East Prussia (Ostpreußen) Civil Registration: Difference between revisions

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| link1 = [[Germany Genealogy|Germany]]
| link1=[[Germany Genealogy|Germany]]
| link2 = [[Prussia, Germany Genealogy|Prussia]]
| link2=[[Prussia (Preußen), German Empire Genealogy|Prussia]]
| link3 = [[East Prussia, Prussia Genealogy|East Prussia]]
| link3=[[East Prussia (Ostpreußen), Prussia, German Empire Genealogy|East Prussia]]
| link4 =
| link4=
| link5 = [[East Prussia Civil Registration|Civil Registration]]
| link5=[[East Prussia (Ostpreußen) Civil Registration|Civil Registration]]
}}{{East Prussia-sidebar}}
}}{{East Prussia-sidebar}}
[[Category:East Prussia (Prussia) FamilySearch Historical Records]]
[[Category:East Prussia (Ostpreussen), German Empire]]
==Finding Birth, Marriage, and Death Records for East Prussia==
[[Category:Germany Civil Registration]]
Most of your genealogical research for East Prussia will be in three main record types: civil registration, church records, and, when available, a compiled town genealogy ("'Ortssippenbuch" or "Ortsfamilienbuch" in German). These articles will teach you how to use these records on digital databases, as microfilms, or by writing for them.
*[[East Prussia Civil Registration|'''Civil registration''']]
*[[East Prussia Church Records|'''Church records''']]
*[[East Prussia Ortsippenbücher|'''Town genealogies''']]
<br>
<br>
Civil registration records are records of births, marriages, and deaths kept by the government. In East Prussia (Ostpreussen), they were started  1 October 1874. German terms for these records include ''Standesamtsregister'', ''Zivilstandsregister'', or ''Personenstandsregister''. They are an excellent source for information on names and dates and places of births, marriages, and deaths. These records are kept by the civil registrar (Standesbeamte) at the civil registry office (Standesamt). Study these links to learn what information can be found in them:
*[[Germany Civil Registration#Births (Geburtsregister)|'''Births (Geburtsregister)''']]
*[[Germany Civil Registration#Marriages (Heiraten, Ehen, or Trauungen)|'''Marriages (Heiraten, Ehen, or Trauungen)''']]
*[[Germany Civil Registration#Deaths (Sterberegister or Totenregister)|'''Deaths (Sterberegister or Totenregister)''']]
<br>
<br>
__TOC__
==Definition==


[[Image:Herne Stadtarchiv Standesamt Baukau.jpg|left|369px|Herne Stadtarchiv Standesamt Baukau.jpg]]Civil&nbsp;registration&nbsp;records&nbsp;are&nbsp;records of births, marriages, and deaths kept by the government. German terms for these records include Standesamtsregister, Zivilstandsregister, or Personenstandsregister. They are an excellent source for information on names and dates and places of births, marriages, and deaths. These records are kept by the civil registrar [German: Standesbeamte] at the civil registry office (Standesamt). Because they cover about 98% of the population and often provide more information than church records, civil registration records are important sources for German genealogical research. <br><br>
'''For a comprehensive understanding of civil registration, study the article''' [[Germany Civil Registration|'''Germany Civil Registration.''']]
 
<br>
==Time Period==
__NOTOC__
Civil registration became mandatory in all German states on 1 January 1876.
==Determining the Location of the Standesamt==
=== Privacy Laws  ===
The gazetteer [http://www.kartenmeister.com/preview/databaseuwe.asp '''Kartenmeister'''] most efficiently tells you Standesamt (civil registrar) information as of 1905:<br>
Until recently, stringent rights-to-privacy requirements in Germany&nbsp;limited access to all civil registration records created in 1876 or later to the subject of the document and their parents, siblings, and direct-line descendants.
   
 
A law passed in February 2007, the [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personenstandsrechtsreformgesetz Personenstandsrechtsreformgesetz], makes civil registration records more accessible for family history research. Since 1 January 2009 the records are accessible to any researcher after these time periods have passed:
 
*births: 110 years
*marriages: 80 years
*deaths: 30 years
 
A direct relationship to the subject of the record sought will only be required in cases where the required time period has not yet elapsed. Even then, the records may be accessible if it can be shown that all "participating parties" have died at least 30 years ago. Participating parties are both parents and the child in birth records, and both spouses in a marriage.
 
== Information Recorded  ==
=== Births (Geburtsregister)  ===
 
Birth records usually give the child's name; sex; and birth date, time, and place. The father's name, age, occupation, and residence are also usually listed. The mother's maiden name, age, and marital status are usually given, although her age is sometimes omitted. The names, ages, and residences of witnesses are usually provided. The parents' religion is also listed in some states.
 
=== Marriages (Heiraten, Ehen, or Trauungen)  ===


Marriages were usually recorded where the bride lived. After 1792 a civil marriage ceremony was required in areas of Germany under French control. In 1876 this law was applied to all of Germany. Most couples also had a church wedding, so records may exist for both the civil and church ceremonies. The civil marriage records may include more information than the comparable church records. When possible search both the civil registration and church records.  
See the Prussian [http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/w/index.php?title=Datei%3AStandesamtslexikon-Preussen-1884.djvu&page=1 Standesamts-lexikon] for civil registration offices as of 1884.  


