I clicked on the image link but FamilySearch.org is asking me to sign in.
Many of the original records that we have transcribed, are viewable online in microfilm form through FamilySearch.org–a free genealogy records website that is owned by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) also known as “LDS.” The LDS houses the largest collection of genealogical records in the world and they provide millions of these records online for free. However, to view these records, you must create an account at FamilySearch.org. Creating an account is completely free.
The IAGL is not associated with nor do we have a relationship with FamilySearch.org or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). If you have questions about Familysearch.org or need help creating an account, please contact them directly.
I can’t find the record or individual I’m looking for.
There could be multiple reasons that you’re not finding the record or person you’re searching for on the IAGL database:
Spelling Issues It might be that you are spelling the first or last name incorrectly. Try different phonetic variants of the name, especially the last name, to improve your chances of finding the individual. You should also restrict the search with information you know (such as a year range or location.)
Incorrect Location The index only covers Lutheran Churches in southwestern Lithuania, in the former Suwalki Gubernia of the former Russian Empire. If you’re looking for an individual outside of this area, we may not have that record. Check our inventory here to see what locations are included in the archive.
They’re Catholic If the individual you’re searching for was Catholic, it is unlikely they would have their information record in the database, as the bulk of the IAGL index comes from Evangelical Lutheran churches in southwestern Lithuania
The Record is Lost Thousands of pages of church books from Lutheran churches in southwest Lithuania were destroyed during both WWI and WWII. It is possible the record you’re searching for no longer exists. Check the inventory page here to see if the year you’re looking for is included, yet to be transcribed, or considered “lost.”
The image attached to the record is incorrect.
We do our best to audit all records and the associated image links so users can view the original record (if available.) If the image on the record does not appear to be correct, please send us a note via our Contact page.
I can’t read the record.
You’ll find most original records in the database to be in either Polish, Russian, German, Lithuanian, or sometimes a mixture of a few! Check out our translations page to learn more on how to read the records.
Why is only some information transcribed?
The IAGL volunteers who transcribe these records, do their best to include as much information as possible within a reasonable amount of time. However, it would be too time consuming to transcribe each record word for word. You should view the original record for additional details that are included in the online index. If you can’t read the record because you don’t understand the language, we highly recommend you have it translated.
Where are the original records stored?
Each record in the index includes a citation. This is where the original record is stored, usually in Lithuania, Poland, or Germany. You will need to contact the appropriate archive if you want in-person access (or additional photography) of the record. The IAGL does not hold any original records in physical form.
I’m looking for a record on an individual who was born less than 100 years ago. How do I find it?
Due to privacy restrictions, the IAGL cannot access nor transcribe records on individuals born in Lithuania less than 100 years ago. If you are looking for an individual whose birth is less than 100 years ago from today’s date, you must contact the archive who stores the original record. In almost all cases, you will need to provide proper proof that you have a right to access the information on that individual. Contact the specific archive for more details.
Why are the records transliterated into German?
Although many of the original records were written in languages other than German, most Deutsche aus Litauen would have used the Germanic form of their name in their everyday lives. Additionally, we have found that most people conducting researching in the database, tend to search for the Germanic version first. Officials were required to write baptismal, death, and marriage records in the language that was prescribed by law (Polish, then Russian, sometimes German, and then Lithuanian.)
Can you help me research my family?
Generally speaking, the IAGL does not offer research services. However, if you need assistance researching your family, please use our Contact page to get in touch. If the IAGL is able to provide you assistance, we kindly ask for a donation for our volunteer’s time and efforts.