This program is co-sponsored by the JGSGB and the Polish Genealogical Society of Massachusetts

19^th Century records from Poland written in Polish or Russian can be difficult to translate. Formats vary and grammatical features often confuse English speakers. Various types of vital records will be reviewed and a sample record will be examined in depth. Templates can be used to identify key information. Phonetic features of Polish surnames will be identified to help explain common misspellings when names are translated into English.

Jonathan Shea is a foreign language educator, trained archivist and professional genealogist specializing in Eastern Europe.  He has taught languages for over two decades at the college level and lived and studied in Russia and Poland.  Shea co-authored Following the Paper Trail: A Multilingual Translation Guide (Avotaynu, 1994).

Admission is free. The lecture will be followed by special refreshments and a book sale and signing.

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