You may find the following records documenting civil marriages:
<span style="color:DarkViolet">In this region, part of Germany which was lost to other countries after World War II, '''many records, both church/parish registers and civil registration records, were damaged, destroyed, or misplaced.'''</span><br>


*'''Marriage Registers [Heiratsregister].''' Marriage registers give the date and time of the marriage. They list the bride's and groom's names, ages, birth dates, birthplaces, residences, occupations, and whether they were single or widowed. The registers also give the parents' names, residence, occupations, marital status, and whether they were living at the time of the marriage. Witnesses' names, ages, and relationships to the bride or groom are supplied. Often a note is made as to whether a parent or other party gave permission for the marriage. The couple's religion is often mentioned, especially after 1874.
==1. Online Records==
*'''Certificates [Heiratsscheine].''' Some couples were given a marriage certificate or a book [Stammbuch] with the marriage entry and space for entering children's births. The certificate or book may be in the possession of the family or the civil registrar.
===Inventory===
=== Intention to Marry  ===
*[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Ostpreu%C3%9Fen/Kirchenb%C3%BCcher '''Genealogy.net; Ostpreußen/Genealogische Quellen''']  Inventory created from various sources. For civil registration, select the county and then “Standesamtbestände”. Find the parish on the list to see the inventory information as well as holdings in FS Library, EZA Berlin, DZfG Leipzig, and other repositories outside Germany.


Various records may have been created to show a couple's intent to marry:  
===Ancestry.com ($)===
'''Ancestry.com, Findmypast.com, and MyHeritage.com can be searched free of charge at your local [https://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenters/locations/ FamilySearch Center.]
*[https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60749&geo_a=r&o_iid=41022&o_lid=41022&o_sch=Web+Property '''Eastern Prussian Provinces, Germany (Poland), Selected Civil Vitals, 1874-1945'''], index and images, incomplete. In the right sidebar under "Browse this collection", open the drop-down "Civil Rigistration Oiffice" list to see if your office is covered. Use the office from the time of the German Empire, as listed in [http://www.meyersgaz.org the '''1871 Meyer's Gazetteer.''']
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/lithuaniacivilbmds/ '''Memel, Lithuania, civilian births, marriages, deaths, 1874-1920,'''] index & images ($). Covers '''Bommelsvitte, Memel (Klaipeda in Lithuanian), and Schmelz''' (which translates as "enamel".)


*'''Proclamations&nbsp;'''[Aufgebote or Eheverkündigungen] were made a few weeks before a couple planned to marry.  
===Deaths of German Citizens Abroad===
*'''Marriage Supplements''' [Heiratsbeilagen] were often filed by the bride or groom to support their marriage application. Information included may document their births, their parents' deaths, and the groom's release from military service. Sometimes the records contain information about earlier generations.
*'''1939-1955''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61888/ Germany, Deaths of German Citizens Abroad, Registers from Berlin Standesamt 1, 1939-1955] at Ancestry - Index and images ($)
*'''Contracts '''[Ehekontrakte] are documents created to protect legal rights and property of spouses. These may give the same information as the marriage supplements noted above. They also list property and are usually found in court records rather than in civil registration records.
*'''Marriage Permission Papers '''[Verehelichungsakten] are documents created in the process of obtaining permission to get married. Some states required prospective spouses to get permission fom the local city council or mayor before they could be married.
=== Deaths (Sterberegister or Totenregister) ===


Death records are especially helpful because they may provide important information on a person's birth, spouse, and parents. Civil death records often exist for individuals for whom there were no birth or marriage records. Deaths were usually registered within a few days of death in the town or city where the person died. Early death records usually give the name of the deceased and the date, time, and place of death. The age, birthplace, residence, occupation, and marital status of the deceased may also be given, along with the name of the parents or spouse and their residences. The informant's name, age, occupation, residence, and relationship may also be listed. Post¬1874 death registers also include the person's religion. Information about parents, the birth date, the birthplace, and other information about the deceased may be inaccurate, depending on the informant's knowledge.  
==2. Digital Copies of Civil Registration From FamilySearch==
Try to find records in the collection of the FamilySearch Library. Many microfilms have  been digitized for online viewing. Gradually, everything will be digitized, so check back occasionally. Some have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at the [https://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenters/locations/ '''FamilySearch Centers'''] near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations. To find records:


