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Germans from Russia Search Strategies (view source)
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''[[Germans from Russia|Germans from Russia Home ]] > Search Strategies''<br> | |||
[[Category:Germans from Russia]] | |||
For a more detailed description of the 5-step research process see [[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]]. | For a more detailed description of the 5-step research process see [[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]]. | ||
==Step 1. Identify What You Know about Your Family== | == Step 1. Identify What You Know about Your Family == | ||
Begin your research with family and home sources. Look for names, dates, and places in certificates, family Bibles, obituaries, diaries, and similar sources. Ask your relatives for any additional information they may have. It's very likely that your second cousin, great-aunt, or other relative already has some family information. Organize the information you find and record it on pedigree charts and [[Family group record: roadmap for researchers|family group record]] forms. | Begin your research with family and home sources. Look for names, dates, and places in certificates, family Bibles, obituaries, diaries, and similar sources. Ask your relatives for any additional information they may have. It's very likely that your second cousin, great-aunt, or other relative already has some family information. Organize the information you find and record it on pedigree charts and [[Family group record: roadmap for researchers|family group record]] forms. | ||
==Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn== | == Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn == | ||
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. | ||
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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. | ||
It is usually best to begin by verifying information about the ancestor for whom you know the most, and then continue searching from there. It is often hard to find an ancestor’s records when you know only a name and country of birth. With so little information, your research is limited to a few general indexes like the [http://productsupport.familysearch.org/SupportRoot/Eng/Frameset_Products.asp?ReqPg=ProductTopics.asp&Selected=1&Color=green&Product=IGI&DisplayName=International+Genealogical+Index&FAQ=IGI&SS=True ''International Genealogical Index'']®, [[Ancestral File|''Ancestral File'']]™, [http://productsupport.familysearch.org/SupportRoot/Eng/Frameset_Products.asp?ReqPg=ProductTopics.asp&Selected=1&Color=green&Product=PRF&DisplayName=Pedigree+Resource+File&FAQ=PRF&SS=True Pedigree Resource File], New FamilySearch, or the various searches listed at [[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research# | It is usually best to begin by verifying information about the ancestor for whom you know the most, and then continue searching from there. It is often hard to find an ancestor’s records when you know only a name and country of birth. With so little information, your research is limited to a few general indexes like the [http://productsupport.familysearch.org/SupportRoot/Eng/Frameset_Products.asp?ReqPg=ProductTopics.asp&Selected=1&Color=green&Product=IGI&DisplayName=International+Genealogical+Index&FAQ=IGI&SS=True ''International Genealogical Index'']®, [[Ancestral File|''Ancestral File'']]™, [http://productsupport.familysearch.org/SupportRoot/Eng/Frameset_Products.asp?ReqPg=ProductTopics.asp&Selected=1&Color=green&Product=PRF&DisplayName=Pedigree+Resource+File&FAQ=PRF&SS=True Pedigree Resource File], New FamilySearch, or the various searches listed at [[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research#Databases_Online|Databases Online]]. | ||
==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 section. 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. | 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 section. 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. | ||
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**'''''Family History Library Catalog [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=surnamesearch&columns=*,0,0 Surname Search].''''' Search using just the family’s surname. This searches the world’s largest genealogical library for works with this family name as a main subject. | **'''''Family History Library Catalog [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=surnamesearch&columns=*,0,0 Surname Search].''''' Search using just the family’s surname. This searches the world’s largest genealogical library for works with this family name as a main subject. | ||
**[http://worldcat.org/advancedsearch '''''WorldCatalog Advanced Search''''']. In the '''''Subject''''' field enter the surname and “family” like this, '''Barth family'''. This searches the catalogs and displays the results from thousands of North American libraries at once. | **[http://worldcat.org/advancedsearch '''''WorldCatalog Advanced Search''''']. In the '''''Subject''''' field enter the surname and “family” like this, '''Barth family'''. This searches the catalogs and displays the results from thousands of North American libraries at once. | ||
*Query Russian and Ukrainian [[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries# | *Query Russian and Ukrainian [[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries#Village_Coordinators|Village Coordinators]]. | ||
*Local histories. | *Local histories. | ||
**'''''Family History Library Catalog [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=localitysearch&columns=*,0,0 Place Search].''''' Search with the county, town, or village in the first field. Put the nation or state in the second field. In the "Place search results" click the appropriate place. If any of the entries for that place are for the topic '''History''', click it to see the details. | **'''''Family History Library Catalog [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=localitysearch&columns=*,0,0 Place Search].''''' Search with the county, town, or village in the first field. Put the nation or state in the second field. In the "Place search results" click the appropriate place. If any of the entries for that place are for the topic '''History''', click it to see the details. | ||
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Many types of original documents are described in this outline. Most Germans from Russia family information is found in the records described under: | Many types of original documents are described in this outline. Most Germans from Russia family information is found in the records described under: | ||
*[[ | *[[Germans from Russia Church Records|Church Records]]. | ||
*[[ | *[[Germans from Russia Civil Registration|Civil Registration]]. | ||
*[[ | *[[Germans from Russia Land and Property|Land and Property]]. | ||
*[[ | *[[Germans from Russia Naturalization and Citizenship|Naturalization and Citizenship]]. | ||
For each record type, ''the section heading used in this portal is the same as the heading used in the Family History Library Catalog''. | For each record type, ''the section heading used in this portal 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 == | ||
===Suggestions for Obtaining Records.=== | === Suggestions for Obtaining Records. === | ||
