Tracing Family Roots

Last year, the author worked with a tour operator and her parents to trace their family roots in Russia and Poland. // © 2016 Mindy Poder

In Russia, the family explored the country’s culture, rather than tracking down specific family heritage. // © 2016 Mindy Poder

The itinerary also explored Jewish history in St. Petersburg (here) and Warsaw. // © 2016 Mindy Poder

The family visited Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, where a grandfather had been taken prisoner. // © 2016 Mindy Poder

The most specific request was to track down the mother’s birthplace and first home in a small village in Poland. // © 2016 Mindy Poder

Exeter guides were able to find the site of the grandfather’s workplace. // © 2016 Mindy Poder

To find the home, the family knocked on doors and interviewed locals for clues. // © 2016 Mindy Poder

After some searching, the family was able to find the apartment building along with other related sites. // © 2016 Mindy Poder