such as a woman's married name). | Select an immigrant you want to learn about. Choose one for whom you have minimum identification. It helps to know where the immigrant lived in the country of arrival and any names used there (such as a woman's married name). | ||
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Choose one of the goals discussed below. Then use the appropriate “Records Selection Table” to select records that might contain that information. | Choose one of the goals discussed below. Then use the appropriate “Records Selection Table” to select records that might contain that information. | ||
== | === Primary Goal === | ||
The primary goal is to '''''find the immigrant's place of origin'''''. With the place of origin you can begin using records from the hometown to extend the immigrant's ancestry or pursue other research goals. If you do not yet have enough information to find the place of origin, choose one of the secondary goals below. | The primary goal is to '''''find the immigrant's place of origin'''''. With the place of origin you can begin using records from the hometown to extend the immigrant's ancestry or pursue other research goals. If you do not yet have enough information to find the place of origin, choose one of the secondary goals below. | ||
== | === Secondary Goals === | ||
Other information about an immigrant is often helpful when searching for a place of origin. Even records that say nothing about the place of origin may give clues leading to records that name the hometown. One clue can lead to another until you find a record showing the town of origin. Possible secondary goals include— | Other information about an immigrant is often helpful when searching for a place of origin. Even records that say nothing about the place of origin may give clues leading to records that name the hometown. One clue can lead to another until you find a record showing the town of origin. Possible secondary goals include— | ||
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*'''''Immigrant's name before immigrating.''''' This helps identify a person in country-of-origin records. Sometimes the name, or part of one, is a clue to the immigrant's original country or region. | *'''''Immigrant's name before immigrating.''''' This helps identify a person in country-of-origin records. Sometimes the name, or part of one, is a clue to the immigrant's original country or region. | ||
= | == Step 3: Select the Records to Search == | ||
This portal can help you evaluate the content, availability, ease of use, time period covered, and reliability of records. It can also indicate if your ancestor is likely to be listed. For information on a specific country, search this Wiki for the name of the country and the words "Emigration and Immigration." | This portal can help you evaluate the content, availability, ease of use, time period covered, and reliability of records. It can also indicate if your ancestor is likely to be listed. For information on a specific country, search this Wiki for the name of the country and the words "Emigration and Immigration." | ||
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It is almost always best to first search the sources in the country where the immigrant finally settled. '''''Do not switch to records from the country-of-origin too soon in your search.''''' You will most likely find the immigrant's birthplace or hometown in country-of-arrival records, which are usually easier to use. | It is almost always best to first search the sources in the country where the immigrant finally settled. '''''Do not switch to records from the country-of-origin too soon in your search.''''' You will most likely find the immigrant's birthplace or hometown in country-of-arrival records, which are usually easier to use. | ||
== | === Genealogical Records === | ||
The genealogical and historical records needed to determine an immigrant's place of origin fall into two categories: | The genealogical and historical records needed to determine an immigrant's place of origin fall into two categories: | ||
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'''''Compiled Records.''''' Someone else may have already researched the immigrant. This is especially true if the person immigrated before about 1800. Compiled records include— | '''''Compiled Records.''''' Someone else may have already researched the immigrant. This is especially true if the person immigrated before about 1800. Compiled records include— | ||
*<div>''Databases'' of family information described in [[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research|Major Databases for Beginning United States Research]].</div> | *<div>''Databases'' of family information described in [[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research|Major Databases for Beginning United States Research]].</div> | ||
*<div>''Printed family histories and genealogies''. To find these search:</div> | *<div>''Printed family histories and genealogies''. To find these search:</div> | ||
**''''' | **'''''FamilySearch Catalog [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog Surname Search].''''' Search using just the family’s surname. This searches the world’s largest genealogical library for works with this family name as a main subject. | ||
**[http://worldcat.org/advancedsearch '''''WorldCatalog Advanced Search''''']. In the '''''Subject''''' field enter the surname and “family” like this, '''Greenwell family'''. This searches the catalogs and displays the results from thousands of North American libraries at once. | **[http://worldcat.org/advancedsearch '''''WorldCatalog Advanced Search''''']. In the '''''Subject''''' field enter the surname and “family” like this, '''Greenwell family'''. This searches the catalogs and displays the results from thousands of North American libraries at once. | ||
**'''''Periodical Source Index (PERSI)''''' [ | **'''''Periodical Source Index (PERSI)'''''[https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/ '''''Surname Search'''''] online at ACPL for a family name in over a million article titles in genealogical periodicals. | ||
*<div>''Local histories'' often include individual family histories. Find county or town histories in the | *<div>''Local histories'' often include individual family histories. Find county or town histories in the FamilySearch Catalog Place Search under [STATE, COUNTY] — HISTORY, or [STATE, COUNTY, TOWN] — HISTORY.</div> | ||
