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Genealogy research and archives

Back in the 19th century, what is now modern Germany consisted of a multitude of independent kingdoms, duchies and counties. There was no centralized administration with population registers. Until 1871, one of the main tasks of parishes was keeping records of births, deaths and marriages in the parish registers. However, these records often date back to the 16th century, depending on how well they could be kept safe in times of war and political unrest.
Besides the parish registers, interesting documents such as citizen lists, serf lists, military enlistment lists, records of estate distributions and much more are kept in the state archives. 

Even at the beginning of the 19th century, moving just a few kilometers away could mean living in another dominion, which was equivalent to an emigration. The state of Baden-Württemberg alone was made up of countless territorial dominions. For those willing to take the risk, this meant having to seek permission or apply for admission as a citizen.

This means that genealogists are required to search various archives to detect and trace ancestors by means of official records. This calls not only for detailed knowledge of archival holdings, but also of the historical background of communities and regions. All available archive materials are evaluated and the documents are photocopied, if permitted. 

To sum it up, archival research is the bedrock of genealogy. Without conducting research in the extensive collections of various archives, genealogical research would be impossible.

Overview of the most important archives
in Baden-Württemberg:

Church archives of the Lutheran-Protestant Church:

Archive of the Lutheran-Protestant Church in Württemberg containing amongst other things the parish registers of Württemberg.

Archive of the Lutheran-Protestant Church in Baden containing amongst other things the parish registers of Baden.


Church Archives of the Catholic Church:

Diocesan Archive in Rottenburg containing amongst other things the parish registers of Württemberg.

Archiepiscopal Archive in Freiburg containing amongst other things the parish registers of Baden.


IIf necessary, conducting research directly at the parish office may also be worthwhile.


Further research requires access to state and/or private archives:

In addition, the relevant municipal or regional archives are searched for documents. They often contain a rich fund of archive materials for genealogical research such as resident lists, military enlistment lists, stock books, inventories, divisions of property and much more.

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