Heritage Resources for Genealogy & Family History

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From Thought.Co: There are numerous Jewish genealogy resources and databases online for genealogists researching their Jewish ancestors. Every Jewish genealogy resource listed here includes free databases and sources related to Jewish ancestry, although a few have some paid databases mixed in. These are noted in the descriptions when applicable.

From the New York Public Library: Find out how to get information about your Jewish roots. Links to vital records, Holocaust resources, name origins, and Jewish genealogy collections.

The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC) at New England Historic Genealogical Society is a destination for exploring and preserving the histories of Jewish families and institutions in New England and beyond. The JHC engages historians, genealogists, partner organizations, and the general public in the study of Jewish history, culture, and legacies through its extensive archival collections, educational programs, exhibits, and public events. It is the only historical center dedicated to, and specializing in, New England Jewish history.

A great starting place! Offers so many resources to explore within the Jewish Heritage areas that invaluable to research.

With so much genealogical information now available online, you’ll need a hand in determining which resources to use first and how to frame your research project. Let’s dive into how to find and use those resources—not just to identify your Ashkenazi ancestors in Eastern Europe, but also to understand the context of their lives.

Many Jews grow up with a strong sense of connection to their ancestors and a burning desire to find them. And there's a growing movement to reclaim their past for the future, and a large number of records available here and overseas that can help recapture the past. This guide will help!