top of page
HOME
ABOUT
ESKHeadshot2021.jpg

Ellen Kowitt

The story behind the company name "Sole Searching" is personal. Ellen's paternal great grandfather manufactured shoes for the Russian army, and she's been following in the footprints of his life story for many years. Intentionally spelling "Sole" to reflect the sole of a leather shoe like the one Yosef Shindelman produced in the early 1900s, it also represents every individual pursuit of a family's unique journey.  

Ellen is a veteran Jewish records researcher and leader in genealogy activities worldwide. She has the capacity to complete projects solo or to recruit the right team of experts to collaborate and deliver outstanding results. Her lectures and articles are informative, energetic, and constantly evolving to provide current and relevant content for all types of audiences. Read about a chilling, yet inspiring success story.

As a volunteer in the genealogy world for 25 years, Ellen has held numerous leadership roles, organized records acquisition, indexed, and managed translation projects in the United States and abroad. 

Ellen continues to add to her knowledge toolbox by attending professional conferences, webinars, and genealogy institutes. She has completed the ProGen study program, and Ellen keeps the APG code of ethics in the forefront of her research and reporting.

Helping others to discover connections, break through brick walls, or learn something new to add to a family story are the goals. Ellen is dedicated and provides high quality work informed by her volunteer experience, a valuable peer network, and her professional marketing and communications background with corporations and nonprofit organizations in New York, Washington DC, and Colorado.  

AFFILIATIONS:

-JewishGen; Director of USA Research Division

-Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); National Vice Chair Jewish Specialty Research

-Colorado Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists; past vice president and interim president

-International Association of Jewish Genealogy Societies; past elected director

-Jewish Genealogy Society of Colorado; past president

-Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington, DC; past president

-Israel Genealogy Research Association

-Yahad-In Unum Colorado Advisory Committee

-National Genealogical Society

-New York Genealogical & Biographical Society

-Erie, Colorado Historical Society

RECENT ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS:

America's Alligator Family: The David Crystal Story. May 2023. Available on Lulu: softcover or hardcover versions. 

 

Article featuring Ellen Kowitt by Megan Hamby, "Identifying and Recognizing Jewish Patriots: Committee Helps Members, Prospects Unearth Genealogical Treasure." Daughters of the American Revolution American Spirit Magazine, January/February 2023.

 

Book review of David Watson Kruger’s "Families of the Diaspora: Alkalay, Behmoiras, Merenzón, Barcan" in National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ), December 2022.

"Plans to Grow the JewishGen USA Research Division." Avotaynu: The International Review of Jewish Genealogy, June 2021.
 

"Strategies for Navigating Jewish Family Research." Family Tree Magazine The Genealogy Insider Blog Guest Author, May 20, 2021. 


"Finding Your Jewish Roots Online."
Family Tree Magazine, May/June 2021.


"The Case of the Missing Ancestors: 8 Genealogy Tips from Nancy Drew." Family Tree Magazine, Jan/Feb 2021.
 

"Jewish DNA? 8 Strategies." Diahan Southard's Your DNA Guide Blog Guest Author, Dec. 10, 2020.


"Bridging Daughters of the American Revolution and Jewish Genealogists"
Avotaynu: The International Review of Jewish Genealogy, Fall 2020. 

 

"How to Build a Genealogy Sleuth Kit." Family Tree Magazine The Genealogy Insider Blog Guest Author, Aug. 27, 2020. 
 

"First NSDAR Jewish Task Force Launches." DAR Registrar General Sunrays Blog Guest Author, July 24, 2020.


"Town Finding Aid Created for Novohrad-Volynskyi District Revision Lists on Krakovsky Website."
Lara Diamond's Jewnealogy Blog Guest Author, Aug. 19, 2019.


"Jewish Resources on the Giants: Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, Findmypast.com, and MyHeritage.com."
Avotaynu: The International Review of Jewish Genealogy, Aug. 2019, with Sunny Morton.

