| Tracing Your Polish Ancestors |
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| 8. RESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS |
| Complete all your American research before attempting to research in your ancestor's country of origin. |
| Learn your ancestor's birthplace, correct surname spelling, and religion. |
| Learn how records are collected and stored in your ancestor's country and city or town or village--on the government level and on the church level. |
| Learn the history and geography that affected record keeping |
| Learn how to write and send money to a foreign country. |
| Learn about surname and given name and how grammar may affect their spellings. |
| Before taking a research trip to the place(s) in which your ancestor lived in America and his or her place of origin, be prepared. The following recommendations can help your success. |
| Learn how to read foreign records or find translation assistance. |
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| History and Geography |
| History and genealogy cannot be separated. If you understand the events that shaped your ancestor's life, you will better understand your ancestor. The following themes can guide your research. |
| The ancestral home, village, city, town Customs, traditions, folklore, folkart, culture Emigration factors: war, poverty, epidemics, military impressment, opportunities, wanderlust, etc. Journey to emigration port, port life, ship, travel conditions Arrival port, settlement adjustments, migration patterns, employment opportunities |
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| Virtual Cemetery Records, click on search |