The Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society (NEIJGS) will present a series of programs on Jewish Genealogy Using Polish Records on Sunday, May 3, 2026 and Monday, May 4, 2026. The programs will feature noted genealogy experts Hadassah Lipsius (in person at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center) and Dr. Anna Wiernicka (virtually from Poland), who will share research methods and historical context for tracing Jewish ancestry in Poland.

SUNDAY, MAY 3
• 2:00 p.m. “Polish Jewish Research – The JRI Poland Experience” will explore one of the most important resources for Jewish genealogical research. Jewish Records Indexing–Poland (JRI Poland) has created the world’s largest online index of Polish Jewish vital records, resident registers, census lists, and related sources. Researchers will be shown the database and will learn how to trace ancestors in both historical and present day Polish territories
• 3:30 p.m., “Was My Ancestor Rich or Poor? What We Can Learn from Polish Business Court Records” Polish business court records, maintained by the Polish State Archives from 1916 through the 1940s, document enterprises ranging from small family businesses to larger partnerships. These records offer insights into family life and economic conditions between the world wars.

If you are unable to attend this program in person, registration is required. Registration details and the event link are available on the NEIJGS website at www.NEIndianaJGS.org/upcoming-events/.

MONDAY, MAY 4
• 9:30 a.m. 30-minute consultations available between 9:30 and 12:30 with Hadassah Lipsius at the Genealogy Center. Free assistance with your own personal research! E-mail NEIndianaJGS@gmail.com to sign up for a slot.
• 1:30 p.m. In-person Computer Workshop with Hadassah Lipsius at the Genealogy Center. Bring your own computer for this FREE hands-on workshop using resources from JRI-Poland, the Polish State Archives, and more. E-mail NEIndianaJGS@gmail.com to sign up.

Hadassah Lipsius is Vice President and a member of the executive committee of Jewish Records Indexing–Poland (JRI Poland). A frequent speaker at international IAJGS conferences, she received the IAJGS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and serves on the Executive Council of JGS Inc. Her work is informed by extensive research trips to Eastern Europe and more than 240 years of documented family history.
Dr. Anna Wiernicka is a historian, lecturer, researcher, and professional genealogist specializing in Jewish history in Poland. She was affiliated with the Varsaviana research group at the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw from 2011 to 2018. Her research focuses on Jewish life in the 19th century Kingdom of Poland, including women’s roles and everyday family life. She is a member of the Association of Polish Professional Genealogists since 2022.

For additional information about the Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society, visit www.NEIndianaJGS.org or follow NEIJGS on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NEIndianaJGS/.