 

"Yahad-In Unum Documents Holocaust Mass Gravesites in Nine Countries." Avotaynu: The International Review of Jewish Genealogy, Feb. 2019.
 

"A Colorado Immigrant's Tale of Three Husbands." Avotaynu: International Review of Jewish Genealogy, Feb 2018 with Karen Franklin.

HONORS & AWARDS:

-UGA Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship Award for SLIG 2021

-Jewish Genealogy Society of Colorado Appreciation Awards 2012, 2009

-Linda Fenner Young Women's Leadership Award, Denver, 2009 

​-Rose Community Foundation Jewish Life Grant for JGSCO, 2009

-Rose Community Foundation Limmud Grant for JGSCO, 2007

-IAJGS Stern Award to Index JCRS Patient Application Records at the University of Denver, 2003

-IAJGS Program Award to JGSGW for Outstanding Programming that Advances the Objectives of Jewish Genealogy, 2000

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

TESTIMONIALS

DINA CARSON
Publisher, Irongate Publishing

I highly recommend Ellen as a genealogical researcher, analyst, writer and speaker. She is skilled in all types of research but has a much needed specialty in Jewish genealogy. I recently worked with Ellen on a book project, and she was able to answer so many questions for the family with her research, and then craft the genealogical details into a narrative that is unforgetable.

I've collaborated with Ellen as a presenter for international audiences. She is a brilliant speaker: so easy to listen to, organized and thorough. Her encyclopedic knowledge of Jewish resources is stunning! I also enjoy her contributions to Family Tree Magazine.

I have deep appreciation for Ellen’s incredible participation helping frame our multi-generational weekend. Her expert touch marked our retreat with deep intellect, knowledge and respect for our ancestors and their desire to create for us a strong, meaningful life. Ellen’s passion for her subject matter and personal stories were presented beautifully and allowed all to relate to her words and history. Ellen is a consummate professional whom I am very proud to now call my friend.

SUNNY MORTON
Genealogy Columnist and Educator

DIANE SCAR
JNF National Campaign Director,
Major Gifts

TODD CRYSTAL
Client, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Ellen is an extraordinary genealogist. We had several topics that were sensitive for different family members, which she handled like a pro. Our family history has both Russian Jewish roots and English Mayflower roots. We were so inspired by what she uncovered that we decided to put our story into book format for future generations to read.
We highly recommend Ellen.

My 91-year old mother, whose father

had died when she was 14, knew

nothing about how he got to Colorado, how he started his clothing store, and who or where the rest of his family resided. Ellen interviewed my mother with sensitivity and respect. Ellen answered my mother's questions and so much more, and all the documents and pictures she found were so exciting to see. We can't thank her enough.

BETSY ROBERTS
 Client, Broomfield, Colorado

Ellen analyzed information we received about my father's adoption and was able to create a large family tree on his mother's side using traditional genealogical research techniques. But the really cool part was her use of DNA testing to narrow down who my grandfather was and locate his living half-brother!

MARTY DUBIN
Client, Denver, Colorado

ARTHUR KURZWEIL 
Author, From Generation to Generation

MARTY DUBIN

Client, Denver, Colorado

Ellen is a knowledgeable and skilled genealogical researcher who is highly  admired among her peers. In addition, Ellen is a wonderful public speaker. I recommend her most enthusiastically both as a researcher and a teacher/speaker in the world of Jewish genealogy.  

I've worked together with Ellen on genealogy projects for many years. She not only brings to her clients enthusiasm and interest, but also experience and extensive knowledge of sources. Ellen has the ability to integrate research into a larger history, local and international.

RABBI JOSH ROSE
Founder & Director of Co/Lab: Reimagine Jewish, Portland, Oregon

Ellen does amazing work. When I worked as a rabbi in Colorado, she was the person that people turned to for information about Jewish genealogy. Knowledgeable and approachable, she was excellent at sharing with people the excitement of understanding their own past. She's a wonderful speaker and teacher.

