And We Settled Here... The Jewish Journey
Conference Themes
“And We Settled Here…The Jewish Journey” is the unique goal of the 2025 Conference seeking to investigate the Jewish journey through different lands, time, and heritage. Based on this concept, we will present programs around the following themes:
Journeys to the Midwest and Beyond: How did we get here? How did our ancestors get there? What made people migrate? Did they settle in the Midwest? Were they pioneer Jews? Did they escape Europe or Arab lands? And how did they end up at their destination of all places? Whether our ancestors settled in Indiana, migrated from India, or signed Israel’s Declaration of Independence, these moving sessions will cover indispensable aspects of genealogy.
Wide World of Experience: Jews are a diverse people. Sephardim, Mizrahi, Iraqi, Persian, Yemeni, and Asian are just some of the many identities and ethnicities that we carry. Sessions in this category seek to explore that diversity and genealogy.
Citizenship: Wherever they lived, what did citizenship mean in terms of rights, privileges, and obligations and how did our ancestors obtain citizenship? In today’s nations, whether it is for nostalgia, jobs, or personal safety, what is the documentation we might need to obtain citizenship? These sessions will help unpack the facts and fiction of becoming a citizen in various nations then and now.
Cultural Heritage: Everyone has a story and genealogy provides a framework for understanding our family stories. Sharing the broad human and cultural dimensions of our family history engages us and those around us. For many, this might link us to the Shoah as 2G or 3G descendants, or for others, to triumphs or other tragedies.
Methodology and Archives: Methodology consists of using best practices for developing, conducting, implementing, and evaluating effective and successful research. Often the nuts and bolts require in-person and remote mining of the vast data archives available at small and large public and private archives around the world. These presentations will cover the development of a methodology and accessing latest resources available to the genealogical research community, as well as often lesser-known databases to address genealogical questions.
Tools and Technology: Employing tools such as innovative photography analysis, genetics, AI, or other innovative tools enhances the next steps of genealogical research by using advanced computer technology. Tools and technology that were unavailable years ago but are now entering regular usage are the core of these sessions.
Fundamentals: For those who consider themselves new to Jewish genealogy, have never attended an IAJGS conference, or just feel a need to step up their skills in basic areas, these lectures offer guidance and a path to begin research.
Family Journeys Showcase: NEW FOR 2025!
This year's Program offers an innovative way to share family and personal stories. This concept invites speakers to share a specific family story or journey. In these concise sessions, a dedicated space will be filled with multiple tables or stations presenting 15-minute family stories with 5 minutes for Q&A. Attendees will be invited to circulate among the Family Journeys Showcase throughout the day. Speakers will be assigned specific time blocks to share their story. No speaker compensations or subsidies will be provided for these showcase sessions.