If you have Eastern European roots and want to learn more about your family history, you are in luck! While researching family history can be complex and time-consuming, the internet offers a wealth of resources to help you uncover your Eastern European ancestor’s stories. In this article, we will look at some of the available tools for researching family history in Eastern Europe.
1. Genealogy Databases
A genealogy database is a software package designed to store, retrieve, and manage family history data. These databases provide a wealth of information, including birth, death, marriage records, census data, military records, and more. Some popular genealogy databases include Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast. These databases contain extensive information from Eastern Europe.
2. National Archives and Libraries
Many countries in Eastern Europe have national archives and libraries that contain historical records and documents. These archives and libraries are great places to find information about your ancestors, including census data, immigration records, naturalization records, and church records. Some popular archives and libraries to check out are the National Archives of Hungary, the National Archives of Poland, and the National Archives of Romania.
3. Maps and Gazetteers
Maps and gazetteers are valuable tools for researching family history in Eastern Europe. They can provide a snapshot of what life was like in a particular area and help you locate ancestral villages. Some popular online resources for maps and gazetteers include Geogen, Genealogy Maps, and JewishGen.
4. Social Media
Social media platforms can be helpful for connecting with family members and distant relatives. Facebook groups and genealogy discussion forums are great places to ask for advice, share your research, and find others with common research interests.
5. DNA Testing
DNA testing is a powerful tool that can help you uncover genetic matches and find new cousins. It can also help you trace your ancestry and ethnicity. Some popular DNA testing companies include AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage. Although, i still feel there are unresolved issues with the current technology and process. I don’t recommend but include it here for completeness.
In conclusion, researching family history in Eastern Europe can be challenging, but with the help of online resources, you can uncover hidden gems about your ancestors. Genealogy databases, national archives and libraries, maps and gazetteers, social media, and DNA testing are just some of the available tools for exploring your Eastern European roots. Happy researching!
