An archival catalog (archievenoverzicht) will give an hierarchical overview of the contents of a repository. Common topics include: Bestuur en Politiek [Government and politics] Bevolking [Population] Justitie en Rechtspraak [Justice and Court] Openbare orde en veiligheid [Public order and safety] Defensie [Defense] Notariaat [Notaries] Financiën [Finances] Verkeer en Waterstaat [Traffic and Waterways] Ruimtelijke ordening [Urban planning] Sociale zorg, welzijn … [Read more...]
Quick tip – Don’t trust the archivist! (at least: not blindly)
31 October 2014 by Leave a Comment
Earlier this year, I emailed an archivist in Germany to ask about the sources that might be available for my 18th century ancestor. The archive is 2.5 hours from where I live, so I didn't want to drive there for nothing. Unfortunately, the archivist informed me that the town hall had been bombed in World War II, destroying all the old records. For the village and period I was searching, no records were left. I was sorry to hear that as I am writing an article about these people and want to … [Read more...]
Dutch term – gemeente
18 February 2014 by 3 Comments
A gemeente is a municipality, the lowest administrative unit. The Netherlands currently has 408 municipalities in 12 provinces. Over the last couple of decades, many municipalities merged. In 1812 there were 1,100. Archives of municipalities can be found at a local archive; either a municipal archive specific for that municipality or a regional archive where the collections of several municipalities are kept. For an overview of all the gemeentes, check the website Gemeentegeschiedenis … [Read more...]
Quick tip: Find Dutch genealogical collections at archives, not libraries or courthouses
11 September 2013 by 1 Comment
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. … [Read more...]
Types of archives
19 April 2005 by 49 Comments
In the Netherlands there are different types of archives:National archives Provincial archives Local archives: Regional archives Municipal archives This articles explains the differences between the archives and where to go for your research. … [Read more...]
Visiting archives
19 April 2005 by Leave a Comment
IntroductionArchives in the Netherlands are public and accessible for free. The employees are available to ask questions, but they do not do the research for you. Most of them understand English, but it is wise to bring someone along who speak Dutch to interpret the documents for you. Some archives have a genealogical correspondent who will do research for a fee. … [Read more...]