*<div>''Manuscript collections'' of family information.</div> | *<div>''Manuscript collections'' of family information.</div> | ||
*<div>Hereditary and lineage ''society records''.</div> | *<div>Hereditary and lineage ''society records''.</div> | ||
'''''Original Records.''''' After searching compiled records, search the existing records of— | '''''Original Records.''''' After searching compiled records, search the existing records of— | ||
*<div>Each place where the immigrant lived.</div> | *<div>Each place where the immigrant lived.</div> | ||
*<div>The complete time period when he or she lived there.</div> | *<div>The complete time period when he or she lived there.</div> | ||
*<div>All jurisdictions that may have kept records about him or her (town, church, county, state, and federal).</div> | *<div>All jurisdictions that may have kept records about him or her (town, church, county, state, and federal).</div> | ||
Most record types described in this portal are original records, such as “[[Tracing Immigrants Arrival Church Records|Church Records]],” “[[Tracing Immigrants Arrival Emigration and Immigration|Emigration and Immigration]],” “[[Tracing Immigrants Arrival Naturalization and Citizenship|Naturalization]],” or “[[Tracing Immigrants Arrival Vital Records|Vital Records]].” | Most record types described in this portal are original records, such as “[[Tracing Immigrants Arrival Church Records|Church Records]],” “[[Tracing Immigrants Arrival Emigration and Immigration|Emigration and Immigration]],” “[[Tracing Immigrants Arrival Naturalization and Citizenship|Naturalization]],” or “[[Tracing Immigrants Arrival Vital Records|Vital Records]].” | ||
== | === Reference Tools === | ||
If you do not have enough information to select or use compiled or original records, use reference tools from the following categories: | If you do not have enough information to select or use compiled or original records, use reference tools from the following categories: | ||
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'''''Background Information.''''' You may need some geographical, linguistic, historical, or cultural information. This information can save you time and effort by helping you focus your research in the correct place and time period. You may need to— | '''''Background Information.''''' You may need some geographical, linguistic, historical, or cultural information. This information can save you time and effort by helping you focus your research in the correct place and time period. You may need to— | ||
*<div>Locate towns or places.</div> | *<div>Locate towns or places.</div> | ||
*<div>Review local or ethnic histories.</div> | *<div>Review local or ethnic histories.</div> | ||
*<div>Learn about jurisdictions.</div> | *<div>Learn about jurisdictions.</div> | ||
*<div>Use language helps.</div> | *<div>Use language helps.</div> | ||
*<div>Understand native customs.</div> | *<div>Understand native customs.</div> | ||
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'''''Finding Aids.''''' Catalogs or bibliographies identify where a record is available. Indexes help find the person's name in a record. A few finding aids are discussed in this article. Search Wiki articles for more information on finding aids for a country. | '''''Finding Aids.''''' Catalogs or bibliographies identify where a record is available. Indexes help find the person's name in a record. A few finding aids are discussed in this article. Search Wiki articles for more information on finding aids for a country. | ||
= | == Step 4. Find and Search the Records == | ||
== | === Suggestions for Obtaining Records === | ||
You may be able to obtain the records you need from the following: | You may be able to obtain the records you need from the following: | ||
*'''''Internet.''''' The Internet has genealogical indexes, databases, document and book images and search engines to help find information about ancestors. Most sites are free but some sites require a subscription. | *'''''Internet.''''' The Internet has genealogical indexes, databases, document and book images and search engines to help find information about ancestors. Most sites are free but some sites require a subscription. | ||
*''''' | *'''''FamilySearch Library.''''' You are welcome to visit and use the records at the FamilySearch Library. The library is open to the public. There are no fees for using the records. | ||
*''''' | *'''''FamilySearch Centers.''''' Some FamilySearch centers have record on microform from the FamilySearch Library. Locate your nearest [https://familysearch.org/locations/ FamilySearch center] and call ahead to find record availability. | ||
*'''''Archives and local churches.''''' Most original documents are at federal, state, church, and local archives or in local parish offices. While the | *'''''Archives and local churches.''''' Most original documents are at federal, state, church, and local archives or in local parish offices. While the FamilySearch Library has many records on microfilm, additional records are available only at these archives. You can request searches in their records through correspondence or by visiting these offices. | ||
*'''''Libraries and interlibrary loan.''''' Public, academic, and other research libraries may have compiled records and some original records for tracing immigrant origins. Some libraries provide interlibrary loan services to borrow records from other libraries. In addition, many indexes and catalogs are available through local libraries. | *'''''Libraries and interlibrary loan.''''' Public, academic, and other research libraries may have compiled records and some original records for tracing immigrant origins. Some libraries provide interlibrary loan services to borrow records from other libraries. In addition, many indexes and catalogs are available through local libraries. | ||
