California: How to begin research, October 14

One of the newest genealogical societies is the Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County (JGSCV).

Some of Jewish genealogy's movers and shakers are members of this group, which means it offers great programming.

A case in point is the Sunday, October 14 meeting at Temple Adat Elohim (co-sponsored with the congregation) in Thousand Oaks. From 2-4pm, the program will address "How To Begin Your Genealogy Research, Part lV: Using the Resources at the Family History Centers." Admission is free.

Says society president Jan Meisel Allen (a board member of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies), "It's not necessary to have attended the first three sessions to understand or learn from this program."

Millions of European Jewish records from the 19th century (and before) have been microfilmed by the Mormon Church and are available through Family History Centers (FHC), in addition to millions of American records including census, draft registration records, birth, marriage and death records have been microfilmed.

The centers also offer free on-line access to many databases useful for family research. In the society's geographical area, there are small centers in Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura and other cities, in addition to the major regional center in Los Angeles. Learn how to find out what records are available, how to order films and how to use the information in tracing your family.

JGSCV board members Debra Kay Blatt and Warren Blatt - JewishGen's editor-in-chief and vice president - will lead this session.

The JGSCV is dedicated to sharing genealogical information, techniques and research tools with anyone interested in Jewish genealogy and family history.

For more information and details, click the JGSCV site.