Germany Archives and Libraries: Difference between revisions

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{{CountrySidebar
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|Topic Type=Local Resources
|Local Resources=Archives and Libraries
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*If you plan to visit one of these repositories, contact the archive or library and ask for information about its collection, hours, services, and fees. Also ask who may use their facility.  
*If you plan to visit one of these repositories, contact the archive or library and ask for information about its collection, hours, services, and fees. Also ask who may use their facility.  


*Although the original records you need may be in an archive or library in Germany,''' the FamilySearch Library may have a microfilm copy of them''', or they may be '''available on the Internet'''. Check the [[Introduction to the FamilySearch Catalog|FamilySearch Catalog]] and online resources before writing to or visiting archives in Germany.  
*Although the original records you need may be in an archive or library in Germany, the Family History Library may have a microfilm copy of them, or they may be available on the Internet. Check the [[Introduction to the FamilySearch Catalog|FamilySearch Catalog]] and online resources before writing to or visiting archives in Germany.  


*Materials useful for family history research can be found in various archives. German archives and parishes often refer family history letters to historical or genealogical societies. Members of these societies can usually search the local archives. Sometimes the archive will recommend other archives to which you can write.   
*Materials useful for family history research can be found in various archives. German archives and parishes often refer family history letters to historical or genealogical societies. Members of these societies can usually search the local archives. Sometimes the archive will recommend other archives to which you can write.   


*When writing to a German-speaking archive or library, it is best to write in German. For help in writing a letter in German, see the German [[German Letter Writing Guide|Letter-Writing Guide]]. Electronic translation tools should be avoided. Letters written in English are preferable to those translated badly  electronically.  
*When writing to a German-speaking archive or library, it is best to write in German. For help in writing a letter in German, see the German [[German Letter Writing Guide|Letter-Writing Guide]]. Electronic translation tools should be avoided. Letters written in English are preferable to those translated electronically.  
|[[Image:800px-Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Leipzig-2ri.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Leipzig]]
|[[Image:800px-Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Leipzig-2ri.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Leipzig]]
|}
|}
== Federal Archives (Bundesarchivs)  ==
=== Federal Archives (Bundesarchivs)  ===
*'''The Federal Archives have 22 locations:''' [https://home.bawue.de/~hanacek/info/darchi60.htm '''Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany, Federal Archives and other archives in the federal administration''']
*The Federal Archives have the legal mandate to permanently secure the archives of the Federal Government and make them usable. These are documents such as '''files, maps, pictures, posters, films and sound recordings in analogue and digital form'''.
'''Important links:'''
*These documents are available from central offices of the Holy Roman Empire (1495-1806), the German Confederation (1815-1866), the German Empire (1867/71-1945), the zones of occupation (1945-1949), the German Democratic Republic (1949 -1990) and the Federal Republic of Germany (since 1949). The Federal Archive decides whether the documents are "archivable", i.e. whether they have lasting value for research and understanding of history and the present, for safeguarding the legitimate interests of citizens or for legislation,
*The Federal Archives also collect '''written legacies from important people, documents from parties, associations and clubs of supra-regional importance, as well as journalistic sources'''.
*Since June 17, 2021, the Federal Archives have been responsible for the '''documents of the GDR state security service.'''
*The Federal Archives ensure access to federal archives while protecting private and public interests. In principle, every person has the right to use federal archive material upon request. The Federal Archives provide information about the archive material on several research platforms. A small but constantly growing part of the holdings is also available in digital form for online use via these research platforms.
*The Federal Archives have 22 locations: [https://home.bawue.de/~hanacek/info/darchi60.htm Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany, Federal Archives and other archives in the federal administration]
Additional information:
:*[https://www.bundesarchiv.de/DE/Navigation/Finden/Digitalisierte-Bestaende/digitalisierte-bestaende.html '''Online Records''']
:*[https://www.bundesarchiv.de/DE/Navigation/Finden/Digitalisierte-Bestaende/digitalisierte-bestaende.html '''Online Records''']
:*[http://www.bundesarchiv.de/benutzung/sachbezug/personenbezogen_genealogie/index.html.de '''Personal and Genealogical Research''']
:*[http://www.bundesarchiv.de/benutzung/sachbezug/personenbezogen_genealogie/index.html.de '''Personal and Genealogical Research''']
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:*[https://www.bundesarchiv.de/DE/Navigation/Meta/Ueber-uns/Dienstorte/Stua-Dienstorte/stua-dienstorte.html '''Locations of the Stasi Records Archive]''' GDR state security service.
:*[https://www.bundesarchiv.de/DE/Navigation/Meta/Ueber-uns/Dienstorte/Stua-Dienstorte/stua-dienstorte.html '''Locations of the Stasi Records Archive]''' GDR state security service.
:*[https://www.bundesarchiv.de/DE/Navigation/Benutzen/Recherchedienste-beauftragen/recherchedienste-beauftragen.html '''Research Services''']
:*[https://www.bundesarchiv.de/DE/Navigation/Benutzen/Recherchedienste-beauftragen/recherchedienste-beauftragen.html '''Research Services''']
----
*The Federal Archives have the legal mandate to permanently secure the archives of the Federal Government and make them usable. These are documents such as '''files, maps, pictures, posters, films and sound recordings in analogue and digital form'''.
*These documents are available from central offices of the Holy Roman Empire (1495-1806), the German Confederation (1815-1866), the German Empire (1867/71-1945), the zones of occupation (1945-1949), the German Democratic Republic (1949 -1990) and the Federal Republic of Germany (since 1949). The Federal Archive decides whether the documents are "archivable", i.e. whether they have lasting value for research and understanding of history and the present, for safeguarding the legitimate interests of citizens or for legislation,
*The Federal Archives also collect '''written legacies from important people, documents from parties, associations and clubs of supra-regional importance, as well as journalistic sources'''.
*Since June 17, 2021, the Federal Archives have been responsible for the '''documents of the GDR state security service.'''
*The Federal Archives ensure access to federal archives while protecting private and public interests. In principle, every person has the right to use federal archive material upon request. The Federal Archives provide information about the archive material on several research platforms. A small but constantly growing part of the holdings is also available in digital form for online use via these research platforms.


