Family history book

A book about the history of a family — a chronicle that preserves the memory of generations

Creating a family history book is a unique opportunity to learn about your lineage, preserve the memory of your ancestors, and pass it on to future generations. At the European Genealogy Center, the process begins with genealogical research and reconstruction of the family tree: our specialists study archival materials, conduct interviews with relatives, gather historical and cultural information, and consult local sources. Based on the collected data, a cohesive narrative of the family is created, enriched with photographs, genealogical charts, maps, documents, and other visual elements. The work is carried out in close collaboration with the client, taking all preferences into account to ensure that the family history book is as personal, profound, and meaningful as possible. The average length of a book is about 500 pages, although the exact size depends on the number of family branches, historical periods, and included events. In some cases, a single volume is created to describe a specific family, while in others, a multi-volume edition is produced, detailing the histories of several family lines. Various formats are available: from a full “turnkey” solution, including complete research and book production, to designing and formatting an already compiled material into a beautiful edition.

What is a family history book?

A family history book is not just a collection of documents, but a family encyclopedia with a living narrative organized in chronological order, from the distant past to the present. It includes archival records discovered during research: church registers, population censuses, military, judicial, notarial, and ecclesiastical documents. These sources are supplemented with scholarly works, literature, local history publications, newspaper materials, and oral recollections from older generations. Special attention is given to describing the cultural and historical context. For example, if a great-grandfather served in the army, the book will include information about the military campaign he participated in, descriptions of his service, and the historical period. If a great-grandmother lived in a village, the family book will be enriched with ethnographic details, describing local traditions, customs, clothing, and daily life. When necessary, ethnographic expeditions are organized to the places where ancestors lived to capture living memory, collect legends, oral stories, and objects of material culture.

Collecting diverse and detailed information allows readers to see not only individual biographical facts but also the everyday life and personal experiences of your ancestors’ family. The book tells about relatives’ professions and occupations, living conditions, participation in historical events, migrations, surname changes, and variations in name spelling. In addition to text, numerous visual materials are used in the family history book: family archives, photographs from albums, copies of documents, maps, information about places where ancestors lived, family trees, and artistic illustrations that enhance the narrative. All of this creates a vivid and complete picture of the family’s history, making the book more engaging, informative, and meaningful. The final product is a colorful and informative edition that becomes a valuable and cherished family heritage. Such a book preserves the memory of ancestors, helps feel deeply connected to the family’s history, and serves as a unique and lasting source of knowledge for future generations.

A family history book can cover all family lines or focus on a single individual. In the latter case, a biographical book format is offered, where the life of a specific ancestor is explored in detail within its historical context. Such a work combines archival data, historical commentary, and descriptions of the era, making the narrative vivid and personalized. An example of this type of edition can be viewed here.

The creation of a family history book, including genealogical research, professional data processing, layout, and publishing, typically takes between 10 and 15 months. The timeline depends on the depth of the research, the number of sources collected, and the design requirements for the book. Each project is unique: for some, a description of several generations is sufficient, while others require a multi-volume edition covering all family branches comprehensively.

The service starts at €2,500 and is calculated individually. The price depends on the number of generations, the complexity of archival work (including research in foreign archives), the volume of text, the number of illustrations, and the chosen book format. We offer a flexible approach, ranging from concise solutions to exclusive editions in multiple copies.

During the process, the book’s content and graphic design are agreed upon with the client. If desired, the client may write the introduction to the edition themselves. The family book can be bound in an elegant malachite or burgundy cover with heraldic motifs, gold embossing, a leather overlay, and a durable binding. Part of the cover or its inner side can have a matte finish and be made from high-quality Finnish cardboard, giving the edition a prestigious and solid appearance. A family or noble coat of arms highlights the uniqueness of the work, and a presentation case makes it a wonderful gift for an anniversary or other special occasion. The inner cover can also be customized according to the client’s wishes. For convenience, the book includes additional blank pages for future descendants to add new information.

A family history book is not just a record of a family’s past but a priceless gift and heirloom to be passed down through generations. It helps preserve the memory of ancestors, understand one’s roots, and show children and grandchildren the family chronicle in a vivid, lively form. It is a true bridge between the past and the future, uniting all family members and creating a sense of historical continuity.

Example of a family history book

Frequently asked questions about creating a family history book

Can a family history book include the history of only one family line?

If the client wishes to focus on a specific family line, it is possible to create an edition entirely devoted to the chosen branch. This allows for a detailed tracing of ancestors’ lives along the paternal line, including their biographies, significant events, achievements, and connections with other relatives, creating a complete and cohesive narrative about a particular family.

Are materials from foreign archives used?

Depending on the region where your ancestors lived, the research incorporates information from the archives of various countries. These may include documents from Western, Central, and Southern European countries, as well as from countries of the former USSR.

What if archival documents about the family have not survived?

In the absence of primary genealogical documents, alternative sources containing historical and biographical information are examined. This allows the family history to be reconstructed and helps uncover interesting and unexpected facts about ancestors that may not be found in church registers or censuses.

Can the book include family values and household items?

Absolutely. The edition can include photographs, letters, memoirs, certificates, diplomas, awards, and high-quality images of valuable family possessions. These elements not only visually enrich the book but also convey the atmosphere of the era, highlight the uniqueness of each story, and create a deeper emotional connection with the reader.

How can I order a family history book?

To order a family history book, simply submit a request on our website using the special form. Our experts will clarify the details and help select the optimal format for the edition.

Will the book be available in digital format?

Upon completion, the client receives a digital version, which is convenient to store, share with relatives, and update as new information becomes available. The electronic format complements the printed edition and makes the family history more accessible to all future generations.