Jewish genealogists to share research tips, family history discoveries in free hybrid meeting
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will hold a "Kvell and Tell" session on Sunday, June 25, 2023, as part of the group's annual meeting. Several JGSI members will take turns sharing family history discoveries and research tips. This hybrid meeting also features a brief annual report from JGSI's co-presidents, Debbie Kroopkin and Wendy Hauser.
Register for the 2 p.m. CDT online Zoom talk at: https://jgsi.org/event-5047492. RSVP for the 12:30 p.m. CDT in-person meeting at Temple Beth-El in Northbrook, Illinois - which includes access to the 800-volume JGSI research library and Jewish genealogy help desk - at: https://jgsi.org/event-5150102. Participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided.
Those who wish to share their family history discoveries and genealogy tips in the “Kvell and Tell” session as presenters should send an email to events@jgsi.org explaining their presentation topic idea and estimated time of presentation. Each presentation is to be between 5 and 10 minutes to allow more members to share their discoveries, experiences and suggestions. PowerPoint presentations are suggested but not required. Copies of informative handouts for those in attendance are also encouraged.
As a hybrid meeting, the talks may be given from home via Zoom OR in person at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois.
"Kvell and Tell" presentation topics should relate to Jewish genealogy or family history research methods, anecdotes or discoveries. Possible "Kvell and Tell" topics might include (but are not limited to) the following:
• A notable event in your family history and how you discovered it
• The creative way you are sharing your family history with relatives
• A research tool that has been most helpful in learning about your family history
• How taking a DNA test has added new perspectives about your genealogy
• What family history mystery, puzzle or quandary are you still trying to solve
• How to plan for a family reunion or other genealogy themed gathering
• How to publish or otherwise share your family history
• What did you learn about your family from the 1950 U.S. Census
• How has a recent family history discovery or tool added previously unknown relatives to your family tree
The most relevant presentation proposals will be accepted as time allows, and preference will be given to shorter talks. Presentations will be recorded and later made available in the members-only section of the JGSI website.
The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. CDT to accommodate those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m.
Registration/RSVP details will be forthcoming. Participants may register for both online and in-person events if they are undecided.
Please keep in mind that JGSI will maintain certain procedures for our in-person meetings. These include:
• We request all attendees to in-person meetings be vaccinated.
• Face masks are strongly recommended.
• Water will be provided; however, no food will be allowed at this time.
• Seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.
• And MOST IMPORTANT, if you are sick or not feeling well or recently tested positive for COVID, please do not come into TBE.
The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:45 p.m. for those who want to use or borrow genealogy library materials, get help with genealogy websites or ask genealogical questions from genealogy expert volunteers before the main program begins at 2 p.m.
At each in-person JGSI monthly meeting, its "help desk" will operate from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. Member volunteers will access online databases and answer genealogical questions one-on-one for members and visitors as time allows.
The JGSI library has more than 800 volumes of interest to Jewish family historians. Many are available for borrowing by JGSI members for a limited time. All are available for perusing from 12:45 to 1:50 p.m. at each regular monthly meeting.
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members collect, preserve, and perpetuate the records and history of their ancestors. JGSI is a resource for the worldwide Jewish community to research their Chicago-area roots. The JGSI motto is "Members Helping Members Since 1981." The group has more than 300 members and is affiliated with the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.
JGSI members have access to useful and informative online family history research resources, including a members' forum, more than 65 video recordings of past speakers' presentations, monthly JGSI E-News, quarterly Morasha JGSI newsletter, and much more. Members as well as non-members can look for their ancestors on the free searchable JGSI Jewish Chicago Database.
For more information, see https://jgsi.org or phone 312-666-0100.