Florida: Ask the Mavens, May 17

Florida is a particularly active state for Jewish genealogists. Year-round resident populations are swelled by snowbirds from other states. Groups include societies in Miami, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Greater Orlando, Jacksonville and also in Tampa Bay.

Tracing the Tribe readers in the Tampa Bay area will have an opportunity to attend a genealogy problem solving session presented by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Tampa Bay at 2pm, Sunday, May 17, in Clearwater.

A panel of experienced resident genealogists will assist those who have come up against a dead end and don't know what to do next. Learn from others' brick walls and the panel's suggested solutions.

Experts include Dr. Emil Isaacson, Clint Elbow and Bill Israel.

With 26 years' experience in Jewish genealogy, Dr. Isaacson has researched his ancestral roots seven generations to the late 1700s in Europe, and has offered several programs for the society. Elbow, a business systems analyst in healthcare information technology, has been researching his roots for seven years focusing on patronymic roots in Germany. Israel, an IAJGS director, has been researching for more than 28 years, tracing nine generations back more than 200 years and documenting more than 1,600 related individuals.

Planning to attend and ask a question? Email the problem to "ask the mavens" before the meeting and your problem will receive the panel's priority; see the JGSTB website for more information.

The JGSTB's library and research resources are available to all attendees; members may borrow materials. Researchers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced are welcome. For information, click here.