== State Archives ==
== State Archives ==
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== German Center for Genealogy  ==
== German Center for Genealogy  ==
[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Deutsche_Zentralstelle_f%C3%BCr_Genealogie '''Deutsche Zentralstelle für Genealogie''']
*[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Deutsche_Zentralstelle_f%C3%BCr_Genealogie Deutsche Zentralstelle für Genealogie]
*In 1995, the German Central Office for Genealogy (DZfG) was incorporated as a department into the State Archives in Leipzig. After an administrative reform in 2005,
A specialty archive, the Central Office for Genealogy [http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Deutsche_Zentralstelle_f%C3%BCr_Genealogie Deutsche Zentralstelle für Genealogie] was founded as an archive for genealogical materials. Later its holdings were incorporated in the Leipzig State Archive. '''Its extensive collection of German church records from ''Posen, Ostpreußen, Westpreußen, Pommern, and Schlesien (now in Poland, Russia, and Lithuania)'' was microfilmed by FamilySearch.'''  The Central Office collection also includes records of many German settlements in eastern Europe. The Family History Library has microfilms of these records, but if you need more information, you can contact the center. For a fee, employees of the center will try to find genealogical sources. But as a general rule, research must be done in Leipzig by the researcher.  
*A specialty archive, the Central Office for Genealogy [http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Deutsche_Zentralstelle_f%C3%BCr_Genealogie Deutsche Zentralstelle für Genealogie] was founded as an archive for genealogical materials.  
<br><br>
*Later its holdings were incorporated in the Leipzig State Archive. The formal name is "Saxon State Archives, State Archives Leipzig, Section 33 German Central Office for Genealogy and Special Collections". The Leipzig State Archive is a department of the Saxon State Archive .
*'''Its extensive collection of German church records from ''Posen, Ostpreußen, Westpreußen, Pommern, and Schlesien (now in Poland, Russia, and Lithuania)'' was microfilmed by FamilySearch.'''   
*The Central Office collection also includes records of many German settlements in eastern Europe. The FamilySearch Library has microfilms of these records, but if you need more information, you can contact the center.  
*For a fee, employees of the center will try to find genealogical sources. But as a general rule, research must be done in Leipzig by the researcher.  
<br>
'''Sächsisches Staatsarchiv'''<br>Staatsarchiv Leipzig<br>Schongauer Strasse 1<br>04329 Leipzig<br>GERMANY<br><br>Telephone: + 49 341/25 555 00<br>
'''Sächsisches Staatsarchiv'''<br>Staatsarchiv Leipzig<br>Schongauer Strasse 1<br>04329 Leipzig<br>GERMANY<br><br>Telephone: + 49 341/25 555 00<br>
Fax: + 49 341/25 555 55<br>Email: poststelle-l@sta.smi.sachsen.de<br>[http://staatsarchiv.sachsen.de/index.html Website]<br>[https://www.archiv.sachsen.de/recherchedienste-4016.html Research Services]<br>[https://www.archiv.sachsen.de/archivgut-suchen-4025.html?_cp=%7B%22accordion-content-5890%22%3A%7B%222%22%3Atrue%7D%2C%22previousOpen%22%3A%7B%22group%22%3A%22accordion-content-5890%22%2C%22idx%22%3A2%7D%7D Search engine]<br>[https://www.staatsarchiv.sachsen.de/staatsarchiv-leipzig-4806.html How to reach us]
Fax: + 49 341/25 555 55<br>Email: poststelle-l@sta.smi.sachsen.de<br>[http://staatsarchiv.sachsen.de/index.html Website]<br>[https://www.archiv.sachsen.de/recherchedienste-4016.html Research Services]<br>[https://www.archiv.sachsen.de/archivgut-suchen-4025.html?_cp=%7B%22accordion-content-5890%22%3A%7B%222%22%3Atrue%7D%2C%22previousOpen%22%3A%7B%22group%22%3A%22accordion-content-5890%22%2C%22idx%22%3A2%7D%7D Search engine]<br>[https://www.staatsarchiv.sachsen.de/staatsarchiv-leipzig-4806.html How to reach us]
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== Archives for Former Regions Now Outside of Germany  ==
== Archives for Former Regions Now Outside of Germany  ==


