Dedicated to enhancing knowledge of those who came before us,
enabling those who follow to enjoy and learn from our discoveries
Our meetings are open to everyone. You are welcome to ask genealogy research questions, report success stories, and show old photos, reference books and family heirlooms. JGSWVO members can borrow books and newsletters from our library and list family names and towns on our website.
December 18 – Zoom Meeting, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Program: View several short films and enjoy a group discussion.
The short videos will include: –Are Jews Indigenous to Israel?
–What genealogists should know about DNA without the science
–The Truth About FindAGrave
–What life was like in a Jewish Shtetl
January 15 – Zoom Meeting, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Program: Genealogy Website Deli
Zoom in if you are wondering where to start or how to continue finding your family history. We will present information about six genealogy websites in 10-minute bites, followed by shmoozing. Sites include Ancestry, NYC Vital Records, JewishGen, Family Search, Newspapers and Maps. You can ask questions, talk about your experience, have fun, and learn something new.
Presenters:
Ancestry – Patricia Rich-Prisbrey
NYC Historical Vital Records – Michael Sussman
JewishGen – Reeva Kimble
Family Search – Eliezer Froehlich
Newspapers – Larry Gorchow
Maps – Hap Ponedel
If you are not a JGSWVO member, email jgswvo@gmail.com to request a Zoom invitation to the meeting.
In Memory of Renee Gottesman (1950-2024), a co-founder of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Willamette Valley Oregon.
In 1998, a small group of experienced and novice family history researchers began meeting at Renee’s house to talk about Jewish genealogy and to learn about searching for family records. She continued to host our meetings until 2013, first on Onyx Street in south Eugene and later across the river in Quail Run. Renee volunteered many hours helping beginners learn to access their computers for research. She served as vice president of JGSWVO until she and her husband Andy moved to New Jersey.
Her son, Isaac, sent this message about Renee:
“It is difficult to express just how much my mom loved the Jewish genealogy group in Eugene. For her, it was a space of joy, excitement, wonderful conversations and meaningful relationships.”
Renee will always be with us in spirit as we continue to explore our family histories.
LET NO HOLOCAUST VICTIM BE FORGOTTEN
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Willamette Valley Oregon is working with YAD VASHEM, The Holocaust Martyrs’ & Heroes’ Remembrance Authority, to help identify and remember every possible victim of the Holocaust. More information...
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS OF EASTERN EUROPE
JGSWVO member Hap Ponedel is building a comprehensive website with the primary goal of gathering the widest possible variety of historical maps for Jewish genealogists and researchers interested in the Jews of Eastern Europe. Maps from libraries around the world, as well as online sources, are offered along with links to Jewish encyclopedias to create a historical atlas. Check in periodically, as maps and links are continuously added.
Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
The Henry and Sandra Friedman Holocaust Center For Humanity
library and list family names and towns on our website.