==Accessing the Records==
=== Locating Records at the FamilySearch Library===
===Ancestry.com===
If the locality and time period you need are not included in the online records, the next step is to check for them in the microfilm collection of the FamilySearch Library. These microfilms may be ordered for viewing at [https://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenters/locations/ FamilySearch Centers] around the world. To find a microfilm:
*[https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60749&geo_a=r&o_iid=41022&o_lid=41022&o_sch=Web+Property '''Eastern Prussian Provinces, Germany (Poland), Selected Civil Vitals, 1874-1945'''], index and images, incomplete.
:::a. Click on [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=5198375&query=%2Bplace%3A%22Germany%2C%20Preu%C3%9Fen%2C%20Ostpreu%C3%9Fen%22&subjectsOpen=408400-50,1328543-50,578627-50,565122-50 '''the Places within Germany, Preussen, Ostpreussen drop-down menu'''] and select your town.
=== Locating Records at the Family History Library===
If the locality and time period you need are not included in the online records, the next step is to check for them in the microfilm collection of the Family History Library. These microfilms may be ordered for viewing at [https://familysearch.org/locations/ Family History Centers] around the world. To find a microfilm:
:::a. Click on [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=75&placeId=41939&query=%2Bplace%3A%22Germany%2C%20Preu%C3%9Fen%2C%20Ostpreu%C3%9Fen%22&subjectsOpen=408400-50,1328543-50,578627-50,565122-50 '''the Places within Germany, Preussen, Ostpreussen drop-down menu'''] and select your town.
:::b. Click on the '''"Civil registration"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
:::b. Click on the '''"Civil registration"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
:::c. Choose the correct '''record type and time period''' for your ancestor. '''"Geburten"''' are births. '''Heiraten''' are marriages. ''' "Verstorbene"''' are deaths.   
:::c. Choose the correct '''record type and time period''' for your ancestor. '''"Geburten"''' are births. '''Heiraten''' are marriages. ''' "Verstorbene"''' are deaths.   
:::d. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the microfilm listed for the record. [[File:FHL icons.png|75px]].  The magnifying glass indicates that the microfilm is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the microfilm.
:::d. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the microfilm listed for the record. [[File:FHL icons.png|75px]].  The magnifying glass indicates that the microfilm is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the microfilm.


==Archives==
==3. Archives==
Several different archives have civil registration records.  In fact they are "all over the place", literally. There are several '''"finding aids"''' that help with locating them.
Several different archives have civil registration records.  In fact they are "all over the place", literally. There are several '''"finding aids"''' that help with locating them.


===1. Online Finding Aids and Databases===
===1. Online Finding Aids and Databases===
*[http://baza.archiwa.gov.pl/sezam/pradziad.php?l=en'''The PRADZIAD Database''']
*[http://baza.archiwa.gov.pl/sezam/pradziad.php?l=en'''The PRADZIAD Database''']
*[http://www.szukajwarchiwach.pl '''Szukaj w Archiwach''']
*[https://www.szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl '''Szukaj w Archiwach''']
*[http://www.lostshoebox.com '''The Lost Shoe Box''']
*[http://www.geneteka.genealodzy.pl/ Geneteka] [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Geneteka_database Instructions]
*[http://www.geneteka.genealodzy.pl/ Geneteka] [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Geneteka_database Instructions]
*[http://olsztyn.ap.gov.pl/baza/szukaj.php Olsztyn State Archive], images of church and civil registration records covering parts of East Prussia.


=== 2. Civil Registration information in Berlin and Poland ===
=== 2. Civil Registration information in Berlin and Poland ===
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Germany<br>
Germany<br>
<br>
<br>
*[http://www.berlin.de/labo/buergerdienste/standesamt-i-in-berlin/ '''Website''']
*[http://www.berlin.de/labo/buergerdienste/Standesamt-i-in-berlin/ '''Website''']
**[http://www.berlin.de/labo/buergerdienste/standesamt-i-in-berlin/dienstleistungen/service.213842.php/dienstleistung/326181/ '''Instructions for ordering a birth certificate for a birth in a former German territory''']
**[http://www.berlin.de/labo/buergerdienste/Standesamt-i-in-berlin/dienstleistungen/service.213842.php/dienstleistung/326181/ '''Instructions for ordering a birth certificate for a birth in a former German territory''']
**[http://www.berlin.de/labo/buergerdienste/standesamt-i-in-berlin/dienstleistungen/service.213842.php/dienstleistung/326183/ '''Instructions for ordering a marriage certificate for a marriage in a former German territory''']
**[http://www.berlin.de/labo/buergerdienste/Standesamt-i-in-berlin/dienstleistungen/service.213842.php/dienstleistung/326183/ '''Instructions for ordering a marriage certificate for a marriage in a former German territory''']
<br>
<br>
*This civil registration office has at its disposal an index called "Standesregister und Personenstandsbücher der Ostgebiete im Standesamt I Berlin".  
*This civil registration office has at its disposal an index called "Standesregister und Personenstandsbücher der Ostgebiete im Standesamt I Berlin".  
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You can also consult holding lists and use search engines to search which records might be held at each archive. Brief inquiries by email about whether a record group for your locality and time period is available at that archive are generally honored..<br>
You can also consult holding lists and use search engines to search which records might be held at each archive. Brief inquiries by email about whether a record group for your locality and time period is available at that archive are generally honored..<br>


