Genealogical research

Every genealogical project begins with a thorough review of all initial materials that have been preserved. These may include family photographs, postcards, letters, birth, marriage, and death certificates, excerpts from parish registers, and the oral recollections of older generations. After the preliminary assessment, a structured search plan is developed, one or several priority lines are selected, and the most effective working methods are determined — all of which allow the creation of a logical and well-organized research strategy.

The next stage involves the systematic analysis of national and regional archives, libraries, museums, and specialized collections. Depending on the task, information is gathered from civil records, parish records, confession lists, population censuses, personal files, and other kinds of documents. Once collected, the data is organized and compiled into a detailed report, and the key milestones in each individual’s life are integrated into the family tree.

A special role is played by accounting for the geographical specifics of record-keeping and for the condition and availability of sources. In some countries, civil registration was introduced in the late eighteenth century (as in France), while in other regions parish registers remained the primary source of vital records up until the end of the Second World War (for example, in Poland). Understanding these nuances helps researchers correctly compare data across jurisdictions and identify connections that might otherwise appear lost.

The personal context of an ancestor often becomes an essential component of the study: we strive to collect information about their level of education, participation in social or church life, military service, craft or trade activity, involvement in charitable endeavors, and overall property status. When archival files are relatively complete, a genealogical project expands far beyond establishing names and dates, turning into an in-depth historical investigation that shows how a family lived, developed, and adapted within the broader historical environment of its region.

Our specialists also carefully examine issues related to migration, surname changes, variations in spelling, and the loss of archival materials due to wars or natural disasters. When direct proof of kinship is missing, experts conduct cross-analysis and identify patterns that reliably determine whether an individual belongs to a particular family line. It is important to remember that past events — wars, reforms, social upheavals — inevitably influenced the destinies of individuals, and genealogical research helps restore the traces of these influences within a specific family’s story.

During the research process, clients receive interim reports documenting the information found to date: ancestors' names, their occupations, social positions, and places of residence. Genealogical charts are constructed, and old maps are included to illustrate the development and geographical dispersion of the family across different periods. These preliminary findings make the research transparent and allow clients to confidently follow the ongoing progress.

Upon completion of the project, the client receives a comprehensive final report containing extracts, copies, family trees, and analytical commentary with additional contextual notes. The research can be delivered in digital or printed form and, if desired, designed as a full-fledged book for long-term preservation. In addition, recommendations are provided for exploring other branches of the lineage: which materials to consult, how to extend the family tree, and how to deepen further investigation in the future.

The timeframe for completing the work depends on the specific archives involved, the condition of the documents, and the quantity and quality of the initial data provided. Typically, reconstructing a family’s past takes around eight months, although in many cases the results can be delivered sooner when sources are accessible. Genealogical research is not merely the collection of interesting facts; it is a full restoration of a family’s history tied to a particular surname, strengthening the memory of ancestors and the enduring bond between generations.

A genealogical reconstruction of a family line focuses on researching a single surname. For a comprehensive examination of all branches, including the emerging maternal lines, it is recommended to use the full ancestry recovery service, which provides a broader and more interconnected view.

The timeframe of the study is agreed upon with the client: the research may be limited to specific years, a defined historical period, or continued back to the earliest accessible source available in the archives. In most cases, our center’s researchers have successfully restored information about ancestors dating as far back as the early seventeenth century.

The historical analysis takes into account the socio-cultural environment in which the ancestors lived, as well as governmental policies and events that shaped their occupations and overall way of life. In their work, specialists also consider the nuances of local administrative record-keeping, which ensures both accuracy and a greater sense of completeness in the collected data.

Thanks to this comprehensive approach, the results become exceptionally informative. They offer a full and coherent picture of the life paths of your family members, including their relationships, personal details, and the broader historical context that influenced their experiences.

Genealogical research is conducted in two distinct stages. This structure allows clients to learn preliminary findings before the search is fully completed and, if necessary, adjust the direction of the work accordingly. At the end of the project, the client receives two detailed reports containing copies of all discovered documents, extracts, and a complete family tree. The results of both stages may be provided in digital or printed form. For clients seeking a more refined presentation, we also offer genealogical book publication services or the creation of a personalized website dedicated to the family’s history. If you decide to continue work on another branch of the family, we will gladly support you in that endeavor.