Finding Grandma's European Ancestors

Tracing Grandma’s Ancestors

This presentation will give a brief description of how Steve found the name and location of his grandmother’s birthplace but will focus on how to find the vital records for your ancestors in the “old country.” He will discuss in detail how he found the Polish records for his grandmother’s ancestors and tips he used to translate them. The examples will cover many European countries and not only Poland. 

Steve will also share some resources that go beyond the traditional documents that enabled him to gather documents, pictures and information that has enriched his understanding and knowledge of his heritage. The presentation will be applicable for researchers of most European backgrounds.

Steve Szabados has been researching his ancestors for about ten years and has traced ancestors back to 1600s New England and 1730’s in Poland, Germany, Bohemia and Slovenia. He has given numerous presentations to genealogical groups and libraries in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. His goal is to share his passion for Family History. He is a member of the Polish Genealogical Society of America, Illinois State Genealogical Society, Northwest Suburban Council of Genealogists and he is also a genealogy volunteer at the Arlington Heights Illinois Library. He is the author of Finding Grandma's European Ancestors that is a must have book for the beginning genealogist looking for their European heritage. Steve also is a contributing editor for the Polish American Journal.