This Kriss Foundation site explores family history in the context of cultural and political events.
Media
We are continually adding photographs, documents, and audio media relating to our family history. Please email new digital images or other media you wish to share. Our goal is to digitize the entire existing collection of 1880-1950 materials for future generations.
Genealogy Online
The interactive online genealogy, powered by Webtrees, covers over 2700 relatives in more than 1000 family groups. To view living family members, please register.
Selected Surname Origins
Charny
Also spelled Charney. Derived from the Russian cherny meaning black, but probably used descriptively for 'black-haired' or 'dark-skinned' person. Variants are Polish czarny and Czech cerny. Possibly assigned by edict in the late 1700s. Eastern Ashkenazic Jewish origin.