Helpful Resources

During the search for my family I have received help from leading historians and genealogists and have accessed records through numerous sources. I have compiled a list most helpful to me, to aid you in your own family research

Family Tree Websites

Ancestry.co.uk - One of the largest genealogy databases, offering access to UK and international records, including censuses, birth, marriage, and death records. DNA testing services help trace ancestry and connect with relatives.

Geneanet - A European-focused genealogy platform with a strong collection of user-generated family trees, historical documents, and collaborative research tools. Particularly valuable for French and continental European ancestry.

Genes Reunited - Originally a UK-based family tree-sharing site, now offering access to British historical records and a collaborative space for connecting with distant relatives.

Geni - A global family tree project that encourages users to build a shared family history. Uses a collaborative model to link millions of profiles worldwide.

Family Search - A free genealogy platform run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering extensive global records, including parish registers and censuses. Ideal for beginners and experienced researchers alike.

Consider taking a DNA test -

An autosomal DNA test provides insights into your ethnic background and connects you with genetic relatives. It helps trace both maternal and paternal ancestry, uncovering family origins and potentially filling gaps in your family tree. I have made some really important family connections and been able to break walls through a couple of DNA matches.

AncestryDNA - AncestryDNA is one of the most popular DNA testing services, providing detailed ethnicity estimates and connecting users with genetic relatives through its vast database. It also offers powerful tools for building family trees, integrating genetic data with historical records.

My Heritage - A genealogy and DNA testing platform with a strong European records collection, AI-enhanced photo tools, and family tree-building features.

Family Tree DNA - Specialises in DNA testing for ancestry research, offering Y-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA tests to explore deep ancestry and surname studies.

GEDmatch GEDmatch is a third-party site where users can upload raw DNA data from other testing companies to find genetic relatives and explore advanced tools for DNA analysis. It’s especially useful for people seeking more detailed genetic connections or working with multiple DNA test results

DNA Weekly offers news, reviews, and guides on DNA testing and genealogy. It provides helpful articles on DNA testing services, interpreting results, and tips for using genetic data in family history research.

Jewish Ancestry Records

Researching Jewish ancestry can be challenging due to migration, persecution, and language barriers, but the following resources provide access to vital records, Holocaust documentation, and historical archives.

Jewish Genealogy & Historical Archives

Austrian Archives - Free access to databases made by and for genealogists, with over 44,500 users contributing.

JewishGen - (www.jewishgen.org) – The largest global database for Jewish genealogy, connecting researchers with records and ancestral towns

Jewish Records Indexing- Poland (www.jri-poland.org) – A key resource for Polish-Jewish birth, marriage, and death records

Gesher Galicia, The Bridge to Galicia - (www.geshergalicia.org) – Focuses on Jewish genealogical and historical research in Galicia, now southeastern Poland and western Ukraine.

Arolsen Archives - International Centre on Nazi Persecution

Routes to Roots Foundation (www.rtrfoundation.org) – A comprehensive guide to Jewish and civil records in Eastern Europe.

GenTeam (www.genteam.at) – A collaborative database for Austrian and Jewish genealogy, free to use after registration.

Holocaust & Persecution Records

Arolsen Archives - International Centre on Nazi Persecution (www.arolsen-archives.org) – The most comprehensive archive on Holocaust and Nazi-era victims.

Straty.pl - (www.straty.pl) – Database of human losses and victims of repression under German occupation (1939–1945).

The Shoah Foundation (sfi.usc.edu) – Established in 1994, this institute has recorded thousands of survivor testimonies to preserve Holocaust history.

The Weiner Holocaust Library - International Tracing Service (www.wienerlibrary.co.uk) – One of the world’s most extensive archives on the Holocaust and Nazi-era persecution.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum -(www.ushmm.org) – A collection of more than 270,000 records documenting Holocaust victims and survivors.

Yad Vashem - International Central Database of Shoah Victims Names (www.yadvashem.org) – A global effort to document every Holocaust victim.

Jewish Communities & Memorial Organisations

The Scottish Jewish Archives (www.sjac.org.uk) – Documents Jewish heritage and history in Scotland.

International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance - (IHRA) (www.holocaustremembrance.com) – An intergovernmental organisation dedicated to Holocaust education, remembrance, and research.

POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Warsaw (www.polin.pl) – A world-renowned museum documenting over a thousand years of Jewish history in Poland.

These resources can help uncover Jewish ancestry, preserve family history, and honour those lost during the Holocaust.

