Guest Speaker: Joanna Shear

All About the Santa Cruz Jewish Genealogy Society

Joanna Shear was first drawn to genealogy by an unknown name on a mysterious engraved silver chalice, which led to a reunion for family separated by the Holocaust. Years down the road, she works on family history for herself, including DNA to go beyond the documentation and trace new family connections. In addition to Jewish genealogy, she focuses on African American research as well as regions of California and the Midwest.

Born in Boston, she grew up in Missouri and landed in the San Francisco Bay Area more than 26 years ago to start her career in the semiconductor industry. She has completed Boston University’s Certificate Program in Genealogical Research as well as the Progen study group and numerous genealogical institute courses. She is a lifetime member of the California Genealogical Society, and has been a member of the Santa Cruz Jewish Genealogy Society since 2022.

This program will present background information about Jewish Genealogy societies in general, as well as information about the SCJGS’s mission, approach, and programs. She understands the challenges of Jewish genealogy, and enjoys helping others find their joy in genealogy! She will share success stories and touch on the future of SCJGS and how they can help.