The FamilySearch Library has on microfilm many German records from '''areas now in Poland, France, Denmark, Belgium, Russia, and Lithuania'''. If you cannot find the records you need in the FamilySearch Catalog, you can write to the parish where your ancestor lived, the German Center for Genealogy (Deutsche Zentralstelle für Genealogie), or the archives of the country. The main archives outside of Germany are described below.  
The Family History Library has on microfilm many German records from areas now in Poland, France, Denmark, Belgium, Russia, and Lithuania. If you cannot find the records you need in the FamilySearch Catalog, you can write to the parish where your ancestor lived, the German Center for Genealogy, or the archives of the country. The main archives outside of Germany are described below.  


=== Poland  ===
=== Poland  ===
The [https://www.archiwa.gov.pl/welcome-to-the-website-of-the-polish-state-archives/ '''Polish State Archive (Archiwa Państwowe)''' ] may be able to help you with records from '''Brandenburg, Ostpreußen, Westpreußen, Pommern, Posen, Schlesien and other areas now under Polish jurisdiction'''. The State Archive holds civil registration records more than 100 years old.  
The [https://www.archiwa.gov.pl/welcome-to-the-website-of-the-polish-state-archives/ '''Polish State Archive (Archiwa Państwowe)''' ] may be able to help you with records from '''Brandenburg, Ostpreußen, Westpreußen, Pommern, Posen, Schlesien and other areas now under Polish jurisdiction'''. The State Archive holds civil registration records more than 100 years old.  
<br>
<br>
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You may write in English, but it is better to write in Polish. Use the [[Poland Letter Writing Guide|'''Poland Letter Writing Guide''']]. There is a fee for any work done.  
You may write in English, but it is better to write in Polish. Use the [[Poland Letter Writing Guide|'''Poland Letter Writing Guide''']]. There is a fee for any work done.  
<br>
<br>
Records from Poland are now gradually coming online. So be sure to check the website of the archive you need information from before requesting a search.  
Records from Poland are now gradually coming online.&nbsp; So be sure to check the website of the archive you need information from before requesting a search.  
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<br>
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Telephone:(22) 56 54 600<br>
Telephone:(22) 56 54 600<br>
Email: ndap@archiwa.gov.pl<br>
E-mail: ndap@archiwa.gov.pl<br>
[https://www.archiwa.gov.pl/welcome-to-the-website-of-the-polish-state-archives/ Website]<br>
[https://www.archiwa.gov.pl/welcome-to-the-website-of-the-polish-state-archives/ Website]<br>
----
----
Addresses for archives of states in Poland can be found at [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~polwgw/addresses.html '''PolandGenWeb, Polish State Archives'''].  
Addresses for archives of states in Poland can be found at [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~polwgw/addresses.html '''PolandGenWeb, Polish State Archives'''].  
Archives are arranged alphabetically by name of archive. Email addresses are included.<br>
Archives are arranged alphabetically by name of archive. E-mail addresses are included.<br>  
 