KAREN FRANKLIN
Director of Family History, 
Leo Baeck Institute, New York City

Lectures

Lectures

·     20-90 minute presentations that are informative and educational.

·     Optional Q&A period and handout available.

·     Content is flexible and can be delivered as stand-alone lecture, ongoing course, workshop, mentoring, or other formats. 

·     Ellen will travel out of state, conduct live webinars, or provide mp4 recordings.

·     Speaking fee is $200-$1400 per lecture depending on format, content, and audience.

·     Please inquire about travel expenses. 

·     Click here for descriptions of lecture topics 5/3/2023.

·     Additional topics can be developed upon request!

UPCOMING 2023 PRESENTATIONS - updated 5/19/2023

May 21, 2023 - Museum of Jewish Heritage and JewishGen Mishpachah Festival, Manhattan, NYC, USA Research Division

June 4, 2023 - Jewish National Fund WebinarWhat's Jewish About Jewish Genealogy

June 25, 2023 - JGS Greater Washington DC WebinarResearching Jewish Families in America: Synagogue Records as a Genealogical Resource

July 28-30, 2023 - JNF "Your Jewish Roots, Our Jewish Future" multi-generational retreat, Carlsbad, CA, Genealogist-in-Residence

August 1-4, 2023 - Foundation for East European Family History Studies (FEEHFS) Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, Tips & Tricks to Navigating JewishGen, Deciphering Jewish Tombstone Inscriptions, Researching Jews in the Pale of Settlement, & The Tracks of Smoke and Water at Babyn Yar: Identifying Victims and Survivors

September 10, 2023 - JGS Colorado, Inside America's Alligator Family: The David Crystal Story

September 20, 2023 - JGS Long Island Webinar, Exploring the JewishGen USA Research Division

October 20, 2023 - APG Professional Management Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, Yourself, Your Competition, Your Brand 

November 12, 2023 - JGS Greater Boston Webinar, Documenting Families and Communities Lost in the Holocaust by Bullets

​​

PAST SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS 1998-2023

April 28, 2023 - Colorado State DAR Conference, DAR Specialty Research: Jewish and Native American panelist

March 13, 2023 - JGS Washington State WebinarResearching Jewish Families in America: Synagogue Records as a Genealogical Resource

March 2-4, 2023 - RootsTech, Salt Lake City, UT, Getting Started in Jewish Genealogy, What's Jewish About Jewish Genealogy, Best Websites for Jewish Genealogy, and Discovering Stories in U.S. Census Records with Sunny Morton​

February 22, 2023 - JGS Toronto Webinar, Updated Jewish Resources on the Genealogy Giant Websites   

February 19, 2023 - JGS Nashville Webinar, Locating Jewish Records in the Golden Medina/USA 1654-2023   

December 11, 2022 - Upper Valley NH JGS Webinar, Updated Jewish Resources on the Genealogy Giant Websites   

November 2, 2022- JewishGen Talks Webinar Series, Researching Jewish Families in America: Synagogue Records as a Genealogical Resource; panel with archivists from AJA, JTS, and Yeshiva University

October 30, 2022 - JGS ColoradoLocating Jewish Records in the Golden Medina/USA 1654-2022

October 19, 2022- JewishGen Talks Webinar Series, Researching Jewish Families in America: Overview of American Genealogy Collections at the Center for Jewish History; panel with Melanie Meyers, Moriah Amit, and J.D. Arden 

Sept, 23, 2022 - Legacy Family Tree Weptember Library Recording, Documenting Jewish Families in America: The Early Years 1654-1880

September 18, 2022 - Santa Cruz JGS Webinar, New Jewish Resources on the Genealogy Giant Websites   

Sept. 14-Oct. 26 - University of Denver OLLI Fall Session Virtual, Hot Topics in Jewish Genealogy (7x2-hour sessions on Wednesdays)

