Researching family history

The increasingly popular research into one's own family history brings new visitors to the archives every year, who, by studying old registers, land books, and other materials, set out on a long journey tracing their ancestors´ lives. The Prague City Archives are mainly a destination for researchers whose ancestors lived, worked, or otherwise connected their lives to the capital.

For most ordinary individuals, archival records are relatively limited. Unless the person held a public office, was active in a significant association, worked for a municipal institution, or left behind a personal archive or probate file, the surviving records usually consist only of information created as part of official administrative documentation. For beginner genealogists, we have prepared basic information about the sources they will most often encounter in their research, along with a few useful tips on how to work with them.