Grodno (Hrodna) Governorate

Grodno (Hrodna) Governorate existed between 1801–1921. Grodno city served as its administrative centre. Russian Empire annexed territories belonging to the Governorate as a result of the Third Partition of Poland (1795). Slonim and Wilen (Vilnus) Governorates (Viceroyalties) were created initially, and then united under the name of Lithuanian Governorate in 1797. In 1801, it was divided into Wilen Governorate and Slonim Governorate which was renamed into Grodno Governorate on 1802.08.28. Statut (right) of GdoL established in 1588 was upheld on the Governorate’s territories up until 1840. In 1842, Navahrudak (Novogrudok) county was transferred to Minsk Governorate, Lida county was transferred to Wilen Governorate.

Grondo Governorate consisted of 8 counties from 1843 to 1921: Belostoksky (acquired in 1843 as a result of demolishing of Belostok province), Belsky (acquired in 1843 as a result of demolishing of Belostok province), Brestsky, Wolkowysky, Grodnensky, Korbinsky, Pruzhansky, Sokolsky (Sokolkowsky) (acquired in 1843 as a result of demolishing of Belostok province), Slonimsky.

GENEALAGICAL DASLEDAVANNI ON THE ORDER

Genealogy research is a difficult intellectual task which requires vast knowledge of history, laws of the past centuries, topography, geography, ethnology and sociology. Additionally, abilities such as being able to freely navigate through data across various archives, paleography skill, and, quite often, having knowledge of several languages, are also required. Such skills can only be honed through years of dedicated work.

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According to Riga Peace Treaty of 1921, lands belonging to Grodno Governorate were transferred to Poland. Former Belostoksky, Belsky, Wolkowysky, Grodnensky, Sokolkowsky counties became part of Belostok Voivodeship; Brestsky, Korbinsky, Pruzhansky became part of Polessk Voivodeship; Slonimsky county became part of Navahrudak Voivodeship.

There were 4 Orthodox monasteries, 490 Orthodox churches, 2 Catholic monasteries, 92 Catholic churches, 7 Protestantism churches, 6 praying houses, 57 synagogues and 316 Jewish praying houses, 3 mosques on territories of Grodno Governorate in 1891.

Genealogy and family history agency “WENDA” was found in Poland in 2015 thanks to the efforts of Witold Chanecki. The agency aims to offer its help with archive search and material processing, as well as offering its support to all the people interested in, and researching, history of their heritage originating in former Grand Dutchy of Lithuania (currently Belarus Republic and partially Lithuania). During the course of our work, we keep in close contact with numerous scientists and researchers, scientific establishments and archives across Belarus, Lithuania, Russia and Ukraine, as well as people of various artistic occupations.