Dedicated to enhancing knowledge of those who came before us,
enabling those who follow to enjoy and learn from our discoveries

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Wednesday, November 19th, on Zoom – 6:30 PM
Program: Coming From Europe
How did your ancestors arrive in the U.S.? Michael Sussman and Eliezer Froehlich will present information regarding records from the Dutch and German ports where immigrants embarked to America. Pam Endzweig will be available to translate from German to English. The sources for passenger lists include Holland America’s website and Family Search.

The Hamburg passenger lists contain the names of millions of Europeans who departed Europe from Hamburg, Germany between 1850 and 1934 (except 1915-1919). Nearly one-third of Germans, and 90 percent of the people who emigrated from eastern Europe (Russia, Poland, Austria-Hungary, Romania) during this time, are included on these lists.

There are more than 2.5 million records of passengers who sailed on the Holland America Line, departing from Rotterdam, Antwerp and other ports starting in 1901.

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Wednesday, December 17th, on Zoom – 6:30 PM
Program: Family Tree Maker 2024
Guest speaker Mark Olsen of Family Tree Maker will present changes to the newest version of Family Tree Maker 2024, released in May, 2025.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2026 on Zoom – 6:30 PM
Program: New Year. New Discoveries!
    Beginning researchers – Starting from what you already know, explore ways to find information about your ancestors, their town, their occupations, their culture.
    Advanced genealogists – Share information of the details you have uncovered, so other members can follow the same pathway to exciting results.

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○ Write to jgswvo@gmail.com for a Zoom invitation to our next meeting and for information about JGSWVO.

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HISTORY AND EDUCATION

Topographic Maps Of Eastern Europe
JGSWVO member Hap Ponedel built and maintains a library of historical maps and other materials pertaining to Jewish life in Central and Eastern Europe before WWI. The site contains various search tools to help visitors find images and information relevant to their research. Finding the right map can be confusing, and assistance is offered at no charge. Materials are in the Public Domain and offered free for download.

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