With just 6 days until registration opens for the 45th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy, we're excited to share the impressive scale of programming awaiting you in Fort Wayne this August 10-14, 2025. Our conference theme, "And We Settled Here... The Jewish Journey," will come to life through an extensive array of sessions, special events, and unique learning opportunities.
By the Numbers: A Conference Designed for Every Interest
The conference this year has been meticulously planned to provide maximum value for attendees. Here's a numerical snapshot of what you can expect:
Learning Opportunities
- 16 Hands-on Workshops and Computer Labs: Perfect for those who learn best by doing, these interactive sessions will help you master new skills with expert guidance.
- 20 Family History Journey Showcase presentations: New this year! These 15-minute presentations will be offered three times each during their designated hour, allowing you to explore different family stories and journeys that interest you most.
- Dozens of sessions covering diverse topics including:
- Journeys to the Midwest and Beyond
- Wide World of Experience
- Citizenship
- Cultural Heritage
- Methodology and Archives
- Tools and Technology
- Fundamentals
Networking and Collaboration
- 6 Research Division/Special Interest Group Luncheons: Connect with others researching the same geographical areas or sharing similar genealogical interests.
- 8 Breakfasts with the Experts: Start your day with intimate, small-group discussions led by leading genealogists.
Special Programming
- 30+ Films in the 2025 IAJGS Film Festival featuring rare and historically significant Jewish-themed content from the early 20th century to today, including the 4K restoration of Joan Micklin Silver's landmark 1975 film "Hester Street" celebrating its 50th anniversary.
- 1 Private Tour of the renowned Lincoln Collection with Dr. Gary Zola (limited attendance will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through registration).
- 9 Hours of Allen County Public Library tours available on Sunday, August 10th, with tours departing every half hour from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- 1 Minor League Baseball Game opportunity to see the Fort Wayne TinCaps play during the conference week.
Exceptional Resources
- 1.2 Million physical items available at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center, one of the world's largest family history research facilities.
- Multiple Jewish genealogy collections being enhanced specifically for our conference, including:
- Holocaust-related materials and Yizkor books
- Temple and synagogue histories
- Jewish genealogy research guidebooks
- Jewish periodicals
- Jewish diaries and personal memoirs
- Access to the "Jewish Life in America, c. 1654-1954" database
Fort Wayne: A Different Kind of Conference City
Breaking from tradition of holding the conference in larger metropolitan areas like London, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, this year's gathering in Fort Wayne offers a refreshing change with:
- More affordable accommodations and dining options
- Walkable downtown conference district
- World-class genealogical resources at your fingertips
- The state-of-the-art Grand Wayne Convention Center
- A vibrant city recognized as one of the fastest-growing in the Midwest
A Reminder About Special Events
Our opening session on Sunday night will feature an exciting keynote speaker (stay tuned for that announcement when registration opens!), and the conference will conclude with a special closing banquet on Wednesday evening.
Mark your calendars: Registration opens April 1, 2025, with early bird pricing available for a limited time. Our next post on April 1st will include all registration details and the announcement of our keynote speaker!
Ready to plan your trip? Bookmark our conference website at IAJGS2025.org where we have already started to curate accommodation information, travel tips, and more details about Fort Wayne.
