Genealogy FAQ

Ukraine Genealogy Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about tracing your roots in present-day Ukraine with our Genealogy Services. Discover how Ukraine Roots assists clients by conducting document research in archives and providing support through photographing family homes, townscapes, and cemetery tombstones. Learn where to find records related to Galicia and eastern provinces of Poland. Understand settlement changes after World War 2 and how to visit ancestral towns in Ukraine. Get insights into our pricing structure for genealogical services.

Do you conduct genealogical research for all of Ukraine?

Answer: While we can assist with research throughout Ukraine, our specialty lies in the region historically served by the religious authorities in Lviv (formerly Lwów). This expertise enables us to efficiently locate ancestral records likely archived in Lviv.

Can you help with on-location genealogical research and organize heritage tours throughout Ukraine?

Answer: Absolutely! We specialize in on-location research and heritage tours across a large region that historically belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This includes present-day western Ukraine, eastern Poland, and potentially areas in Slovakia, Romania, or Hungary, depending on your ancestry. If your research leads to other parts of Ukraine, we’re happy to discuss customized options for research and tours.

My ancestors were born in Austria-Hungary before WWI, but their birthplace is now in Ukraine. How is this possible?

Answer: After the collapse of Austria-Hungary following WWI, its eastern province of Galicia became part of Poland. In 1939, the USSR and Nazi Germany divided Poland, and Eastern Poland was annexed by the Soviet Union. Following the USSR's dissolution in 1991, Ukraine became an independent nation, incorporating Galicia. This is why your ancestors' birthplace now lies within Ukraine’s borders.

I’m looking for records of ancestors born in eastern Poland before WW2. Can I find these in their local church?

Answer: Churches in Ukraine typically do not hold old records. Surviving vital records were transferred to state archives in administrative centers. For example, a birth record from a village near Lviv before WW2 is most likely archived in Lviv.

I am of Jewish descent, and my ancestors come from the former Austrian province of Galicia. Are there synagogues left to visit?

Answer: Many synagogues in Galicia were destroyed or repurposed during WWII and afterward. While most were never rebuilt due to the Holocaust's devastating impact, some synagogue buildings still stand in varying conditions. A few have been renovated and are used by small Jewish communities, such as the Choral Synagogue in Drohobych.

My ancestors were Ukrainian and emigrated from near Lviv in the early 20th century. Should I look for their records in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, or Greek Catholic church archives?

Answer: Since your ancestors were Ukrainian, Greek Catholic church records are the most likely source. However, checking Roman Catholic records may also be worthwhile if there’s any indication they practiced that faith.

Does Ukraine Roots provide a full set of genealogical services?

Answer: Yes, we offer comprehensive genealogical services, including document research in archives, photographing ancestral homes, and capturing images of towns or cemetery tombstones. We can also assist with your family history research when you visit Ukraine.

My ancestors were from Galicia when it was part of Austria-Hungary. Where can I find their records?

Answer: Vital records for individuals from Austrian Galicia (before 1918) or southeastern Poland (before 1939) are usually found in historical archives in Lviv, Ternopil, or Ivano-Frankivsk. More recent records are typically held at state civil registry offices. Online resources, such as JewishGen.org and Ancestry.com, can also be valuable for research.

My family lived in the Kresy Wschodnie (eastern provinces of Poland, now Western Ukraine and Belarus) before WWII. What remains of their settlement today?

Answer: Most Polish settlements in this region were dismantled after WWII. Buildings were often repurposed or dismantled for materials, and the land was transformed into state farms. However, remnants like distinct architectural styles, tin roofs, and some Polish churches or chapels can still be found. These churches may have been restored and are now used by either Ukrainian congregations or Roman Catholic communities.

I want to visit my ancestral home in Ukraine, which my family abandoned during the war. Will this concern the current property owners?

Answer: In our experience, property owners are generally welcoming and not concerned about ownership claims. Ukraine lacks a clear legal framework for reclaiming wartime property, making it nearly impossible to regain ownership.

How likely is it that I could find relatives still living in my ancestral town in Ukraine?

Answer: It’s possible, particularly if your ancestors were Ukrainian and from a village or small town. However, for Polish or Jewish descendants, or those from larger cities like Lviv, the likelihood is lower. Regardless, visiting your ancestral town can still be an enriching experience.

How does Ukraine Roots charge for genealogical services?

Answer: Fees vary depending on the complexity of the research, time required, and travel distances. Payment can be made via PayPal or other agreed-upon methods. Pricing and payment schedules are determined based on the specific services requested.