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 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 succumb to the temptation of starting your research with a distant ancestor. Given that there are many people with the exact same given names and surnames who were born in the same year, you may not connect with the correct family line.
You should consider using a genealogy program to organize your research and document your sources.
If you are just starting, read this excellent Volga German Genealogy Research Guide 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 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 that support 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 succumb to the temptation of starting your research with a distant ancestor. Given that there are many people with the exact same given names and surnames who were born in the same year, you may not connect with the correct family line.
You should consider using a genealogy program to organize your research and document your sources.
If you are just starting, read this excellent Volga German Genealogy Research Guide 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 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 that support 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 16, 2023