A&nbsp;detailed inventory for the Stettin [ Szczecin] State Archive, searchable in German systematcally, alphabetically, and by key word, is found at&nbsp;[http://www.bkge.de/archiv-stettin.php Archivfuhrer Stettin].


=== France  ===
=== France  ===
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For information from Elsaß-Lothringen(Alsace-Lorraine), contact one of the following archives:  
For information from Elsaß-Lothringen(Alsace-Lorraine), contact one of the following archives:  


'''Archives of the European Community of Alsace - Strasbourg site'''<br>6 rue Philippe Dollinger<br>67100 Strasbourg<br>FRANCE<br>Email: archives@bas-rhin.fr<br>Internet: [https://archives.bas-rhin.fr/ Archives Departmentales du Bas-Rhin]<br>Research Wiki Article: [[Bas-Rhin, France Genealogy]] and [[Haut-Rhin, France Genealogy]
'''Archives of the European Community of Alsace - Strasbourg site'''<br>6 rue Philippe Dollinger<br>67100 Strasbourg<br>FRANCE<br>E-mail: archives@bas-rhin.fr<br>Internet: [https://archives.bas-rhin.fr/ Archives Departmentales du Bas-Rhin]<br>Research Wiki Article: [[Bas-Rhin, France Genealogy]] and [[Haut-Rhin, France Genealogy]


'''Archives départementales du Moselle'''<br>1, allée du château<br>57070 St. Julien-les-Metz<br>FRANCE<br>Website: [http://www.archives57.com/index.php/recherches/archives-en-ligne/registres-paroissiaux Archives de la Mozelle]<br>Research Wiki Article: [[Moselle, France Genealogy]]
'''Archives départementales du Moselle'''<br>1, allée du château<br>57070 St. Julien-les-Metz<br>FRANCE<br>Website: [http://www.archives57.com/index.php/recherches/archives-en-ligne/registres-paroissiaux Archives de la Mozelle]<br>Research Wiki Article: [[Moselle, France Genealogy]]
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If your research is in '''Schleswig-Holstein, Oldenburg, Lübeck, or the part of Hamburg that was once part of Denmark''', you may be able to hire a researcher through the Danish archive. You may write in English.  
If your research is in '''Schleswig-Holstein, Oldenburg, Lübeck, or the part of Hamburg that was once part of Denmark''', you may be able to hire a researcher through the Danish archive. You may write in English.  


The address is:<br>'''Landsarkivet i Aabenraa'''<br>Haderslevvej 45<br>6200 Aabenraa<br>DENMARK<br>Email: mailbox@Laa.sa.dk<br>Internet: [[Denmark Archives and Libraries]]<br>
The address is:<br>'''Landsarkivet i Aabenraa'''<br>Haderslevvej 45<br>6200 Aabenraa<br>DENMARK<br>E-mail: mailbox@Laa.sa.dk<br>Internet:&nbsp;[[Denmark Archives and Libraries]]
[https://www.rigsarkivet.dk/udforsk/forskerservice/ Research Services]
[https://www.rigsarkivet.dk/udforsk/forskerservice/ Research Services]
== Libraries ==
*[https://www.vfkbw.de/index.php/bibliothek-archiv/bibarc Library of the Vereins für Familien- und Wappenkunde]
::State Church Archive<br>Balinger Straße 33/1<br>70567 Stuttgart<br>Germany<br>
:::[https://www.vfkbw.de/index.php/onlinerecherche/suedwestdeutsche-blaetter Southwest German Sheets]<br>[https://www.vfkbw.de/index.php/onlinerecherche/digitales-archiv-reg Digital Archive]<br><br>
----
:[http://www.wlb-stuttgart.de/ Württembergische Landesbibliothek]
:Konrad-Adenauer-Str. 8<br> D-70173 Stuttgart<br>Germany
<br>
----
:[http://www.blb-karlsruhe.de/ Badische Landesbibliothek]
:Erbprinzenstraße 15<br>D-76133 Karlsruhe<br>Germany<br><br>
----
:[https://bsz.ibs-bw.de/aDISWeb/app?service=direct/0/Home/$DirectLink&sp=SOPAC58 Library] in the [https://www.ifa.de/en/about-us/ Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen]
:Charlottenplatz 17<br>D-70173 Stuttgart<br>Germany


