Netherlands, Limburg Parish Register Transcripts - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
Most of the transcripts are arranged in alphabetical order and have been transcribed from parish registers. The alphabetizing rules used for names such as 'van BEUGEN' will be listed under B for Beugen. The transcript records start with a title page describing the place, church name, type of record, and dates that follows, and then comes the lists of names in alphabetical order. Some names may not have been transcribed exactly as in the original, so you may want to check the originals. The information is typewritten in the form of a spreadsheet.

Some of the records were destroyed in wars and fires. As a result, government officials began collecting copies of some of the church records in the 1700s. Duplicate records were maintained by the parish priests prior to 1796. An abstract or transcription of most of these duplicates is housed in state archives. Some of these registers were also collected at the Diocesan Archive. In 1929, the government ordered that all pre-1811 records be sent to the state archives and most parishes complied with this new rule. Those registers deposited at the regional and municipal archives have been microfilmed and are available at the Family History Library for research.

Use the transcripts, where available, to supplement the original parish registers that are missing or illegible. Be aware that transcripts often differ slightly from the originals. The parish register transcripts include various towns in the Limburg Province, Netherlands.

For a list of records by localities and dates currently published in this collection, select the Browse.

The transcripts collection of parish registers from the Limburg Province covers the years 1600 to 1822.

Copies or duplicates of the parish records were used as Civil Registers.

The parish register transcripts in the Netherlands are an excellent source for accurate information on names as well as dates and places of birth, marriages, and deaths. After 1811, it is also recommended to research the civil registration to verify and complement information. Between 1588 and 1795 the Dutch Reform Church was the state church, so it is also recommended to research those registers for those years.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Records collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher, and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content
The key genealogical facts found in most parish records transcripts include:


 * Surnames and given names of principal
 * Names of parents
 * Names of witnesses
 * Date of the event

How to Use the Records
To search the collection, select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒ Select the Town/Municipality ⇒ Select the Record Type ⇒ Select the Year Range or Alphabetical Sequence which takes you to the images.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

Church records are crucial for family history research prior to 1811 when civil registration was implemented. By using the family surnames and parents' names, you can compile family groups. Witnesses may be extended family members. In order to use these church parish transcripts you must know at least your ancestor’s surname and the place where he/she lived.

Known Issues with This Collection
For a full list of all known issues associated with this collection see the attached Wiki article. If you encounter additional problems, please email them to [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include the full path to the link and a description of the problem in your e-mail. Your assistance will help ensure that future reworks will be considered.

Related Websites

 * Regional Archives West Barbant
 * Genlias A compilation of indexed civil records from the Netherlands, including some from Dutch colonies, mostly dating from 1811 until the mid-1900s. It is in Dutch, but has an option to view and search in English. While it is not complete as yet, it is extensive, with records still being added. Images for many of the indexed records on Genlias can be found in the collections on Familysearch.org.

Related Wiki Articles

 * Limburg History
 * Netherlands Church Records
 * Netherlands Church History

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
“Netherlands, Limburg Parish Register transcripts, 1600-1822”, digital images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org: accessed 27 March 2012), Beek &gt; Baptisms &gt; 1633-1797 A-G &gt; Image 5 of 156, Chriatianus Abrahams, Born 7 February 1756; citing "Netherlands, Limburg Parish Transcripts, 1600-1822", images FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org); from the General Archive in Maastricht (Rijksarchief te Maastricht), Netherlands.