Field Expeditions: A Unique Method of Genealogical Research.
Field expeditions are a distinct category of research. Their primary objective is to obtain information that cannot be found in standard genealogical sources. These trips are undertaken to fill gaps in lineage research that might otherwise bring the entire search to a halt. Fieldwork allows us to “breathe life” into dry archival records by providing much-needed context.
For instance, the vast majority of Ukraine’s population in the 1930s was impacted by Stalinist repressions or the Holodomor. Between 1941 and 1943, the entirety of Ukraine was under German occupation. Local elders remember these times well and can provide invaluable insights into the families who lived in their communities. However, much like war veterans, their numbers are dwindling. Consequently, this information must now be sought from their children.
What information can field expeditions provide?
During an expedition, a wealth of information can be gathered—ranging from clarifying or establishing vital records of the client’s ancestors to uncovering a brief history of the settlement where the lineage resided. Depending on the goals, the results of fieldwork may include:
- Vital records: Data on births, marriages, and deaths;
- Discovery of unknown relatives: Information on previously unidentified family members;
- Biographical details: Insights into the lives of representatives of the researched lineage;
- Verification: Confirming or debunking theories that arose during the research;
- Document discovery: Finding various documents that never reached the archives, which help establish or expand upon specific facts;
- Local literature and memoirs: Finding books or written recollections about the town’s history that may mention the client’s ancestors;
- Photo digitization: Scanning old photographs of both family members and the settlement;
- Site identification: Locating the exact site of the ancestors’ former residence;
- Burial sites: Locating gravesites (though 19th and early 20th-century burials are often impossible to identify);
- Multimedia: Photo and video materials captured during the expedition;
- GPS data: Precise coordinates of significant locations;
- Historical context: A brief history of the settlement to provide a backdrop for the entire study.
How are field expeditions conducted?
When there is a need for additional data or to expand an existing study, fieldwork becomes essential. It involves a comprehensive set of measures to obtain diverse information, requiring meticulous planning and professional execution. Specifically, we apply research methods used in ethnology. Different research goals require different approaches, which can be applied individually or in combination.
Traditionally, we begin by gathering all available online information regarding the specific settlement. We contact local authorities and museums, asking targeted questions that shape the expedition plan. Only then do we travel to the location.
The primary task of the expedition is interviewing elders, local historians, and the client’s relatives. We conduct these interviews using a specially designed questionnaire; surveys may also be utilized. With the consent of the participants, conversations are recorded via audio or video, and photographs are taken.
Another key component is visiting local museums and administrative offices. These sites offer diverse information about the settlement and its residents, and we may find important documents available for copying. We also visit local cemeteries and memorial sites. Beyond locating family burials, gravestones often provide vital dates of birth and death. Researchers may also be tasked with finding the exact plot of land where ancestors lived.
At the client’s request, the entire expedition can be documented through photo and video, including the recording of GPS coordinates for all significant landmarks.d video shooting, recording of GPS coordinates of important objects is possible.