====DZfG Leipzig====
====DZfG Leipzig====
Line 142: Line 123:
Germany<br>
Germany<br>
<br>
<br>
Email: poststelle-l@sta.smi.sachsen.de <br>
Email: [mailto:poststelle-l@sta.smi.sachsen.de poststelle-l@sta.smi.sachsen.de] <br>
Telephone: 0341 / 255-5500 <br>
Telephone: 0341 / 255-5500 <br>
*[http://staatsarchiv.sachsen.de/index.html '''Website''']
[http://staatsarchiv.sachsen.de/index.html Website]<br>
*[http://www.archiv.sachsen.de/archiv/bestand.jsp?oid=13.01&bestandid=21962&syg_id=&syg_id=251065 '''List of holdings''']
[http://www.archiv.sachsen.de/archiv/bestand.jsp?oid=13.01&bestandid=21962&syg_id=&syg_id=251065 List of holdings]


====GStA Berlin====
====GStA Berlin====
'''Secret State Archives Prussian '''<br>
'''Secret State Archives Prussian '''<br>
Geheimes Staatsarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz<br>
Cultural Heritage Archivstraße 12-14 <br>
Cultural Heritage Archivstraße 12-14 <br>
14195 Berlin <br>
D-14195 Berlin <br>
Germany<br>
Germany<br>
<br>
<br>
Email: gsta.pk@gsta.spk-berlin.de <br>
Email: [mailto:posteingang@gsta.spk-berlin.de posteingang@gsta.spk-berlin.de] <br>
Phone: 030/266 44 75 00 <br>
Phone: 030/266 44 75 00 <br>
Fax. 030/266 44 31 26 <br>
Fax: 030/266 44 31 26 <br>
*[http://www.gsta.spk-berlin.de/ '''Website''']
[https://gsta.preussischer-kulturbesitz.de/ Website]<br>
*[http://www.gsta.spk-berlin.de/familienforschung_540.html '''List of holdings''']
 


====Poland====
====Poland====
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PL-10-521 Olsztyn<br>
PL-10-521 Olsztyn<br>
Poland <br>
Poland <br>
In the state archive Olsztyn (Olsztyn), the records are available digitized over the Internet.
In the state archive Olsztyn (Olsztyn), the records are available digitized over the Internet.<br>
*[http://olsztyn.ap.gov.pl/ '''Website''']
[http://olsztyn.ap.gov.pl/ Website]<br>
*[http://olsztyn.ap.gov.pl/baza/szukaj.php '''Search engine for digitized records''']
[http://olsztyn.ap.gov.pl/baza/szukaj.php Search engine for digitized records]<br>
**The third field, "Nazwa oryginalna" or "Original Name", has a drop-down list of all the localities for which there are records.
:The third field, "Nazwa oryginalna" or "Original Name", has a drop-down list of all the localities for which there are records.
<br>
<br>
'''State Archives Lyck''' <br>
'''State Archives Lyck''' <br>
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Poland<br>
Poland<br>
Birth, marriages and death certificates of the Milken militia from 1874 to 1902.<br>
Birth, marriages and death certificates of the Milken militia from 1874 to 1902.<br>
*[http://www.suwalki.ap.gov.pl/p,67,bazy-danych '''Website''']
[http://www.suwalki.ap.gov.pl/p,67,bazy-danych Website]<br>
*[http://szukajwarchiwach.pl/63#tabZasoby '''List of holdings''']
[http://szukajwarchiwach.pl/63#tabZasoby List of holdings]<br>


