Stories ranging from the brave to the bizare.
Ads featuring Jimmy Stewart selling cigarettes.
Comic strips of Peanuts, Dick Tracy, the Katzenjammer Kids and more.

These are just a few samples from the Historical Newspaper Collection on Footnote providing a unique window to the past. In addition, this collection is free to the public through the month of May. Simply login and explore over 4 million pages of newspapers ranging from small towns to big cities and dating back to the 1700s.

Visit Footnote’s newspaper site today at www.footnote.com/newspapers.

Just a reminder to all members that the Early Bird discount for the July conference will expire at the end of the day on April 30. You will still be able to register later, but the price will go up. If you haven’t registered, you can check out the programs and register now for the conference. You will still be able to add items like special meals, classes and tours, as well as guest tickets to certain events.

This conference will be phenomenal (and you know I don’t exaggerate!) so be sure to register and experience the learning, networking and fun!

Mt. Zion Cemetery, East Los Angeles

I have been contacted by a gentleman in Great Britain who is requesting a photo of a tombstone in Mt. Zion Cemetery in East Los Angeles.

If you are planning a trip there in the near future, or if you are willing to go to get the photo, please contact me at president@jgsla.org for the details.

Sandy Malek

To the Jewish Genealogical Society of Los Angeles:

My name is Eliana Aizim, 66, and I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I’m doing genealogy research of one of the branches of my maternal family that immigrated to Canada from Ukraine. Some of my cousins moved to the United States. The main web site that I use for searching are JewishGen and Ancestry.

Podolia Gubernia

I have just found out on Ancestry.com / California Death Index, that Miriam White (her married name was Miriam Glickel) died in Los Angeles in February 4, 1951. She was born in the town of Pistchonke, Podolia Gubernia, Russia, in June 17, 1903. Her Social Security number is 069-16-6616.

I would like to know if you have any further information about her. Or maybe you can suggest some web site addresses where I may continue searching. One of the things I need is to see an obituary related to her. I would really like to find Miriam White’s descendents, if there are any. It would be wonderful if you could give me any help, specially because I don’t live in the United States.

If this envolves any payment, I can only do it by credit card.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Eliana Aizim
aizim@uol.com.br

Rabbi Bill Gordon

I am very sorry to inform the membership that we have recently learned of the recent passing of Rabbi Bill Gordon, a longtime member of JGSLA. Our most profound condolences go to his wife, Deena, and to the rest of his family and friends. May his memory be for a blessing.

For further info, click here.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Get Ready for the New “Who Do You Think You Are?” Television Series

Stock up on the popcorn and get ready for the new NBC hit show “Who Do You Think You Are?” The family history-focused series will lead seven celebrities on a heart-warming journey back in time as they discover more about the ancestors who came before them. Lisa Kudrow, who executive produced the show will be featured in the episodes, along with Sarah Jessica Parker, Spike Lee, Matthew Broderick, Susan Sarandon, Emmitt Smith, and Brooke Shields.  Ancestry.com is a partner with NBC on the show.

The idea for “Who Do You Think You Are?” originated from a show that has been phenomenally successful in the UK for several years. Since the show aired in 2004, the UK has seen a surge of interest in family history, and we hope and expect the same reaction from “Who Do You Think You Are?” in the United States.

Typically, celebrities play the role of someone else, however in this show they play no one but themselves. Because of this, “Who Do You Think You Are?” really shows the human side of these individuals, who experience a myriad of emotions as they learn their family history. Viewers can’t help but feel inspired and intrigued as they watch the episodes. Naturally, the show will lead viewers to begin thinking about and asking questions around their own family history.

What is wonderful about the show is that, with the celebrity appeal, the genuine emotion they experience, and the family storytelling nature of the show, “Who Do You Think You Are?” is perfectly poised to appeal to the masses – not just professional genealogists or family history experts.

Tune into NBC Fridays 8/7c beginning March 5. For more information about the show, go to:  http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/.

The potential is great! You and your friends have an important role in making “Who Do You Think You Are?” the next biggest family history phenomenon since “Roots!”

Please help spread the news!