Researching family members affected by the Holocaust can be emotionally heavy and logistically confusing.

If you’ve heard that the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) holds records that might help — you’re absolutely right. The museum is one of the world’s most important repositories of Holocaust-era documentation, and many of its records are accessible to the public if you know where to look.

This guide walks you through how to find and request records from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, what kinds of documents are available, and how to make the most of your search.

What Records Does the USHMM Hold?

The USHMM has collected millions of documents from archives across Europe and beyond. These records were gathered to preserve evidence of Nazi persecution and to help families trace what happened to loved ones.

You may find:

• Concentration and labor camp records
• Ghetto documentation and census lists
• Displaced Persons (DP) camp records
• Transport and deportation lists
• Postwar registration cards
• Testimonies and survivor questionnaires
• Nazi-era identification documents

Not every victim appears in surviving records, but even partial information can provide crucial clues and context.

Start with the Holocaust Survivors and Victims Database

Your first stop should be the Holocaust Survivors and Victims Database on the USHMM website. This searchable database brings together names from many different collections into one place.

When searching, try:

• Multiple spellings of surnames
• Using only a first or last name
• Searching by town of origin
• Removing accents or diacritical marks

Search results often link to specific archival collections. Even if you don’t immediately recognize a document, note the collection name — it can guide further research.

Explore the Museum’s Archival Collections

The USHMM archives contain thousands of collections acquired from institutions worldwide. Many collection descriptions are available online, and some materials are digitized.

Look for:

• Finding aids that describe what each collection contains
• Notes on which materials are available online
• References to original European archives

If a record is not digitized, don’t assume it’s unreachable. Many materials can be accessed through a research request.

Submitting a Research Request

If you’re unable to locate records on your own, you can submit a research inquiry directly to the museum. The USHMM has a dedicated reference staff experienced in Holocaust-era documentation.

When submitting a request, include:

• Full name of the person you’re researching
• Approximate birth year
• Place of birth or residence
• Known camps, ghettos, or wartime locations
• Any alternate spellings or aliases

The more context you provide, the better the chances of a meaningful result. Responses may take time, so patience is important.

On-Site Research at the Museum

If you are able to visit Washington, D.C., the USHMM offers on-site access to additional archival materials. Some collections can only be viewed in person due to copyright or preservation restrictions.

Before visiting:

• Search the online catalogs to identify relevant collections
• Request materials in advance when possible
• Bring photo ID and be prepared to follow archive rules

Archivists on site can help guide you, explain documents, and suggest related collections.

Understanding What You Find

Holocaust-era records can be fragmented, bureaucratic, and difficult to interpret. Dates may conflict, names may be misspelled, and details may be incomplete. This is normal.

Think of each document as a puzzle piece rather than a complete story. One transport list, registration card, or DP record can open doors to additional archives and resources.

A Final Word

Searching the records of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is more than a research task — it is an act of remembrance. Whether you uncover extensive documentation or only a single line in a ledger, that record helps ensure a life is not forgotten.

Take breaks when you need them, document what you find, and remember that every discovery, no matter how small, matters.