Services
Where do we begin? And what can we discover along the way?
Maybe you have one question about the family, maybe an old document you would like to have deciphered, or maybe you want to dive into a thorough study of a whole family story. I offer a range of services that can be adapted to your needs, combined with one another and expanded according to what we discover along the way.
You do not have to know in advance exactly what you are looking for or where the research will lead. We start from what exists, define the goal together and move forward step by step, following the story.
Consultation and guidance (“learn to fish”)
Who it is for
For those who want to research on their own and need a roadmap, tools and initial guidance.
What I do
A diagnostic session in which we sharpen the research question, map the relevant sources and build a plan of action — while you carry out the search yourself.
What you receive
A short summary document: the precise research question and initial recommendations on where to turn and which databases to use. A follow-up call for another direction can be added.
How to begin
We schedule a diagnostic session — by Zoom or in person.
Full research support
Who it is for
For those without the time, the language or the access to archives, who would like the research carried out from beginning to end.
What I do
Focusing the research question, building a work plan and carrying out the research itself vis-à-vis archives and databases — Yad Vashem, Bad Arolsen/ITS, national archives in Poland, Lithuania and Germany — including official inquiries, document interpretation and full documentation of sources.
What you receive
A documented final research report: what was found (with sources), what was not found and why, and a timeline of the family journey.
How to begin
An initial introductory call — and from there we build the research plan together.
Lectures and group workshops
Who it is for
For communities, synagogues and organisations that would like to open up the world of family history research to a wider audience.
What I do
A lecture or workshop tailored to the audience and the subject: which databases exist (Yad Vashem, JewishGen, the Israel State Archives), how to begin, common mistakes, and a Q&A — with the option of hands-on practice.
What you receive
A session adapted to the audience, with a presentation and supporting materials, offering practical tools for continuing an independent search.
How to begin
Get in touch to arrange the audience, subject and scope.
Roots tours in Poland
Who it is for
For families who want to experience for themselves the places their parents and grandparents came from — not only read about them.
What I do
Focused preliminary research that identifies the family's specific places, an accurate historical background for each stop, and close on-site guidance as a certified guide.
What you receive
A tailor-made itinerary, written historical background material for each stop, and a fully guided experience in Poland — with the option of a written travel journal at the end.
How to begin
An initial call to map the family and the scope of the journey.
A note on transparency
Research may include searches in databases, birth and marriage records, censuses, immigration lists, community registers, military documents, naturalisation files and other archival sources — according to the family and the countries involved. Not every document is found, and not every mystery is solved. The report always documents what was not found as well — and the reasons why.
Book an intro call