Nancy Holden (former president of JGSLA and former editor of Roots-Key and Phyllis Kramer are announcing a third JewishGen Course, “Using JewishGen to Bridge Ancestral Roots” starting November 1.

It will be open for enrollment the middle of October. This class has 6 online lessons covering Jewish History, Culture and Naming Patterns, Shtetl and Community databases, Jewish Records Indexing (JRI-Poland), and practical hints on translation, finding a researcher, ongoing record translation projects at JewishGen and Holocaust research. This course creates a bridge between the American Family data and those left behind in Europe, between records available on JewishGen and related sites and hiring a researcher.

The other courses offered are a “Basic Jewish Genealogy” which focuses on our immigrant ancestors’ lifetime in the United States. It includes 5 online text lessons, covering data collection, organization and search techniques, and focuses on researching census, vital records and Ellis Island passenger arrivals. There is also a section on using computers for genealogy. If you are a Value-Added Member of JewishGen, you can enroll at no charge. (Next class begins January 15)

The Intermediate Course, “Breaking Brick Walls in the United States,” includes 8 online lessons. If, despite basic online research, you have not yet found the Hebrew names, approximate birth year or former European residence for your immigrant ancestors consider this course as it covers more complex U.S. topics such as naturalization, military and governmental records, and local archival research. The next class begins September 20 and opens for enrollment September 5, 2010.

The Basic and Intermediate courses do not include research beyond what is available in United States libraries, archives, and other local sources.

All three courses feature a personal mentoring program using an online Forum where students are encouraged to set goals for their research, and work one-on-one with the instructor(s). Courses open for enrollment 2 weeks before the starting date.

Nancy Holden, Instruction Manager
Phyllis Kramer, VP, Education

Moderator’s note:  If you have questions, you may contact Nancy Holden at nholden@interserv.com.