Hidden Gems of Jewish Genealogy

Hidden Gems of Jewish Genealogy

Jewish genealogy has many challenges but also a growing arsenal of special resources tuned to discovering Jewish ancestors that are available online. Jewish genealogy requires tools to overcome the challenges of doing research in multiple languages, with complicated naming conventions, and in locales which had been under often changing sovereignty. Some of these research resources are well known or easily discoverable – but many are not so obvious. This presentation is not a step-by-step “how to”, but instead will showcase more than a dozen resources that are “hidden gems” of Jewish genealogy. When we research our family history, we often get into a familiar pattern of looking for records in the same places and using the same methods. Whether an experienced researcher or one who is just starting the search for Jewish ancestors, you will find something(s) to aid your explorations – research resources that you may never have heard of or may have forgotten.

Marlis Humphrey is President of the Florida State Genealogical Society (FSGS) and immediate Past President of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS). She served as co-chair of IAJGS Boston 2013 conference and is a worldwide renowned lecturer, and professional genealogist.

Disaster Planning for the Genealogist: Safeguarding Your Genealogical Records

Disaster Planning for the Genealogist: Safeguarding Your Genealogical Records

Natural disasters and man-made disasters happen all the time. Are your genealogical records stored and archived in such a way that they will survive through a disaster? Learn from an archivist how to come up with your own disaster plan and safeguard your genealogical records from destruction.

Melissa Barker is a Certified Archives Records Manager currently working as the Houston County, Tennessee Archivist. She is also a Professional Genealogist and lectures, teaches and writes about the genealogy research process, researching in archives and records preservation.

Medical Genealogy: A Primer of Diseases That Killed Our Ancestors and the Epidemics They Lived Through

Medical Genealogy: A Primer of Diseases That Killed Our Ancestors and the Epidemics They Lived Through

So many researchers hunt for the death certificates of their ancestors but rarely read or understand the cause of death. Disease and death were commonplace occurrences in our ancestors’ lives, and knowing what afflicted them and their communities can help you understand the lives they lived.

Dr. Michael D. Lacopo is a retired small-animal veterinarian born and raised in northern Indiana. He takes a scientific approach to his research as he does to his profession. Researching since 1980, he has lectured internationally and writes the popular blog “Hoosier Daddy?”. A self-described “all-American mutt,” his research skills cover a broad range, including Pennsylvania, German, DNA research, and topics associated with social history.

The Anatomy of BMD: What You Don’t Know About Vital Records

The Anatomy of BMD: What You Don’t Know About Vital Records

Everyone knows about vital records, right? This presentation looks at the history of vital records in the United States, variations of those records, and alternatives.

Gena Philibert-Ortega holds a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology and Women’s Studies) and a Master’s degree in Religion.

But, It’s All On The Internet!

But, It’s All On The Internet!

The internet is a wonderful tool for researching our ancestors. But, it should not replace some of the tried-and-true methods for discovering our ancestors.

Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, was involved in genealogy before she was even born. The daughter of avid genealogists, she was spending time in courthouses and cemeteries while other children were playing on swings and going to the beach. The love of her family’s history has never left her. With her experience serving as a Family History Director, she frequently speaks at genealogical societies, workshops, seminars, and webinars where she loves bringing genealogy to life.

Sharecropping or Tenant Farming? The System and Its Records

Sharecropping or Tenant Farming? The System and Its Records

Was your ancestor a farmer without land? Maybe he was a sharecropper or tenant farmer. Learn how this system worked and where the records are.

Margo Fariss Brewer is an active lecturer, consultant, instructor and the co-leader of genealogy research trips to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City which she finds strengthens her research and teaching skills. Her genealogy courses include beginning through advanced methodology, writing your family history narrative so it will be read, a genealogy computer lab and DNA testing for genealogy; her courses are offered through Duke University’s OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute where she has been on the faculty since 2004. Her lecture specialties include methodology, writing an enjoyable family history narrative with historical context, using DNA in genealogy, historical occupations, and military and land records; she focuses on records within the United States. Margo is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogical Speakers Guild (president), National Genealogical Society (2016 Conference vice-chair), Virginia Genealogical Society and several other local and state genealogical societies.

Organizing Your GENETIC Genealogy

Organizing Your GENETIC Genealogy

Most individuals have hundreds of genetic cousins. Come learn a few methods you can start using today to help you organize your genetic genealogy research.

A microbiology graduate, Diahan Southard has spent 16 years in the genetic genealogy industry. In her current position as Your DNA Guide, she provides personalized, interactive experiences to assist individuals and families in interpreting their genetic results in the context of their genealogical information.

Freedmen’s Bureau Records – Invaluable to ALL Southern Research!

Freedmen’s Bureau Records – Invaluable to ALL Southern Research!

We overlook records that we think pertain to only one group of people. The Freedmen’s Bureau records cover more than freed slaves – they include ex-soldiers, impoverished widows, small children, and destitute parents. They include ration, school, court, marriage, military, and more records, along with incredibly personal correspondence regarding loved ones.

Diane L Richard is the Principle of Mosaic Research and Project Management (MosaicRPM), www.mosaicrpm.com. She has M.E. and M.B.A. degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). She has been doing genealogy research since 1987 and since 2004 professionally focused on the records of North Carolina, other Southern States and migration paths to the Mississippi River.

A Path to Your Next Research Steps: Using Timelines to Organize, Analyze and Evaluate Evidence

A Path to Your Next Research Steps: Using Timelines to Organize, Analyze and Evaluate Evidence

So you’ve done all this research – now what? How do you figure out what you have and what to look for next? Learn how timelines enable you to organize your information, evaluate your evidence, analyze research results for accuracy, and identify next research steps.

Annette Burke Lyttle owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing. She speaks on a variety of genealogical topics at the national, state, and local levels and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories.

Naturalization Know-How: The Laws and Records of U.S. Citizenship

Naturalization Know-How: The Laws and Records of U.S. Citizenship

Many records were created when immigrant ancestors became American citizens. Learn what they are and how to find them.

Rich Venezia is a New Jersey native who now calls Pittsburgh home. He was a member of the research team of “Genealogy Roadshow” (PBS) for the second and third seasons. He started Rich Roots Genealogy in 2013. Rich specializes in 20th-century immigrant ancestry, with main focuses on Italian, Irish, Pittsburgh and New Jersey/New York research. He also assists clients with dual citizenship applications for Ireland and Italy. He is President of North Hills Genealogists in Pittsburgh. He lectures nationwide and delivered a TEDx talk on genealogy and empathy in June 2017.