JGSLA 2010: You don't have to be Jewish!

1,000+ genealogists, 150+ speakers, 300+ programs, six days.

What do these refer to? Only one thing Tracing the Tribe knows: The 30th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy, or JGSLA 2010, to those in the know.

It is open to all. You don't have to be Jewish to love Jewish genealogy or to attend JGSLA 2010. Those who suspect Jewish roots or those who just want to learn from world experts, are welcomed.

This once-a-year event provides access to experts covering the diversity of Jewish genealogy and encourages networking and collaboration.

Programs start early Sunday morning July 11 and run through mid-day Friday, July 16, in Los Angeles.

Learn from scholars, archivists, authors and other experts. Enjoy a genealogy film festival (directors and Q&A), methodology/ technology workshops, musical performances, and network with a truly global genealogical community.

Many sessions and workshops have applications to general genealogy for all ethnicities.

Here's just a glimpse of the event's first day, Sunday, July 11. For the rest of the week, program abstracts and speaker bios, click JGSLA 2010 and click the top tab for Program (there will be additions and changes).

What can you expect? Take a deep breath, and away we go!

Day 1 offers three time slots each with many concurrent sessions, along with films, special lunches, computer/technology workshops, Market Square Fair, two klezmer concerts and official event opening.

9.30-10.45am:

-- From DNA to Genetic Genealogy to the Animal Kingdom: everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask
-- Genealogy at the Los Angeles Public Library
-- Haunting Cemeteries: A Genealogist's favorite pastime
-- Only in New York
-- Razzle Dazzle 'em: Using Technology to Present Your Family History Research with Pizzazz
-- The Wonderful World of Genealogy Blogging
-- Absolute Beginners: Computer Basics for Technology-Challenged Genealogists ($ computer lab)

11am-12:15am:

-- Introduction to JewishGen: Beginners Computer Workshop ($ computer lab)
-- Clued-in: Case Studies from Sherlock Cohn, The Photo Genealogist
-- Jewish Genealogical Research Beginner Strategies, Part 1
-- Demystifying the Hebrew Calendar
-- My Uncle, The Hollywood Producer: A Spicy Tale
-- Researching Your Criminal Ancestors
-- Writing Jewish Family Stories and Memoirs, Part 1

2-3.15pm:

-- DAVKA, The Survival of a People
-- Finding and Using Los Angeles County Records
-- From Shiterein to Showpiece: Cooking Jewish for the 21st Century
-- Jewish Genealogical Research Beginner Strategies, Part 2
-- Jewish Geography and DNA: A Player's Guide
-- Writing Jewish Family Stories and Memoirs, Part 2

There are two klezmer concerts, from 3.30-4.45pm and 5-6.15pm with master Yale Strom and friends.

The conference officially opens at the 7.45pm opening ceremony and keynote address, followed by a 9pm dessert reception.

Monday (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) bloom bright and early, from 8am breakfasts-with-the-experts ($), workshops ($), birds-of-feather meetings, five time slots with many concurrent sessions each, special lunches, and major evening sessions. Friday is a light day, offering "only" 15 sessions, ending at 12.30pm.

Click JGSLA 2010 for the full program (subject to changes and additions), registration for the event (early-bird discounts end April 30, so don't miss out!) and the hotel (the JW Marriott at L.A. Live, downtown Los Angeles).

Have questions? Want more information?  Send an email. Sign up for the conference newsletter, blog, discussion group, or stay tuned to Tracing the Tribe for all the news.