Conducting Research in Switzerland from Abroad

Unfortunately, the Cantons of Aargau, Freiburg, Glarus, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Valais, and Zug constitute what might be called the “black hole Cantons,” meaning that nothing, or almost nothing, of records from these Cantons are available online for remote viewing. What do you do when you realize that your ancestors were from one of these Cantons? 

Here are some helpful tips about how to go about conducting research in places like these:

1. The most reliable, but also the most expensive way is to go personally to the Cantonal Archives and conduct your own on-site research. For the great majority of us, this is a non-starter.

2. Write to the Cantonal Archives in question and see if they will do a “one-off” search for a particular record. Be very specific and quite cordial.

3. Hire a researcher. Most Cantonal Archives maintain a list of local researchers who are willing to go the Archives and carry out on-site research. Some of these researchers may specialize in particular areas within the Canton, and the Archives may make note of this fact in their reference list. If nothing is noted, ask the Archives as a precaution. Most researchers charge around CHF 100 for an hour’s work plus the cost of transportation and any other fees they may need to pay as part of the research project. They will probably seek a minimum retainer of hours, too. Be very specific in making your request when you write to a prospective researcher and do not send any money until everything has been conclusively agreed upon in writing!

4. Most Cantons have a Cantonal-wide historical society. For queries about broad general historical topics in the Canton, this is a reasonable approach.

5. If you know where your ancestors are from within a particular area in a Canton, see if there is a local historical society. If there is, write to them. A number of these small organizations have taken it upon themselves to digitize the local parish registers on CD. There might be a searchable master index of said parish registers on the CD. These CDs represent a considerable source of income for a number of these small groups. Additionally, there might be a member of the society who is willing to go to the Cantonal Archives and carry out research for you. This leads us back to point number three.

6. If you know your ancestor’s religious denomination and the exact parish where they worshiped, write to the Pastor. Again, be very specific and offer a reasonable donation up-front for information about your ancestors. It goes without saying, but some Pastors will be more helpful than others.