Quick tip: Find Dutch genealogical collections at archives, not libraries or courthouses

11 September 2013 by 1 Comment
Large modern building

Gelders Archief

Unlike in the US, most genealogical records and collections in the Netherlands can be found in archives, not libraries or courthouses. Most libraries do not have a genealogical collection, just some published books about genealogy. Courthouses, municipalities and other governmental agencies are required by law to transfer their permanent records to an archive, usually after 20 years.

If you want to consult original records, genealogical publications or newspapers, archives are your best bet. You can find their websites on Archiefnet (Archivenet).

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About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, MLitt, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist, writer, and lecturer in the Netherlands. She has a Master of Letters in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee, and holds the Certification of Genealogist and Qualified Genealogist credentials. Yvette served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists and won excellence awards for her articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly. Yvette has been doing genealogy for over 30 years. She helps people from across the world find their ancestors from the Netherlands and its former colonies, including New Netherland. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

Comments

  1. Robert Dekker says
    16 February 2016 at 1:23 am

    My children are looking for family information on my parents Geerdiena (nee Van Eybergen) Dekker and Pieter Wilhem Dekker. They were both born in The Netherlands in 1906 and 1899. They immgrant to Canada in 1948.

    Reply

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