
The foundation was created with the intention of promoting the research of the past of Transylvanian historical families, the preservation and archiving of research materials. Primarily focusing on the research of the tumultuous and mournful period of the 20th century, but also undertakes the historically and sociologically (so far unexplored) areas of the past centuries.
Until the beginning of the 20th century, many family archives, legacies, and tangible memories "found a home" at the Transylvanian Museum Association. The two world wars and political and social changes interrupted this process, and the materials of the public collections were sometimes endangered. It can be stated that the 20th century is documented in fragments. The Center has set itself the task of collecting documents from the descendants of historical families, digitally copying them and making them researchable for specialists and family members. Alongside this, ETKK has outlined the following general goals:
detailed genealogical research of the noble families of Transylvania, updating databases, preparing and merging family trees;
collection, digitization and archiving of legacies, memoirs, archival materials, photos and other historical sources;
database of monuments built by Transylvanian historical families, research, writing studies;
tries to document and analyze the life of the public figures of historical Transylvanian families;
the study and research of the impact of social and political changes that took place in the 20th century on families;
regular publication of articles, interviews, research results;
application of an interdisciplinary approach to explore the historical and cultural contexts of the Transylvanian nobility;
cooperation with partner institutions and university research centers;
organization of educational programs and events related to historical families;
funding of scholarship programs;
creating and operating a specialised library.
Mission:
The primary mission of the Research Center for Transylvanian Historical Families is to understand and preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the Transylvanian nobility.
Projects:
Collecting and Publishing Family Legacies. The project aims to digitally archive and share material artifacts related to Transylvanian historical families that are not located in public collections, making them accessible to family members and researchers. Until the 20th century, many family archives were transferred to the Transylvanian Museum Association, and several legacies are held in the Historical Museum. However, the events of the 20th century undermined faith in the permanence of these public collections for future generations. Although fragmented, many descendants still hold period documents that must be preserved for the next generation. Many such items disappear with each passing decade, making this initiative one of the last opportunities to act. The project’s primary goal is to create a digital archive through the efforts of the Research Center for Transylvanian Historical Families.
Scope of Activities:
The activities focus on digitizing and making accessible copies and photographs of written, visual, and material artifacts related to historical families (e.g., official documents, memoirs, diaries, letters, photographs, audio recordings, family portraits). These materials are copied, cataloged, archived, and made accessible to researchers at a professional level. Emphasis is placed on securely storing the data. Additionally, the center welcomes material legacies in physical form, ensuring their professional storage and long-term preservation.
Board of Trustees

Albert Attila, ETKK founder
"I am one of those lucky people who were able to meet their grandparents and even their great-grandparents. They were wonderful people that lived through a lot. ( ... ) The source of their accomplishments, lifestyle and stories is inexhaustible I want to save these and pass them on to posterity in a modern, transparent form."

Bilibók Botond, founder
"I spent a lot of time among the elderly, from whom I heard and absorbed the living history of the 20th century, with all its beauty and horror. ( ... ) objective knowledge of the past century(s) can be instructive for us and the generation that comes after us for a long time to come. ."

Ugron Győző, managing director
"I took a role in the work of the research center because I see it as my goal to keep the existence of historical families in the public consciousness and not let them sink into oblivion."