Who is Isabel Groesbeek? / Wie is Isabel Groesbeek?

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Isabel Groesbeek completed BA Hons (History) at University of Pretoria (1981) and is a professional genealogy researcher since 1988. 

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Isabel Groesbeek was a genealogical researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) since 1988 and from 1990 to 1998 the Head: Genealogy Information, HSRC. The division was closed by the government and the HSRC genealogical collection (1971-1998) was transferred to the newly founded Genealogical Institute of South Africa (GISA), Stellenbosch (1998-2018), but the collection is since 2019 in the library of CPUT Wellington campus.
Isabel remained in Pretoria in 1998 and started Isabel Groesbeek Genealogical Services in private capacity.

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She is the founder of the GENEALOGY & FAMILY HERITAGE EXPO. The first expo took place in May 2008 as a celebration of Isabel’s involvement with genealogy as a science over a period of 20 years. She organised and personally hosted the expo for 11 years.

From January 2020 to December 2024 she heads the newly founded FAK Genealogielessenaar of the
Federasie vir Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge (FAK) and planned the expo with the FAK as co-host.
Due to COVID19 the 2020 & 2021 Expo had a changed format - interviews were published on the FAK Facebook in October 2020 & May/June 2021 and are still available on Facebook & YouTube.
Three expos took place at the Voortrekkersaal during 2022 to 2024.

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Her genealogical work experience & activities / Haar genealogiese ondervinding en aktiwitete:

• Editing HSRC team member for publication series 'Suid-Afrikaanse Geslagregisters/South African Genealogies'.

• Co Editor of publication, 'Die familie Van der Walt in Suid-Afrika' (1989).

• Co author of publications e.g. on AUCAMP, CLAAS(S)EN(S)-, RAS-, & SMAL(L) family etc.

• Researcher and compiler of many smaller genealogies as well as a Beginners' Guide.

• Author & co-author of articles e.g. for Capensis, Creative Reflections, FAMILIA, Idees/Ideas, LIG, Plus 50, Scrapping & Kie, Reader’s Digest, Vrouekeur.

• Presenter of Module on genealogy, UP Winter school & guest lecturer at Department Heritage & Historical Studies.

• Guest speaker at many events.

• Compiler and presenter of radio series ‘Van Waar Gehasi?’ (2000) 'Genealogie & Plekname' and regular guest on RSG & Pretoria FM.

• Initiator and presenter of genealogical beginners' course, ‘Van waar Gehasi?’ (since 2000) - contact to book for future course dates) on request around the country, also at ‘AARDKLOP’ for two years.

• Initiator and organizer of Genealogie- & Familie-Erfenisfees/Genealogy & Family Heritage Expo since 2008.

• Owner & administrator of Facebook group, FAMILIES INFO SA since 2011.

• Initiator and co organizer of Genealogy Open Day in Stellenbosch during Woordfees 2018.

• Fellow of / Genoot van Genealogical Society of South Africa (GSSA) / Genealogiese Genootskap van SA (GGSA).