| If you are of Czech or Slovak heritage and are | | | | historical records from the Czech Republic and |
| considering tracing your family roots, here are | | | | Slovakia. |
| five tips that will help make the process easier. | | | | You will want to search the birth, death, and |
| The genealogical process is as fascinating as much | | | | marriage records. Many times, this will lead you |
| as it can be frustrating, so use these Czech | | | | specifically to the village. |
| genealogy tips to help you find your family tree... | | | | Tip #4: Hiring A Czech Researcher |
| Tip #1: Start With What You Know | | | | Another way to short cut the process is to hire a |
| Many people struggle with where to start on a | | | | researcher in the Czech Republic. Obviously, a local |
| genealogy project. The key is to gather all the | | | | researcher will have greater access to records |
| facts you already know and document them. | | | | and may be able to cut months or even years |
| Even if you are hazy on details, write down what | | | | off your search. |
| you think you know. Examples include as much as | | | | Most genealogical societies will guide you toward |
| you know about your grandparents, great | | | | finding a qualified researcher. If you have done a |
| grandparents, and beyond. Dates of birth, location | | | | bit of leg work yourself ahead of time, the cost |
| of birth, and other basic demographic information | | | | should not be too prohibitive. |
| is an excellent start. | | | | Tip #5: Be Patient |
| Tip #2: Going Beyond What You Know | | | | Like any type of records research, tracing your |
| Ultimately, you'll hit a dead end with your own | | | | Czech-Slovak roots will take time. Be patient, |
| personal knowledge. This is where the work (fun?) | | | | especially if you are relying on the work of others. |
| starts. You will need to go to outside resources | | | | Special requests often need accommodating, and |
| pertaining to the Czech community. One such | | | | further, you will be dealing with government or |
| place is the Czech-Slovak Genealogical Society of | | | | civic agencies. |
| Illinois, an excellent starting (and often finishing) | | | | Another factor is that most Czech records only |
| point for research of this nature. | | | | go back to 1750 at the earliest, because churches |
| Other sources can include church records, military | | | | didn't keep records before then. An astute local |
| records, marriage, and funeral information. Your | | | | researcher might be able to source additional |
| local county offices can be an excellent source. | | | | information via local history books and other data. |
| Tip #3: Getting Local | | | | Summary |
| Often, the biggest hurdle for genealogical research | | | | Your reward will be well worth your time and |
| is finding the village where your ancestors were | | | | effort! Use these five steps as a guideline and |
| born. To help you, we recommend a visit to your | | | | you will be well on your way to discovering your |
| local Family History Center, which is managed by | | | | Czech and Slovak ancestry. |
| the Mormon church. They have microfilmed many | | | | |