August 24, 2022 - IAJGS Jewish Genealogy Conference Virtual Live, Exploring Jewish Families in DAR.org Genealogy Resources 

August 24, 2022 - IAJGS Jewish Genealogy Conference Virtual Live, JewishGen USA Research Division Meeting/Update

July 2, 2022 - NSDAR Continental Congress, Washington, DC, Jewish Task Force Specialty Research Committee Showcase

June 1, 2022 - JewishGen Talks Webinar Series, Tips & Tricks to Navigating JewishGen

May 26, 2022 - National Genealogical Society Conference, Sacramento, CA, Tips & Tricks to Navigating JewishGen

May 2, 2022 - Jewish National Fund WebinarRemembrance and Commemoration During The Week of Israeli Yom Holidays

April 24, 2022 - JGS Long Island WebinarLocating Jewish Records in the Golden Medina/USA 1654-2022

April 7, 2022 - Legacy Family Tree Webinars 24-Hour Genealogy Marathon Live and Library Recording, What's New in Jewish Genealogy 2022

April 4, 2022 - Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Webinar, Comparing Jewish Resources on the Giant Genealogy Websites

March 11-13, 2022 - JNF "Your Jewish Roots, Our Jewish Future" multi-generational retreat, Carlsbad, CA, Genealogist-in-Residence

February 27, 2022 - JGS Greater Boston Webinar, Strategies for Navigating Ukraine Resources 

February 27, 2022 - JGS Greater Boston Webinar, Comparing Jewish Resources on the Giant Genealogy Websites  

February 13, 2022 - JGS New York Webinar, Comparing Jewish Resources on the Giant Genealogy Websites   

January 12, 2022 - JGS Palm Beach County, FL Webinar, Strategies for Navigating Ukraine Resources 

2022-ongoing - MyHeritage Recording, Intro to Genealogy - Jewish Records

December 19, 2021 - JGS Connecticut WebinarComparing Jewish Resources on the Giant Genealogy Websites

December 16, 2021 - Family Tree University WebinarGetting Started Tracing Your Jewish Roots

December 8, 2021 - Legacy Family Tree Webinars Live and Library Recording, Documenting Families or Communities Lost in the Holocaust by Bullets.

November 14, 2021 - Jewish National Fund WebinarWhat's Jewish About Jewish Genealogy

November 10, 2021 - JewishGen Talks Webinar Series, Researching Jewish Families in America: Jews in the U.S. Military  

October 16, 2021 - Arvada Family Discovery Day, Getting Started in Jewish Genealogy

October 10, 2021 - Congregation Beth David, Saratoga, CA Webinar, Overview of JewishGen

October 6, 2021 - JewishGen Talks Webinar Series, Researching Jewish Families in America: Jews in New England  

September 19, 2021 - JGS Southern Nevada Webinar, Comparing Jewish Resources on the Giant Genealogy Websites

August 1, 2021 - IAJGS Virtual Conference on Jewish Genealogy RecordingLocating Jewish Records in the Golden Medina/USA 1654-2021

August 3, 2021 - IAJGS Virtual Conference on Jewish Genealogy Recording, JewishGen USA Research Division Update

July 25, 2021 - JGS Colorado Webinar, Alex Krakovsky LIVE From Kyiv! Discussing his Ukrainian Archives Digitization Project with Ellen Kowitt

July 14, 2021 - Legacy Family Tree Webinars Live and Library Recording, Comparing Jewish Resources on the Giant Genealogy Websites with Sunny Morton.

June 27, 2021 - Congregation Beth David, Saratoga, CA Webinar, Introduction to Jewish Resources on Genealogy Websites

June 11, 2021 - Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree 2021 Conference Recording, Documenting Jewish Families and Communities Lost in the Holocaust By Bullets

May 25, 2021 - JewishGen Talks Webinar Series, Researching Jewish Families in America: Focus on Southern Jewish Resources.

