U.S. Synagogue Records as a Genealogical Resource
American synagogue records contain a wealth of genealogical treasures.
Join us for a primer on using synagogue records for genealogical records. Where do you find synagogue records? What kind of genealogical materials do they contain? You will see examples and learn about JewishGen’s new project “Shul Records America,” a first-of-its-kind inventory of American synagogue records.
Finding synagogue records can be problematic and time consuming, as there are errors in catalogs and a variety of ways materials are described. To make it easier, and in one place, JewishGen starts the search for you with Shul Records America. This new finding aid points to the location of American synagogue records. Launched in fall 2022 with over 500 collections held at 50 repositories or websites, about 20 percent include URLS for digitized materials. Not only a historical resource but important as modern-day synagogues merge or close, Shul Records America encourages congregations to preserve records with genealogical value.
This program is possible through the generous support of the William M. Lowenstein Genealogical Research Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation.
Admission
“U.S. Synagogue Records as a Genealogical Resource” is a collaboration between the Jewish Genealogy Society of Pittsburgh and the Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center. Please register online. The program is free for JGS-Pittsburgh members and $5 for the general public. To become a member of the JGS-Pittsburgh and receive a free membership code for this program, please visit its website.
This program will be recorded and made available to current JGS-Pittsburgh members.
About the Speaker
Ellen Kowitt is Director of JewishGen’s USA Research Division and National Vice Chair of the Daughters of the American Revolution Jewish Specialty Research Team. She is past president of Jewish Genealogical Societies in Colorado and Greater Washington, DC, and she served for three years on the IAJGS board of directors. Ellen publishes articles in Family Tree Magazine, she has completed the ProGen Study Group, attends genealogy institute programs, and is a member of the Colorado Chapter Association of Professional Genealogists. For upcoming lecture dates or more information, visit www.EllenKowitt.com.