A long career in international education and development connected me professionally and personally with Eastern Europe.
For 16 years, I lived and worked in the Balkans, mostly in Bulgaria but also in Macedonia and Kosovo. The work included collaboration with partners in countries all over the region. Later, based in the Washington, DC area, I continued to work on programs in Eastern Europe, including large education initiatives in Kosovo and Ukraine.
Peace Corps was how it all started. I was a member of Group 1 in Bulgaria.
While living in Europe, a long-hibernating interest in my own Jewish story was awakened. Though I didn’t see any fiddlers on actual roofs, I did experience many cultural elements that reminded me of where I grew up, in Jewish New York City. One thing led to another. I’ve now been researching my family lines for over 15 years, my desk covered in manifests and matzevot.
My personal research has been supported by many experts and knowledgeable hobbyists. Now I am excited to support the research of others.
As for the wonderful Bulgarian language, I became fluent thanks to strong Peace Corps training and a long sojourn in the country.
I’ve translated family letters, documents, short stories, a novel, and two historical biographies.
Since Bulgarian is a Slavic language (in the South Slavic family), my knowledge of Bulgarian happens to be helpful with Jewish family research, as I am able to follow documents in other Slavic languages (I see a lot of Polish and Russian, in particular).
I live in Maryland with my wife, daughter and labradoodle Hope (Надето).
My email is: mbrown.next@gmail.com.
You may also find me on LinkedIn.