Genealogy research is a process with varying levels of complexity depending on the case. It is influenced by many factors, including:
- The availability, condition, and quality of sources in archives and libraries;
- The operational specifics of government institutions;
- The type of information that needs to be extracted from the sources;
- The depth of the search;
- Specific time constraints;
- The quantity and quality of the initial data provided to the researchers, and so on.
All of these factors affect, to a certain extent, both the time required for the search and the total cost. That is why we offer several service options to meet your specific needs and goals.
It is worth noting that every research project is unique and individual. Therefore, a more or less accurate cost estimate can only be determined after analyzing the information provided.ting the search prospects. Prices are indicated for guidance.
General Information
At its core, a genealogy is a compilation of all known information regarding the origin of a specific person, family, or lineage. It is the result of genealogical research—actions aimed at searching for and studying necessary sources, as well as organizing the acquired information in a systematic way.
Everything begins with gathering existing information about ancestors (documents, memories, photographs). These allow you to understand exactly where to focus your attention—which archives, museums, libraries, or online resources. These institutions house sources of various kinds, from local or national newspaper clippings to documents that help reconstruct personal biographies. A distinct category of sources includes parish registers and vital records. These contain information on milestone events in every person’s life, such as birth, marriage, and death. Other fascinating documents that may hold vital information include various lists: church confession records, revision lists (censuses of specific population groups), family lists, military conscription records from different eras, and more. Thanks to these, you can determine your origins and trace the development of your lineage.
The result of this research is properly organized information, which serves as the foundation for building a family tree, creating a generation-by-generation narrative (descendancy report), or even writing an entire history book. In the end, you will have a comprehensive picture of your history.
A family tree is a generalized visual diagram that clearly demonstrates the origin and development of a particular family. Its strength lies in the ability to quickly establish kinship ties between family members. However, it is like the tip of an iceberg—90% of that mountain of ice is hidden underwater.
Behind a person’s name on a chart, a wealth of information may be hidden—ranging from basic facts of birth, marriage, and death to full biographies and compelling, significant life stories. This is where the descendancy report (generation-by-generation narrative) complements the family tree. It not only details and explains the information shown on the tree but also provides the opportunity to record various facts and details about the lives of specific individuals.
The most complete way to reveal and summarize everything known about a particular lineage is by compiling a family history book. It can include copies of important documents, photographs, and letters. Furthermore, the narrative itself can be written within a broader historical context.
Stages of Genealogy Research
Traditionally, in historical science, nearly all research is divided into four stages: information gathering, source searching, working with the sources, and the systematization of the data obtained. This is also characteristic of genealogical research as a whole. Therefore, we carry out our work in accordance with this framework.
Information Gathering
Genealogy research begins when a person, sparked by an interest in their family history, starts gathering information from relatives about who their immediate ancestors were—when and where they were born, where they lived, what they did for a living, and what faith they practiced. This phase also involves collecting various documents, letters, and photographs preserved in personal archives. This stage is typically conducted independently, even if professional research is commissioned later.
Sometimes, for various reasons, information is scarce. However, even in such cases, there is a necessary minimum that one should know before starting archival work: the family surname to be researched, the full names of parents and grandparents, and the dates and locations of their births, marriages, or deaths. If any information about even more distant ancestors has been preserved, it would allow for a smoother transition to the next stage of genealogical searching. A lack of such data will significantly complicate the start of the investigation and delay its completion.
Source Searching
Once the necessary information has been gathered, the next step is to determine which archives hold the genealogical sources for a specific locality, the volume of these records, and their state of preservation. The reality is that many archival documents have not survived due to wars, natural disasters, or improper storage conditions.
Depending on the available documents, a research strategy is developed. This is essential to ensure the process is as efficient as possible—aiming for the highest quality and most comprehensive results in the shortest amount of time.
Archival Research
Archival Research is the most time-consuming stage of genealogical search. It requires a high degree of attention, consistency, patience, and professional skills in reading—and sometimes deciphering—manuscripts. These records were not always written with calligraphic handwriting and often utilize archaic writing styles. Furthermore, depending on the region’s history, the researcher must be proficient in various languages, including Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Latin, German, or Romanian.
In the vast majority of cases, genealogical sources are studied in state archives, specifically the Central Historical Archives in Kyiv and Lviv, as well as various regional (oblast) archives. While all state archives follow unified research regulations, the practical conditions and specific access procedures can vary significantly from one institution to another.
Several factors influence the pace and complexity of this stage:
Handwriting and Preservation: Records were not always written clearly or without errors. As scribes changed over time, researchers must often spend time “tuning” their eyes to a new, idiosyncratic handwriting style. Furthermore, documents may be physically damaged or incomplete. While it is rewarding to find information in a well-preserved file, there is always the risk that a crucial record has been lost to time or decay.
Limited Access and Capacity: Reading rooms in many regional archives are small and cannot accommodate all researchers simultaneously. This often results in waiting lists ranging from several days to several weeks.
Archival Limitations: There are strict limits on the number of files a researcher can request—typically up to 10 files or a total of 1,000 pages per day. This can be problematic when a single parish register or confession record for a specific village is bound into a massive volume containing records for an entire district (uezd), sometimes exceeding 1,500 pages. In such cases, a researcher might only be allowed to view one such volume per day.
Locality Size and Institutions: The size of the ancestral settlement plays a major role. The larger the town and the more religious institutions it housed, the greater the volume of records that must be sifted through to find the relevant entries.
Data Systematization and Research Results
It is essential to process all newly discovered information immediately upon retrieval. Entering data into prepared databases, tables, and charts, and comparing the results with expected outcomes, allows for the timely refinement of next steps and necessary adjustments to the research.
A clear and precise record of all examined files and the specific information sought within them must be maintained. This practice prevents unintentional duplication of work and ensures that no gaps are left in the search. Furthermore, in the event of a forced long-term hiatus, such meticulous records make it much easier to resume the research exactly where it left off.
As mentioned previously, the information discovered in genealogical sources serves as the foundation for a schematic representation of the lineage. There are many types of genealogical charts; however, in Ukraine, the “Family Tree” format is traditionally used. Additionally, a generation-by-generation narrative (descendancy report) is compiled based on the results of the genealogical search.
What is Required to Begin Genealogy Research?
When approaching professional genealogists, the client must provide specific information. These details allow for an assessment of the research’s potential and serve as a launching pad for the investigation, where different objectives may require different initial data. For this purpose, specialized genealogical questionnaires are used. These forms are completed for each lineage being researched.
For a standard genealogical search, there is a core set of questions whose answers allow for, at the very least, an initial survey of archival and library catalogs.
If you already know a fair amount about your ancestors:
- Lineage (Surname): The specific family name being traced.
- Full Names: Names of grandfathers, grandmothers, great-grandparents, etc.
- Vital Dates: Dates of birth, marriage, and death.
- Locations: Specific settlements where they were born and lived.
- Nationality and Religion: Essential for identifying which records (parish registers, etc.) to search.
If you know very little:
In this case, it is necessary to write down everything you know about previous generations. Any detail can aid the search. Copies of old documents— such as passports, military IDs, party memberships, or various membership cards—are extremely helpful.
For comprehensive research:
If the goal is not only to build a family tree but also to gain the broadest possible knowledge of your ancestors, genealogists may require additional data, such as:
- Education: Level of schooling and names of educational institutions.
- Occupation: Profession, place of work, and positions held.
- Military Service: Participation in wars, specific military units, wounds, or awards.
- Repressions: Information regarding political or social persecution.
- Family Lore: Any various stories, anecdotes, or family legends.