Roots: Tale of Two Homes

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History is often taught through sweeping dates and broad statistics, but the most powerful entry points into our past are the places our ancestors once called home. In A Tale of Two Homes, join the Academy and Dr Naomi Leissner as we bridge the gap between macro-history and intimate family roots. By focusing on two specific physical addresses – a wooden house on the market square of Alsedziai, Lithuania, and a 14th-century stone residence at 46 Krakowska Street in Krakow, Poland – we will transform vast historical events into tangible, deeply human stories. Together, we’ll explore the vibrant life and tragic loss of Eastern European Jewry, seeing how localised personal accounts mirror the broader historical landscape. More than a history series, you’ll also receive hands-on tools to become the researcher of your own family tree. Naomi will walk us through interactive digital platforms, archival databases, and step-by-step methods, teaching us how to navigate resources like Yad Vashem, JewishGen, and regional Polish and Lithuanian archives. From decoding forgotten records to troubleshooting research dead ends, we will begin to uncover lost names, trace displaced relatives, and actively restore the missing links in your family's chain. Whether you're planning a trip to Eastern Europe, trying to make sense of old family photos, or dedicated to honouring the memory of lost generations, this journey offers a supportive space to reconnect with where you come from. Join Dr. Naomi Leissner and the Academy to unlock your family’s history, master the tools of archival discovery, and ensure your heritage is remembered.