May 20, 2021 - Elevenses with Lisa Louise Cooke, Genealogy Gems YouTube Channel, Jewish Genealogy & Eastern European

May 19, 2021 - Family Tree Magazine Podcast with Lisa Louise Cooke, Best Websites for Jewish Genealogy. RECORDING at 29:30-43:20.

April 25, 2021 - Orange County, CA JGS Webinar, Ukraine 2021 Update Your Research Plan 

April 22, 2021 - Erie, Colorado Public Library Webinar, The Case of the Missing Ancestors: Genealogy Tips from Nancy Drew

April 11, 2021 - Jewish Genealogical & Archival Society Greater Philadelphia Webinar, Comparing Jewish Resources on the Giant Genealogy Websites

Mar. 30 - May 4, 2021 - University of Denver OLLI Spring Session Virtual Classroom, Introduction to Jewish Genealogy 12-hour class/6 sessions

March 21, 2021 - JGS Sacramento Webinar, Why Would a Jewish Genealogist Return to Ukraine for the Third Time?

March 17, 2021 - Southern California Genealogical Society Webinar, Find African American, French, Jewish, & Spanish Revolutionary War Patriots

March 11, 2021 - The Greater Houston JGS Webinar, Locating Jewish Records in the Golden Medina/USA 1654-2021

February 25-27, 2021 - RootsTech Connect 2021 Virtual Conference Recording, Secrets to Researching Jewish Genealogy Revealed in three 20-minute segments; Overview, Names, & Places

Jan. 25 - March  1, 2021 - University of Denver OLLI Winter Session Virtual Classroom, Introduction to Jewish Genealogy 12-hour class/6 sessions

November 11, 2020 - JGS Palm Beach County, FL Webinar, Comparing Jewish Resources on Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, Findmypast, MyHeritage and JewishGen

November 8, 2020 - Miami Valley Jewish Genealogical and Historical Society, Dayton, OH Webinar, Comparing Jewish Resources on Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, Findmypast, MyHeritage and JewishGen with Sunny Morton

October 15 - Nov. 5, 2020 - University of Denver OLLI Virtual Classroom, Introduction to Jewish Genealogy 8-hour class/4 sessions

October 11, 2020 - The Jewish Federation of Orange County, NY Webinar, Get Started Tracing Your Jewish Roots

September 15, 2020 - University of Denver OLLI Tuesday Speaker Series Webinar, Documenting Jewish Families and Communities Lost in the Holocaust By Bullets

August 29, 2020 - CO State Genealogy Society Webinar, Documenting Families and Communities Lost in the Holocaust By Bullets

August 23, 2020 - JGS Greater Washington DC Webinar, Comparing Jewish Resources on Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, Findmypast, MyHeritage and JewishGen

August 14, 2020 - Congregation Beth Evergreen Legacy Society Webinar, Private Talk Back Event

August 10, 2020 - IAJGS Annual Conference on Jewish Genealogy Virtual Recording, Ukraine 2020: Update Your Research Plan 

August 10, 2020 - IAJGS Annual Conference on Jewish Genealogy Webinar, Introducing the New JewishGen US Research Division

July 26, 2020 - JGS Illinois Webinar, Comparing Jewish Resources on Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, Findmypast, MyHeritage and JewishGen

July 26, 2020 - JGS Illinois Webinar, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Modern-Day Quest for Missing Family: Exploring Digital Resources 

July 20, 2020 - Broomfield Genealogy Society Webinar, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Modern-Day Quest for Missing Family: Exploring Digital Resources 

July 16, 2020 - MyHeritage Ask the Experts Webinar, Jewish Resources on MyHeritage

June 21, 2020 - Israel Genealogy Research Assoc. (IGRA) Webinar, Ukraine 2020: Update Your Research Plan

June 11, 2020 - Estes Park Genealogy Society Webinar, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Modern-Day Quest for Missing Family: Exploring Digital Resources

