Google is today’s most widely used search engine and a primary resource for genealogists. However, getting the most out of Google calls for using tools beyond the familiar Google web search. Michael Marx will demonstrate how many other free Google tools can be invaluable resources for doing your genealogy research.

Michael Marx has been researching his German roots since 2001 and can now trace his ancestors back to the mid-1600s. He has been a frequent presenter at international and regional genealogy conferences and genealogy societies. Marx holds degrees from MIT and is a past treasurer and board member of JGSGB.

Spotlight Talk: The Jewish-Cape Verde Connection: From the Inquisition to the Present

A special presentation on the Jewish community from the nation and former Portuguese colony of Cape Verde.  How do Americans with Jewish ancestry from Cape Verde understand their uniquely mixed religious heritage?  The multi-faith “creole” population included a mixture of Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal, European Catholics and African animists.  Jewish influence in Cape Verde can be experienced through a large community Seder held every spring in Boston.

Professor Alma Gottlieb is a cultural anthropologist currently writing a book on Jewish identity in the Cape Verdean Diaspora. Joel Schwartz founded the Cape Verdean Seder in 2005. Gershom Barros, a member of the Cape Verdean community in Rhode Island, will discuss his conversion to Judaism and subsequent discovery of his Jewish roots.

Special Interest Group (SIG) Meetings

Pre-lecture: 12:30 pm – 1:20 pm
Bessarabia, Litvak and Ukraine SIGs

Post-lecture (approx. 4:00 pm)
Belarus and Poland SIGs

Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members. Refreshments will be served.