Tracing ancestory in Swizterland?

Question:

Tracing ancestory in Swizterland?

My ancestors, the Grossenbachers, were Swiss citizens, and lived in Geneva. We suspect they were not native Swiss, but were citizens. Switzerland allows people from other countries access to old records if they can prove that they are direct descendants of a Swiss citizen. I was wondering if anyone has gone through this process, how long it took, and how much it cost. I know that the person wanting information has to pay all shipping and administrative fees.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Switzerland is very researcher friendly. Every kanton has an archives and every archives has an English-speaking associate who will help you. They won't pull the records, but will tell you what's available and where they can be found. The secret is to then contact the Dept of History at a local college and seek out a graduate student who would be willing to pull the records for you and scan them into a computer or mail them to you. I pay about $10/record to students and am never disappointed. Your info from the archivist will direct them right to the records. They just need to make the copies.

You can go the other route, but it takes a very long time to get the records. You literally have to wait for a volunteer to pull your request...and that has taken years. I'm too impatient. Of course, you could always go to Geneva for a vacation and enjoy doing the research yourself ;-)