Jewish Family
History Research

What Jewish family records survive in the Rivne archives?

Only a small and incomplete collection of original Jewish metrical records survives in the State Archives of Rivne Oblast. Fragments remain for towns including Kostopol, Ludwipol, Stepań, Derażne, Bereźne and Osowa, while others, including Równe itself, have no surviving original Jewish metrical books.

Fortunately, the loss of these records does not mean that family histories cannot be reconstructed. Registers and lists of Jewish community members survive from the interwar period for several towns, alongside official birth registers compiled by state-appointed rabbis for the Polish authorities.

Beyond these Jewish community records, substantial numbers of official and certified metrical extracts survive throughout the archives. Created from the original registers before they were destroyed, these documents were submitted for a variety of administrative purposes, including establishing Polish citizenship following the First World War, obtaining identity cards and applying for passports to emigrate abroad. Collectively, they can help reconstruct portions of the lost registers, particularly for adults living in the region during the interwar period.

Family and household registers provide further opportunities to establish relationships between generations, while military records can identify men who had emigrated years before reaching the age at which they were due to be called up for service.

The archives also contain substantial collections of Jewish refugee records from the years surrounding the First World War. These may document displaced families, their places of origin, family relationships and movements across the region, providing valuable clues about individuals whose earlier lives are otherwise difficult to trace.

The key is knowing where to look beyond conventional birth, marriage and death registers. Records created for entirely different administrative purposes can preserve vital details of Jewish family life that might otherwise appear lost. By bringing together evidence from these surviving sources, it is often possible to recover family connections, identify previously unknown relatives and build a fuller picture of ancestors' lives in the region.

What can I discover about my Jewish ancestors?

Archival research can reveal far more than names, dates and family relationships. Records created for administrative, legal and commercial purposes can uncover forgotten journeys, unexpected family connections, occupations, properties and events that shaped our ancestors' lives.

Some real examples from my own archival research include:

Can I trace my family before the First World War?

The State Archives of Rivne Oblast holds substantial records from the Russian Empire period, providing opportunities to trace Jewish families back into the nineteenth century. Some collections continue through to 1919, although records from the First World War years are generally less complete.

Two particularly valuable sources are:

How do you research my family's history?

Every family has a different documentary history, so my approach depends on what is already known and which records may have survived.

I begin by reviewing the information and documents you already have, identifying family connections, places of residence and other details that can help establish where to search.

From there, I examine relevant archival collections, working across different types of records to trace family relationships, identify previously unknown relatives and uncover details of your ancestors' lives. Information found in one document can often provide valuable clues that lead to others.

I begin with the most promising avenues before considering broader, more time-consuming searches. I assess the likelihood of finding useful information at each stage, so that further research is guided by its potential value rather than simply continuing without a clear direction.

How do I get started?

Start by completing my enquiry form with what you already know about your family, including your ancestors' names, approximate dates, places of residence and any documents you have already found.

Documents from outside Poland or the former Russian Empire can be particularly valuable. Passenger manifests, immigration records and naturalisation documents may contain details of an ancestor's birthplace, former address, family relationships or the passport they travelled on.

You don't need to have all the answers. Even limited information can provide a useful starting point, particularly when combined with family stories or previous research.

I'll review what you've provided and assess which archival searches are likely to be most productive. I'll begin with the most promising sources and recommend broader research only where the available evidence justifies it.

I'll explain the proposed scope and cost before any paid research begins. While no archival search can guarantee a successful result, my aim is to help you make informed decisions about how much research to undertake.