When it first appeared in 1960, Malcolm Stern's Americans of Jewish Descent marked a milestone in the study of American Jewish genealogy.  The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives is proud to make the latest edition of this classic text available online.

Researchers now have access to the complete text of Rabbi Stern's monumental volume that was published in 1991 as the updated and revised 3rd edition entitled: First American Jewish Families: 600 Genealogies, 1654-1988.  This publication is an historical document in its own right, and it is not our intention to alter it in any way.  Students of American Jewish genealogy are encouraged to use this text as a basis for their research. 

In the near future, the American Jewish Archives will work on a system whereby serious scholars will be able to post emendations and additions to further the general knowledge about American Jewish genealogy. If you have additions or corrections that you would like reviewed for possible inclusion in any addendum to the information in this resource, please contact us.

Additional Information

Dedication and acknowledgements from the 3rd Edition

Foreword to the 3rd Edition by Jacob Rader Marcus

Preface to the 3rd Edition by Malcom H. Stern

How to use this resource