IAJGS Lifetime Achievement Award 2015: Judy Baston
In recognition of Judy’s tireless work as a LitvakSIG board member, moderator of the LitvakSIG Discussion Group, membership of the JRI-Poland Board, Lomza Archive Coordinator, and moderator of the Lodz Area Research Group and BialyGen discussion groups. Judy was also involved in editing/proofreading Yizkor Book translations for Ciechanowiec, Eisiskes, and Ostrow Mazowiecka, and is a sought-after speaker.
Heidi Urich, President JGS Greater Boston
Heidi Urich, President JGS Greater Boston
IAJGS Outstanding Project Award 2015: JGS of Greater Boston - JewishGen Memorial Plaque Database Contribution
In recognition of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston being the leading contributor to the JewishGen Memorial Plaque Database, accounting for 52% of the entries. JGSGB has submitted 37,628 entries from 62 Massachusetts synagogues/Jewish organizations. When gravestone and burial records are not available, memorial plaques are an invaluable source of vital information. It is likely that these plaques and their information would have remained hidden and eventually lost but for the initiative and diligence of the Society’s members.
Debbie Wang, President JGS Long Island
Debbie Wang, President JGS Long Island
IAJGS Outstanding Publication 2015: JGS of Long Island YouTube Channel
In recognition of JGS of Long Island's work to increase its membership and attract younger members. Using social media creatively with a relevant, informative message, and getting to the point quickly, JGSLI created a series of short, informative videos available to its members and the greater genealogical community through its new YouTube channel. This unique program includes 10 videos with a goal of adding a new one monthly. This innovative project can be replicated by other IAJGS members.
Selene Scherr accepting on behalf of the JGS Maryland
Selene Scherr accepting on behalf of the JGS Maryland
IAJGS Outstanding Publication 2015: JGS of Maryland, Newsletter L'Dor V'Dor
In recognition of the very comprehensive and outstanding Jewish Genealogical Society of Maryland newsletter, L’Dor V’Dor, published by a society that is not yet two years old. This attractive newsletter under the leadership of Publication Chair, Susan Steeble, compares favorably to publications of much more mature organizations. L’Dor V’Dor includes a variety of articles, from research methodologies to success stories to brick walls. Its breadth and depth are unique.
Carol Hoffman, Garri Regev, President of IGRA, Rose Feldman, and Daniel Horowitz accepting
Carol Hoffman, Garri Regev, President of IGRA, Rose Feldman, and Daniel Horowitz accepting
IAJGS Member of the Year 2015: Israel Genealogy Research Association
In recognition of the work of the Israel Genealogy Research Association, which reorganized 3.5 years ago. IGRA has created the All Israel Database (AID), which currently includes over 420,000 records, searchable by name in Hebrew and English. IGRA is working with more than thirty different archives in Israel, including collaborating with the Israel State Archives to index marriage and divorce records from the British Mandate Period of Palestine. IGRA’s innovative programming includes their online databases, journal, and video conferencing.
Hal Bookbinder, accepting for Jan Meisels Allen
Hal Bookbinder, accepting for Jan Meisels Allen
IAJGS Volunteer of the Year 2015: Jan Meisels Allen
In recognition of the work of Jan Meisels Allen, President of the Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County and Chair of the IAJGS Public Records Access Monitoring Committee. A former IAJGS Vice President who strives to keep Jewish genealogists aware of opportunities and records access issues through her messages to the IAJGS leadership and JewishGen. A regular volunteer for IAJGS International Conferences, she has coordinated access to a huge variety of online databases supporting the attendees’ research experiences.
