The Stedman Story: Mystery, Intrigue, Adoption and DNA: Jewish Genealogy Strategies Unravel a Family Mystery

The Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County (JGSCV) will hold a general meeting, co-sponsored with Temple Adat Elophim on Sunday 4 December, 2016 at Temple Adat Elohim 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362  1:30-3:30 pm.

The Topic: The Stedman Story: Mystery, Intrigue, Adoption and DNA: Jewish Genealogicy Strategies Unravel a Family Mystery

This is a true life story involving mystery, biamy, adoiption and DNA.  The Secretive life of Jesse Oppenheimer,, alias John Stedman (1887-1950) was unraveled using fmaily research techniques that aer useful to all genealogists.  In this talk, Karen will reflect on the trajectory of research befinning with his son, Jon Stedman (1933-2009), whose papers she was hired to organize five years ago.  Though his DNA was tested in 2001, an upgrade in 2013 helped an adopted child find her birthmother, and a child conceived by in-viro fertilication almost 40 years ago, who is now working to find his birth father.  Analysis of Jon;s papers and a description of strategies devekioped to move forward on the project highligh the changing nature of family history research.

Speaker: Karen Franklin is the director of family research at the Leo Baeck Institute, chair of the Memorial Museums Committee of ICOM (the International Council of Museums) and president of the Obermayer German Jewish History Awards. She has served as chair of the Council of American Jewish Museums and president of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, as well as co-chair of the Board of Governors of JewishGen.

Everyone is eligbile for the drawing of fantastic genealogical prizes for thsoe who renew their JGSCV membership or join for 2017. You must be present to win! Light refreshments willb e served celebrating Chanukah and our membership drive. There is no charge to attend the  meeting. Anyone may join JGSCV. Annual dues are $25 for an individual and $30 for a family. The meeting is open to the public.,

The Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura COunty is dedicated to sharing genealogical information, techniquest and research tools with anyone interested in genealogy and family history.

For more information contact: information@jgscv.org or contact Jan Meisels Allen at 818-889-6616