===4.  Lithuanian Area Archives===
==== Lithuanian Area Archives====
A few of the civil registration records for the area of East Prussia now in Lithuania are found in the following archives:
A few of the civil registration records for the area of East Prussia now in Lithuania are found in the following archives:
====Lithuanian Historical State Archives in Vilnius====
=====Lithuanian Historical State Archives in Vilnius=====
'''Lietuvos valstybės istorijos archyvas''' <br>
'''Lietuvos valstybės istorijos archyvas''' <br>
Gerosios Vilties g. 10 <br>
Gerosios Vilties g. 10 <br>
LT-03134 Vilnius Ruf.<br>
LT-03134 Vilnius <br>
Lithuania<br>
Lithuania<br>
<br>
<br>
Phone: +370 /85/213 7482 <br>
Phone: +370 /85/213 7482 <br>
Fax: 00370/5 278 43 69<br>
Fax: 00370/5 278 43 69<br>
*[http://www.archyvai.lt/en/archives/historicalarchives.html'''Website''']
[http://www.archyvai.lt/en/archives/historicalarchives.html Website]<br>
Standesamte records:<br>
Standesamte records:<br>
**[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Bommelsvitte#Standesamtsregister Bommelsvitte , district of Memel]
:*[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Bommelsvitte#Standesamtsregister Bommelsvitte , district of Memel]
**[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Heinrichsfelde_(Kreis_Niederung) Heinrichsfelde , district Niederung, later Memelland]
:*[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Heinrichsfelde_(Kreis_Niederung) Heinrichsfelde , district Niederung, later Memelland]
**[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Kinten_(Kr.Heydekrug)#Standesamtsregister Kinten , district of Heydekrug]
:*[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Kinten_(Kr.Heydekrug)#Standesamtsregister Kinten , district of Heydekrug]
**[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Heydekrug#Standesamtsregister Heydekrug , district of Heydekrug]
:*[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Heydekrug#Standesamtsregister Heydekrug , district of Heydekrug]
**[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Memel#Standesamtsregister Memel , district of Memel]
:*[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Memel#Standesamtsregister Memel , district of Memel]
**[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Schmelz_(Kr.Memel)#Standesamtsregister Melting , district of Memel]
:*[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Schmelz_(Kr.Memel)#Standesamtsregister Melting , district of Memel]
**[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Uszl%C3%B6knen#Standesamtsregister Uszlöknen , district of Heydekrug]
:*[http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Uszl%C3%B6knen#Standesamtsregister Uszlöknen , district of Heydekrug]
<br>
<br>
*See [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1538573 '''Kirchenbücher und andere Personenstandsunterlagen aus Ost- und Westpreussen in Ausserdeutschen Archiven : Ostpreussische Grundbücher und Personenstandsunterlagen im Staatlichen Historischen Archiv Litauens in Wilna'''] (Church records and civil registration records from East and West Prussia located in Vilnius, Lithuania, Historical Archives. (Bommelvitte, Memel, Schmelz and Uszloeknen))
*See [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1538573 Kirchenbücher und andere Personenstandsunterlagen aus Ost- und Westpreussen in Ausserdeutschen Archiven : Ostpreussische Grundbücher und Personenstandsunterlagen im Staatlichen Historischen Archiv Litauens in Wilna] (Church records and civil registration records from East and West Prussia located in Vilnius, Lithuania, Historical Archives. (Bommelvitte, Memel, Schmelz and Uszloeknen))
*See [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1538601 '''Kirchenbücher und andere Personenstandsunterlagen aus Ost- und Westpreussen in Ausserdeutschen Archiven : neue Angaben zu Beständen des Staatlichen Kreisarchivs in Lyck'''] (Church books and civil registrations for East and West Prussia (various time periods) located outside German archives.)
*See [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1538601 Kirchenbücher und andere Personenstandsunterlagen aus Ost- und Westpreussen in Ausserdeutschen Archiven : neue Angaben zu Beständen des Staatlichen Kreisarchivs in Lyck] (Church books and civil registrations for East and West Prussia (various time periods) located outside German archives.)
 
===Writing a Letter to Archives===
===Writing a Letter to Archives===
'''How to write a letter: '''Detailed instruction for what to include in the letter, plus Polish translations of the questions and sentences most frequently used are in [[Poland Letter Writing Guide|the '''Poland Letter Writing Guide'''.]]'''
'''How to write a letter: '''Detailed instruction for what to include in the letter, plus Polish translations of the questions and sentences most frequently used are in [[Poland Letter Writing Guide|the '''Poland Letter Writing Guide'''.]]'''
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<br>
<br>
Because part of East Prussia is now in Russia, this article may help: [[Russian Letter Writing Guide|'''Russian Letter Writing Guide''']]
Because part of East Prussia is now in Russia, this article may help: [[Russian Letter Writing Guide|'''Russian Letter Writing Guide''']]
==5. Societies==
Societies are also active in collecting, transcribing, and indexing records.
===Association for Family Research in East and West Prussia e. V. (VFFOW)===
"VFFOW is an independent, non-partisan and independent association. The intention and the goal of the association and in its interest is, in a trusting and friendly relationship with institutions and persons who today have their homeland in the research area of ​​the association, to jointly pursue family research and regional historical research."
*[http://www.vffow.de/default.htm '''Website''']
*[http://genealogie.digital/ahnenforschung-ostpreussen-datenbank-Standesamtsregister-scans/ '''Grossartige Datenbank des VFFOW für Ahnenforschung in Ost- und Westpreußen (2017)'''] Database of the VFFOW for Genealogy in East and West Prussia.
**[http://genealogie.digital/ahnenforschung-ostpreussen-datenbank-Standesamtsregister-scans/ '''Instructions''']
===Ahnenforschung im Kreis Sensburg und Masuren===
"The research group Sensburg, within the AGoFF eV - Research Center East and West Prussia , is dedicated to genealogical research and the demographic history in the former city and district of Sensburg in the borders of 1945."
*[https://familienforschung-sensburg.de/ '''Website''']
*[https://masuren.agoff.de/suggest.php '''Contact''']
[[Category:East Prussia (Ostpreussen), German Empire]]
[[Category:Germany Civil Registration]]
==6. Compiled and Published Secondary Sources==
{|
|-
|
[[File:Caution sign.png|200px]]
|
Compiled genealogies and published genealogies are <span style="color:Red">'''secondary sources''',</span> not <span style="color:Red">'''original or primary sources.'''</span> <br>
As such, they are subject to human error through <span style="color:Red">'''translation or transcription errors, mistaken interpretations, and opinion decisions of another researcher.'''</span> <br>
You should make every effort to base your research on the <span style="color:Red">'''actual, original records or their digitized images.''' </span>
|}
====Town Genealogies (Ortssippenbuch or Ortsfamilienbuch)====
See the class {{LearningCenter2|502|'''Online Ortsfamilienbücher at Genealogy.net'''}} and the Wiki article, [[Germany Town Genealogies and Parish Register Inventories on the Internet|'''Germany Town Genealogies and Parish Register Inventories on the Internet'''.]]
Published town genealogies, Ortssippenbuch (town lineage book) or Ortsfamilienbuch (town family book), generally include birth, marriage, and death data for all persons found in the local records during a specified time period, compiled into families based on the opinion of the author.  '''If one is available, it should only be used as an ''index or guide'' to finding the original records. They usually contain errors. Always verify their information in original records.
====Finding an OFB====
*[http://www.plew.info/verteiler_ofb.htm '''Local Family History Books, Familienforschung in Ostpreussen''']
**[http://www.plew.info/ofb_allgemein.htm  '''List of OFBs for East Prissia''']
*[http://www.ortsfamilienbuecher.de/memelland/ '''OFB for Memelland''']
*[http://ofb.genealogy.net/ '''Click here'''] to see OFBs at GenWiki.  These are indexed and searchable. [[Media:1-Online_Ortsfamilienb%C3%BCcher-Instruction.pdf|'''OFB Instructions''']]. 
*A bibliography of OFBs held by the [http://www.ahnenforschung-hessen.de/zentralstelle/zentralstelle.html Central Office for Person and Family History,] and available in their archive in Frankfurt am Main-Höchst, is listed [http://www.ahnenforschung-hessen.de/zentralstelle/ortssippenbuecher.htm '''here'''.] You can arrange for copied pages to be sent to you for a fee or donation. Use the "Find" function on your keyboard to search the bibliographies, as they are not alphabetical.