Polish Genealogy & Military Records

Researching Polish ancestry requires navigating historical border changes, linguistic challenges, and diverse archival sources. The following resources can help uncover family records, military service details, and community histories.

Tracing Polish Ancestry

Polish Citizenship by Descent – Tracing Polish Family Ancestry
www.polishcitizenshipbydescent.org/tracing-polish-family-ancestry – A comprehensive guide to researching Polish ancestry, citizenship, and historical records. (Added with many thanks to young genealogist, Ben!)

Polish Ancestors (The Polish genealogy team who discovered many records for me) https://www.polishancestors.com/

Polish Roots (Polish genealogy records and research)
www.polishroots.org

AGAD- Central Archives of Historical Records in Warsaw (www.agad.gov.pl) – Holds 19th-century records and documents from former Polish territories.

Address: Długa 7 Street, 00-263 Warsaw, Poland
Phone: (+48) 22 831-54-91
Email: sekretariat@agad.gov.pl

Polish State Archives (Archiwa Państwowe) (www.szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl) – A searchable database of Polish historical records.

Geneteka (www.geneteka.genealodzy.pl) – A volunteer-driven database of Polish parish records.

Polish Military & Wartime Records

Polish Military Archives https://wbh.wp.mil.pl/pl/ - Holds military service records.
Address: Centralne Archiwum Wojskowe, ul. Czerwonych Beretów bl. 12, 00-910 Warsaw
Email: caw@wp.mil.pl
Archive Information Phone: (+48) 22 681-45-84
Email: informacja.caw@wp.mil.pl

Ministry of Defence (Polish Section): Contact for Polish wartime service records.

Address: Ministry of Defence, Army Personnel Centre Disclosures 5 (Polish), Building 1 (Ops), RAF Northolt, West End Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6NG
Phone: 0044 (0) 208 833 8603

Polish Forces in Britain www.polishforcesinbritain.info– Focuses on Polish military history, particularly in Scotland.

Polonica and the Polish Armed Forces in Scotland http://www.ostrycharz.free-online.co.uk/ – A valuable historical resource on Polish military presence in the UK.

Kresy Siberia Museum www.kresy-siberia.org/museum/
A comprehensive archive documenting the fate of Poles deported to Siberia.

Polish Diaspora & Ex-Combatant Organisations

For those with Polish ancestors who emigrated to the UK, these organisations offer historical records and community connections:

Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK), London
www.posk.org/en/home/ – A cultural hub with historical records and archives.

The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum - https://pism.org.uk/ – Archives of the Polish government-in-exile and military personnel.

SPK: Polish Combatants Memorial (www.spk-wb.com) – Preserves the legacy of Polish wartime veterans in Britain.

Polish Exiles of WWII – Polish 1st Armoured Division (www.polishexilesofww2.org/lists-polish-1st-armoured-division) – A database of soldiers who served in General Maczek’s 1st Polish Armoured Division.

These resources offer a wealth of information for anyone tracing their Polish heritage, uncovering military history, or exploring Jewish Polish ancestry.

I would like to thank Ben, a young Genealogist for a few of the recent links suggested on this page.

Contact Me

Other UK Records & Archives

British Red Cross – Find Missing Family
www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/find-missing-family Assists in tracing missing family members, including wartime and refugee searches.

Royal Courts of Justice (Probate Records)
courttribunalfinder.service.gov.uk/courts/royal-courts-of-justice
Access to UK wills and probate records.

General Register Office UK (GRO)
www.gov.uk/order-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate
Official source for birth, marriage, and death certificates in England and Wales.

London Metropolitan Archives
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/london-metropolitan-archives
Holds London-specific historical and genealogical records.

Findmypast - Excellent for UK and Irish records, including military, newspaper, and parish archives.

The British Newspaper Archive - access to millions of historic British newspapers, covering a wide range of topics from the 17th century to the present day.

Newspapers.com digital archive of historical newspapers, offering access to millions of pages from newspapers across the United States and beyond.

Researching Your Family's History from Ships Passenger Lists

A valuable recourse with links to various Passenger Ship Manifests, Lists and Immigration information.

What about AI?

Using AI for Genealogical Research

Technology, particularly AI, is revolutionising genealogy by making it easier to gather and analyse family history records, creating more cohesive narratives. While it offers greater access and understanding, caution is needed to ensure accuracy and protect privacy.

Dont forget Newspaper archives!

This article involving my grandfather was sourced though Find My Past