Construction of the JRI-Poland Database: Our Latest Strategy

Some of you have noticed that we have removed the test data in the NextGen database. This is because we undertook a project to “clean” our data and add to each file rather than simply porting it over from our Legacy System. This gives us a chance to run cleanup programs against it and build “data warehouses” of information on specific topics to compare to our data entries.

Very soon, these master files of Given Names and Occupations will allow us to validate spelling and provide “type ahead” features as data is input into the system. It is also allowing us to standardize dates and place names. By standardizing place names, we will be better able identify matches and hope to eventually refer to maps. We are also adding the sex of the person (wherever possible) to entries based upon their given name or names.

In the meantime, there are two features of our system that appear to not work; however, it is because there is no data in the system for them to draw on at the moment. (1) The Surnames Tables for the Towns are not available and (2) the town map does not show any records are available. In both cases, the features work, but are pointed to the New Database which has very little data in it.

To see how things will work, please take a look at the Town Explorer card for the town of Zawichost.

A screenshot of a computerDescription automatically generated
Town Explorer card for the town of Zawichost

All this change requires volunteers who are willing to help with towns that they may not be researching themselves. If you are such a person and are willing to help (though you may not gain information for your own family tree), please write to [email protected]. Thanks!