==Reading the Records==
==Reading the Records==
 
===German Records===
*It's easier than you think! You do not have to be fluent in French and German to use these records, as there is only a limited vocabulary used in them.  By learning a few key phrases, you will be able to read them adequately.  Here are some resources for learning to read German records.
*It's easier than you think! You do not have to be fluent in French and German to use these records, as there is only a limited vocabulary used in them.  By learning a few key phrases, you will be able to read them adequately.  Here are some resources for learning to read German records.
:::[[German Word List|German Genealogical Word List]]
:::[[German Word List|'''German Genealogical Word List''']]  
:::[[Germany Handwriting|German Handwriting]]
*These video webinars will teach you to read German handwriting:
*These video webinars will teach you to read German handwriting:
:*[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/375 Old German Script Part 1]
:*[https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/lessons/old-german-script-part-1 '''Old German Script Part 1''']
:*[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/377 Old German Script Part 2]   
:*[https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/lessons/old-german-script-part-2 '''Old German Script Part 2''']   
:*[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/426 Old German Script (German Church and Civil Records) Part 3]
:*[https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/lessons/old-german-script-german-church-and-civil-records-part-3 '''Old German Script (German Church and Civil Records) Part 3''']
*Also online interactive slideshow lessons are available to help you learn to read these records:
:*[https://script.byu.edu/german-handwriting/introduction '''German Script Tutorial''']
:*[https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/reading-german-handwritten-records-lesson-1-kurrent-letters/69 '''Reading German Handwritten Records Lesson 1: Kurrent Letters''']
*[https://script.byu.edu/00000184-9bb0-d9f7-af95-9bbc5e000001/german-name-examples '''List of Names in Old German Script'''] A comprehensive list of German given names, written in old script, with possible variations.
:*[https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/reading-german-handwritten-records-lesson-2-making-words-in-kurrent/70 '''Reading German Handwritten Records Lesson 2: Making Words in Kurrent''']
*[http://altdeutsche-schrift.de/adsschreiben.php#schrifftfeld '''Old German Script Transcriber (alte deutsche Handschriften):'''] See your family names in the script of the era. Type your name or other word into the font generator tool. Click on the 8 different fonts. Save the image to your computer and use it as you work with old Germanic records.<br>
:*[https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/reading-german-handwritten-records-lesson-3-reading-kurrent-documents/71 '''Reading German Handwritten Records Lesson 3: Reading Kurrent Documents''']. In this lesson, you will explore several types of German genealogical records, including birth, baptismal, marriage, and death records.
 
