Tag Archives: research

Refresh my memory!

Posted on September 14, 2025 by Janette Silverman

About five years ago, a friend was talking to me about Varian Fry, who my friend considers a personal hero. He asked if I knew of Varian Fry, and when I admitted I did not, he sent me a copy … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Yin and the Yang of It

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Janette Silverman

When I’m in Eastern Europe I feel so pulled. On the one hand cities, like Krakow are so beautiful, Warsaw represents how all ruins don’t have to remain, but some should, and other cities, towns, villages, have their own sense … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Avoidance

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Janette Silverman

Today we visited one of the most amazing museums – Polin. The museum is about 10 years old, and is absolutely incredible. I’ve been here before and I’m always finding something new, something to marvel at, and something to capture … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tears

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Janette Silverman

Today we visited one of those all too many lost communities. It was about a two hour drive from Kaunas to Švėkšna. In 1897 there were about 1000 Jews living in Švėkšna. By the interwar period, Jews owned more than … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Balebosta in Vilnius

Posted on August 28, 2025 by Janette Silverman

It’s not often that you have an opportunity to meet with someone who carries the traditions of Litvak food in her soul. Even if she doesn’t sing out loud as she prepares the ingredients, mixes them, all the while explaining … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Raindrops keep falling, and falling…

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Janette Silverman

The raindrops are very real, but they are also metaphorical. Today we took a long drive to Plungė. I’ve never been there before, and neither has Lina, a native of Lithuania. I have probably not been to half or maybe … Continue reading →

Posted in Eastern European Travel, Genealogy, Holocaust, Jewish Genealogy | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Streets

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Janette Silverman

Last night I was lulled to sleep by the musicians playing on the street outside the hotel – accordions, guitars, I think I saw a violinist when I was outside, too. This morning, I woke up early and was lulled … Continue reading →

Posted in Eastern European Travel, Holocaust, musing on research | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Adventure Starts (or perhaps continues)

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Janette Silverman

Depending on how you look at it, I am either off for a new adventure or just continuing the journey of discovery I’ve been on for a long time. I realized many years ago that researching made me really happy, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Our Never-ending Stories

Posted on July 5, 2025 by Janette Silverman

Those of you who read my book Stories They Never Told Us may think you’ve heard (or read) all my stories and all the techniques and resources available for genealogical research. However, our lives are filled with stories. The minutia … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy, musing on research, research tips | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Excitement – Research, Travel, Book

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Janette Silverman

Not only did my family find the names on the tablecloth fascinating, but as I’ve been adding new names, I went down memory lane. I searched for photos, I updated my tree with new findings, and stuck my fingers countless … Continue reading →

Posted in book, Eastern European Travel, Genealogy, musing on research | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment