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Optional Print Course Material: Research: Austro-Hungarian Ancestors
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Austria-Hungary was formed in 1867 when the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary agreed to unite under the House of Hapsburg, a powerful family that controlled almost all of Europe at different points in history. The dual monarchy became one of the most influential powers in Eastern Europe in the latter half of the 19th century before being dissolved in 1918 following the end of World War I. Because of this complex history, beginning the genealogy research process may seem an overwhelming task.
Whether you can trace your ancestry back to the Austrian portion, or the Hungarian half, this course will provide you with a solid foundation on which to begin your research. We will discuss, amongst other things: what resources, mainly U.S. and Canadian, can help you begin your research; how geography and border changes impact your research; what Austrian and Hungarian records are available and the historical considerations in their creation; where and how these records can be accessed digitally, on microfilm, via correspondence, or from onsite research; and language resources. We will also review strategies and tips for addressing and overcoming modern-day research challenges and obstacles.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
STARTING YOUR SEARCH
Tracing Austrian & Hungarian Ancestors
Who controlled what?
Were your ancestors really Austrian or Hungarian?
Creating a Research Plan
History & Sources for Immigration/Emigration
Emigration Questions to Ask Relatives
Specific Clues to Look for in Records
Ethnic Genealogical Societies
MODULE 2
GETTING AROUND THE AUSTRIAN HALF OF THE EMPIRE
Geography’s Impact on Austrian Genealogy
Austrian Empire
Shifting Borders
Tools for Locating Towns & Villages
MODULE 3
LOCATING AUSTRIAN RECORDS
General Guidance
What Types of Records for Austrian Ancestors?
Church records / Kirchenbücher or Matriken & Parish Transcripts / Kirchenbuchduplikate
Civil Registration / Zivilstandsregister
Cemetery Inscriptions / Friedhofsinschriften
Inquisitions postmortem / Totenerklärungen
Census Records / Volkszählungen
Military Records / Militärakten
Seigniorial records
Land and tenancy records / Grundbücher und Prästationstabellen
House books / Hausbücher
Court and notarial records / Gerichts- und Notariatsakten
City directories / Adreßbücher
Guild and apprenticeship records / Zunft- und Lehrlingsbücher
Burgher rolls / Bürgerbücher
Genealogical collections / Genealogische Sammlungen und Ortssippenbücher
Wills and estate records / Testamente und Nachlaßakten
Guardian and ward records / Vormundschafts- und Waisenakten
School Records / Schulmatrikel
Tithing and tax records / Zehnt- und Zinsbücher
Emigration records /Auswanderungsakten
Newspapers Published in Austria
Historical Photographs & Other Social History Resources
Reading the Records
Languages & Scripts
Translation Resources
MODULE 4
GETTING AROUND THE HUNGARIAN HALF OF THE EMPIRE
Geography’s Impact on Hungarian Genealogy
Administrative Divisions & Terminology
Online & Offline Tools for Locating Towns & Villages
MODULE 5
LOCATING HUNGARIAN RECORDS
General Guidance
What Types of Records for Hungarian Ancestors?
Church Registers / Anyakönyvek
Civil Registration / Állami anyakönyvek
Cemetery Records
Census Records / Népszámlálás
Military Records / Katonasági Atatok
Other Records
Reading the Records
Languages & Scripts
Other Languages
MODULE 6
MODERN DAY RESEARCH CHALLENGES
Identifying the Missing Pieces
Visiting Archives & Other Repositories
Hungarian Military Archives
Strategies for Breaking Down Brick Walls
Case Study