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| link5=[[Russian Poland Jewish Records|Russian Poland]] | | link5=[[Russian Poland Jewish Records|Russian Poland]] | ||
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<br />[[File:Russia partition.jpg|thumb|Russian Partition of Poland. |alt=|left]] | |||
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==Find the Town== | ==Find the Town== | ||
In order to research your family in Russian Poland, it is essential that you have identified the place where they came from. It is not enough to only know 'Poland' or 'Russia;' you must know the shtetl, or town, they came from. In addition to research in the records of the country they immigrated to, you may also want to examine | In order to research your family in Russian Poland, it is essential that you have identified the place where they came from. It is not enough to only know 'Poland' or 'Russia;' you must know the shtetl, or town, they came from. For a great overview on ways to identify your Jewish ancestral hometown, see the free, virtual class '''[https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/rtc2021/session/crossing-the-ocean-finding-your-european-jewish-history Crossing the Ocean]'''. | ||
One of the best ways to determine information about your ancestor's pre-immigration origins is to investigate records in the country of immigration. Records that might give clues about your ancestor's birthplace include vital records like marriage or death, vital records of children or spouses, census, synagogue records, obituaries, naturalization/immigration and so on. Find a Wiki page for the country, state, or county that your ancestor immigrated to in order to discover what types of records might be available for the area they lived in. See [https://www.rtrfoundation.org/archdta11.shtml this page] on Miriam Weiner's Routes to Routes page for additional tips on finding your ancestor's hometown. | |||
See the [https://www.rtrfoundation.org/admindist.shtml Administrative Districts and Divisions] article on Routes to Roots Administrative to learn more about jurisdictions in the Russian Empire and their modern-day equivalents. | |||
In addition to research in the records of the country they immigrated to, you may also want to examine he following sources to help you determine possible town locations. | |||
===JewishGen Family Finder=== | ===JewishGen Family Finder=== | ||
The [https://www.jewishgen.org/jgff/ '''Family Finder'''] is a database of both ancestral hometowns and surnames that have been researched by their descendants world wide. The Family Finder allows you to connect with others who are researching similar ancestors and origins and collaborate your research. To add the surnames and locations you are researching: | The [https://www.jewishgen.org/jgff/ '''Family Finder'''] is a database of both ancestral hometowns and surnames that have been researched by their descendants world wide. The Family Finder allows you to connect with others who are researching similar ancestors and origins and collaborate your research. To add the surnames and locations you are researching: | ||
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====Miriam Weiner's Surname Database==== | ====Miriam Weiner's Surname Database==== | ||
Over her 30+ years of working in Eastern European archives, Miriam Weiner collected vast amounts of material and can be searched using the '''[https://www.rtrfoundation.org/newwebsite/lnintro.shtml Surname Database.]''' | |||
*Use the [https://www.rtrfoundation.org/newwebsite/lnsearch.php Standard Surname Database] if you know your ancestor's given name, surname, or town name. This database is comprised of name lists from local historians and heads of Jewish communities, name lists from books, and name lists from various archives. | *Use the [https://www.rtrfoundation.org/newwebsite/lnsearch.php Standard Surname Database] if you know your ancestor's given name, surname, or town name. This database is comprised of name lists from local historians and heads of Jewish communities, name lists from books, and name lists from various archives. | ||
*Use the [https://www.rtrfoundation.org/newwebsite/ocrsearch.php OCR Surname Database] (optical character recognition) to search for your ancestor's surname in | *Use the [https://www.rtrfoundation.org/newwebsite/ocrsearch.php OCR Surname Database] (optical character recognition) to search for your ancestor's surname. The search of the database is done using Cyrillic spellings, but the search form allows you to enter the name in Latin letters and automatically transliterates it into Cyrillic for you. This database is comprised of information from business directories, address calendars, telephone books, typed name lists, and name lists from books and from archives. | ||
You may also be able to use the database to help narrow down a more specific location for where individuals lived who shared your ancestor's surname. | |||
==Maps and Gazetteers== | ==Maps and Gazetteers== | ||
Once you have determined the town your ancestor came from, the next step is locating the town in a map or a gazetteer. This will help you to identify political boundaries, place names, alternate spellings, etc. Gazetteers and historical maps are especially useful for understanding boundary changes or finding communities that no longer exist. | Once you have determined the town your ancestor came from, the next step is locating the town in a map or a gazetteer. This will help you to identify political boundaries, place names, alternate spellings, etc. Gazetteers and historical maps are especially useful for understanding boundary changes or finding communities that no longer exist. In addition to these sources, explore the [[Poland Gazetteers]] page. | ||
====JewishGen Gazetteer==== | ====JewishGen Gazetteer==== | ||
