Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Join the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) for "Skeletons in Our Closets: Researching a Family Scandal," at the Roth Jewish Community Center, Senior Lounge, on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

After investigating rumors of an old family scandal that took place during the "Roaring Twenties" in Chicago, Robin B. Seidenberg uncovered a sensational story that made newspaper headlines across the nation. She will reveal an intriguing tale of wealth, romance, betrayal, jealousy and murder!

Discover the identity of the "Kissing Blond," and learn how Seidenberg researched historical newspapers to unravel this family mystery. 

Using many examples from her own family history, Seidenberg will teach you how to unlock your family's secrets using historical newspapers. Historical newspapers are a phenomenal resource for uncovering family information that cannot be located any other way. Unlike censuses and other official records, they have neither time nor privacy restrictions.

One of the challenges in genealogy is how to find and report the facts to give an accurate picture of our ancestors, and yet respect the sensitivities of family members. 

Seidenberg's presentation will help you decide whether you should disclose all findings or just let "sleeping dogs" lie; and how to decide what to include and what to omit; How should you deal with serious crimes, mental illness, and suicide? What about relatives whose tombstones lack dates because they always lied about their ages?

Seidenberg serves as co-president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois, is a member of the Genealogical Speakers' Guild, and the Association of Professional Genealogists. She specializes in using historical newspapers to research family history. Robin frequently lectures about "family skeletons." 

Prior to the meeting, beginning at 6:30 p.m., there will be time to network and/or receive assistance or mentoring from one of our expert genealogists. The meetings this year also include JGSGO 25th anniversary observances, noting our history and accomplishments as we help people find and share their family's stories.

The meeting is open to the public for a cost of $5; and free to members.