Mar_21_2005


	Monday, March 21, 2005, 7:30 p.m.

PROGRAM

The Role of the Family Historian: How Social History Can Complement Genealogical Research

SPEAKER: Joan Adler, Executive Director, Straus Historical Society

Joan Adler doesn't have a single Straus in her own family tree, yet she has rescued documents, identified relatives, published newsletters, organized reunions, lobbied the U.S. government, and helped document the film Titanic on behalf of the Strauses - one of America's most prominent Jewish families. She will share the story of the Straus family and how a small ad in the New York Times led her to her role as Straus Family Historian. She will illustrate her talk with a beautiful 3’X 4’ family tree and with family photographs.

Ms. Adler will share her strategies for collecting materials and for obtaining information - even when family members claim they have no more to give. She writes a newsletter, which she considers one of her most important research tools. She will explain how writing helps to convey "Social History" by placing the story of our ancestors' lives into the social, economic and political context of their times. Examples of the Straus Historical Society Newsletter and other family newsletters written by JGSLA members will be on display. Website: www.straushistoricalsociety.org.

LOCATION

Valley Cities Jewish Community Center (VCJCC), 13164 Burbank Blvd., Van Nuys, CA

Exit the 405 at Burbank and drive about 3 miles east. The JCC is on the right, past Woodman Avenue. Or, exit the 170 at Burbank and drive about 2 miles west. The JCC is on the left, past Coldwater Canyon.