Thursday, April 12, 2012

"Resources for Genealogists at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and How to Use Them"


Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando Proudly Presents
USHMM Expert Megan Lewis

ORLANDO, FL, April 10, 2012 The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) proudly presents internationally renowned and highly regarded expert, Megan Lewis, as Speaker of the Month. She will present "Resources for Genealogists at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and How to Use Them".

Ever wonder what exactly the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM), in Washington, D.C., has (and what they don’t have?)  This talk will present an overview of the broad variety of sources available to Jewish genealogists at the Museum, such as books, archival collections, oral histories and the International Tracing Services records and show how they relate to one another.  The talk will then demonstrate how to find sources relevant to your own research using Museum databases.  Finally, the talk will discuss how to do research either at the Museum, in Washington, D.C., or remotely.

Megan Lewis, MLS, has worked at the USHMM since 1998.  Currently a reference librarian in the Museum’s Library and Archives reading room, she previously spent 12 years working for the Museum’s Holocaust Survivors and Victims Resource Center, the division of the Museum that specialized in researching the fates of specific individuals. Megan has talked about the Museum and its resources to genealogical conferences, gatherings of Holocaust survivors and the American Library Association.   She currently works on a private research project about genealogists’ use of testimonial sources which she presented at the Future of Holocaust Testimonies II conference in March 2012.
A JGSGO Maven’s Corner will be available starting at 6:30 P.M., prior to the scheduled program, by reservation only. Those interested in meeting with a maven to discuss a genealogy problem should bring a concise description of their genealogical question and relevant background data. Please email your question and background information and to reserve an appointment to jgsgo.maven@gmail.com .

Megan will present to the group from the USHMM in Washington, D.C. live via the Internet. Whether beginner or expert in researching your Jewish family history, this is the meeting for you. Don’t miss out!

DATE: Tuesday, April 24, 2012
TIME: 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation, Social Hall, 11200 South Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32836
ADMISSION: Open to the public. $5.00 for non-members. Free for members.

About the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) is a not for profit organization dedicated to sharing genealogical information, techniques and research tools with anyone interested in Jewish genealogy and family history. Anyone may join JGSGO. Annual dues are $25 for an individual and $30 for a family. For more information visit our blog at www.jgsgo.blogspot.com .