You may be able to obtain the records you need in the following ways: | You may be able to obtain the records you need in the following ways: | ||
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*[[Copying Sources|''Photocopies'']]. The Family History Library and a few other libraries offer limited photoduplication services for a small fee. You must specify the exact pages you need. Books protected by copyright cannot be copied in their entirety. However, a few pages can usually be copied for personal research. Photocopying facilities are rare in Russia. | *[[Copying Sources|''Photocopies'']]. The Family History Library and a few other libraries offer limited photoduplication services for a small fee. You must specify the exact pages you need. Books protected by copyright cannot be copied in their entirety. However, a few pages can usually be copied for personal research. Photocopying facilities are rare in Russia. | ||
===Hiring a Professional Researcher.=== | === Hiring a Professional Researcher. === | ||
You can employ a private researcher to search the records for you. A few researchers specialize in Germans from Russia records. You may want to check with [http://www.icapgen.org/Programs/aglist.htm#SearchAG Accredited Genealogist researchers] who work with records of countries such as Germany, Switzerland, or Austria about their services for German-speaking people from Russia. | You can employ a private researcher to search the records for you. A few researchers specialize in Germans from Russia records. You may want to check with [http://www.icapgen.org/Programs/aglist.htm#SearchAG Accredited Genealogist researchers] who work with records of countries such as Germany, Switzerland, or Austria about their services for German-speaking people from Russia. | ||
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Research in archives in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine can also be arranged through the Russian-American Genealogical Archive Service (RAGAS). They are more helpful for Jewish research. You may request bilingual research application forms by contacting: | Research in archives in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine can also be arranged through the Russian-American Genealogical Archive Service (RAGAS). They are more helpful for Jewish research. You may request bilingual research application forms by contacting: | ||
RAGAS<br> 1929 18th Street N.W.<br> Washington, D.C. 20009 USA | RAGAS<br> 1929 18th Street N.W.<br> Washington, D.C. 20009 USA | ||
===Suggestions for Searching the Records.=== | === Suggestions for Searching the Records. === | ||
You will be most successful with Germans from Russia research if you can examine the original records (on microfilm). In some cases, handwritten transcripts of the original records are available. These may be easier to read, but may be less accurate than the original records. | You will be most successful with Germans from Russia research if you can examine the original records (on microfilm). In some cases, handwritten transcripts of the original records are available. These may be easier to read, but may be less accurate than the original records. | ||
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*[[Guessing a Name Variation|''Watch for spelling variations'']]. Look for the many ways a name could have been spelled. Spelling was not standardized when most early records were made. You may find a name spelled differently than it is today. | *[[Guessing a Name Variation|''Watch for spelling variations'']]. Look for the many ways a name could have been spelled. Spelling was not standardized when most early records were made. You may find a name spelled differently than it is today. | ||
===Record Your Searches and Findings.=== | === Record Your Searches and Findings. === | ||
Copy the information you find and keep detailed notes about each record you search. These notes should include the author, title, location, call numbers, description, and results of your search (even if you find nothing). Most researchers use a [[Research Logs|Research Log]] (31825) for this purpose. | Copy the information you find and keep detailed notes about each record you search. These notes should include the author, title, location, call numbers, description, and results of your search (even if you find nothing). Most researchers use a [[Research Logs|Research Log]] (31825) for this purpose. | ||
==Step 5. Use the Information== | == Step 5. Use the Information == | ||
'''''Evaluate the Information You Find.''''' Carefully evaluate whether the information you find is complete and accurate. Ask yourself these questions: | '''''Evaluate the Information You Find.''''' Carefully evaluate whether the information you find is complete and accurate. Ask yourself these questions: | ||
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*Does it suggest other places, time periods, or records to search? | *Does it suggest other places, time periods, or records to search? | ||
'''''Share Your Information with Others.''''' Your family's history can become a source of enjoyment and education for yourself and your family. Contributing your information to [http://productsupport.familysearch.org/supportroot/Eng/Frameset_Products.asp?ReqPg=Productask.asp&Product=PRF&FAQ=PRF&DisplayName=Pedigree+Resource+File&Color=green Pedigree Resource File] is a good way to share your information. In addition, you may want to compile your findings into a family history. You can then share copies of your history with family members, the [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHL/frameset_library.asp?PAGE=library_donations.asp Family History Library], [[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries# | '''''Share Your Information with Others.''''' Your family's history can become a source of enjoyment and education for yourself and your family. Contributing your information to [http://productsupport.familysearch.org/supportroot/Eng/Frameset_Products.asp?ReqPg=Productask.asp&Product=PRF&FAQ=PRF&DisplayName=Pedigree+Resource+File&Color=green Pedigree Resource File] is a good way to share your information. In addition, you may want to compile your findings into a family history. You can then share copies of your history with family members, the [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHL/frameset_library.asp?PAGE=library_donations.asp Family History Library], [[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries#Village_Coordinators|village coordinators]], and other archives. | ||
If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be sure to [[ | If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be sure to [[Use the Information#Prepare_Names_for_Temple_Ordinances|submit information]] about your deceased family members so you can provide temple ordinances for them. Your ward family history consultant or a staff member at the Family History Library or your Family History Center can assist you. You can also use ''Members Guide to Temple and Family History Work'' (34697) available through Church distribution. | ||
===Related Content=== | === Related Content === | ||
*[[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]] | *[[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]] | ||
[[Category:Germans_from_Russia]] | [[Category:Germans_from_Russia]] | ||