Commitment to Holocaust Remembrance

As we approach International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, we not only honor the millions who suffered under Nazi persecution but also mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. At Ancestry, we are dedicated to preserving the history of the Holocaust and ensuring that the stories of its victims and survivors are never forgotten. This year, Ancestry will unveil new Holocaust records and new community partnerships that will help individuals connect with their past.

Unveiling Over 7 Million New Holocaust Records

In collaboration with the Arolsen Archives, Ancestry is expanding its Holocaust-related resources by adding five new collections, starting with the Germany, Incarceration Records, 1933–1945. This collection includes over 7.5 million records that document the persecution and internment of individuals during the Nazi regime. These records offer critical insights into the lives of those affected, including:

• Registrations of persecuted individuals.
• Lists of Jewish community members in Germany.
• Documents related to the liberation of survivors.

These records are available to everyone at no cost, providing a vital connection to both personal and global history. You can access these collections for free, with links to the original documents hosted on the Arolsen Archives website.

Please note that these records contain information about persecution, violence, and human suffering. If you're researching these materials, consider taking breaks, setting boundaries for your research sessions, and reaching out for support if needed. Your emotional well-being matters as you engage with this difficult historical content. 

A New Partnership with the Center for Jewish History

We are proud to announce Ancestry has partnered with the Center for Jewish History (CJH) to open the Ancestry Research & Reflection Room. This dedicated space, opening on January 27, 2025, will allow visitors to explore and preserve Jewish family histories. It will debut alongside Anne Frank The Exhibition, presented with CJH, and a series of events examining Anne Frank's enduring legacy.

The Ancestry Research & Reflection Room (shown above) will offer tools and resources for individuals of all ages to discover their family stories and understand the broader historical context of the Holocaust. This initiative complements the CJH’s DNA Reunion Project, an initiative with Ancestry to reunite families separated by the Holocaust through free AncestryDNA testing.

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation, Ancestry remains committed to preserving the truth of the Holocaust for future generations. We invite you to explore our new collections and visit the Ancestry Research & Reflection Room to deepen your understanding of this tragic moment in history. Together, let's honor the memories of those who suffered and ensure their stories are never forgotten.

Discover your family's history and explore our extensive Holocaust records for free at www.ancestry.com/alwaysremember. Join us in our mission to remember and learn from the past.