The Association for Central European Jewish History and Genealogy was established in September 2025 and is dedicated to to advancing the study of Jewish history and genealogy across the lands of the former Habsburg Empire / Austria-Hungary and its successor states.
We bring together researchers, academics, and passionate enthusiasts from around the world who share a love for these interconnected histories.
Our mission is to foster collaboration, develop better tools and databases to support interdisciplinary research, and create a vibrant, inclusive community for like-minded people where knowledge and ideas can flourish.
We promote cooperation and collaboration, enriching the field through joint efforts and collective knowledge.
Whether you want to expand your knowledge, volunteer for related causes, or participate in an international network, you'll find a welcoming space here. Together, we can preserve and illuminate the rich Jewish heritage of Central Europe.
Parallel Paths, Shared Past:
Bridging Genealogy and Jewish History in Research
of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire
Vienna, CEU Campus May 4-6, 2026
Historical research on the Jews of the Habsburg empire, its neighbors, and successor states is being enriched by an ever-growing corpus of genealogical documentation, which offers new insights into social, economic, educational, and vocational networks and a wide variety of personal and professional relationships. These insights add texture and context to classical historical narratives, sometimes revealing connections, contacts and influences that alter or transform our understandings of individual behaviors, decisions and actions.
The Association for Central European Jewish Genealogy and History was recently founded to foster the use of genealogical methods in critical historical research and to investigate the untapped potential of genealogical resources and databases in rethinking the Jewish past in the region and beyond. In partnership with the Jewish Studies Program at Central European University (Vienna and Budapest), we are organizing an inaugural interdisciplinary conference in Vienna, Austria, to investigate and encourage the fruitful interplay between Jewish genealogy and Jewish history.
The Association for Central European Jewish History and Genealogy welcomes individuals and institutions worldwide who share an interest in Jewish history and genealogy across the former Habsburg lands and beyond.
We are building a vibrant, international community of multidisciplinary academics, researchers, historians, and enthusiasts who believe in the power of cooperation and shared discovery. Join us as a Full Member (for those able to take part in our activities and meetings in Vienna, Austria) or as an Associate Member (for those living abroad who wish to stay connected, access resources, and support our mission remotely).
Membership applications are reviewed by the association’s board and may take up to one month. You can already submit your application — we’ll notify approved members as soon as payment options become available in the coming weeks.