Among the holdings of the Jewish Historical Institute are a number of unusual and unexpected types of records with genealogical value. One such group is the Wrocław matzevah files.

Each file includes a sketch and dimensions of the gravestone (often including the horizontal base), surname and given name of the deceased, date of death and often date of birth, surname and given names of person who ordered the matzevah (and relationship to the deceased), date of the funeral, location of cemetery (town), name of funeral office.

Sample Gravestone Sketches

There are 623 sets of individually wrapped records in this collection. Prior to indexing, the special covering was removed, the given name and surname of the deceased ascertained and then written on the cover for future reference. The files were sorted alphabetically and a Jewish Historical Institute signature assigned.

Copies of these records may be ordered from The Emanual Ringelbaum Jewish Historical Institute, Warsaw. Click here for the order form.

View a list of all SURNAMES appearing in these records by clicking here.

For further information on Wrocław Gravestones Project or the indexing of Jewish vital records of Wrocław, please contact Town Leader, Stephen Falk.