*'''''Professional researchers.''''' You can hire a professional researcher to search the records for you. Researchers in the country of origin may keep lists of emigrants compiled from various sources. For information on hiring a researcher, see [[Hiring a Professional | *'''''Professional researchers.''''' You can hire a professional researcher to search the records for you. Researchers in the country of origin may keep lists of emigrants compiled from various sources. For information on hiring a researcher, see [[Hiring a Professional Researcher|Hiring a Professional Researcher]]. When requesting services from libraries or professional researchers through correspondence, you will have more success if your letter is brief and specific. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope when writing within your own country. You usually need to send a check or money order in advance to pay for photocopy or search services. | ||
== | === Suggestions for Searching the Records === | ||
Follow these principles as you search the various records for your ancestor: | Follow these principles as you search the various records for your ancestor: | ||
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*'''''Watch for spelling variations.''''' Spelling was not standardized when most early records were made. You may find a name spelled differently than it is today. | *'''''Watch for spelling variations.''''' Spelling was not standardized when most early records were made. You may find a name spelled differently than it is today. | ||
= | == Step 5. Use the Information == | ||
After you find information about an immigrant's place of origin, you must interpret your findings. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or native speaker to help you understand foreign terms. You should— | After you find information about an immigrant's place of origin, you must interpret your findings. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or native speaker to help you understand foreign terms. You should— | ||
*<div>Evaluate the place-name.</div> | *<div>Evaluate the place-name.</div> | ||
*<div>Understand foreign spellings.</div> | *<div>Understand foreign spellings.</div> | ||
*<div>Prove that the person you found is really the immigrant.</div> | *<div>Prove that the person you found is really the immigrant.</div> | ||
=== | === Place-Names === | ||
Use gazetteers and other reference tools to evaluate the information. Watch for the following problems: | Use gazetteers and other reference tools to evaluate the information. Watch for the following problems: | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| Eire | | Eire | ||
| Republic of Ireland | | Republic of Ireland | ||
|} | |} | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| Socken | | Socken | ||
| parish (Swedish) | | parish (Swedish) | ||
|} | |} | ||
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| Copenhagen | | Copenhagen | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Wien | | Wien | ||
| Vienna | | Vienna | ||
|} | |} | ||
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| Bratislava | | Bratislava | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Chemnitz | | Chemnitz | ||
| Karl-Marx-Stadt | | Karl-Marx-Stadt | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== | === Spelling === | ||
Foreign names are often spelled differently from common spellings. There are many reasons for the variations: | Foreign names are often spelled differently from common spellings. There are many reasons for the variations: | ||
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*'''''Special characters.''''' Many languages use special marks called ''diacritics'' that change the sound, and sometimes alphabetical order, of letters. These characters are sometimes eliminated or changed into another letter when written in another language. This is called "transliteration" and transliteration standards change over the years (e.g., '''''Beijing''''' was previously transliterated '''''Peking'''''). The German '''''ä''''' often, but not always, becomes '''''ae''''' in English. The Czech '''''š''''' may become '''''sh''''' or '''''sch'''''. The Dutch '''''ij''''' is usually translated as '''''y'''''. | *'''''Special characters.''''' Many languages use special marks called ''diacritics'' that change the sound, and sometimes alphabetical order, of letters. These characters are sometimes eliminated or changed into another letter when written in another language. This is called "transliteration" and transliteration standards change over the years (e.g., '''''Beijing''''' was previously transliterated '''''Peking'''''). The German '''''ä''''' often, but not always, becomes '''''ae''''' in English. The Czech '''''š''''' may become '''''sh''''' or '''''sch'''''. The Dutch '''''ij''''' is usually translated as '''''y'''''. | ||
Use comprehensive gazetteers to identify all possible towns that fit a spelling you have found. You should also be familiar with the spelling rules, phonetics, and handwriting of the immigrant's native language. The | Use comprehensive gazetteers to identify all possible towns that fit a spelling you have found. You should also be familiar with the spelling rules, phonetics, and handwriting of the immigrant's native language. The FamilySearch Library and FamilySearch centers have word lists that explain such information for some major languages. You may also want to ask for help from another researcher who knows the culture, language, and history. | ||
=== | === Proving You Found the Immigrant === | ||
When you find a place that appears to be the immigrant's hometown, search the civil or church records of that place. If you find records there of a person with the immigrant's name, you must verify whether the person is really the immigrant. | When you find a place that appears to be the immigrant's hometown, search the civil or church records of that place. If you find records there of a person with the immigrant's name, you must verify whether the person is really the immigrant. | ||
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If you cannot disprove the connection, it does not mean you have found the immigrant. Weigh the evidence of these three factors to decide if you found the right person and if you are ready to seek earlier generations. | If you cannot disprove the connection, it does not mean you have found the immigrant. Weigh the evidence of these three factors to decide if you found the right person and if you are ready to seek earlier generations. | ||
[[Category:Immigration, Emigration, and Passenger Record Images]] | |||
[[Category:Research Strategies]] | |||
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