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*'''To locate original images on FamilySearch using a microfilm number''', look for a number found in the microfilm column (usually the last column on the right). If there is not a blue hyperlink on the number, copy the microfilm number and then go to the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog.] Paste the microfilm number in the '''Film/Fiche Number''' box and select '''Search''' (you may need to remove commas). One, or several result may appear. Look for a result with the the '''Author''' as the town listed on JRI-Poland. Scroll down to the portion of the page entitled '''Film/Digital Notes'''. Look for your film number in the '''Film Column'''. Pay attention to the item number (if one is listed). Next, look in the '''Format''' column. | *'''To locate original images on FamilySearch using a microfilm number''', look for a number found in the microfilm column (usually the last column on the right). If there is not a blue hyperlink on the number, copy the microfilm number and then go to the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog.] Paste the microfilm number in the '''Film/Fiche Number''' box and select '''Search''' (you may need to remove commas). One, or several result may appear. Look for a result with the the '''Author''' as the town listed on JRI-Poland. Scroll down to the portion of the page entitled '''Film/Digital Notes'''. Look for your film number in the '''Film Column'''. Pay attention to the item number (if one is listed). Next, look in the '''Format''' column. | ||
**A '''camera''' icon indicates the digital images of the records are accessible online. Click on the camera and then locate the correct item number within the film. | **A '''camera''' icon indicates the digital images of the records are accessible online. Click on the camera and then locate the correct item number within the film. | ||
**A '''camera icon with a key''' indicates that the item has viewing restrictions and may be accessible at a | **A '''camera icon with a key''' indicates that the item has viewing restrictions and may be accessible at a [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ Family History Center]] or on microfilm at the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah]. To locate a FamilySearch Center near you, click [https://locations.familysearch.org/en/search here.] | ||
**A '''magnifying glass''' indicates that at least a portion of the film has been indexed. Click on the magnifying glass to search through the indexes. | **A '''magnifying glass''' indicates that at least a portion of the film has been indexed. Click on the magnifying glass to search through the indexes. | ||
**A '''wheel''' icon indicates that the item has viewing restrictions and is only accessible on microfilm at the [https://www.familysearch.org/ | **A '''wheel''' icon indicates that the item has viewing restrictions and is only accessible on microfilm at the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.] | ||
*'''To locate original images on the Polish State Archives''' | *'''To locate original images on the Polish State Archives''' | ||
*'''To locate additional source information''' scroll down to the bottom of your search page on JRI-Poland to the '''Datafile''' section. Locate the collection of interest from the index and then look at the final column, '''LDS films/contact information'''. | *'''To locate additional source information''' scroll down to the bottom of your search page on JRI-Poland to the '''Datafile''' section. Locate the collection of interest from the index and then look at the final column, '''LDS films/contact information'''. | ||
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===FamilySearch (digital images)=== | ===FamilySearch (digital images)=== | ||
There may also be records available through [ | There may also be records available through [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ FamilySearch.] To find records for your location, go to the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog '''FamilySearch Catalog.'''] In the place box, type in the name of your town and click the appropriate entry from the drop-down box. Keep in mind that records are often listed using multiple levels of jurisdictions from largest (country) to smallest (town), as well as varying jurisdictions over time. | ||
Alternatively, you can click [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId= | Alternatively, you can click [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=1927187&query=%2Bplace%3A%22Poland%22 here] to access catalog entries for Poland. Click on '''Places within Poland''' and a list of places will appear. Click on your desired location(s). A list of record topics will then appear. Jewish records are most commonly catalogued under the headings '''Jewish Records''' or '''Jewish History'''. You may also find record under '''Church Records''' (for Jews recorded in records of other denominations)''', Civil Registration, Concentration Camps, Genealogy, Holocaust''', and '''Minorities'''. | ||
To open a topic, click on it and then a list of the records included in that topic will appear. Click on the blue links to view specific record titles. As you scroll down on the catalog entry page, look for the Film/Digital Notes section. The column on the left explains the types of records/years that are contained on the film. The final '''Format''' column indicates accessibility. | To open a topic, click on it and then a list of the records included in that topic will appear. Click on the blue links to view specific record titles. As you scroll down on the catalog entry page, look for the Film/Digital Notes section. The column on the left explains the types of records/years that are contained on the film. The final '''Format''' column indicates accessibility. | ||
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*A magnifying glass indicates that at least part of the film is indexed, and clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. | *A magnifying glass indicates that at least part of the film is indexed, and clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. | ||
*A camera indicates records are available online in a digital format. | *A camera indicates records are available online in a digital format. | ||
*A camera with a key on top means the record is viewable digitally but with certain restrictions that may mean the record can only be viewed at a | *A camera with a key on top means the record is viewable digitally but with certain restrictions that may mean the record can only be viewed at a FamilySearch Center, FamilySearch affiliate library, or the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. Take a look at the '''[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/search FamilySearch Center Finder]''' to discover a location near you. | ||
*A wheel icon indicates the record is only available on microfilm at the [https://www.familysearch.org/ | *A wheel icon indicates the record is only available on microfilm at the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ '''FamilySearch Library'''] in Salt Lake City, Utah. | ||
The following two sources focus primarily on records of other religious denominations, but you may still find them useful. | The following two sources focus primarily on records of other religious denominations, but you may still find them useful. | ||