May 17, 2020 - JGS Colorado Webinar, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Modern-Day Quest for Missing Family: Exploring Digital Resources

May 5, 2020 - Boulder Jewish Community Center Webinar, Connecting Generations and Sharing Family Stories

March 11, 2020 - Pikes Peak Genealogy Society, Colorado Springs, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Quest for Missing Family

March 3, 2020 - Highlands Ranch Genealogy Society, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Quest for Missing Family

March 1, 2020 - JGS Conejo Valley, CA, Comparing Jewish Resources on Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, Findmypast, MyHeritage and JewishGen

February 4, 2020 - Boulder Jewish Community Center, Lunch n' Learn, What's Jewish About Jewish Genealogy

January 29, 2020 - Aurora Rotary Club, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Quest for Missing Family

January 26, 2020 - JGS Colorado, Mile High Resources: Researching Jewish Families in Colorado

January 21, 2020 - Columbine Genealogy Society, Centennial, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Quest for Missing Family

January 13, 2020 - Anthem Ranch Genealogy Club, Broomfield, Secrets to Researching Jewish Genealogy Revealed

November 21, 2019 - Boulder Jewish Community Center, Facilitating Ellis Island Stories

November 7, 2019 - Weld County Genealogy Society, Greeley, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Quest for Missing Family

October 26, 2019 - Castle Rock Genealogy Society, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Quest for Missing Family

August 2, 2019 - IAJGS Annual Conference, Cleveland, OH, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Quest for Missing Mishpacha

July 28, 2019 - IAJGS Annual Conference, Cleveland, OH, Comparing Jewish Resources on Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, Findmypast, MyHeritage and JewishGen with Sunny Morton

June 20, 2019 - Protecting Memory Project Memorial Opening Ceremonies, Lyubar, Ukraine, A Jewish Family Story Over 200 Years in Lyubar: Remembering My Grandfather's Roots

November-December, 2018 - Yahad-In Unum at Boulder Jewish Community Center, Docent for 14 Holocaust By Bullets Exhibit Tours

October 7, 2018 - JGS Colorado, Denver, Warsaw 2018 Conference Roundup Facilitator

August 8, 2018 - IAJGS Annual Conference, Warsaw, Poland, Everyone Didn't Die in the Holocaust: A 2018 Warsaw Jewish Family Reunion

May 9, 2018 - Longmont Genealogy Society, What Would Nancy Drew Do in The Quest for Missing Family

February 14, 2018 - Pikes Peak Genealogy Society, Planting Your Family Tree for the Next Generation Utilizing Technology and Creativity

December 5, 2017 - Boulder Genealogy Society, Jewish Genealogy for the Non-Jewish Researcher

July 23, 2017 - IAJGS Annual Conference, Orlando, FL, Outreach for Societies and Organization Leaders

April 15, 2017 - Adventure Judaism Passover Retreat, Moab, Utah, Curious about how to research your family history?

March 13, 2017 - Anthem Ranch Genealogy Society, Polish and Ukrainian Research

July 14, 2016 - Estes Park Genealogy Society, Planting Your Family Tree for the Next Generation Utilizing Technology and Creativity

June 3, 2016 - Bonai Shalom Synagogue, Boulder, What's Jewish About Jewish Genealogy

May 19, 2016 - Larimer Genealogy Society, Planting Your Family Tree for the Next Generation Utilizing Technology and Creativity

April 16, 2016 - Boulder Chapter Hadassah Parlor Event, Genealogy and Small Plates

November 15, 2015 - Denver Jewish Community Center, What are you Waiting For? Getting Started Tracing Your Jewish Family History Now

November 11, 2015 - Longmont Genealogy Society, Planting Your Family Tree for the Next Generation Utilizing Technology and Creativity

July 30, 2014 - IAJGS Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Tracing Jews Who Coughed Their Way West

February 9, 2014 - JGS Colorado, Strategies for Success: Researching Outside of the U.S.

