Bonjour,

Please forgive my query in English, I do not speak French and find google translate problematic for this type of dialogue.
I'm planning a visit to Nancy as my family lived there prior to emigration to the US in 1898. Both before and during
my visit I'd like to learn as much as I can about the Jewish community in Nancy, especially the community of Jews who moved there from Russia/Poland.

What drew them to Nancy?
What was the Jewish community like at the time (dichotomy between families who had been there for generations vs newcomers?)?
What was the relationship like between the gentile community and the Jews in the late 19th century?

I'd be grateful for any resources in print and am also looking for an in person guide knowledgeable in the area. The material I am finding online relates primarily to earlier periods than my focus.

Also, my great-grandfather was caught and charged with smuggling matches in Arnaville. I know this from a newspaper report but there is no additional information. Is there a chance of finding a record of his arrest and what happened afterwards? Where would I look?

Cordialement,
Sherri Venditti
USA