Resources > Family Research
Family Research
Getting started on researching your family history can seem like a daunting task. A systematic approach ensures that you use your time efficiently and it will improve your chances of success.
The basic principle of genealogy is to start with what you know about your nearest ancestor (typically a parent), and work your way back one generation at a time. Do not take shortcuts or give in to the temptation of starting your research with a distant ancestor. Given that there are many people with the exact same given names and surname who were born in the same year, you may not connect with the correct family line.
If possible, use a genealogy program to organize your research and always document your sources.
If you are just getting started, read this excellent Volga German Genealogy Research Guide written by Maggie Hein.
Founded in 1968, The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) is an international organization headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska with affiliate chapters in the United States and Canada. AHSGR represents all of the German ethnic groups that settled in the former Russian empire, including the Volga Germans. In the Portland metropolitan area, the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR represents the international organization at the local level and hosts regular programs and events. AHSGR is a membership based organization with annual fees to support both the local and international organizations.
The basic principle of genealogy is to start with what you know about your nearest ancestor (typically a parent), and work your way back one generation at a time. Do not take shortcuts or give in to the temptation of starting your research with a distant ancestor. Given that there are many people with the exact same given names and surname who were born in the same year, you may not connect with the correct family line.
If possible, use a genealogy program to organize your research and always document your sources.
If you are just getting started, read this excellent Volga German Genealogy Research Guide written by Maggie Hein.
Founded in 1968, The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) is an international organization headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska with affiliate chapters in the United States and Canada. AHSGR represents all of the German ethnic groups that settled in the former Russian empire, including the Volga Germans. In the Portland metropolitan area, the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR represents the international organization at the local level and hosts regular programs and events. AHSGR is a membership based organization with annual fees to support both the local and international organizations.
A portion of the Schreiber family descendants chart prepared by Dr. Igor Pleve of Saratov, Russia
Useful Research Links
1884 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Albina
1885 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Albina
1887 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Albina
1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for East Portland and Albina - Volume 2
1901 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Portland - Volume 2
1908-1909 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Portland - Volume 3
Portland Maps (City of Portland)
Past Portland (convert pre-1931 address to current address)
Oregon Historical Society Digital Collection
The Historical Oregonian Newspaper (1861-1987) Multnomah County Library
Oregon Vital Records (State of Oregon)
Cemeteries in Oregon (Find-a-grave)
Family History Library - Former Center for Volga German Studies at Concordia University Collection
1885 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Albina
1887 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Albina
1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for East Portland and Albina - Volume 2
1901 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Portland - Volume 2
1908-1909 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Portland - Volume 3
Portland Maps (City of Portland)
Past Portland (convert pre-1931 address to current address)
Oregon Historical Society Digital Collection
The Historical Oregonian Newspaper (1861-1987) Multnomah County Library
Oregon Vital Records (State of Oregon)
Cemeteries in Oregon (Find-a-grave)
Family History Library - Former Center for Volga German Studies at Concordia University Collection
Last updated November 6, 2022