==Church Archives==
==Church Archives==
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|-
|-
|Cologne (Köln)
|Cologne (Köln)
|[https://www.erzbistum-koeln.de/kultur_und_bildung/historisches-archiv/kirchenbuecher/ Digitales Archiv des Erzbistums Köln/ Digital archive of the Archdiocese of Cologne] [click on "Zum Gesamtverzeichnis ...]
|
|Münster and Vechta Archive, Münster
|Münster and Vechta Archive, Münster
|[http://data.matricula-online.eu/en/deutschland/muenster/ Matricula Online, Münster]
|[http://data.matricula-online.eu/en/deutschland/muenster/ Matricula Online, Münster]
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|Hildesheim
|Hildesheim
|[http://data.matricula-online.eu/en/deutschland/hildesheim/ Matricula Online]<br>
|[http://data.matricula-online.eu/en/deutschland/hildesheim/ Matricula Online]<br>
[https://die-maus-bremen.info/index.php?id=59 Die Maus, Index to Births, Marriages, and Deaths in Bremen Church Books], index ($)
[https://die-maus-bremen.info/index.php?id=59 Die Maus, Index to Births, Marriages, and Deaths in Bremen Church Books], index, ($)
|Würzburg
|Würzburg
|
|
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|-
|-
|Anhalt
|Anhalt
|[https://www.archion.de/de/alle-archive/sachsen-anhalt/archiv-der-evangelischen-landeskirche-anhalts Archion] ($)
|[https://www.archion.de/de/archive-in-archion/sachsen-anhalt/landeskirchliches-archiv-der-evangelischen-landeskirche-anhalts/ Archion] ($)
|Mitteldeutschland  
|Mitteldeutschland  
(Central Germany)
(Central Germany)
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|Bremen
|Bremen
|
|
[https://die-maus-bremen.info/index.php?id=59 Die Maus, Index to Births, Marriages, and Deaths in Bremen Church Books], index ($)<br>
[https://die-maus-bremen.info/index.php?id=59 Die Maus, Index to Births, Marriages, and Deaths in Bremen Church Books], index, ($)<br>
FamilySearch Catalog
FamilySearch Catalog
|Sachsen (Saxony)
|Sachsen (Saxony)
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|[https://www.archion.de/de/archive-in-archion/ausland-und-ueberregional/mennonitische-forschungsstelle/ Archion] ($)
|[https://www.archion.de/de/archive-in-archion/ausland-und-ueberregional/mennonitische-forschungsstelle/ Archion] ($)
|}
|}
==Libraries==
[https://www.dnb.de/EN/Home/home_node.html German National Library (Deutsche National Bibliotek]
*[https://www.dnb.de/EN/Service/Kontakt/KontakteFooter/kontakteFooter_node.html;jsessionid=D1E97546A99BA9B351C8857FA750F60B.internet282 Help and Contacts]
*[https://www.dnb.de/EN/Benutzung/benutzung_node.html#sprg264666 Using the Catalogue]
*[https://www.dnb.de/EN/Sammlungen/sammlungen_node.html Collections]
<br>
DNB LEIPZIG<br>
Deutscher Platz 1<br>
04103 Leipzig<br>
Germany<br>
Telephone: + 49 341 2271-0<br>
<br>
DNB FRANKFURT<br>
Adickesallee 1<br>
60322 Frankfurt am Main<br>
Germany<br>
Telephone: + 49 69 1525-0<br>


== Inventories, Registers, Catalogs  ==
== Inventories, Registers, Catalogs  ==
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These types of records are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under one of the following headings:  
These types of records are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under one of the following headings:  


[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&query=%2Bsubject_id%3A381748 GERMANY - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES-INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS]  
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&query=%2Bsubject_id%3A381748 GERMANY - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES ¬INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS]  


GERMANY, [STATE] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS  
GERMANY, [STATE] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS  
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GERMANY, [STATE], [TOWN] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS
GERMANY, [STATE], [TOWN] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS


==Archives Portal Europe==
== Websites ==


*[https://www.archivesportaleurope.net/find-an-institution/ Archives Portal Europe] provides access to information on archival material from Germany as well as information on archival institutions throughout the European continent.
*[https://www.archivesportaleurope.net/topics Archives Portal Europe] provides access to information on archival material from Germany as well as information on archival institutions throughout the European continent.


