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Germans from Russia Search Strategies (view source)
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Select a specific relative or ancestor, born in Russia ''for whom you know at least a name, the town or parish where he or she lived in Russia, and an approximate date when he or she lived there''. It's very helpful to also know his religion and the names of other family members born in Russia or Germany. | Select a specific relative or ancestor, born in Russia ''for whom you know at least a name, the town or parish where he or she lived in Russia, and an approximate date when he or she lived there''. It's very helpful to also know his religion and the names of other family members born in Russia or Germany. | ||
If you don't have enough information on your German-from-Russia ancestor, review the sources mentioned in step one which may give his birthplace or residence. For suggestions on how to find the name of his birthplace, see the “[[Germans from Russia Emigration and Immigration|Emigration and Immigration]]” | If you don't have enough information on your German-from-Russia ancestor, review the sources mentioned in step one which may give his birthplace or residence. For suggestions on how to find the name of his birthplace, see the “[[Germans from Russia Emigration and Immigration|Emigration and Immigration]]” article in this set. The [[Portal:Tracing Immigrant Origins|Tracing Immigrant Origins]] Wiki article may also help. | ||
Next, decide what you want to learn about your ancestor, such as where and when he or she was married, or the names of his parents. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or a librarian to help you select a goal that you can successfully achieve. | Next, decide what you want to learn about your ancestor, such as where and when he or she was married, or the names of his parents. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or a librarian to help you select a goal that you can successfully achieve. | ||
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== Step 3. Select a Record to Search == | == Step 3. Select a Record to Search == | ||
Read this portal to learn about the types of records (topics) used for Germans from Russia research. To trace your family, you may need to use some of the records described in each | Read this portal to learn about the types of records (topics) used for Germans from Russia research. To trace your family, you may need to use some of the records described in each article. Several factors can affect your choice of which records to search. This portal provides information to help you evaluate the contents, availability, ease of use, time period covered, and reliability of the records, as well as the likelihood that your ancestor will be listed. The [[Germans from Russia Record Selection Table|Record Selection Table]] can also help you decide which records to search. | ||
Effective researchers begin by obtaining some background information. Then they survey previous research. Finally, they search original documents. | Effective researchers begin by obtaining some background information. Then they survey previous research. Finally, they search original documents. | ||
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'''''Background Information Sources.''''' You may need some geographical and historical information. This can save you time and effort by helping you focus your research in the correct place and time period. | '''''Background Information Sources.''''' You may need some geographical and historical information. This can save you time and effort by helping you focus your research in the correct place and time period. | ||
*''Locate the town or place of residence''. Examine maps, gazetteers, and other place-finding aids to learn as much as you can about each of the places where your ancestors lived. Identify the major migration routes, nearby cities, county boundaries, other geographical features, and government or ecclesiastical jurisdictions. Place-finding aids are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Maps|Maps]],” “[[Germans from Russia Gazetteers|Gazetteers]],” “[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]],” and “[[Germans from Russia History|History]]” | *''Locate the town or place of residence''. Examine maps, gazetteers, and other place-finding aids to learn as much as you can about each of the places where your ancestors lived. Identify the major migration routes, nearby cities, county boundaries, other geographical features, and government or ecclesiastical jurisdictions. Place-finding aids are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Maps|Maps]],” “[[Germans from Russia Gazetteers|Gazetteers]],” “[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]],” and “[[Germans from Russia History|History]]” article in this set. | ||
