Victoria Fisch is President, Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento and northern California editor Western States Jewish History journal. She has curated a Spring 2014 exhibit at Folsom History Museum called, “Pioneer Jews of the Gold Rush.” In addition, she was Chairman of Family History Day 2013 at the California State Archives and currently teaches a genealogy class for synagogue high school students.

Victoria is on the board of the Commission for the Preservation of Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks of the West.

As a partner in Frankel & Fisch Family Historians she assisted  researching for the  television series “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Finding Your Roots.” She has conducted investigations for authors, academics, police and fire departments.

Visit her website at www.frankelandfisch.com

“Between the Redwoods and the Bay: The Historical Jewish Community of Santa Cruz, California” (Tues-111), 4:30-5:45 P.M.

This presentation will identify highlights from the forthcoming book of the same name by author George Fogelson, edited with additional research by Victoria Fisch.

The Jewish community of Santa Cruz County was established during the Gold Rush era of California. Victoria will discuss the history of Jewish influx to the state during this period, including the socio-political environment in Europe at this time, and methods of travel to the Gold Country.

Long term Jewish settlers in Santa Cruz became established merchants who were accepted members of society and reflective of patterns throughout the early history of California.

The presentation will present an overview of the community, with focus on one family’s trajectory from living in Prussia, peddling in northern California, and, then, owning the longest operating department store in Watsonville, a town in Santa Cruz County.

The speaker will Include information on relatives who settled in Nevada territory and progenitor’s experiences in mining camps of the Sierra.

Topics: Pioneer Jews of California