Estonia Archives and Libraries

Introduction
One difficulty in Estonian research is the dispersal of sources among various archives. Records can be found in the Estonian Historical Archives, the National Archives of Sweden, the Russian State Archives, the Latvian State Historical Archives, and elsewhere. Historically, archival records in Estonia were well-maintained. One reason for this was to ensure their right to own private property, no matter which power ruled over them.

Estonian American National Council, Inc.
The purpose of the Estonian American National Council is: "Collecting of Estonian-American materials began before the establishment of the Estonian Archives in the U.S. This included valuable materials from more than a century ago. The overwhelming abundance of preserved, collected and deposited materials has come from Estonians who immigrated to America from the Displaced Persons Camps in Germany, 1945-1950. As a result of a formal appeal in 1965 for additional material about that the DP period a substantial collection was in place and archived. This was initially housed for safe keeping in numerous Estonian American homes."

The Estonian Archives of the United States can be found: Estonian Archives in the U.S., Inc. (EAUS).

Estonian Historical Archives
The Estonian National Archives (Rahvusarhiv) are located in Tartu, Estonia. The archives contain about 10 million records. About 25 million of those records have been digitized and are available through a website called Saaga. Digitized records include metrical books (church records), revision lists, military records, farmstead books, land registry records, residential registration records and more. For help navigating Saaga, see the "How to" Guide.

In addition to historical records, the Estonian National Archives contain film recordings, photos, maps, seals, and parchments. See their website for contact information.

The National Archives of Sweden
Original sources concerning the history of Estonian people from the 17th up to the first half of the 20th century can be found in these archives. Their website can be found here.

Russian State Historical Archives
Original sources concerning the history of Estonian people from the 17th up to the first half of the 20th century can be found in these archives. Their website can be found here.

Latvian State Historical Archives
Original sources concerning the history of Estonian people from the 17th up to the first half of the 20th century can be found in these archives. Their website can be found here.

Some Estonian records have been digitized through the Latvian State Archive's digital reading room, Raduraksti. These records are primarily vital records and 1897 census records for towns of modern day southern Estonia that once belonged to Livland gubernia. To learn how to navigate the site, see the Raduraksti "How to" Guide.

Shefayim Archives
The Association of Latvian and Estonian Jews holds records at Kibbutz Shefayim. Thier website is in Hebrew, but you can use Google Translate to help you navigate the site. To see an online inventory of records available, see the JewishGen Latvia and Estonia Research Devision Shefayim Archives page.

Archives Portal Europe

 * Archives Portal Europe provides access to information on archival material from Belgium as well as information on archival institutions throughout the European continent.