Distinguished historian and genealogy expert will unveil fascinating connections between Jewish heritage and American cultural icons
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Daniel Horowitz, Mary Huggins Gamble Professor Emeritus at Smith College, will be the featured speaker at the gala banquet on Wednesday evening, August 13th, during the 45th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dr. Horowitz will present "Jews and Bears: Really? Yes, Really," a captivating exploration that bridges Jewish genealogical traditions with unexpected chapters of American cultural history. His presentation promises to reveal surprising connections that will resonate with both seasoned genealogists and newcomers to Jewish family history research.
A Perfect Storm of Timing and Expertise
What makes this announcement especially exciting? Dr. Horowitz's latest book, Bear With Me: A Cultural History of Famous Bears in America, will be released by Duke University Press just one week after our conference ends. This makes our attendees among the very first to hear insights from this groundbreaking work.
Experienced Jewish genealogists know that traditional names like 'Dov' or 'Ber' are Hebrew and Yiddish equivalents of 'bear. But the historical connections between Jews and bears extend far beyond our naming traditions into the heart of American culture itself.
Beyond the Expected: Stories That Will Surprise You
Dr. Horowitz's presentation will uncover the remarkable story of how stuffed bears became "Teddy bears," a tale that places a Jewish couple, Rose and Morris Michtom, at the center of an American icon's creation. He'll also explore how Michael Bond's beloved Paddington Bear serves as a lens for understanding immigration policies and refugee experiences, drawing parallels between Paddington's journey from Peru and the Jewish immigrant experience in America.
These aren't just charming stories. They're windows into understanding how Jewish experiences have been woven into the fabric of American cultural life in ways that often go unrecognized.
A Scholar of Distinction
Dr. Horowitz brings exceptional academic credentials to our conference. During his distinguished career, he has authored 11 books and received prestigious fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities (twice), and the National Humanities Center. His expertise in American Studies and cultural history provides a unique perspective on how Jewish stories intersect with broader American narratives. These insights come from decades of scholarly excellence at one of America's premier liberal arts colleges.
As a distinguished historian with deep expertise in American cultural studies, Dr. Horowitz understands how family stories connect to larger historical movements. This is exactly the kind of scholarly insight that makes genealogical research come alive.
Why This Matters for Your Research
For genealogists, Dr. Horowitz's work demonstrates how cultural symbols and popular stories can provide unexpected research pathways. Understanding the cultural context of our ancestors' lives can enrich our family histories in profound ways. This includes the toys their children played with, the stories they told, and the symbols that surrounded them.
His presentation will show how seemingly simple elements of American culture carry complex stories of immigration, adaptation, and cultural exchange that mirror many of our own family narratives.
A New Way to Experience the Gala
For the first time in IAJGS conference history, attendees can select their gala banquet seating during registration. This exciting change means you can coordinate with your genealogy society colleagues, research partners, and friends to ensure you're seated together for this memorable evening with Dr. Horowitz.
Planning to attend as a group? The earlier you register, the better your chances of securing adjacent tables and creating the perfect setting for post-presentation discussions about bears, genealogy, and those unexpected connections that make family history research so rewarding.
Register Now - Limited Time Benefits
Registration is now open, but early bird pricing ends June 15th (less than a month away!) So don't wait to secure your spot and coordinate with friends and fellow society members to sit together at the same table. Plus, you'll hear Dr. Horowitz share these fascinating discoveries just days before his book reaches the world.
The conference runs August 10-14, 2025, at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with special programming at the renowned Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center.
Ready to register for an unforgettable genealogical experience in Fort Wayne? Visit www.iajgs2025.org or contact us for assistance with group registrations and seating coordination.
