FOUNDED 1998

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.

JGSWVO is a member of International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies
PROGRAMS

Wednesday • April 10 — 7:00 PM via Zoom
New York, New York, It’s a Helluva Source

Explore the New York City Vital Historical Records website. Learn how to access the latest digitized birth, marriage and death records, plus learn tips on searching and what works and doesn’t work on the site. Presented by Michael Sussman. Group discussion and genealogy help will follow.

May
“When Henry Silverstein Got Cold”—how terrible enumerators help us do better census research. A short video talk by Tammy Hepps, with additional information by Patricia Rich-Prisbrey and other JGSWVO members.

Email for more information about JGSWVO
— Become a JGSWVO member
Mail memberships and renewals to: Michael Sussman, 308 Hunington Ave. Eugene, OR 97405


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 started 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.

HISTORY AND EDUCATION
JewishGen Talks - a series of webinars with Jewish genealogical experts
Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
724 NW Davis St.
Portland, Oregon 97209.
(Hours: Wednesday thru Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Information: 503.226.3600 or email info@ojmche.org


The Henry and Sandra Friedman Holocaust Center For Humanity
2045 2nd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121.
(Hours: Sundays, 10:00am - 4:00pm - Reservations Required)

Information: 206.582.3000 or email info@HolocaustCenterSeattle.org

©2024 JGSWVO