Greetings!
My great grandmother and great grandfather immigrated from a village an hour from Budapest. We are headed there in May 2026.
I'd like to hire someone to validate the data I have from my Ancestry dot com research and then travel with my husband and I to the village and church along with any other sites that are applicable to my family story. I have one name from Rick's book - Adam Kiss as well as a few advertised online. Was wondering if anyone has experience working with one of these guides by chance? Have any connections or a relationship with anyone? Thank you very much in advance!
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
24503 posts
I can help with logistics when you come, but the guide, no. Sorry. But this will bump you back to the top of the list
Posted by
OP
Arizona
35 posts
Thanks Mr E!
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
24503 posts
Have you been to Hungary before?
Posted by
OP
Arizona
35 posts
No - this is our first trip there.
Posted by
OP
Arizona
35 posts
Tons - staying 5 nights. Will only have four full days due to travel days.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
24503 posts
I sent you a PM with some links.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2782 posts
As someone with 1/2 Hungarian heritage I am curious to know what village your family came from? My grandmother came from Tata, about an hour northwest of Budapest, and came to the US in 1899. I went there by train in 2016 to poke around and it was wonderful to see the old section of the town and church, but as I wasn't able to research extensively the only Katonas I found a trace of were resting peacefully in the cemetery...still felt like I accomplished something. Next time I get the urge to do this I will have better info and a guide!
Posted by
OP
Arizona
35 posts
Hi Crista - two towns in Pápateszér in Pápa (Veszprém) - 2.5 hours west of Budapest. Bakonyszuczs and Jaco. I've been in contact with Adam and think he will be provide a great experience.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2782 posts
I hope you'll update with a report on how that goes for you--best of luck!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
110 posts
A suggestion for you, without knowing how much research you have completed and what information you have about your great grandparents - make sure you know their names in Hungarian. I've never used Ancestry dot com so I'm not familiar with the data on that site.
On a recent trip, a family member visited the village my parents came from / ancestors lived for several generations. With help from villagers and a photo, and a letter written in Hungarian to explain, the house my mother lived in was found. Because we aren't ethnic Hungarians, it took a while to figure it out and find my grandfather's name on the village war memorial, as his name was in Hungarian and not in German.
Posted by
216 posts
Try to do as much research as possible before you go. I highly recommend visiting an open-air ethnographic village. The largest in Hungary is near Budapest, and you can easily take the train. Hungarian Open‑Air Museum in Szentendre. Once you get off the train, take a local bus or a taxi to the village. This will really give you the experience of stepping back to your ancestors' time.
I have visited ethnographic museums all over Poland, and these villages are so helpful.