{{Germany|Germany}}  
{{Germany|Germany}}  

Revision as of 14:25, 10 October 2022

Germany Wiki Topics
Muehlhausen Thueringen .jpg
Beginning Research
Reading the Records
Record Types
Germany Background
Local Research Resources



  • Archives collect and preserve original documents from organizations such as churches or governments. Libraries collect mostly published sources, such as books, maps, and microfilm.
  • If you plan to visit one of these repositories, contact the archive or library and ask for information about its collection, hours, services, and fees. Also ask who may use their facility.
  • Although the original records you need may be in an archive or library in Germany, the Family History Library may have a microfilm copy of them, or they may be available on the Internet. Check the FamilySearch Catalog and online resources before writing to or visiting archives in Germany.
  • Materials useful for family history research can be found in various archives. German archives and parishes often refer family history letters to historical or genealogical societies. Members of these societies can usually search the local archives. Sometimes the archive will recommend other archives to which you can write.
  • When writing to a German-speaking archive or library, it is best to write in German. For help in writing a letter in German, see the German Letter-Writing Guide. Electronic translation tools should be avoided. Letters written in English are preferable to those translated electronically.
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Leipzig

Federal Archives (Bundesarchivs)[edit | edit source]

  • The Federal Archives have the legal mandate to permanently secure the archives of the Federal Government and make them usable. These are documents such as files, maps, pictures, posters, films and sound recordings in analogue and digital form.
  • These documents are available from central offices of the Holy Roman Empire (1495-1806), the German Confederation (1815-1866), the German Empire (1867/71-1945), the zones of occupation (1945-1949), the German Democratic Republic (1949 -1990) and the Federal Republic of Germany (since 1949). The Federal Archive decides whether the documents are "archivable", i.e. whether they have lasting value for research and understanding of history and the present, for safeguarding the legitimate interests of citizens or for legislation,
  • The Federal Archives also collect written legacies from important people, documents from parties, associations and clubs of supra-regional importance, as well as journalistic sources.
  • Since June 17, 2021, the Federal Archives have been responsible for the documents of the GDR state security service.
  • The Federal Archives ensure access to federal archives while protecting private and public interests. In principle, every person has the right to use federal archive material upon request. The Federal Archives provide information about the archive material on several research platforms. A small but constantly growing part of the holdings is also available in digital form for online use via these research platforms.
  • The Federal Archives have 22 locations: Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany, Federal Archives and other archives in the federal administration

Additional information:

State Archives[edit | edit source]

Each modern state archive also preserves useful records, including:

  • Church records
  • Civil registration
  • Court records
  • Military records
  • Emigration Records
  • Land records

State Archives Addresses[edit | edit source]

Archives and Libraries Wiki Article Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany Address List
Baden-Württemberg Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany:Baden-Württemberg
Bavaria (Bayern) Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany:Bavaria
Berlin Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Berlin
Brandenburg Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Brandenburg
Bremen Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Bremen
Hamburg Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Hamburg
Hessen Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Hessen
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Lower Saxony (Sachsen) Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Lower Saxony
North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen) Archives and Libraries Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: North Rhine-Westphalia
Rhineland-Palatinate Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Rhineland-Palatinate
Saarland Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Saarland
Saxony Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Sachsen
Saxony- Sachsen Anhalt Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Saxony-Anhalt
Schleswig-Holstein Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Schleswig-Holstein
Thüringia Archives in the Federal Republic of Germany: Thuringen

German Center for Genealogy[edit | edit source]

A specialty archive, the Central Office for Genealogy Deutsche Zentralstelle für Genealogie was founded as an archive for genealogical materials. Later its holdings were incorporated in the Leipzig State Archive. Its extensive collection of German church records from Posen, Ostpreußen, Westpreußen, Pommern, and Schlesien (now in Poland, Russia, and Lithuania) was microfilmed by FamilySearch. The Central Office collection also includes records of many German settlements in eastern Europe. The Family History Library has microfilms of these records, but if you need more information, you can contact the center. For a fee, employees of the center will try to find genealogical sources. But as a general rule, research must be done in Leipzig by the researcher.

