How to Find Relatives, Ancestry in Ukraine

Information on Genealogy Tools in Ukraine 

Exploring your ancestry in Ukraine can be a rewarding journey. Below is an overview of key resources and approaches to help you trace your family history and uncover your roots in towns and villages across Western Ukraine. 

Consider using Ukraine Roots' genealogy services:

• Genealogical Tours in Ukraine

• Uncover Your Roots in Ukraine Remotely

• Archival Research in Ukraine

Genealogy Resources Overview

This guide highlights tools such as online resources, social networking platforms, state archives, civil registry offices, church records, and local knowledge that can assist in your search for relatives or ancestral records.

Online Resources

Several English-language genealogy websites offer valuable assistance, and the availability of materials continues to grow. If you’re reading this, you’ve likely already explored some online options for your research.

Social Networking Sites

Search for your last name on platforms like Facebook, including its Cyrillic spelling. This method often leads to connecting with potential relatives or discovering relevant family histories.

State Archives in Western Ukraine

The State Archives system in Ukraine holds many vital records. Archives in Lviv, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi cover the historical regions of Galicia and Bukovina, while others like Lutsk manage Volhynia records. Here’s an overview of how the archives are organized:

• Lviv Oblast records are kept in the Historical Archives of Lviv.

• Ternopil Oblast records are held at the State Archives of Ternopil.

• Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast records are housed in the State Archives of Ivano-Frankivsk.

• Chernivtsi Oblast records, including Northern Bukovina, are at the State Archives of Chernivtsi.

Contact Information for Major State Archives

• Lviv: tsdial@arch.gov.ua | https://tsdial.archives.gov.ua/

• Ternopil: archive_te@arch.gov.ua |https://archives.te.gov.ua/

• Ivano-Frankivsk: archive_if@arch.gov.ua

• Chernivtsi: archive_cv@arch.gov.ua |https://cv.archives.gov.ua/

• Lutsk: info@davo.voladm.gov.ua |https://volyn.archives.gov.ua/

How Archives Operate
State Archives are often underfunded and may not fulfill individual requests for records via email. Visiting in person allows you to submit an application form, and records are typically made available within a week. Alternatively, check if relevant records are available through online databases like the LDS collection.

Civil Registry Offices

These offices handle vital records less than 75 years old, while older records are transferred to State Archives. Accessing records here requires proof of kinship, such as a passport showing a matching family name. Each registry office is organized by administrative region, such as Buchach Rayon in Ternopil Oblast.

Church Records

Occasionally, churches may retain older records, especially those hidden during Soviet times. These records are typically preserved by local priests and can sometimes provide invaluable insights into pre-World War II family histories.

Telephone Books

Traditional landline directories are becoming less common as mobile phones dominate. However, local post offices in smaller towns may still have telephone books, and online directories exist for larger cities.

Local Knowledge

Villagers are often enthusiastic and eager to assist with family history searches. Visiting a village mayor’s office can be an effective starting point, as they may coordinate inquiries and connect you with residents familiar with your family’s history.

Cemeteries in Ukraine

Cemeteries typically lack official records, and older graves are often unmarked or have deteriorated wooden crosses. If family members still reside in the area, they may guide you to a specific grave. Some Jewish cemeteries, like those in Chernivtsi, Brody, or Berezhany, are better preserved and marked with inscriptions in Hebrew, Polish, or German.

Each of these resources provides valuable opportunities to explore your family history in Ukraine. Contact us for personalized support and assistance in planning your visit to these locations to enhance your genealogy research.