The Ukraine has been an independent country for only 21 years. Its history, culture, its cities go much further back. The capital, Kiev, dates back to 482. The identity of its people has changed many times as one sovereignty, government, or another has ruled its lands. “Ukrainians have been called Austrians, Galicians, Bukovinians, Poles, Russians, Rusyns, Ruthenians, Rumanians, Hungarians, Slavs,” as well as other mixed ethnicities that live within the region.
Emigration from the Ukraine to the U.S. and Canada have occurred in four major waves. The first came at the end of the 19th century and continued until the beginning of WWI. The second wave came in the 1920s and 30s. The third group came following WWII through the 50s and were in large part survivors of concentration camps. Since winning its independence in 1991, many others have emigrated or have found connections in the west. Finding your Ukrainian Ancestors, by Muryl Adrejciw Geary, identifies resources and helps to outline research expectations.
From emigration, naturalization, and vital records in Canada and the U.S. to contacting resource in the homeland, Geary provides a mix of personal insight as well as additional sources of information for researching one’s Ukrainian ancestry. The author recommends new genealogists start by reading a beginner’s guide or basic genealogy book. This book does not teach research basics, but rather provides information for specifically search out one’s Ukrainian ancestors and specific record source.
If you are new to genealogy, we recommend these books for getting started:
Unpuzzling Your Past by Emily Anne Croom
The Sleuth Book for Genealogists by Emily Anne Croom
What Did They Mean By That? A Dictionary of Historical and Genealogical Terms, Old and New, by Paul Drake, J.D.
Once you have the basic, this book will help you actively utilize your new skills in finding your Ukrainian ancestors.
Table of Contents
Dedicated to my Ancestors
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Additional Information
History
Additional Information
Geography
Additional Information
Map of Ukraine
Emigration
The First Wave — 1896–1914
The Second Wave — 1920s–1930s
The Third Wave — 1940s–1950s
The New Wave — 1991 onwards
Hamburg Document Pouch
Additional Information
Map of Diaspora
The Diaspora
Where to Start
Family Stories
Tip
More Questions
Additional Information
Names
Additional Information
Austro-Hungarian Passport
Language
Additional Information
Vital Statistics in Canada
Tip
Wills & Estates
Obituaries & Newspaper Announcements
Sample Funeral Receipt
Church Records
Ukrainian Catholic Records
Ukrainian Orthodox Records
Russian Orthodox Records
United Church Records
Ukrainian Baptist Records
Sample Parish Record
Cemetery Records
Census Records
Genealogy Societies
Rule #1 — Join One
Tip
Ancestral Chart
Family Chart
North America
International
Archives in North Amercica
Additional Information
Archives in Ukraine
Western Ukraine
Archives in Other Oblasts
Archives & Repositories in other Countries
Additional Information
RAHS (RAGS) Registry of Vital
Statistics
The Internet
Tip
Internet Clubs in Ukraine
Gazetteers
Maps
Map of Lemberg (Lviv)
Map of Skala, Borshehiv
LDS Microfilms
The Zabuzanski Collection
Additional Information
The Li-Ra-Ma Collection
Immigration
The Hamburg Passenger Lists
Tip
Port of Arrival (Entry)
Additional Information
Photo of S. S. Arcadia, 1896
Homestead Records
Sample Land Receipt
Naturalization & Citizenship
National Registration 1940
Writing to Ukraine
Envelope from Ukraine
Travel Agents
Preparing for a Trip to Ukraine
Additional Information
Useful Words
Epilogue
Order Finding your Ukrainian Ancestors from Family Roots Publishing; Item #: HV11, Price: $17.64. Also, a recommended companion to this book is the Ukrainian Research Book, which focuses primarily on European sources for Ukrainian family research.