"I don't really have the words yet. These feelings keep bubbling up. Overwhelmed with knowledge, surrounded by a tribe who just want to learn and interact and help others ... amazed by the intelligence of presenters and participants. I think we may be nerds! As a bonus, post conference I connected with another attendee and we have a common ancestor!" (Helene Hoffberg Rosenfeldt, attendee)
"The Best Conference We Could Have Imagined"
The 44th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy was nothing short of spectacular! Held in Philadelphia from August 18th-22nd, this event marked the first in-person conference in the U.S. since 2019, and it exceeded all expectations.
The conference kicked off on Sunday with the SHARE Faire, where dozens of non-profit organizations showcased their resources, setting the stage for a week of learning, networking, and discovery. The keynote address by Joan Nathan on Sunday evening set the tone for the week. Her powerful words, "Everyone should have some history of their family food...Follow the food to learn more about the history," resonated deeply with the nearly 900 attendees.
The excitement continued daily in the bustling exhibit hall, where vendors like Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Family Tree Maker engaged with attendees, providing insights into their latest offerings. Attendees were treated to dozens of expert-led sessions each day covering niche geographic regions, DNA research, the latest advancements in AI for family history, and much more.
"As a beginner (which I still consider myself to be), I am grateful for every volunteer who made this conference so special, from the chairs to the smiling faces handing out lunches! You all made this past week, one to remember. I met so many kind people whom I shared my meals and workshops with, and in all those interactions, we always found common ties that united us as one big family. The speakers were also one of a kind. As overwhelming as the post-conference period may be, I am left with a profound understanding of how important our work is, how much work there is to be done, and how bright the future of genealogy looks with all the new technologies." (Lia Halstuch, attendee)
Informal events like film screenings, art exhibits, book signings, and the ever enjoyable Ron Arons Game Show Night added a fun, community-building aspect to the conference. Countless hallway conversations, special interest group meetings, and group dinners further solidified the bonds among attendees, creating a true sense of family.
The conference culminated on Wednesday evening with a memorable banquet, where Arthur Kurzweil spoke, leaving attendees with this thought-provoking quote: "As genealogists, we are looking for the two ends of the rope. And, when we tie them back together, we are closer than ever."
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Felicia Mode Alexander, the local co-chair of the conference, expressed her gratitude for the hundreds of hours put in by all of the volunteers who made this event possible, saying, "Your hours of hard work and positive vibes made this the best conference we could have imagined!"
Stay Connected and Get Ready for Next Year!
As we celebrate the success of this year’s conference, we invite you to stay connected with the Jewish genealogy community. Like and follow our Facebook Page to keep up with the latest updates and news about next year’s conference. Let’s continue the journey of discovery together!
