Tracing My New Zealand Family History

Welcome! Here on my channel, I share my personal journey as a Russian-New Zealand adoptee-adopted at two from Arkhangelsk, Russia-I also share my series An Adoption Story, a special series of mine, which shares the journeys of adoptees from around the world.
My Story
Learn about my life as an adoptee, my upbringing in New Zealand, and the significance of embracing my roots-not only with those connections in Russia but also from Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
➡︎ • My Journey and Story
➡︎ • My Family
➡︎ • My Birth Parents
An Adoption Story
Explore incredible stories of adoptees, each with their own unique path.
➡︎ Season Two (2024-present) • An Adoption Story (202...
➡︎ Season One (2022-2023) • An Adoption Story (202...
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Don't forget to Subscribe: / @alexgilbert
Connect With Me
➡︎ Instagram: / alexgilbert
➡︎ Facebook: / nzalexgilbert
I'm Adopted
➡︎ Website: imadopted.org/
➡︎ Facebook: / imadoptedorg
➡︎ Instagram: / imadoptedorg
I’m passionate about connecting with adoptees and sharing stories that matter.
Follow along as I reflect on family, identity, and connection.

[@FamilyFunForever2013]

As I wondered if we might be related, because I was born in New Zealand with genetics from the UK (Scotland, England, & Ireland) and Croatia (mine were gum diggers in the far north of NZ in the 1920's and so on), I looked up Podgora, and found my ancestors hometown of Drasnice right next door!! So, if you find any Hrstic or Glucina surnames in your tree, then perhaps we are related in that 'world family' kind of way. Good luck with your search. I was making my enquiries over 40 years ago now... but remember the thrill of finding out all about myself in this way. So proud of you for sharing your adventures with the world, and wish you all the best with your birth family as well as with your adopted family. 🙂🫶👍

[@katheryns1219]

Oh, Sasha, it's so hard to lose an elder. My mom died at the age of 101 a year ago, and despite the fact that she was ready to go, it devastated our extended family. I wish you love and grace during this difficult time.

[@GreatNorth.]

Great work Alex. I've just realized that I'm from the same region and town where you from. Mind blowing

[@AnnaLizzyRose]

Any kind of family history is so interesting. I've been doing my family research over the past few years but I'm stuck with one part of my tree because one of my Great Grandfathers was left at an orphanage/workhouse in Manchester, England when he was only 3 years old. I'll have to go over sometime soon to do further research.

[@netayconnection6236]

Good work both on your biological family and your real family 👪

[@jimmyraysorrells8415]

I'm so happy that you're spending time with your Grandma, Alex. Sending positive thoughts to you and your family.

[@kosican5147]

Thanks for sharing bro it's very interesting how far you can go back with ur family tree keep up the good work been enjoying ur channel 😊

[@jeaniehale1847]

I assume you use Scotlands People, before 1855, when Statutory records began, you need to use the Parish Records. Any marriage, death records after 1855 will have both parents included. No subscription needed, just buy credits so that you can download copies of records. My family is Scottish and I've got back to 1700s.