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Online Research
How Online Research Works
Online genealogy research focuses on working with historical records that have already been digitized and made available remotely, even when they are not indexed or searchable through major genealogy platforms.
Many archives across Eastern Europe have scanned vast collections of vital records, population lists, military materials, and administrative that can be reviewed remotely. In addition to digitized archival collections, online research includes work with genealogical databases, indexed records, forums and other digital sources. This type of research is often faster and more cost effective than on site archival work.
Professional online research uses the same historical records as archival work. Our online research services are not limited to Eastern Europe, but also cover countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and others, as in many cases records in the country of arrival must be identified first in order to determine where to continue research in Europe.
Step 1. Initial Review and Research Direction
Every project starts with a detailed discussion. You contact us and share all the information you already have, including documents, dates, places, family stories, or previous research. We carefully review this material, clarify your goals, and assess what is realistically possible in your specific case. Based on this analysis, we define the research scope, explain which online sources can be searched, outline the expected timeline, and provide clear pricing before any work begins. If you do not know the exact place of origin, this is not a problem! In many cases, online research starts with records from the country of arrival and helps determine where further research in Europe should be focused.
Step 2. Online Research and Source Review
Once the scope is agreed, we begin the online research. Depending on the case, this may include reviewing digitized but non indexed archival records, working with genealogical databases, checking indexed vital records, population lists, military and migration materials, and examining relevant online resources and forums. We systematically review all sources available online for your case, prioritizing scanned original documents whenever possible. The exact set of sources always depends on the research goals, but our approach is to exhaust all relevant online materials before recommending on site archival work. This allows us to work faster and more efficiently while still relying on primary historical records.
Step 3. Analysis, Translation, and Reporting
After completing the online research, we analyze all findings in context. Records are translated when necessary, evaluated for reliability, and cross checked against each other. We address contradictions, clarify unclear details, and provide historical and geographical context where it is needed. Rather than sending links or scans, we prepare a clear written report that explains what was found, how the records relate to each other, and what conclusions can be drawn. Our goal is that you fully understand the results and their significance.
Step 4. Results Review and Next Steps
We present the findings to you, answer questions, and discuss the outcome of the research. In many cases, online research provides sufficient information and the project can be concluded at this stage. If you would like to go further, we can recommend additional online searches or transition the project into archival research for deeper investigation using materials that are not available digitally. Online research often serves as the ideal first step, helping define clear directions for further work while avoiding unnecessary time and expense.