The inscription on the silver band reads:
SIR WALTER RALEIGH’S COLONY
The post The CGS Gavel: a Historical Curiosity first appeared on California Genealogical Society.]]>
The inscription on the silver band reads:
SIR WALTER RALEIGH’S COLONY
1585 ROANOKE ISLAND NC
CALIFORNIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
1915 SARAH SOULE MCMILLAN PATTON
The gavel has been passed from one CGS President to the next for over a century, and recently Past President Jim Sorenson presented it to current President Chris Pattillo. Despite its age, it’s sturdy enough to deliver a satisfying whack, as Chris demonstrated at the close of the last Board meeting.
The post The CGS Gavel: a Historical Curiosity first appeared on California Genealogical Society.]]>There are two classes in the “Tips & Talk” series at the Oakland FamilySearch Library this week. And you can attend them either in person or via Zoom!
Tuesday, March 12, 11 AM: “Snipping, Clipping, and Irfanview.” Robert and Portia NeVille demonstrate how to capture images online. This “How-to” session will teach you how to use the computer’s Snipping Tool and IrfanView to highlight, capture, and save parts of records and photos. We will practice with online records. Robert and Portia NeVille are one of three full-time missionary couples assigned as FamilySearch specialists. This is their fourth full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. They’ve previously served in Peru, Argentina, and Spain. Robert is fluent in Spanish and Portia “holds her own.”
Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 PM: “German Research Part 1” with Robert Jackson. First in a three-part series examining what motivated Germans to emigrate to America in the 19th century, as well as how to find the village of origin of your German ancestor. Once found, it is quite possible, and even fun, to easily extract at least a few generations of ancestors from German church records, which are increasingly available online. Robert will also show how much one can learn about one’s forebears from these records, not just names and dates. Robert, a Harvard history PhD, has engaged in German research for decades and looks forward to discussing your questions, ideas, and theories. Series continues on March 20 and March 27.
Friday, March 15, 10:30 AM: Mayflower Descendants SIG. Led by Robert Trapp. Focus on Mayflower ancestry and how to join The Society of California Mayflower Descendants. Discussion of ongoing research.
Sat., March 16, 10 AM: San Francisco SIG. Sandra Huber leads this group for those interested in finding San Francisco ancestors, with discussion of where to look for records both pre and post the 1906 earthquake.
Sat., March 16, 1 PM: Family Tree Maker SIG. Presentation, discussion, and troubleshooting for users of the popular genealogy software. Led by Ron Madson and Karen Halfon. Hybrid (held in person and on Zoom).
Recording available through March 24:
How to Leave Your Genealogy: Don’t Let It Get Thrown Away! Lisa Gorrell’s presentation on tasks you can do now to leave your genealogy in good shape for your heirs.
Coming up March 30:
“You Can Do This: Photo Organizing and Preservation.” Thomas MacEntee, creator of “Genealogy Bargains,” discusses the best ways to organize and preserve family photos.
Library hours: Thursday and Friday 10 AM-2 PM and Saturday 10 AM-4 PM
Helpful Links
Events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar: Google calendar
Right now the technology only applies to two collections: US Land and Probate Records and Mexico Notary Records. But what an abundance is to be found in these two collections! Genealogist Lisa Hork Gorrell, CGⓒ, a longtime CGS member, tried it out and reported her experience in her blog, Mam-ma’s Southern Family. A search for the surname “Coor” quickly turned up a document she’d never seen before that pertained to her fourth-great-grandfather John Coor (1785-1838), documenting his plan to build a sawmill with his neighbor Joel Hoggatt. She has since followed up on that with a post at her other blog, showing how to copy the information and cite it.
In the words of “The Legal Genealogist,” Judy G. Russell, “This is what we’ve all been hoping artificial intelligence could do for us.”
To learn more details of Lisa Gorrell’s search, see her blog posts here and here.
To try out the search function for yourself, log in to your FamilySearch account, or create an account (it’s free). Then go to https://www.familysearch.org/en/labs/, where you’ll find a link to the new Full Text Search, as well as links to several other experimental programs you can try out. Have fun!
The post “Game Changer”: FamilySearch’s new full-text search function first appeared on California Genealogical Society.]]>We’ve got two stellar presentations coming up this week as part of the “Tips & Talk” series at the Oakland FamilySearch Library. And you can attend them either in person or via Zoom!
Wed., March 6, 11:00 AM – “Overview of Irish Records and Research” with Maureen Hanlon. Maureen’s class focuses on finding the homeland of your immigrant ancestor using Irish records of the 19th century. Maureen, is a CGS member and a volunteer at OFSC . She became interested in her Irish families after discovering her GG grandfather was from Cork not Northern Ireland. Maureen is generous with her time helping others find their Irish Heritage. She has created a Facebook page and a SIG group to help others with their Irish roots.
Wed., March 6, 6:30 PM – “On the Road Again: Tips for Planning On-site Research” by Pam Brett. A research trip to one’s ancestral home can be extremely rewarding, but also may present many challenges. Pam will share practical tips on how to plan an on-site research trip to achieve your research goals and to bring home a new understanding of the lives of your ancestors. Pam is a long time member of the California Genealogical Society . She has taught many classes at CGS and takes annual research trips to find unique information for her ancestors.
