European Resources

Many people in Britain have their ancestral roots in Europe, and any attempt to trace the family tree means looking across the Channel to the Continent. Be warned, though, the biggest problem you'll encounter is language. Records, where you can find them (given the way Europe has been ravaged by war), will be in the native language, with no handy translation. That will make finding what you need a great deal harder, and then, of course, you have to make sense of what you've found. So unless you're fluent in the language, or have access to a good translator, you'll be in trouble. Also, a lot of countries don't have their archives online, meaning either a trip or hiring services locally.
Resources
- In France you'll need the Centre Historique Des Archives Nationale. Unfortunately, there's very little you can access online, although they do tell you how to make an appointment to consult the records.
- The German Federal Archives claims to have an English version of it's site, but it's not yet available. Although the archives seem extensive, quite how useful still remains to be seen.
- Spain has the Archivo Historico Nacional, which doesn't have a real web presence. They're in Madrid, and can be contacted on +34 917 688 500.
- The Hungarian National Archives has resources in English, German and Magyar, very useful for foreign researchers. However, all research has to be done physically at the archives in Budapest. That said, they do offer some databases online, which will at least speed the physical process.
- Poland, too, offers a web site translated into English for its State Archives and some helpful hints. Although it can help you locate records, it really doesn't have much online. For foreign researches, you can use Latin characters for your search, rather than trying to get a Polish font.
- In Sweden there's also a site in English for the Archives with concise information on what's available and how to access it (again, in person, rather than online). Some basic understanding of the language is necessary.
- The Greek General State Archives, once more, have a site in English. It's of limited use however, expect possible links to the Hellenic Archives whose site is all in Greek.
You might also like...Jod - Your Question:Hi, despite numerous searches on the Internet, I can't find where I can do an online search of the latest New Zealand electoral roll (specifically for the Taupo electorate). I need to do it for a will problem. Thanks, JodyOur Response:You would have to contact a main Taupo library to ask for this information.ExploreGenealogy - 16-Feb-16 @ 2:22 PMHi, despite numerous searches on the Internet, I can't find where I can do an online search of the latest New Zealand electoral roll (specifically for the Taupo electorate). I need to do it for a will problem. Thanks, JodyJod - 16-Feb-16 @ 12:40 PMDon't forget wiewaswie.nl a Dutch website that shows a huge amount of information and will let you search in EnglishGreenvalley - 25-Feb-14 @ 10:11 AM
Re: Surnames And Places
Would like to know where the surname Rainey originated from
Re: Cremation Records and Tracing Your Family History
I'm trying to find out about my mum patricia ann saunders died this year in QA hospital in Portsmouth…
Re: Using Criminal Records For Family History Research
my late father frederick william pelling b 1924 died 1974 was a bit off a bad boy arrested a few times…
Re: Death Certificates 1837 to Present Time: Family History Research
Have relative who died in Tennessee(?) between 1895 and 1900. I can find no record…
Re: Using Criminal Records For Family History Research
Hi my uncle has just recently passed away and I'm wondering if you can find anything on his criminal…
Re: Family History: How Far Back Can You Go?
Is it possible to trace your family tree to 347 BC? I found my 87th GGF who was Marcomir I Sicambre. I follow the…
Re: Family History: How Far Back Can You Go?
Hi, as a member I’m trying to follow details that lead to France, I knew there was a branch there, but whilst…
Re: Using Criminal Records For Family History Research
Hi I'm looking for my dad Jason handy was last in court bow Street London but he's from…
Re: Tracing Huguenot History in England
Rowlett, immigrant from London, John Rowlett, to Philadelphia. His father Samuel and Sarah Wealey, his father John…
Re: Cremation Records and Tracing Your Family History
my brother was cremated in August 1984 with full met police honours.I believe he is laid to rest in…