Australian Jewish Genealogical Society
The Australian Jewish Genealogical Society is an organisation established to encourage and assist those with Jewish ancestry to research their family histories. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation and dissemination of genealogical information of particular relevance and interest to members of the Australian Jewish community.
The Society was established in Sydney in 1993. A Victorian branch was established in 1995, which incorporated as a separate Society in 1998, and presently has about 150 members. AJGS represents member researchers in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. There are several members in Canberra, some of whom are members of the ACT Jewish Community. The Society is affiliated to the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS),[1] which comprises over 80 national Jewish Genealogical Societies.
The Society maintains library resources of Jewish genealogically relevant reference books, maps, newsletters and journals. The Victorian library collection (which includes material belonging to the Australian Jewish Historical Society) is housed at the Makor Jewish Community Library.[2] It also provides online and personal information as to where various types of lists are available and holds seminars and other educational events.
The Sydney Society has since 1993 produced a quarterly magazine called The Kosher Koala, and the Victorian society produces a newsletter called Jewish Genealogy Downunder.