:*[https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/german-script-tutorial/91 '''German Script Tutorial''']
This converter will show you how any phrase or name might look in German script:
*[http://www.kurrentschrift.net/index.php?s=schreiben: Kurrentschrift Converter] (enter German genealogical word, click on "convert", view your word in Kurrentschrift (Gothic handwriting)
===Latin Records===
===Latin Records===
Records of the Catholic church will usually be written in Latin:
Records of the Catholic church will usually be written in Latin:
Line 239: Line 254:
*[[Russian Letter Writing Guide|'''Russian Letter Writing Guide''']]
*[[Russian Letter Writing Guide|'''Russian Letter Writing Guide''']]
*[[Russian Genealogical Word List|'''Russian Genealogical Word List''']]
*[[Russian Genealogical Word List|'''Russian Genealogical Word List''']]
==Search Strategy==
==Search Strategy==
*Search for the relative or ancestor you selected. When you find his birth record, search for the births of his '''brothers and sisters'''.  
*Search for the relative or ancestor you selected. When you find their birth record, search for the births of their '''brothers and sisters'''.  
*Next, search for the '''marriage of his parents.''' The marriage record will have information that will often help you find the birth records of the parents.  
*Next, search for the '''marriage of their parents.''' The marriage record will have information that will often help you find the birth records of the parents.  
*You can '''estimate the ages''' of the parents and determine a birth year to search for their birth records.  
*Search the '''death registers''' for all known family members.
*Search the death registers for all known family members.
*The marriage certificate will show the birth date, birth place, and parents of the bride and the groom.
*Repeat this process for both the father and the mother, starting with their birth records, then their siblings' births, then their parents' marriages, and so on.  
*'''Repeat this process for both the father and the mother''', starting with their birth records, then their siblings' births, then their parents' marriages, and so on.  
*If earlier generations (parents, grandparents, etc.) do not appear in the records, search neighboring parishes.
*If earlier generations (parents, grandparents, etc.) do not appear in the records, '''search neighboring parishes.'''
<br>
<br>


 
[[Category:East Prussia (Ostpreussen), German Empire]]
*[[German Research Troubleshooting Strategies|'''German Research Troubleshooting Strategies''']]
[[Category:Germany Civil Registration]] [[Category:Germany Civil Registration]]
[[Category:East Prussia (Prussia) FamilySearch Historical Records]] [[Category:East Prussia Civil Registration]]

Latest revision as of 19:49, 16 June 2024

East Prussia (Ostpreussen)
German Empire Genealogy
Wiki Topics
East-prussia-called-now 8a3f7992a2fda05e.jpg
Getting Started
Major East Prussia (Ostpreussen) Record Types
Reading the Records
Additional East Prussia (Ostpreussen)
Record Types
East Prussia (Ostpreussen) Background
Ethnicity
Local Research Resources
Germany Record Types
Germany Background


Civil registration records are records of births, marriages, and deaths kept by the government. In East Prussia (Ostpreussen), they were started 1 October 1874. German terms for these records include Standesamtsregister, Zivilstandsregister, or Personenstandsregister. They are an excellent source for information on names and dates and places of births, marriages, and deaths. These records are kept by the civil registrar (Standesbeamte) at the civil registry office (Standesamt). Study these links to learn what information can be found in them:


For a comprehensive understanding of civil registration, study the article Germany Civil Registration.

Determining the Location of the Standesamt[edit | edit source]

The gazetteer Kartenmeister most efficiently tells you Standesamt (civil registrar) information as of 1905:


See the Prussian Standesamts-lexikon for civil registration offices as of 1884.

In this region, part of Germany which was lost to other countries after World War II, many records, both church/parish registers and civil registration records, were damaged, destroyed, or misplaced.

1. Online Records[edit | edit source]

Inventory[edit | edit source]

  • Genealogy.net; Ostpreußen/Genealogische Quellen Inventory created from various sources. For civil registration, select the county and then “Standesamtbestände”. Find the parish on the list to see the inventory information as well as holdings in FS Library, EZA Berlin, DZfG Leipzig, and other repositories outside Germany.

Ancestry.com ($)[edit | edit source]

Ancestry.com, Findmypast.com, and MyHeritage.com can be searched free of charge at your local FamilySearch Center.

Deaths of German Citizens Abroad[edit | edit source]

2. Digital Copies of Civil Registration From FamilySearch[edit | edit source]

Try to find records in the collection of the FamilySearch Library. Many microfilms have been digitized for online viewing. Gradually, everything will be digitized, so check back occasionally. Some have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at the FamilySearch Centers near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations. To find records:

Locating Records at the FamilySearch Library[edit | edit source]

If the locality and time period you need are not included in the online records, the next step is to check for them in the microfilm collection of the FamilySearch Library. These microfilms may be ordered for viewing at FamilySearch Centers around the world. To find a microfilm:

a. Click on the Places within Germany, Preussen, Ostpreussen drop-down menu and select your town.
b. Click on the "Civil registration" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
c. Choose the correct record type and time period for your ancestor. "Geburten" are births. Heiraten are marriages. "Verstorbene" are deaths.
d. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the microfilm listed for the record. FHL icons.png. The magnifying glass indicates that the microfilm is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the microfilm.

3. Archives[edit | edit source]

Several different archives have civil registration records. In fact they are "all over the place", literally. There are several "finding aids" that help with locating them.

1. Online Finding Aids and Databases[edit | edit source]

2. Civil Registration information in Berlin and Poland[edit | edit source]

Standesamt I Berlin officially holds the civil registration information for the former areas of Germany.

Standesamt I Berlin
Rückerstrasse 9
10119 Berlin
Germany


3. East Prussia/Genealogical Sources[edit | edit source]

GenWiki details existing Standesamt records and which archives they might be found in.

A typical chart for a locality looks like this: Screen Shot 2017-04-09 at 9.33.10 PM.png



These links will take you directly to a particular district (Kreis):

4. Holding Lists Provided by Archives[edit | edit source]

You can also consult holding lists and use search engines to search which records might be held at each archive. Brief inquiries by email about whether a record group for your locality and time period is available at that archive are generally honored..

