Los Angeles: Assisted Research Day, October 7

Wondering what to do this Sunday afternoon? Here's a great option.

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Los Angeles (JGSLA) is offering an assisted research day, from 1-6pm Sunday, October 7, at the LDS Los Angeles Regional Family History Center, 10741 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Los Angeles.

It's the largest branch in the Family History Library System: 47 networked computers, 150,000+ microfilms, maps and gazetteers. The large JGSLA reference library is also housed there.

Experienced JGSLA members will provide one-on-one assistance with popular online databases and the extensive microfilm collections (US and international census and vital records, naturalization indexes, city directories, passenger arrival lists, etc.).

Bring your family trees and research materials, and a flashdrive to download electronic images of microfilm documents.

Two classes and a film are also part of the event.

An introduction to the Family History Center will take place from 1.15-2.15pm by JGSLA librarian Barbara Algaze, who will explain the Center's resources and how to use census and naturalization microfilms and fiches, city directories and more.

From 2.30-4pm, JGSLA board member, author and speaker Arnie Schwartz will offer an introduction to Internet genealogy, covering 38 easy ways to learn more about your relatives.

"Past Lives: The Stanley Diamond Story" will be screened from 4.40-5pm. The documentary focuses on the quest of Stan Diamond (Montreal, Canada) to reconstruct his family to solve a genetic medical mystery. This led to the creation of the world's largest index of specifically Jewish vital Records - Jewish Records Indexing - Poland. which has helped many researchers discover their roots and reunite families separated by the Holocaust. Stan's dedication and perseverance has has lead to incredible benefits for all researchers.

There's a catch here, however: This is a member's-only event. However, those who have not yet joined as well as those who need to renew, may pay dues at the door. consider bringing along friends to help them get started. It's a great opportunity for both beginners as well as more experienced researchers.

For more details, visit JGSLA or the Center.

My journey down discovery road began when we lived in Los Angeles, and I have fond memories of the Center where I spent many days searching for and discovering family information. Our daughter - then 13 - and I found our first use of the name TALALAY on a passenger manifest listing my great-grandmother. We'd frequently arrive early in the day and not leave until night. Time flies when you're tracking ancestors.