Jewish Genealogical Society of Willamette Valley Oregon

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

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Sunday, June 22
Annual Members Potluck

July
Individual research on your favorite family branch.

August
Research the other branches of your family. Make a list of your of your discoveries or problems to discuss at the JGSWVO meeting in September.

Wednesday, September 17, at TBI – 6:30 PM
Program: Help is Here!
Members will assist with solving puzzles, breaking through brick walls, and finding missing relatives/ancestors. We’ll hear about your research and assist each other to take the next step.

Wednesday, October 15th, at TBI or on Zoom (TBA) – 6:30 PM
Program: Coming From Europe
Michael Sussman and Eliezer Froehlich will speak about records from Dutch and German ports where immigrants embarked to America. Pam Endzweig will be available to translate from German to English. Sources for passenger lists will include Holland America’s website and Family Search.

Wednesday, November 19th, on Zoom – 6:30 PM
Program: Family Search
A 20-minute video guide to using Family Search will be shown, followed by Eliezer Froehlich providing additional information and answering questions.

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, just released in May, 2025.

• Recipes from the 2024 JGSWVO Annual Potluck
• 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 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.

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