Genealogy is not just the study of the past, but also the construction of a bridge between the past and the present, illuminating the path to the future
The search for ancestors is a unique opportunity to learn a great deal about the members of one's family, lineage, and also about one's country or the part of the world where ancestors once lived. Research conducted in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania often leads to exciting discoveries, as these countries are closely connected by history and culture with their Western, Eastern, and Northern neighbors. With each passing year, there is a growing interest in tracing the origins of one's lineage, and more and more people are asking the question, "Who were my ancestors?" To unveil the secrets of their past, many turn to our center.
Archival documents available for genealogical research in the Baltic countries primarily cover periods from the 18th century to the present day. However, for some Lithuanian noble families, the search can extend back to the 15th century! Family archives, church metrics, population censuses, and various other materials become valuable sources of information about each family's history. Our research allows for glimpses into the past, offering a view of history through the lens of genus.
Conducting genealogical research in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania requires not only thoroughness and attention to detail but also an understanding of the peculiarities of local history and culture. Each family is unique, and genealogical research helps preserve the memory of the multitude of lineages interwoven with diverse destinies.
One of the most crucial documents for conducting genealogical research is the parish metric books, maintained in temples of various denominations, where records of baptism, marriage, and death ceremonies were documented. In predominantly Catholic Lithuania, Lutheran Estonia, and multi-confessional Latvia, Orthodox Christians and Jews also resided. Depending on their faith, ceremonies were recorded in churches, chapels, temples, or synagogues. As part of the Russian Empire, censuses of the taxable population (Revision Lists) were conducted in the Baltic countries, providing information about family composition, specifying the relationship of its members to the head of the household.
In addition, our specialists explore other valuable historical materials that help uncover the biographies of people who lived in past centuries. Significant sources include personal records from the 19th and 20th centuries related to education and employment (service records). Special attention is given to local censuses conducted in cities and rural areas (family lists). Among useful sources are military registration documents, as well as descriptions and plans of real estate. Extensive and truly unique materials are available regarding the Lithuanian nobility. All these sources allow for a more detailed understanding of the everyday lives of ancestors who left their mark in history.
Time inexorably moves forward, carrying with it the pages of the past and the mysterious destinies of ancestors. It is difficult to imagine, but behind each person in the family tree is an entire lived life. These individuals left their mark in time, filling their lives with events, joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness. And despite the fact that they have long departed from our world, their legacy, like an invisible thread, connects us to the past. The importance of preserving this history is undeniable. The European Genealogical Center provides an opportunity to delve into it. Remembering, preserving, and respecting history means not only delving into our past but also strengthening our connection to what makes us a unique part of the present.