December 2, 2012 - Back to the Basics in Jewish Genealogy

Fall, 2011 - Hebrew Education Alliance, Denver, Jewish Family Tree Initiative (JFTI) - a series of 6-8 beginner lectures presented as adult education

June 24, 2011 - Family History Expo, Loveland, CO, What's Jewish About Jewish Genealogy

January 13, 2011 - Boulder Jewish Community Center, What's Jewish About Jewish Genealogy

January 6, 2011 - Weld County Genealogy Society, What's Jewish About Jewish Genealogy

December 5, 2010 - Jewish Community Center, Denver, Colorado Resources Panel

Fall, 2010 - Congregation Emanuel, Denver, Jewish Family Tree Initiative (JFTI) - a series of 6-8 beginner lectures presented as adult education

January 2010 - Highlands Ranch Havurah, What's Jewish About Jewish Genealogy

January 17, 2010 - Denver Chapter Hadassah, Secrets to Researching Jewish Genealogy Revealed

November 24, 2009 - LEA Chapter Hadassah, Denver, Researching Your Family History: What Can You Expect to Find

October 18, 2009 - Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society, CO History Museum, Kid's Program

Fall, 2009 - Temple Sinai, Denver, Jewish Family Tree Initiative (JFTI) - a series of 6-8 beginner lectures presented as adult education 

May 24, 2009 - Limmud Colorado, Colorado Springs, Getting Started Tracing Your Jewish Roots

April 26, 2009 - JGS Colorado, Denver, Beginner's Workshop

September 13,2008 - Parker Genealogy Society, How To Maximize Time While Visiting Ancestral Homes Abroad

Fall, 2008 - Congregation Har HaShem, Boulder, Jewish Family Tree Initiative (JFTI) - a series of 6-8 beginner lectures presented as adult education

May 16, 2008 - Limmud Colorado, Keystone Ski Resort, Getting Started Tracing Your Jewish Roots

September 4, 2007 - Boulder Genealogy Society, Creative Applications for Genealogical Research 

May 20, 2007- JGS Colorado, Denver, Beginner's Workshop

February 11, 2007 - JGS Colorado, Denver, Threading a Genealogical Tapestry on JewishGen

August 17, 2006 - IAJGS Annual Conference, New York City, Resources for Tracing Jews with Tuberculosis

August 13, 2006- IAJGS Annual Conference, New York City, IAJGS Management Sub Seminar

April 17, 2005 - JGS Colorado, Denver, Beginner's Workshop

March 15, 2005 - JGS Colorado, Online Access to Washington, DC Area Records

Winter, 2005 - JGS Southern Nevada, Online Access to Washington, DC Area Records 

April 18, 2004 - Congregation Emanuel, Denver, Beginner's Workshop

July, 2003 - IAJGS Annual Conference, Washington, DC, Family Newsletters as a Genealogy Tool with Judith Caplan, Diane Freilich & Gladys Paulin

July 9, 2000 - IAJGS Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Managing the Large & Small JGS: A Workshop on Challenges

July 9, 2000 - IAJGS Annual Conference, Ukraine SIG Lunch, Shtetl Research 2000: Make Your Research Come Alive 

1999 - Tracing Your Family Roots Cable Access TV, Northern Virginia, Research and Travel in Ukraine

1998 - Tracing Your Family Roots Cable Access TV, Northern VirginiaHaving a Family Newsletter

SERVICES & PRICING

SERVICES & PRICING
Effective 5/1/2023

New Clients:
25-hour minimum package for $3500 ($140 per hour).
50-hour package for $6000 ($120 per hour).
 

  • Analysis of materials already collected such as family trees, documents, photos, etc.

  • Creation/revision/maintenance of an online family tree (such as Ancestry.com) and/or GEDCOM formatted file.

  • Identify genealogical records, and document relationships or confirm ancestral origins.

