Start Exploring!
We believe the following websites will help in your search for your Swiss American heritage.
Before undertaking any research in Switzerland, you should make sure that you know the canton and district of origin of your family.
We should remind you that Switzerland has four official languages: German or Schwyzertüütsch, French, Italian and Romansh (an ancient rheto-latin language).
In Switzerland most of the information is stored at the cantonal archives and at the State registrars of the districts.
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.Read more here.
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
The SSGS does not undertake any kind of genealogical research and it is not liable for the correctness and completeness of the given information. However, it provides for free:
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 researchers
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.
