The Full Story
About Me
Welcome!
I’m Mattan Segev-Frank, a Historian, Professional Genealogist and Storyteller based in Vienna, Austria.
With a passion for uncovering the hidden stories of the past, I’ve dedicated over 17 years to Jewish genealogy, transforming a simple curiosity into a profession that spans generations and continents. My journey through my own Genealogical Jungle began in 2007, and today, I proudly maintain a comprehensive family database containing over 71,000 individuals, primarily focusing on the genealogies of the Jewish communities throughout Central Europe.
I hold a BFA in Film and Television and an MA in Jewish History from Tel Aviv University, graduating with honors in the Inter-University Program that specializes in Russian and Eastern European Studies. My BFA studies included Naratology, investigative research, and New Media, while my Master’s degree allowed me to deepen and broaden my expertise in Jewish history and genealogy of the former Austrian-Hungarian Empire.
Professional Experience
My professional experience includes collaboration with various esteemed organizations, including Yad Vashem, the Administrator General and Official Receiver at the Israeli Ministry of Justice, Tel Aviv University, the Slovak civic association "Pamätaj" (Remember), as well as the Jewish Museum Vienna.
My volunteering experience includes various projects for JewishGen, and I was invited to lecture for various genealogical associations, such as the Israeli Genealogy Society, the Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA), the Jewish Genealogy Association of Colorado and others.
I am a licensed Genealogy Researcher by the Austrian Ministry of Labor and Economy and a proud member of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO), the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), as well as the Hungarian Society for Family History Research (MACSE), further enhancing my ability to deliver proficient genealogical services..
I have conducted genealogical research all over the world, namely in the United States, Israel, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Belarus, France, Brazil, England, Australia and more.
I specialize in tracing family lines, gathering historical documents, tracing and obtaining archival material, and supporting probate companies in identifying living heirs. My expertise extends beyond genealogical records to analyzing data and creating graphic family trees, personalized family history books, and personalized Podcasts.
I offer my services to English- and Hebrew-speaking clients but am experienced in reading genealogical material also in German (including older handwritten scripts), Hungarian, Slovak, Yiddish, and English.
Achievements
Throughout my academic career, I have received several accolades, including prestigious scholarships for outstanding research. Additionally, I’ve been involved in the rescue of Hungarian Jewish cultural heritage items, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
I am included in an exclusive list of genealogists recommended by the Israeli Ministry of Justice to people in need of a Specialist’s report for clarification of inheritance cases.
Passion and Motivation
My passion for genealogy was ignited by this family portrait that prompted me to question the stories behind my ancestors and their relatives. What started as a personal exploration has evolved into a commitment to documenting histories that might otherwise be forgotten. My research extends deeply into my own roots in Austria, Belarus, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and the Ukraine, linking me directly to significant historical figures - Rabbis, Politicians, Scientific pioneers, Artists and more, all around the world. The joy of discovering such relations made me realize that everyone should experience this feeling of kinship and connection to historical figures as well as unique stories, whether famous or not.
Personal Touch
Outside of genealogy, I love traveling the globe, immersing myself in diverse cultures, and capturing the beauty of the world through photography - a hobby passed down as family tradition through generations in my family.
That's why I love bringing people to the places and cultures their ancestors came from, allowing them to take their genealogical curiosity beyond the realm of archives and documents and turn it into an immersive cultural experience.
Call to Action
If you’re interested in tracing your own family history, gathering necessary documentation for a citizenship application, or simply discovering the rich tapestry of your ancestry, I invite you to Contact Me. Let's embark on this exciting journey through your Genealogy Jungle together!