The JCC, in partnership with the Rochester Genealogical Society, is pleased to bring you a series of three beginning genealogy workshops.
This three-session beginner series is designed to welcome community members into the world of family history research. Each 90-minute class blends friendly instruction, hands-on practice, and supportive discussion. Participants will learn foundational skills used by all genealogists, along with guidance tailored to those exploring Jewish heritage. Although designed as a series, you may opt to attend one, two or all three talks.
Course 1: Getting Started with Genealogy
Foundations and First Steps
This introductory session invites participants to begin their family history journey in a relaxed, supportive environment. We explore what genealogy is, how to start with what you already know, and how to build a strong foundation for future research. Jewish naming traditions and cultural considerations are introduced to help participants recognize meaningful clues in their own families.
- What Genealogy Is & How to Begin
- Core Tools for Beginners
- Jewish Genealogy Foundations
- Hands-On Activity
- Q&A
Logistics
April 28
11:00AM-12:30PM
Conference Room
Members: Free; Non-Members: $8/session
Course 2: Finding Your Family in the Records
Census, Immigration, and Jewish-Specific Resources
This session guides participants through the most used genealogical records, including census schedules, immigration documents, and naturalization files. We also explore essential Jewish-specific archives and databases that help uncover family stories across continents.
- Understanding U.S. Census Records
- Immigration & Naturalization Records
- Jewish-Specific Archives and Databases
- Hands-On Practice
- Q&A and Next Steps
Logistics
May 26
11:00AM-12:30PM
Conference Room
Members: Free; Non-Members: $8/session
Course 3: Organizing, Citing, and Preserving Your Family History
Keeping Your Research Clear, Accessible, and Meaningful
The final session helps participants bring order and confidence to their research. We cover simple citation methods, digital and physical organization strategies, and best practices for preserving Jewish family history, including working with Hebrew dates and recording oral histories.
- Why Organization Matters
- Introduction to Genealogy Citations
- Digital & Physical Organization Systems
- Preserving Jewish Family History
- Hands-On Practice
Logistics
June 9
11:00AM-12:30PM
Conference Room
Members: Free; Non-Members: $8/session
Instructor Bio: Tawnya L. Post
Tawnya L. Post is a dedicated genealogist, educator, and designer who specializes in making family history accessible, welcoming, and engaging for learners of all ages. With a warm teaching style and a passion for helping people discover their roots, she blends clear instruction with hands-on practice to build confidence in new researchers.
Tawnya holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology. After retiring from a career in corporate accounting, she earned a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and is a ProGen 58 graduate. Tawnya has served as the Contracts Coordinator for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and is currently the First Vice President – Programs for the Rochester (NY) Genealogical Society.
Her work includes designing family history books, restoring photos, telling heritage stories, and creating educational materials for children and adults. She has a special interest in historical context and learning at community centers.
Tawnya is proud to partner with the Rochester Genealogical Society to bring this beginner-friendly series to the Jewish Community Center.
About the Rochester Genealogical Society
The Rochester Genealogical Society began in 1938 when several people at a meeting of the Rochester Historical Society formed an informal group to preserve their family heritage. The Rochester Genealogical Society became an independent organization in 1977. Since then, the group has experienced steady growth and now has over 300 members. Our members are researching families in all regions of the world. https://nyrgs.org/