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==Holocaust== | ==Holocaust== | ||
==== Holocaust Lists Database at Routes to Roots ==== | |||
Use the new '''[https://www.rtrfoundation.org/holocaust.php Holocaust Lists Database]''' at Miriam Weiner's Routes to Roots to determine the location of Holocaust documents such as victim and survivor lists, survival testimonials and more. Holocaust Collections included in this database are from select towns in Belarus, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, and Ukraine. | |||
Database entries include information about archive the records are stored in and the archival file number. This information will help you locate the original record in the archive. | |||
To determine what holocaust lists may survive, simply search the database by town. Click on an entry to view additional information about the record and its location. After you have determined that Holocaust documents for your town are available, consider searching your surname in the Surname Database. Miriam Weiner has digitized many Holocaust lists and they are accessible through the Surname Database. Keep in mind that this is an ongoing project, so check back often for new information and updates. | |||
==== Additional Websites ==== | |||
*'''[https://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Poland/ JewishGen Poland Collection]''' | *'''[https://www.jewishgen.org/databases/Poland/ JewishGen Poland Collection]''' | ||
*[https://portal.ehri-project.eu/ '''European Holocaust Research Infrastructure Online Portal'''] offers information on Holocaust archival material held in institutions in Europe and throughout the world. | *[https://portal.ehri-project.eu/ '''European Holocaust Research Infrastructure Online Portal'''] offers information on Holocaust archival material held in institutions in Europe and throughout the world. | ||
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*Use '''[https://genealogyindexer.org/ Genealogy Indexer]''' to find indexes to over 364 Yizkor books. | *Use '''[https://genealogyindexer.org/ Genealogy Indexer]''' to find indexes to over 364 Yizkor books. | ||
*The '''[https://libguides.nypl.org/yizkorbooks New York Public Library]''' has a large collection of Yizkor books, and many have been digitized. | *The '''[https://libguides.nypl.org/yizkorbooks New York Public Library]''' has a large collection of Yizkor books, and many have been digitized. | ||
*The | *The FamilySearch Library has copies of many Yizkor books. Check the '''[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog]''' for availability for your town. | ||
==Historical Photos== | ==Historical Photos== | ||
The [https://www.rtrfoundation.org/newwebsite/imagesearch.php '''Image Database'''] on Miriam Weiner's website contains photographs and postcard views of many towns and cities throughout Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Lithuania, Poland, and other select countries dating back to the early 1900s. These include pre-WWI and current town views, photos of synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and Holocaust memorials. Even if you are unable to find a picture of your ancestor's town, it may still be interesting to see what other towns in the area looked like, which will allow you to a get a feel of what life may have been like for your ancestor. | The [https://www.rtrfoundation.org/newwebsite/imagesearch.php '''Image Database'''] on Miriam Weiner's website contains photographs and postcard views of many towns and cities throughout Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Lithuania, Poland, and other select countries dating back to the early 1900s. These include pre-WWI and current town views, photos of synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and Holocaust memorials. Even if you are unable to find a picture of your ancestor's town, it may still be interesting to see what other towns in the area looked like, which will allow you to a get a feel of what life may have been like for your ancestor. | ||
== | |||
==City Directories and Other Records== | |||
====Genealogy Indexer==== | ====Genealogy Indexer==== | ||
'''[https://genealogyindexer.org/ Genealogy Indexer]''' is a free database that provides access to thousands of records including city directories from the Russian Empire, Yizkor books, WWI casualty lists and other military records, as well as school records. Links to the original records are included. | '''[https://genealogyindexer.org/ Genealogy Indexer]''' is a free database that provides access to thousands of records including city directories from the Russian Empire, Yizkor books, WWI casualty lists and other military records, as well as school records. Links to the original records are included. | ||
==Finding Aids/Record Inventories== | |||
Additional records such as city directories, school records, additional tax records, etc. may exist for your locality. Use some of the sources listed below to help you locate those records. Many of these records may be located in an archive. To learn more about archives in Eastern Europe, read the YIVO article, [https://yivoencyclopedia.org/article.aspx/Archives Archives], by Miriam Weiner. | |||
====Genealogy Indexer==== | |||
'''[https://genealogyindexer.org/ Genealogy Indexer]''' is a free database that provides access to thousands of records including city directories from the Russian Empire, Yizkor books, WWI casualty lists and other military records, as well as school records. Links to the original records are included. | |||
====Miriam Weiner Routes to Roots Foundation==== | ====Miriam Weiner Routes to Roots Foundation==== | ||
Use the '''[https://www.rtrfoundation.org/search.php Archive Database]''' to locate what records exist for your ancestor's town, and where to find them. Search for the name of your ancestor's locality, and the database will provide results for known surviving records from that location, and where the records are held. (Remember to adjust the search criteria for Soundex options or spelling variations). | Use the '''[https://www.rtrfoundation.org/search.php Archive Database]''' to locate what records exist for your ancestor's town, and where to find them. Search for the name of your ancestor's locality, and the database will provide results for known surviving records from that location, and where the records are held. (Remember to adjust the search criteria for Soundex options or spelling variations). | ||
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