Czechia Letter Writing Guide

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The Czech and Slovak Letter Writing Guide is for researchers who do not speak Czech but must write to the Czech Republic for genealogical records. It includes a form you could use in requesting genealogical records.

Follow these six steps when requesting genealogical records from the Czech Republic:

Step#1 Prepare your ancestor's information.
 * Review everything you know about your ancestor.
 * Fill in the names, dates, places, and source citations on a family group record.
 * Decide which ancestral line you want to extend.
 * If you are missing some essential information back up to the place where you have some record of your ancestor and work from there.

Step#2 Fill out and mail your application.
 * Order a copy of the Czech and Slovak Letter-Writing Guide (36340).
 * Read instructions on how to request genealogical research.
 * Fill out an application from the pages 4-5.
 * Important! Specify your limit on research charges.
 * Mail to the address listed at the top of your application.

Step#3 Receive a letter requesting a payment.
 * You will receive a letter from the Archivex, a firm that is authorized by archival administration to collect a payment.

Step#4 Pay the bill.
 * Choose option #2 for making your payment. Go to the bank and have them issue a bank check or a cashier=s check, do not use personal check. Do not choose option #1 and #3.
 * Put a research invoice number on the check. You will find this number at the top of the letter. This is very important so that they will credit your account accordingly. You may include your name as well.
 * You may order a map of the area for $4.00.
 * Mail check to the address given in the letter.

Step#5 Receive the archival report.
 * Your archival report will be probably in the Czech language.
 * Translate the report or have someone else translate it for you.
 * Add the names, dates, places, source citations, and any other information given in the report on your family group record.

Step#6 Repeat the process for other ancestral lines.