  • Research about U.S. or ancestral communities to provide family history context and background.

  • Written narrative or presentation materials for a family reunion.

  • Special projects​​.

  • One-on-one coaching to guide your research.

  • Interviews of relatives or landsman.​

PROCESS

  1. Develop a focused research objective. You may have several objectives but only one question will be researched at a time.

  2. Provide all information and previous research you have on this subject.

  3. You will receive a basic contract that specifies the research objective and the number of hours of work you authorize. 

  4. A signed research agreement and $3500 payable by check or Zelle transfer are required to begin work.

  5. Additional expenses are billed at cost and include subcontractors, translators, document retrieval fees, copies, postage, repository research fees, parking, and tolls.

  6. Unless otherwise specified, you will receive a report with copies or links to all documentation as well as recommendations for further research. 

As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, I adhere to the APG Code of Ethics.

When Is It Time to Get Help From a
Professional Genealogist?
Excerpted from Family History Daily

1. You’re Frustrated and Have Been for Some Time

Professional genealogists, who specialize in a specific subject or area, are well acquainted with a wide variety of sources that a less experienced genealogist may overlook.

2. You’re Tired of Spending Money and Getting Little Reward

Hiring a genealogist can save you money in the long run. If you’ve been at it for a while you’ve probably spent countless dollars on database subscription fees, courses, books, software, supplies and maybe even travel. While all of these things provide a great deal of value, they can add up and, if you’re not finding the answers you need, it may make sense to spend the money where it really counts – on someone who knows just where to look.

 

3. You’ve Hit a Major Brick Wall

Sometimes it takes a trained eye to get a family tree back on track. A professional genealogist has the knowledge and experience necessary to solve confusing puzzles. And allowing fresh eyes to methodically examine your brick wall allows new information to surface. Professional genealogists are an excellent resource to validate research passed down by other family members or to verify work you have completed yourself. Not only can they make new discoveries, but they have also been trained, utilizing the Genealogical Proof Standard, to analyze and interpret existing evidence, which may lead to new conclusions. They are experienced in working with specific information on a variety of record types over various time periods.

 

4. You Need Someone With Specialized Knowledge

Understanding the culture and social customs during a specific time period is key when completing any genealogical research project. In many cases, there is no one vital record to answer our genealogical questions and the experience of a professional in consulting multiple record types can be invaluable. Without an understanding of the history and context of the records created during a given time period, one could draw false conclusions or miss information altogether. A professional resource to guide you through historical changes in boundaries, governments, languages and laws for your specific project is crucial.

 

5. You Don’t Have the Time or Money to Travel in Search of Obscure Documents

With advances in technology and online genealogical databases over the past 20 years, census and other vital records are now widely available to the public, leading some to wrongly assume that if it can’t be found online, it does not exist. This is a mistake. Digital resources can only get you so far.

 

Only a small percentage of records are available online compared to the number that are still held in local or state repositories. In many cases the only way to find information is to access original records on-site and it could be those hidden gems that finally reveal the details you’ve been hoping for. Unfortunately, this requires time and travel and can become very expensive.

 

It is very often more cost effective to hire a local professional researcher on the ground. A local researcher is well versed in which records and which repository will likely hold the answers to the research question at hand. They understand the language, but can also navigate the local customs, laws and boundary changes.

 

6. You’re Not Taking Advantage of Everything DNA Has to Offer

Genetic genealogy is an ever-growing field, and most of us are baffled by what to do with our results beyond scrolling through our matches and trying to figure out why we show up as 3% Ashkenazi Jewish. Understanding how to combine scientific and historical documentation can be a stumbling block for those of us who are passionate about genealogy.

 

Genetic genealogists are trained in how to utilize your DNA data to aid you in solving your genealogical puzzles. Because genetic genealogy requires a distinct skill set from traditional genealogical research, it may be of value to seek the help of an expert to determine kinship.

bottom of page