Tracing Ancestors in Ukrainian Archives: Restoring Family History & Confirming National Origins

Genealogical research in Ukraine offers a unique opportunity to uncover ancestral history and restore family connections that may have been lost due to historical events. Every year, more people seek to learn about their ancestors, locate relatives, and reconstruct their family lineage. Our genealogical center provides a wide range of services, including archival document searches, surname analysis, family tree reconstruction, and lineage verification. Ukraine’s history is deeply intertwined with both Eastern and Western cultures, making genealogical research particularly fascinating and full of unexpected discoveries.

Genealogical sources in Ukraine date back to the 17th century, and for noble families, ancestral records can trace back as far as the 15th century! Extensive archival materials are available for genealogical research in Ukraine. We work with vital records, church registers, population censuses, court documents, and other valuable sources of ancestral information. These records help establish birth, marriage, and death dates, as well as provide insights into professions, places of residence, and social status. Our experts conduct in-depth analysis, search for ancestors by surname and location, and reconstruct a comprehensive historical picture of the family.

A significant aspect of our work involves document collection for repatriation and nationality confirmation. Ukraine has historically been home to diverse ethnic groups, including Poles and Jews, and many descendants seek to reclaim their heritage. We assist in confirming Polish or Jewish ancestry, gathering the necessary documents, and preparing applications for Polish citizenship through the Pole’s Card or Israeli citizenship through the Law of Return. Our services include independent archival searches, official requests to state archives, and document preparation for consulate applications. Additionally, we create personalized family history books, incorporating archival materials, ancestral biographies, photographs, and family traditions - preserving a unique heritage for future generations.

Genealogical research in Ukraine requires meticulous attention to detail, knowledge of local history, and expertise in navigating archival records. Our specialists use both modern technology and traditional research methods to help clients reconstruct their lineage, build family trees, and preserve family traditions. We offer professional genealogical research to uncover ancestral mysteries and ensure that family history is passed down for generations to come.

In addition to the mentioned sources, our specialists also explore other valuable historical materials that help uncover the biographies of individuals who lived in past centuries. These are personal files from the 19th and 20th centuries related to work and education, service and family lists, property plans and descriptions, conscription and recruitment lists, distribution records, and salary (tax) books. Materials from the 20th century are mainly represented by civil registry office documents, economic and household registers. Deeper research involves studying censuses and charitable lists from the 17th and 18th centuries. Catholics and Jews also lived on the territory of Ukraine, for which a lot of historical sources have also been preserved.

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.