Bill Gladstone is a distinguished researcher, author, and genealogist who is based in Toronto. He is known for his expertise in uncovering and documenting family lineages from Europe to North America.
As a journalist, Bill was a longtime arts columnist for the Canadian Jewish News (CJN). In addition to his work for the CJN, he has written extensively for the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Maclean’s, the Jewish Telegraph Agency, the London Jewish Chronicle, and many other publications. Bill has written and edited books on Canadian Jewish history and served as the book review editor for Avotaynu: The International Review of Jewish Genealogy. In 2008, Bill established a publishing company named Now and Then Books.
Beyond writing and publishing articles and books, Bill regularly speaks at libraries, synagogues, private clubs, and reading groups, delivering community presentations on a variety of topics related to the history of the Toronto Jewish community. He also gives frequent workshops on Jewish genealogy for private groups.
Bill is the former president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto. As a genealogist, he provides invaluable assistance to individuals seeking to trace their Jewish ancestry. His expertise in navigating genealogical and archival records helps people connect with their roots, understand their familial history, and strengthen their sense of identity. Through his genealogical research, Bill serves as a bridge between past and present, connecting generations of Jewish Torontonians and fostering a sense of continuity and belonging within the community.
Bill’s work plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the heritage of the local Jewish community. Through his research and publications, he uncovers and documents the stories, traditions, and experiences of Jewish individuals and families in Toronto, ensuring that their legacies are remembered and celebrated.
Bill Gladstone’s collection consists of numerous accessions related to his research topics. It contains a wealth of historical documents, photographs, and other materials that serve as important educational resources for the local Jewish community. Bill’s collection provides researchers, students, and community members with opportunities to conduct continued research in Jewish genealogy and Canadian Jewish history. Bill has been an important advocate for the preservation of local Jewish history and the importance of highlighting and celebrating that history. Of special note is the incredible research effort that went into his own genealogical project documenting the extensive Rubinoff-Naftolin families.
Ontario Jewish Archives
Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Sherman Campus
4600 Bathurst Street
Toronto, Ontario M2R 3V2
416-635-5391
www.ontariojewisharchives.org