Start Exploring!
Before undertaking any research in Switzerland, you should make sure that you know the canton and district of origin of your family.
In Switzerland most of the information is stored at the cantonal archives and at the State registrars of the districts.
If the community of citizenship is known, it is generally possible to identify an emigrant ancestor in the records of the community and thereafter to determine his relationship to the other persons within that clan.
To see where your surname is found in Switzerland, this link is a fantastic tool: click here and see what you find.
World family names can also be tracked using this fun tool...click here and follow the easy instructions.
Don't forget to find out where your family may have settled in the "new world". We have some of that information here.
The Swiss Society of Genealogical Studies (SSGS) is partnering with us to provide you with some basic, but important information in your search for your Swiss Roots.
SSGS is currently translating its website into English: www.sgffweb.ch; To ask for help info-genealogie@sgffweb.ch
Sit back, start exploring and have fun.
Please let us know if you have any additions for this list.
Swiss Society of Genealogical Studies
Whether you are looking for the descendants of William Tell or you are researching your ancestors up to Karl, the Great, we provide beginners and experienced researchers information and tips.
The Swiss Society for Family Research SGFF / SSEG (founded in 1933) is a network of researchers who conduct research in Switzerland and about the Swiss.
Genlabs
Genlabs is a genealogy service located in Switzerland designed to meet a broad range of research and analytical needs for the hobby genealogist as well as professional researcher.
Essential Information
First of all, in Switzerland, civil status documents (birth, marriage, divorce, death) have only been recorded by the official Swiss authorities since 1876.
Preliminary work in the U.S.
Because of the aforementioned difficulties, namely the possible confusion over town names in Switzerland, it is recommended, sometimes even necessary, first to exhaust all research possibilities in the US.
Useful Vocabulary
Time Expressions and Miscellaneous expressions or terms.
Great Links
Let's get started with these great links.
The possibilities are endless as you explore your Swiss roots.
Additional Help and Links
We have provided links to many possible genealogy sites that will benefit your search.
How to read Your Ancestors Documents
Reading old German records requires a knowledge of basic German genealogical terms and familiarity with German handwriting.
Calendar Issues
If you have family documents from before the beginning of the 19th century, there may be some confusion about some of the dates.
Switzerland Genealogy Forum
History, Cantons, Research. Ask your questions.
Swiss Family Genealogy Sites
If you are lucky, someone in your Swiss family has already begun exploring the past.
Take a look.
Billeter Collection
The extraordinary Billeter Collection, plus a portrait of Julius Billeter.
Coat of Arms
In earlier centuries mainly people with an official function needed a coat of arms, used for seals on important documents. Consequently patrician families will often have a long tradition with coats of arms. On the other hand, many coats of arms used today were newly created during the 19th and 20th centuries.
A Short History of the Swiss in Utah
Beginning in the mid-1850s, Swiss immigrants, virtually all converts from early successful Mormon proselytizing in their homeland, began arriving in the Utah territory.
Neuchatelois and Cellier Cellier families
The genealogy of my Neuchatelois and of many other Cellier worldwide.
A History of the Swiss in Canada
Switzerland, like Canada, is a multicultural country. The Swiss have four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romanch (a Latin dialect in use before the time of Christ).
SWISS SOCIETY OF NEW ORLEANS RECORDS
In addition to the records of the Swiss Society of New Orleans, this collection also contains the records of the Swiss-American Historical Association, Louisiana Chapter. Many of the people who belonged to the Swiss Society of New Orleans also belonged to this chapter. This collection contains the following records: an account ledger, member charges, membership records, and meeting minutes.
Immigration from Bern Switzerland
Immigration from Bern, Switzerland.
The History of the Citizen Families of Engi
Learn about the families of Engi, Switzerland in the Canton of Glarus from this lecture on family names.
