The German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS) meeting
When: Friday, October 2, 2020 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm – Virtually
Topic: Explore the Rhineland-Palatinate
The wine-making Rheinland-Pfalz, or Rhineland-Palatinate, in southwest Germany is rich in history, museums, local festivals, and wine tours. It is also the area from which a large number of Germans emigrated in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Speaker: Claire Gebben
Claire, author of the historical novel The Last of the Blacksmiths and the memoir How We Survive Here, shares an overview of some of the most intriguing aspects of the region’s history for genealogists, as well as points of interest in the Palatinate today for those who enjoy learning more about other cultures, places, and times.
More information: https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/
Visitors are always welcome. To request an invitation, please use the Contact tab on our website, no later than September 30th.
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Description: All four of Arik Cohen’s grandparents survived the Holocaust. When told by Holocaust experts that this was quite rare, he was motivated to research and discover their survival stories. For the last five years, as a legacy member of the Holocaust For Humanity’s Speakers Bureau, Arik has shared how his grandparents survived mass murders, ghetto liquidations, death camp internment, death marches and winter wilderness survival with students and community members across the Pacific Northwest. Arik will share four incredible stories along with the research and primary sources that have enabled him to find and share his family’s history.
Description: The secrets that Coral Grant’s grandparents thought were safe eventually became unraveled through the magic of DNA, archival research, and tenacity. The truth revealed an unknown ancestor and a truly rich Latvian heritage. Working back in time, this adventure begins in the Garment District of Toronto, Canada in the early 1930’s and ends deep in the Latvian countryside of the 18th century. The journey includes a life altering deportation from the Latvian countryside during World War I, a survivor’s struggle to return home, a deception to avoid military service, and a most reluctant immigration. Along the way, Coral encountered many genealogical roadblocks: name changes, protective descendants, and multiple individuals with the same name. Using her research to share her family story and Latvian Jewish history, Coral’s presentation highlights the use of all the tools available to the genealogist. Ultimately, the goal of our genealogical research is to honor our ancestors and to make sure we do not forget their stories. Coral’s presentation will leave you with the tools to break through your genealogical roadblocks and find your ancestors, for you to tell their stories. ———————————————————————————————————————————— 
