Genealogical research in Poznań (formerly Posen) is a critical step for those tracing Polish and German ancestry. The region’s historical shifts between Poland and Germany make accessing records more complex, as they are preserved in different languages and archives. Understanding where to find civil, church, and immigration records, as well as how to navigate Polish archival systems, is key to successful research.

Professional Genealogy Research Services in Poznań

Conducting independent research in Polish archives can be challenging due to language barriers, record accessibility issues, and legal restrictions on obtaining documents. Many archives require formal requests, proof of relationship, and, in some cases, in-person visits. Additionally, understanding old German scripts (Kurrent, Sütterlin) and Latin entries in church books is essential for accurate record interpretation.

Our professional genealogy research services specialize in obtaining historical birth, marriage, and death records from Poznań and the former Posen province. Whether you need original documents, certified translations, or detailed family history reports, we handle the entire process efficiently. If you are looking for expert assistance, contact us today to begin your research.

Key Historical Context for Poznań Records

Poznań has a long and complex history that impacts genealogical research. Between 1793 and 1918, the region was part of Prussia and later the German Empire, meaning that many official records were kept in German. After World War I, Poznań was incorporated into the newly independent Poland, and Polish became the primary language for official documents.

From 1874 onward, civil registration was introduced under Prussian rule, making civil registry offices the main source of birth, marriage, and death records. Before this, church records were the primary documentation of life events. During World War II, some records were moved, destroyed, or lost due to war-related damage. However, a significant number of documents have been preserved and can be accessed through Polish archives.

Birth Records from Poznań (Posen)

Birth records are one of the most fundamental documents in genealogy research, providing key details such as the date and place of birth, parents’ names, and sometimes additional information like godparents or witnesses. In Poznań, birth records are primarily held in civil registry offices (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego) and church archives, depending on the time period.

Before 1874: Births were recorded in parish registers (księgi metrykalne) by Catholic and Protestant churches. These records are often written in Latin, Polish, or German, depending on the religious institution and ruling authority at the time.
1874–1945: Under Prussian and later German rule, birth registrations became a civil responsibility, recorded in German-language registry books (Standesamt). Many of these documents are now stored in the State Archives in Poznań (Archiwum Państwowe w Poznaniu).
After 1945: Births continued to be registered in civil registry offices (USC), with records kept in Polish. Documents less than 100 years old are protected under Polish privacy laws, meaning only direct family members can request copies.

Where to Obtain Poznań Birth Records?

Urząd Stanu Cywilnego w Poznaniu – Holds birth records from 1898 onward (restricted for 100 years).
Archiwum Państwowe w Poznaniu – Holds historical birth records (mainly from 19th and early 20th century).
Parish and diocesan archives – For older church records before civil registration began.

To request a birth record, a formal application is required, sometimes with proof of relation. Many older records have been digitized and can be accessed through the Polish State Archives’ online database or genealogy services. If you need assistance retrieving a birth certificate from Poznań, contact us for professional help.

Church Records from Poznań (Posen)

Church records (księgi metrykalne) are one of the most important sources for genealogical research in Poznań, especially for events predating civil registration. These records include baptisms, marriages, and burials, and they were maintained by Catholic and Protestant churches long before official state record-keeping began. Due to the historical shifts between Polish and German administration, these documents may be written in Latin, Polish, or German.

Types of Church Records Available in Poznań

Baptism Records (Księgi Chrztów / Taufbücher) – These include the child’s name, date of birth, parents’ names, godparents, and sometimes additional details like the family’s residence and social status.
Marriage Records (Księgi Małżeństw / Heiratsbücher) – Typically include the names of the bride and groom, their ages, marital status, parents’ names, and witnesses. Some marriage records may also note dispensations if the couple were related.
Death and Burial Records (Księgi Zgonów / Totenbücher) – Provide information about the deceased, including name, age, cause of death, burial location, and, in some cases, surviving relatives.

Where to Find Church Records for Poznań?

Archdiocesan Archive in Poznań (Archiwum Archidiecezjalne w Poznaniu)

📌 Website: https://aap.poznan.pl
📌 Records Available: Catholic baptism, marriage, and burial records from the Archdiocese of Poznań.
📌 Access: Many records are not digitized, requiring in-person research or an official request.

