Researching family, friends, associates and neighbors is lecture topic for Aug. 25, 2024, JGSI hybrid meeting

“Don't Fan the Flames: Become a Fan of Using FAN Research” will be the lecture topic of genealogist Debbie Trotsky Soren for the Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois hybrid meeting.

Her talk will begin at 2 p.m. Central Time via Zoom and at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook, Illinois. She will be speaking IN PERSON at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Rd, Northbrook, Illinois, and her talk will be available online via Zoom for those who register to attend remotely.

Please register/RSVP by clicking the button at left.

Be sure to come to our pre-meeting on Aug. 25, 2024, from 12:30 through 1:45 p.m.: Free consultations for JGSI members and non-members alike! Wondering how to begin your family tree search? Have a brickwall? Need assistance with a DNA test—which company to test with or need help interpreting results? Need help navigating a website such as Jewishgen? Need assistance in writing your family history? Several of our experts will be on hand to assist you.

Let us help. Prior to our scheduled 2 p.m. Sunday program at Temple Beth-El, we will meet from 12:30 until 1:45 to devote our attention to you and your situation. Located in the social hall, lower level.

The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth-El will open at 12:30 p.m. Central Time for those who want to use genealogy library materials, get help with family history websites or ask genealogical questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m.

Do you want to find out more about your direct ancestors, but the records you need seem to be missing? Have you hit a brick wall? In Debbie's 2 p.m. talk, you will learn why FAN research (researching family, friends, associates and neighbors) can help you further your research. Whether or not you are interested in collateral (non-direct) relatives, FAN research is a tool that can be helpful to all genealogists. It may also be referred to as cluster, or collateral research.

Debbie Trotsky Soren began researching her own family over 25 years ago. After working as a CPA, raising a family and serving on various community boards she earned a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, and now provides genealogical services for others. In June 2013 she toured family shtetls (towns) and visited archives in Lithuania and Belarus. Debbie is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the National Genealogical Society. She has been on the board of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois for the past six years, and is currently serving as treasurer.

For more information on the JGSI, visit our website or phone 312-666-0100. For more information about membership benefits, click here.