Sächsisches Staatsarchiv
Staatsarchiv Leipzig
Schongauer Strasse 1
04329 Leipzig
GERMANY

Telephone: + 49 341/25 555 00
Fax: + 49 341/25 555 55
Email: poststelle-l@sta.smi.sachsen.de
Website
Research Services
Search engine
How to reach us

Archives for Former Regions Now Outside of Germany[edit | edit source]

The Family History Library has on microfilm many German records from areas now in Poland, France, Denmark, Belgium, Russia, and Lithuania. If you cannot find the records you need in the FamilySearch Catalog, you can write to the parish where your ancestor lived, the German Center for Genealogy, or the archives of the country. The main archives outside of Germany are described below.

Poland[edit | edit source]

The Polish State Archive (Archiwa Państwowe) may be able to help you with records from Brandenburg, Ostpreußen, Westpreußen, Pommern, Posen, Schlesien and other areas now under Polish jurisdiction. The State Archive holds civil registration records more than 100 years old.

You may write in English, but it is better to write in Polish. Use the Poland Letter Writing Guide. There is a fee for any work done.
Records from Poland are now gradually coming online.  So be sure to check the website of the archive you need information from before requesting a search.

State Archives Head Office
Rakowiecka 2D
02-517 Warsaw
Poland

Telephone:(22) 56 54 600
E-mail: ndap@archiwa.gov.pl
Website

Addresses for archives of states in Poland can be found at PolandGenWeb, Polish State Archives. Archives are arranged alphabetically by name of archive. E-mail addresses are included.

A detailed inventory for the Stettin [ Szczecin] State Archive, searchable in German systematcally, alphabetically, and by key word, is found at Archivfuhrer Stettin.

France[edit | edit source]

The French archivists will not do research, but they will help you determine what records are available. For help writing in French, see the French France Letter-Writing Guide.

For information from Elsaß-Lothringen(Alsace-Lorraine), contact one of the following archives:

Archives of the European Community of Alsace - Strasbourg site
6 rue Philippe Dollinger
67100 Strasbourg
FRANCE
E-mail: archives@bas-rhin.fr
Internet: Archives Departmentales du Bas-Rhin
Research Wiki Article: Bas-Rhin, France Genealogy and [[Haut-Rhin, France Genealogy]

Archives départementales du Moselle
1, allée du château
57070 St. Julien-les-Metz
FRANCE
Website: Archives de la Mozelle
Research Wiki Article: Moselle, France Genealogy

Denmark[edit | edit source]

If your research is in Schleswig-Holstein, Oldenburg, Lübeck, or the part of Hamburg that was once part of Denmark, you may be able to hire a researcher through the Danish archive. You may write in English.

The address is:
Landsarkivet i Aabenraa
Haderslevvej 45
6200 Aabenraa
DENMARK
E-mail: mailbox@Laa.sa.dk
Internet: Denmark Archives and Libraries Research Services

Libraries[edit | edit source]

State Church Archive
Balinger Straße 33/1
70567 Stuttgart
Germany
Southwest German Sheets
Digital Archive

Württembergische Landesbibliothek
Konrad-Adenauer-Str. 8
D-70173 Stuttgart
Germany


Badische Landesbibliothek
Erbprinzenstraße 15
D-76133 Karlsruhe
Germany

Library in the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen
Charlottenplatz 17
D-70173 Stuttgart
Germany

Church Archives[edit | edit source]

Catholics[edit | edit source]

100% coverage cannot be guaranteed. Expect to encounter restrictions on access to records at FamilySearch.

The Wiki page for each of the historical provinces of Germany, containing more detail about online records, and a map of Catholic dioceses can be found later in this article.

This table does not include areas no longer in Germany.