DZfG Leipzig[edit | edit source]

German Central Office for Genealogy
Saxon State
Archives State Archives Leipzig
Schongauerstraße 1
04328 Leipzig
Germany

Email: poststelle-l@sta.smi.sachsen.de
Telephone: 0341 / 255-5500
Website
List of holdings

GStA Berlin[edit | edit source]

Secret State Archives Prussian
Geheimes Staatsarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz
Cultural Heritage Archivstraße 12-14
D-14195 Berlin
Germany

Email: posteingang@gsta.spk-berlin.de
Phone: 030/266 44 75 00
Fax: 030/266 44 31 26
Website

Poland[edit | edit source]

State Archives of Olsztyn (formerly Allenstein
Archiwum Panstwowe w Olsztynie
ul.Partyzantow 18
PL-10-521 Olsztyn
Poland
In the state archive Olsztyn (Olsztyn), the records are available digitized over the Internet.
Website
Search engine for digitized records

The third field, "Nazwa oryginalna" or "Original Name", has a drop-down list of all the localities for which there are records.


State Archives Lyck
Archiwum Państwowe w Suwalkach
Oddzial w Elku
ul. Kapielowa
PL-19-300 Elk
Poland
Birth, marriages and death certificates of the Milken militia from 1874 to 1902.
Website
List of holdings

Lithuanian Area Archives[edit | edit source]

A few of the civil registration records for the area of East Prussia now in Lithuania are found in the following archives:

Lithuanian Historical State Archives in Vilnius[edit | edit source]

Lietuvos valstybės istorijos archyvas
Gerosios Vilties g. 10
LT-03134 Vilnius
Lithuania

Phone: +370 /85/213 7482
Fax: 00370/5 278 43 69
Website
Standesamte records:


Writing a Letter to Archives[edit | edit source]

How to write a letter: Detailed instruction for what to include in the letter, plus Polish translations of the questions and sentences most frequently used are in the Poland Letter Writing Guide.
In some cases, the records are held in archives in Germany. For letters in German, including addressing the letter, plus German translations of the questions and sentences most frequently needed, use the the German Letter Writing Guide.
Because part of East Prussia is now in Russia, this article may help: Russian Letter Writing Guide

5. Societies[edit | edit source]

Societies are also active in collecting, transcribing, and indexing records.

Association for Family Research in East and West Prussia e. V. (VFFOW)[edit | edit source]

"VFFOW is an independent, non-partisan and independent association. The intention and the goal of the association and in its interest is, in a trusting and friendly relationship with institutions and persons who today have their homeland in the research area of ​​the association, to jointly pursue family research and regional historical research."


Ahnenforschung im Kreis Sensburg und Masuren[edit | edit source]

"The research group Sensburg, within the AGoFF eV - Research Center East and West Prussia , is dedicated to genealogical research and the demographic history in the former city and district of Sensburg in the borders of 1945."

6. Compiled and Published Secondary Sources[edit | edit source]

Caution sign.png

Compiled genealogies and published genealogies are secondary sources, not original or primary sources.

As such, they are subject to human error through translation or transcription errors, mistaken interpretations, and opinion decisions of another researcher.

You should make every effort to base your research on the actual, original records or their digitized images.

Town Genealogies (Ortssippenbuch or Ortsfamilienbuch)[edit | edit source]

See the class Online Ortsfamilienbücher at Genealogy.net and the Wiki article, Germany Town Genealogies and Parish Register Inventories on the Internet. Published town genealogies, Ortssippenbuch (town lineage book) or Ortsfamilienbuch (town family book), generally include birth, marriage, and death data for all persons found in the local records during a specified time period, compiled into families based on the opinion of the author. If one is available, it should only be used as an index or guide to finding the original records. They usually contain errors. Always verify their information in original records.

Finding an OFB[edit | edit source]

Reading the Records[edit | edit source]

German Records[edit | edit source]

  • It's easier than you think! You do not have to be fluent in French and German to use these records, as there is only a limited vocabulary used in them. By learning a few key phrases, you will be able to read them adequately. Here are some resources for learning to read German records.
German Genealogical Word List
  • These video webinars will teach you to read German handwriting:

Latin Records[edit | edit source]

Records of the Catholic church will usually be written in Latin:

Polish[edit | edit source]

Because part of East Prussia is now in Poland, these articles will help:

Russian[edit | edit source]

Because part of East Prussia is now in Russia, these articles will help:

Search Strategy[edit | edit source]

  • Search for the relative or ancestor you selected. When you find their birth record, search for the births of their brothers and sisters.
  • Next, search for the marriage of their parents. The marriage record will have information that will often help you find the birth records of the parents.
  • Search the death registers for all known family members.
  • The marriage certificate will show the birth date, birth place, and parents of the bride and the groom.
  • Repeat this process for both the father and the mother, starting with their birth records, then their siblings' births, then their parents' marriages, and so on.
  • If earlier generations (parents, grandparents, etc.) do not appear in the records, search neighboring parishes.


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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