*''Review local history''. You will need to understand Russia's and Germany’s history because they have greatly affected the development of records of genealogical value. If possible, study a history of the areas where your ancestors lived. Look for clues about the people, places, religions, and events that may have affected their lives and the records about them. Records with information about migration and settlement patterns, government jurisdictions, and historical events are described in the "[[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]," "[[Germans from Russia Emigration and Immigration|Emigration and Immigration]]," “[[Germans from Russia Gazetteers|Gazetteers]],” "[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]]," “[[Germans from Russia History|History]],” "[[Germans from Russia Maps|Maps]]," “[[Germans from Russia Periodicals|Periodicals]],” and "[[Germans from Russia Societies|Societies]]" | *''Review local history''. You will need to understand Russia's and Germany’s history because they have greatly affected the development of records of genealogical value. If possible, study a history of the areas where your ancestors lived. Look for clues about the people, places, religions, and events that may have affected their lives and the records about them. Records with information about migration and settlement patterns, government jurisdictions, and historical events are described in the "[[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]," "[[Germans from Russia Emigration and Immigration|Emigration and Immigration]]," “[[Germans from Russia Gazetteers|Gazetteers]],” "[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]]," “[[Germans from Russia History|History]],” "[[Germans from Russia Maps|Maps]]," “[[Germans from Russia Periodicals|Periodicals]],” and "[[Germans from Russia Societies|Societies]]" articles in this set. | ||
*''Learn about jurisdictions''. You will need to know about how the nations where your ancestor lived are divided into political subdivisions. The United States are divided into states, counties, towns, and townships. Canada is divided into provinces, counties, towns and townships. Russia and the Ukraine are divided into guberniias, and provinces (oblasts). See the “[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]]” | *''Learn about jurisdictions''. You will need to know about how the nations where your ancestor lived are divided into political subdivisions. The United States are divided into states, counties, towns, and townships. Canada is divided into provinces, counties, towns and townships. Russia and the Ukraine are divided into guberniias, and provinces (oblasts). See the “[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]]” article from this set, the [[Germany|Germany Wiki article], and the Wiki article of the nation where your ancestor settled. | ||
*''Use language helps''. The records and histories of Germans from Russia are often written in German. You do not need to speak or read German to search the records, but you will need to learn some key words and phrases. You may also need to use Russian gazetteers to locate some German settlements. A few records were kept in Russian about German settlers. Some helpful sources are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Language and Languages|Language and Languages]]” | *''Use language helps''. The records and histories of Germans from Russia are often written in German. You do not need to speak or read German to search the records, but you will need to learn some key words and phrases. You may also need to use Russian gazetteers to locate some German settlements. A few records were kept in Russian about German settlers. Some helpful sources are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Language and Languages|Language and Languages]]” article in this set. | ||
*''Understand naming patterns''. Many families that moved from German-speaking areas to Russia followed distinct naming patterns. Understanding these customs can help you locate missing ancestors. See the “[[Germany Names, Personal|Names, Personal]]” | *''Understand naming patterns''. Many families that moved from German-speaking areas to Russia followed distinct naming patterns. Understanding these customs can help you locate missing ancestors. See the “[[Germany Names, Personal|Names, Personal]]” article of the Germany portal for more information. | ||
'''''Previous Research Sources.''''' Most genealogists do a survey of research previously done by others. This can save time and give you valuable information. You may want to look for:<br> | '''''Previous Research Sources.''''' Most genealogists do a survey of research previously done by others. This can save time and give you valuable information. You may want to look for:<br> | ||
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*Articles in genealogical periodicals. Use the '''''Periodical Source Index (PERSI)''''' [http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/hqoweb/library/do/persi/search/people '''''People Search'''''] for a family name in over a million article titles in genealogical periodicals. Put the family name in the '''Surname''' field and click the ''Search'' button. If the Article Results List is too long, redo the search but in the '''Keyword''' field add the two-letter postal abbreviation for the state where they lived. | *Articles in genealogical periodicals. Use the '''''Periodical Source Index (PERSI)''''' [http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/hqoweb/library/do/persi/search/people '''''People Search'''''] for a family name in over a million article titles in genealogical periodicals. Put the family name in the '''Surname''' field and click the ''Search'' button. If the Article Results List is too long, redo the search but in the '''Keyword''' field add the two-letter postal abbreviation for the state where they lived. | ||
