Answers from Archives

[Robert Hirschle]

Hi,

I sent letters with request for certain information to archives in Lviv and Warsaw and Rovno.
Can any experienced researcher tell me when can I expect to get an answer? because I didnt get any response or any indication that my request arrived and I dont know for how long should I be waiting. And will they send me the files by mail? How do I pay for it?

I would appreciate any kind of enlightment!

Best regards,
Sincerely
Robert Hirschler

[Hannia]

Welcome Robert,

What is family history? What was place of origin? I assume that your surname is Jewish???

when can I expect to get an answer

I wish I could say real soon, but I am not sure if you will even receive a response.

[Robert Hirschle]

Dear Hannia,
Thanks for replying.

My grandparents came from Strjy and Sambor and I would like to look for any vital records. The family was jewish as you said. part of the family perished in the Shoah. I found that some of the information about the people in those areas in those years, like censuses, can be found in those Archives. Is there is any way I can get information from the Archives in Ukraine? can you suggest what is the best way to do it?
Please, I need your advice very much.
Thanks a lot for your Help, in advance!
Robert.

[Hannia]

Robert,

Following is what is where.
______________________________

Lviv Archives (both Historical and State) have mostly very, very old material, and some of which is in the form of lists.

Sambor

Historical Archives Lviv:

birth records:
1833-1852

death:
1863-1883, 1887-1898

marriage:
1859-1876

school records:
1933-1834
1924-1937

property record:
1785-1788
1819-1820
1853-1883

tax lists:
1813-1939 just list

property owner:
1780-1891 69 volumes

State Archives in Lviv:

property :
1922-1939

All Immigration and Holocaust data is in Jewish Institute in Warsaw.

Other metrykal records in Warsaw AGAD and USC in Warsaw. I could run those down for you, if you like.
_________________________________

Stryy

Historical Archives Lviv:

marriage records:
1827-1876

property:
1851-1879

immigration records for 1927 only

birth:
1846-1858

death:
1827-1876

tax lists:
1813-1939

military recruiting records for Stryj powiat (county) incorporated into Ivano-Frankivska regional records, no dates

immigration records same as above, no dates.
_________________________________________

Although there is no prepayment in Ukrainian Archives, the Polish Archives do ask for a non-refundable down payment.

The cost of this research could be high. The records are scattered and the archivists don't put these searches on top of their lists, because they are so difficult.

My suggestion is that you hire a local in Ukraine, who specializes in Jewish Genealogy. He has the advantage of language and familiarity w/the various archives in both Ukraine and Poland. AND it would be more cost effective for you than making individual inquiries @ the various archives.

I recommend Alex Dunai. His reputation is excellent and he is as good as Miriam Wiener, but not as expensive. Miriam is considered to be the best there is in East European Jewish Genealogy, but nowadays she does more lecturing than researching and she does charge an arm and a leg.

Ol. Stepanivny Str. 17/2
Lviv 79016 Ukraine
aldunai@gmail.com
aldunai@yahoo.com
AlexDunai.com

PS> I just received an e-mail from Irene. On two occasions (one in 2001 & other in 2005) she has received negative feedback re Alex. She also has very little faith in Professional Genealogists, who specialize in Jewish Genealogy. Her contention is that records are very difficult to find and obtain. She is a Lviv local and may well be right, but to date I have not received such feedback. BUT ANYWAY, BE CAUTIOUS.

[Robert Hirschle]

Dear Hannia,

Thank you for the deepening answer. I will consider my steps in the light of your advisement and will save the privillege to ask for your counselling again.
Have a great weekend!

Robert

[Ruby Hirschler]

Hello Hannia,

As you recommended, I tried to reach Alex Dunai as a private researcher.
He replied once and then "disapeared": I can't get him anymore, don't know why.
Can you please recommend any other researcher who can help me find information in Ukraine?

MANY THANKS,

Ruby