About Us

The JGSGB was formed in 1982 as a study group for people looking into their Jewish family history. We have evolved into an active group of over 400 members. We are affiliated with over seventy other Jewish genealogical societies worldwide.

The local and national Jewish Genealogical Societies provide a wealth of information for both the novice and the experienced researcher. In the JGSGB we welcome beginners and are fortunate to have members with a broad range of skills in various research techniques. We also offer a 17-hour genealogy class taught at Hebrew College every winter.

As a special project, the JGSGB has compiled indexes to the obituaries and wedding announcements in The Jewish Advocate, Boston's major weekly Jewish newspaper.

We will send speakers to Jewish organizations to give introductory talks about doing Jewish Genealogy, see Speakers Bureau.

Meetings are held monthly (except July and August) at a variety of locations throughout the Boston area, frequently in Newton and at local research facilities. The programs presented at meetings vary, but many include "how-to" workshops on genealogical research in the Boston area. (PDF)

Meeting topics have included (see "Events" for a complete listing):

A Selection of the Society's genealogical resources (pdf) are available for research at most of our meetings.

The meetings are free to members, and open to the public for a small fee. To learn about becoming a member, click here.

The JGSGB is run entirely by volunteers and an elected Board of Directors. You can contact us by mail, phone (leave a message only) or by email.

JGSGB Board of Directors

General Inquiries -
P.O. Box 610366
Newton, MA 02461-0366
866-611-5698 (toll free)