INTRODUCTION
The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives has a large and growing genealogy collection which is used by persons seeking information on their ancestry and family history. The American Jewish Archives is committed to furthering knowledge and awareness of Jewish genealogy and to assisting those who are tracing their Jewish roots. To this end, we are making available a digital version of Dr. Malcolm Stern's classic work, First American Jewish Families, on this website.

Jewish genealogy is a highly developed field of study. There are numerous resources for the beginning and advanced genealogist that are available on the Internet and in most bookstores and libraries. A basic knowledge of genealogy procedures will allow researchers to make better use of their time and improve their chances of success. As part of our service, the AJA staff will be happy to provide you with a listing of some of these most popular resources.

SUBMITTING GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH REQUESTS
The American Jewish Archives welcomes genealogy inquiries. All inquiries should be in writing by either fax, email, or regular mail. Each inquiry will receive a personal response. E-mail requests should be made using the research request form on this website. Of course, visitors are always welcome to visit the American Jewish Archives where our staff will personally assist you in researching your family history.

The American Jewish Archives does not perform extensive genealogy searches. Our goal is to assist all who come to us by providing some information or guidance that will be of help in a family search. If we locate requested or needed materials in our files the AJA will - for a fee - provide photocopies or other duplication of requested items in compliance with copyright and restrictions. The AJA’s fee schedule is available on this website.

SEARCHING FOR GENEALOGICAL INFORMATION USING THE AMERICAN JEWISH ARCHIVES' ONLINE CATALOG
Genealogical searches in the AJA’s online catalog can best be facilitated with a search by subject on the drop-down menu. You can then key in either the desired surname or location that the family is from.

Here are some examples:

• To search for a family in Kovno, Lithuania, type in one or all of the following searches in the subject box on the drop-down menu:
  
  Immigrants–Lithuania–Kovno or
  Jews–Lithuania–Kovno or
  Kovno or Lithuania

• To search for Meyer family, location unknown, use the subject box on the drop-down menu and type in:
  
  Meyer family
  
  

Go to the AJA Online Catalog

Another useful source for professional genealogists is Everton's Family History Magazine, a bimonthly periodical published by Everton Publishers, Inc. (P.O. Box 708130, Sandy, Utah 84070). This magazine generally carries an annual "Directory of Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Periodicals and Professionals" in the United States and abroad, as well as a "Directory of Genealogists" in the United States, including amateurs and professionals.

Names of professional genealogists can also be obtained from the advertisements of their services carried in many genealogical periodicals. A convenient list of these periodicals appears in Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory, a standard reference work available in many libraries.

The American Jewish Archives does not have official government records (birth, death, marriage) other than those that might be noted in synagogue or rabbi’s records. We do not have telephone directories or Sanford maps, both of which can be found through a public library.

Sites that can lead to vital records are:

• For the United States: http://vitalrec.com/
  
• National Center for Health Statistics: ttp://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm
  
• For countries outside of the United States: http://www.jewishgen.org then click on the country of your choice.