Our Methodology

Every research project at 1945 The Story follows a documented, multi-stage process. We believe that a disciplined approach is the only way to honor the complexity of your family's history.

Stage 1: Intake & Discovery

Every project begins with a structured conversation. We learn what you know, what you have, and what you hope to discover. We ask about names, locations, and the oral histories passed down through generations—the smallest detail can often be the key that opens a closed archive.

Stage 2: Source Mapping

Based on your family’s specific region and era, we identify the archives most likely to hold your records. A family from Łódź requires different sources than a family from Vienna; a wartime path through DP camps demands a different strategy than a pre-war community history.

Stage 3: Primary Research

We work directly in the world's most significant historical repositories, including:

  • International Databases: Yad Vashem, Arolsen Archives, and JewishGen.
  • Visual History: USC Shoah Foundation and the USHMM.
  • Regional Registries: Vital records from Poland, Germany, Lithuania, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, and Austria.
  • Local Records: Municipal archives and religious community (kehillah/synagogue) records.

Stage 4: Document Verification

Integrity is our priority. Every document we cite is verified through its source. We meticulously note the archive, catalog reference, and date. If a finding rests on incomplete evidence, we state so plainly.

Stage 5: Translation & Context

History is written in many languages. We translate records from German, Polish, Yiddish, Russian, Romanian, and Hungarian. Beyond simple translation, we provide the historical context—explaining not just what a document says, but what it meant in the world it came from.

Stage 6: Structured Reporting

Findings are assembled into a chronological narrative. Your report will include:

  • Formal source citations.
  • Full document translations.
  • Restored family photographs (where provided).
  • Deep-dive historical context.

Stage 7: Review & Personal Delivery

Every report undergoes a final peer review for accuracy and tone. We then deliver the findings personally, often including a walkthrough call to explain our discoveries and answer your questions in detail.

Stage 8: Research Aftercare

Our relationship doesn't end with a report. We remain available for follow-up questions, deeper explorations of specific family branches, or ongoing heritage guidance.