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Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Introduction to Research for North Americans
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
A vast number of immigrants from came to North America from various areas in Central and Eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unfortunately, in the past, those with Eastern European roots have been reticent to begin research on their immigrant ancestors due to perceived barriers of language, geography, and difficulty with accessing and understanding the records.
The purpose of this course is to begin the teaching of genealogical concepts pertinent to Eastern European research. It introduces the basic concepts needed to succeed in Eastern European research, and begins to dispel the notion that Eastern European research is difficult. Actually, from a research perspective, it is much easier than it used to be thanks to a surge in interest, the Internet, and greater accessibility to archival records and other resources. Therefore, the purpose of this course is to serve as the foundation for the entire Eastern European Genealogical Research certificate program.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
EASTERN EUROPEAN RESEARCH & SOURCES
Identifying the Immigrant(s)
U.S. Census
Canadian Census
Minimum Identification
What was immigrant’s original (foreign) name?
Key Life Events
Geographic Clues
Additional Identification
Immigration Information
Other Family Members (Relating to the Immigrant)
Religion
Friends & Neighbors
Exercises
Hints & Tips
MODULE 2
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Eastern Europe
Definition of Eastern Europe
Geographical Distinctions & Political Considerations
Timelines
Key Events in Eastern European History
Eastern Europeans in North America
Immigration Timeline
United States
Canada
Identity Crisis? Are you Austrian, Bohemian, Czech, Hungarian,
Polish, Rusyn, Slovak, Ukrainian or other? How to Know?
Hints & Tips
Recommended Reading & Resources
MODULE 3
DEVELOPING A SOLID RESEARCH STRATEGY
Strategy
Key Elements of Eastern European Research
Geography and Place Names
Sources for Genealogical Research
Eastern European Vital Records
Language and Handwriting
Family History Library
Availability of Records - Family History Library & Beyond
Published Sources
Accessing Records
Advanced Sources and Techniques
Sources for Study and Information
Hints & Tips
Recommended Reading & Resources
MODULE 4
CULTURE & SOCIETY
Cultural Aspects of Eastern European Research
Religious Denominations
Some Information about the Greek Catholic Church
Family Practices
Surnames
First Names, Name Days & Naming Patterns
Occupations, Education, and Social Status
Language
Customs and Traditions
Hints & Tips
Recommended Reading & Resources
MODULE 5
MAJOR DATABASES FOR RESEARCHING EASTERN EUROPEAN RECORDS
Suggested Reading
Genealogy Company Collections
Ancestry.com Resources
FamilySearch Online Resources
MyHeritage
Archive and Repository Websites
Genealogical Societies and Other Interest Groups
Hints & Tips
Recommended Reading & Resources
MODULE 6
RESEARCH CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
Myths about Eastern European Research
Genetic Genealogy
DNA: The Very Basics
Types of DNA Tests
“Immersion Genealogy”
Hints & Tips
Recommended Reading & Resources
APPENDIX