Records containing previous research are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Biography|Biography]],” “[[Germans from Russia Genealogy|Genealogy]],” “[[Germans from Russia History|History]],” “[[Germans from Russia Periodicals|Periodicals]],” and “[[Germans from Russia Societies|Societies]]” | Records containing previous research are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Biography|Biography]],” “[[Germans from Russia Genealogy|Genealogy]],” “[[Germans from Russia History|History]],” “[[Germans from Russia Periodicals|Periodicals]],” and “[[Germans from Russia Societies|Societies]]” articles in this set. Remember that the information in these sources may contain some inaccuracies. Therefore, you will want to verify the information you find in such records with other records. | ||
'''''Original Research Sources.''''' After surveying previous research, you will be ready to begin original research. Original research is the process of searching through original documents, often copied on microfilm, which are usually handwritten in the native language. These documents can provide primary information about your family because they were generally recorded at or near the time of an event by a reliable witness. To do thorough research, you should search records of: | '''''Original Research Sources.''''' After surveying previous research, you will be ready to begin original research. Original research is the process of searching through original documents, often copied on microfilm, which are usually handwritten in the native language. These documents can provide primary information about your family because they were generally recorded at or near the time of an event by a reliable witness. To do thorough research, you should search records of: | ||
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*[[Germans from Russia Naturalization and Citizenship|Naturalization and Citizenship]]. | *[[Germans from Russia Naturalization and Citizenship|Naturalization and Citizenship]]. | ||
For each record type, ''the | For each record type, ''the article title is the same as the heading used in the Family History Library Catalog''. | ||
== Step 4. Obtain and Search the Record == | == Step 4. Obtain and Search the Record == | ||
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The library's books cannot be loaned to the centers, but copies of many books not protected by copyright are available on microfilm or microfiche. You can get a list of the Family History Centers near you by writing to the Family History Library by [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHC/frameset_fhc.asp?PAGE=library_fhc_find.asp clicking here]. | The library's books cannot be loaned to the centers, but copies of many books not protected by copyright are available on microfilm or microfiche. You can get a list of the Family History Centers near you by writing to the Family History Library by [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHC/frameset_fhc.asp?PAGE=library_fhc_find.asp clicking here]. | ||
*''Archives and local churches''. Some of the original documents you will need are at state, church, and local archives or in local parish offices in Russia, the Ukraine, Moldavia, etc. While the Family History Library has many records on microfilm, additional records are available only at these archives. You can request searches in their records through correspondence. (See the “[[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]” | *''Archives and local churches''. Some of the original documents you will need are at state, church, and local archives or in local parish offices in Russia, the Ukraine, Moldavia, etc. While the Family History Library has many records on microfilm, additional records are available only at these archives. You can request searches in their records through correspondence. (See the “[[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]” article in this set for more information.) Complete instructions on writing to Germany and on how to prepare a genealogical letter in German are in the [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/RG/Guide/LGGerman.ASP German Letter-Writing Guide] (34066). | ||
*''Libraries and interlibrary loan''. Public, academic, and other research libraries may have some published sources for Germans from Russia research. Many libraries also provide interlibrary loan services that allow you to borrow records from other libraries. | *''Libraries and interlibrary loan''. Public, academic, and other research libraries may have some published sources for Germans from Russia research. Many libraries also provide interlibrary loan services that allow you to borrow records from other libraries. | ||
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*[[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]] | *[[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]] | ||
''[[Germans from Russia Using These Wiki Pages|Using These Wiki Pages]] < Previous | Next > [[Germans from Russia Records at the Family History Library|Records at the Family History Library]]'' | ''[[Germans from Russia Using These Wiki Pages|Using These Wiki Pages]] < Previous | Next > [[Germans from Russia Records at the Family History Library|Records at the Family History Library]]'' | ||
[[Category:Germans_from_Russia]] | [[Category:Germans_from_Russia]] | ||