The history of many European countries, with changing boundaries and names, often make locating accurate genealogical searches difficult if not nearly impossible. Such is often the case when conducting Polish genealogy research, especially in finding information related to times prior to World War II. In tracing Polish genealogy through different resources, some challenges include the many nationalities and religions that were incorporated into present day Poland.

Beginning the search into Polish genealogy always starts with establishing a record of all information that is known to be accurate. It is not enough to establish a lineage based on rumors and speculation, although unverified information can be used as a starting point in helping to fill in blanks along the way. As information becomes verified through documentation or first person accounts, it can become part of the investigator's permanent family tree.

Depending on where ancestors were wed can help or hinder the search of Polish genealogy. If they wed in Poland before emigrating to the United States, the information is more complete, usually with the names and complete addresses of both the woman and the man. If married in the United States prior to World War I, in most cases only the residence of the man was required to list a street address and in some cases only the town was recorded.

Counting On Others For Useful Information

Many people conducting Polish genealogy research for their own families may find they have hit the proverbial brick wall, especially at the beginning of the 20th century. in previous times many records were lost or destroyed and the first person recreation of records was need to help fill in the blanks of many documents compiled the government. Today's use of the internet can bring many groups virtually together to help piece together different aspects of their Polish genealogy.

For those just beginning to trace their Polish genealogy it will behoove them to seek out others who have already been working on their own family history. Many times they can point others in the right direction as to the location of pertinent information. Knowing how a family traveled from one country to another can be a start in learned to where they were dispersed upon arrival.

For example, as immigrants were processed into the United States through Ellis Island, many of the records indicating their destination may not have been accurate. When searching Polish genealogy it might be found that their occupation would take them to places other than those declared upon entry into the country.