Diocese Major Websites Diocese Major Websites
Aachen Limburg
Augsburg FamilySearch Historical Records

Matricula Online

Magdeburg Matricula Online
Bamberg Mainz FamilySearch Catalog
Berlin Munich (München)-Freising Matricula Online. Records are found at the München-Freising archives page.
Cologne (Köln) Münster and Vechta Archive, Münster Matricula Online, Münster

Matricula Online, Vechta
FamilySearch Catalog

Dresden-Meissen FamilySearch Catalog Osnabrück Matricula Online
Eichstätt Paderborn Matricula Online

FamilySearch Catalog

Erfurt Passau Matricula Online
Essen Regensburg
Freiburg im Breisgau FamilySearch Historical Records Rottenberg-Stuttgart FamilySearch Catalog
Fulda Speyer FamilySearch Catalog
Goerlitz Trier FamilySearch Historical Records
Hamburg Vechta Archive, Münster Matricula Online, Vechta

FamilySearch Catalog

Hildesheim Matricula Online

Die Maus, Index to Births, Marriages, and Deaths in Bremen Church Books, index, ($)

Würzburg

Protestants[edit | edit source]

100% coverage cannot be guaranteed. Expect to encounter restrictions on access to records at FamilySearch. Archion and Ancestry are both subscription websites. Ancestry and FamilySearch also have a collection of records taken from across Germany.

The Lutheran and Reformed/Calvinist churches have for the most part merged into a single Evangelical Church of Germany. This contains 20 "Regional Churches" which are listed in the table below. In some areas the records are in government archives so those areas are listed separately in the table.

The Wiki page for each of the historical provinces of Germany, containing more detail about online records, and a map of Regional Churches can be found later in this article.

Of areas no longer in Germany, only the Polish provinces whose records are stored in Berlin are included in this table.

Regional Church Major Websites Regional Church Major Websites
Anhalt Archion ($) Mitteldeutschland

(Central Germany)

Archion ($) (Eisenach archives)

Archion ($) (Magdeburg archives)

Baden Archion ($)

FamilySearch Catalog

Norddeutschland

(North Germany)

Archion ($)

FamilySearch Catalog

Bayern

(Bavaria)

Archion ($) Oldenburg Archion ($)

FamilySearch Catalog

Berlin-Brandenburg

schlesische Oberlausitz

Archion ($)

FamilySearch Catalog
Ancestry.com ($)

Pfalz

(Palatinate)

Archion ($)

FamilySearch Historical Records
FamilySearch Catalog

Braunschweig (Brunswick) Archion ($)
 Rheinland (Rhineland) Archion ($)

FamilySearch Historical Records
FamilySearch Catalog

Bremen

Die Maus, Index to Births, Marriages, and Deaths in Bremen Church Books, index, ($)
FamilySearch Catalog

Sachsen (Saxony) Archion ($)
Hannover (Hanover) Archion ($) Thüringen (Thuringia) Archion ($) (Eisenach archives)

Archion ($) (Magdeburg archives)

Hessen-Nassau (Hesse and Nassau) Archion ($)


FamilySearch Historical Records

Westfalen (Westphalia) Archion ($)

FamilySearch Catalog

Kurhessen-Waldeck (Hesse-Kassel and Waldeck) Archion ($) Württemberg Archion ($)

FamilySearch Catalog
Ancestry ($)

Lippe Archion ($)

FamilySearch Catalog

Evangelical Reformed

(covers several regions)

Mecklenburg-Schwerin Archion ($)

FamilySearch Catalog

Brandenburg (Neumark)
Ostpreussen (East Prussia)
Pommern (Pomerania)
Posen
Schlesien (Silesia)
Westpreussen (West Prussia) 		Archion: Evangelical Central Archive ($)

FamilySearch Historical Records Brandenburg and Posen
FamilySearch Historical Records Pomerania (Pommern)
Ancestry.com ($)

Mecklenburg-Strelitz Archion ($)

FamilySearch Catalog

Mennonite Research Center Archion ($)

Inventories, Registers, Catalogs[edit | edit source]

Some archives have catalogs, inventories, guides, or periodicals that describe their records and how to use them. If possible, study these guides before you visit or use the records of an archive so that you can use your time effectively.

These types of records are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under one of the following headings:

GERMANY, [STATE] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS

GERMANY, [STATE], [TOWN] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS

Websites[edit | edit source]

  • Archives Portal Europe provides access to information on archival material from Germany as well as information on archival institutions throughout the European continent.
v • d• e
Links to Germany-related articles

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

This website requires a paid subscription for full access. Some subscription websites are available for free at your local FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library.

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