State Archives in Poznań (Archiwum Państwowe w Poznaniu)

Holds some older church registers, especially for parishes that no longer exist or where records were transferred from local churches.
Includes Protestant and Catholic parish records from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Evangelical Church Archives

Protestant records from Poznań (former Posen province) are often found in Evangelisches Zentralarchiv in Berlin.
Some Lutheran records are stored in the Polish State Archives if they remained in Poland after 1945.

FamilySearch and Other Online Databases

Some Poznań church records have been digitized and are available through FamilySearch and Szukaj w Archiwach.
Availability varies; many records require on-site research.

Poznań Census Records

Census records (spisy ludności) are an invaluable resource for genealogical research, offering insights into family structures, occupations, addresses, and migration patterns. While Poland did not conduct censuses as frequently as some Western European countries, several key population registers from Poznań and the former Posen province exist in archives.

Key Census Records Available for Poznań Research

Prussian Censuses (1834, 1840, 1843, 1861, 1867, 1890, 1910) – Conducted when Poznań was part of Prussia/Germany, these censuses recorded names, addresses, ages, marital status, religion, and occupation. The 1890 and 1910 censuses are particularly useful for tracking families before World War I.
Population Registers (Meldebücher, Einwohnerverzeichnisse) – Local registration books (kept by municipal authorities) documented residents in Poznań, especially under Prussian rule. These functioned as continuous records rather than specific census snapshots.
Polish Census of 1921 and 1931 – Conducted after Poland regained independence, these censuses recorded detailed demographic data, including ethnicity and language spoken. The 1921 census is often the first record of Polish citizens after World War I.
German Wartime Registration (1939–1945) – During World War II, the German administration conducted detailed population counts in occupied Poland, including Poznań. These records can be found in German and Polish archives.
Post-War Censuses (1950, 1960, 1970, etc.) – Later Polish censuses exist but are typically restricted due to privacy laws.

Where to Find Poznań Census Records?

State Archives in Poznań (Archiwum Państwowe w Poznaniu) – Holds surviving Prussian and early Polish census materials.
German Federal Archives (Bundesarchiv, Berlin) – May contain census and population records from the period when Poznań was under German rule.
Municipal Archives (Archiwum Miasta Poznania) – Includes local population lists and residential registers.
FamilySearch and Other Online Databases – Some census fragments and transcriptions are available digitally.

Since census records vary in availability and format, professional research assistance may be required to locate and interpret documents. If you need help accessing Poznań census records, contact us for expert assistance.

Primary Archives and Record Sources for Genealogy in Poznań

Successful research in Poznań requires knowledge of the key repositories where historical records are stored. Below are the main sources:

1. State Archives in Poznań (Archiwum Państwowe w Poznaniu)

The State Archives in Poznań hold a broad collection of civil, notarial, and land records dating back to the 19th century. These include birth, marriage, and death records from various civil registry offices, as well as census records, property deeds, and military conscriptions.

📌 Website: https://poznan.ap.gov.pl
📌 Records Available: Civil registry books (after 1874), notarial records, town registers, population censuses.
📌 Access: Some records are digitized, while others require an in-person visit or a formal request.

2. Poznań Civil Registry Office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego w Poznaniu)

For records created after 1898, the Poznań Civil Registry Office is the official source. Due to Polish privacy laws, birth records under 100 years old and marriage/death records under 80 years old are restricted. Only direct descendants or those with legal authorization can access them.

📌 Records Available: Birth, marriage, and death records from 1898 onward.
📌 Access Requirements: Proof of relation and a written request.

3. Archdiocesan and Parish Archives

Before civil registration, Catholic and Protestant church records were the main source of birth, marriage, and burial information. Many of these are now housed in:

Archdiocesan Archive in Poznań (Archiwum Archidiecezjalne w Poznaniu)
📌 Website: https://aap.poznan.pl
📌 Records Available: Baptism, marriage, and burial registers from Catholic parishes.
Evangelical Church Archives
Protestant records are often found in Polish state archives or Evangelisches Zentralarchiv in Berlin.

Locating German and Polish Immigration Records

Many Poznań residents emigrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. To trace ancestors who left Poland, key immigration records include:

Ellis Island and Castle Garden Passenger Lists (New York arrival records).
Hamburg and Bremen Passenger Departure Lists (for those emigrating from Germany).
Naturalization Papers (available in the U.S. National Archives and local courthouses).

These documents often include the immigrant’s last residence, which can be crucial in identifying the ancestral village or town in the Poznań region.