Sat., March 9, 10 AM-noon: CGS Monthly Board Meeting. Hybrid (in person and via Zoom). On the agenda: Focus 2025, 10 Million Names Project, Board Nominations, update on the Ancestry Digitization Project. Also: Grouper affiliation, shared calendar, Life Member report, and “CGS as a Digital Archiving Hub.”
And don’t forget: Recording available through March 24: How to Leave Your Genealogy: Don’t Let It Get Thrown Away! Lisa Gorrell’s presentation will discuss tasks you can do now so you will leave your genealogy in good shape for your heirs.
Library hours: Thursday and Friday 10 AM-2 PM and Saturday 10 AM-4 PM
Helpful Links
Events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar: Google calendar
Mark your calendars now for some great educational opportunities, including a special class featuring well-known genealogist Thomas MacEntee. If you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (or even if you don’t), don’t miss Maureen Hanlon‘s March 6 talk on Irish Records and Research. We’ve also got the monthly first-Saturday Intro to Genealogy, All events are completely free of charge, but please do preregister.
Sat., March 2, 10 AM: Intro to Genealogy. A free series of 4 rotating classes covering the basics of genealogical research. This month: “Vital Records (birth, marriage, and death).” Via Zoom.
Sat., March 30, 10 AM: “You Can Do This: Photo Organizing and Preservation.” Participants will learn the best ways to organize and preserve family photos including outsourcing as well as the DIY approach. Starting with quick and easy inventory and organizing tips, we’ll move on to creating a strategic plan to finally get this photo project done! Thomas MacEntee, creator of “Genealogy Bargains,” is a popular speaker and educator. His current focus is changing the way genealogists acquire new research skills, motivating researchers to take a chance on new technologies, and improving how family stories and heirlooms are preserved and passed on to the next generations. Online via Zoom.
“Tips & Talk” series at the Oakland FamilySearch Library:
Sat., March 9, 10 AM. Monthly Board Meeting. Hybrid; in person and via Zoom.
Wed., March 13, 6:30 PM: Members’ Roundtable. A forum for asking questions about one another’s genealogical research, to learn from others, share research successes, and enjoy a collegial group of individuals interested in learning together. Particularly for new and remote members, this is an opportunity to meet and feel part of the CGS community. Led by Lisa Gorrell and Jacqueline Henderson.
Fri., March 15, 10:30 AM: Mayflower Descendants SIG. Led by Robert Trapp. Focus on Mayflower ancestry and how to join The Society of California Mayflower Descendants. Discussion of ongoing research.
Sat., March 16, 10 AM: San Francisco SIG. Sandra Huber leads this group for those interested in finding San Francisco ancestors, with discussion of where to look for records both pre and post the 1906 earthquake.
Sat., March 16, 12 noon: Irish Ancestry Network/Family Tree Maker: Please join our “live” special Potluck and Celebration of both groups in the CGS Library on the March 16th, beginning at 12:00 noon. Bring your Scones, soda bread and other Irish goodies to share!
Mon., March 25, 7 PM: Advanced DNA SIG. Mark McLaren leads this group where members can further develop their understanding of DNA techniques, review new developments in DNA testing and tools, and discuss members’ research problems and case studies.
Wed., March 27, 6:30 PM: RootsMagic Special Interest Group. Keith Montgomery leads a discussion of helpful hints for users of this popular genealogy platform. Via Zoom.
How to Leave Your Genealogy: Don’t Let It Get Thrown Away! Lisa Gorrell’s presentation will discuss tasks you can do now so you will leave your genealogy in good shape for your heirs.
Library hours: Thursday and Friday 10 AM-2 PM and Saturday 10 AM-4 PM
Helpful Links:
Events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar: Google calendar
In case you hadn’t heard, RootsTech, the world’s largest family history conference, is this coming week, from Feb. 29-March 2. If you’re already on your way to Salt Lake City, have fun! If you’re not going in person, you can still register to attend online events for FREE.
Closer to home, the following East Bay events are slated for this week:
The “Tips and Talk” series this week features Janet and Cliff Ross. Held in person at the Oakland FamilySearch Center and via Zoom. Free. Please preregister.
Tues., Feb. 27, 11 AM: “How to Series: The Family History Guide.“ Janet and Cliff Ross give an overview of the comprehensive genealogical site known as The Family History Guide. It includes training programs for FamilySearch, Ancestry, and other platforms, family activities, research tips, and more. The speakers will explain how best to navigate and find what will benefit you as you work to find your ancestry. Cliff has spent part of his career as a professional genealogist using the Genealogy library in Salt Lake City. His interest in genealogy has spanned 50 years. Most recently he has spent four-plus years working in FamilySearch centers, helping patrons learn how to discover their family history in the U.S. and Sweden, among other places. Janet has worked on her family genealogy for many years, continuing where her grandmother left off. She has a strong interest in the features of The Family History Guide and its value to beginning genealogists and in teaching how to share family histories. She has also worked with her husband in three different family history and FamilySearch Centers.
Sat., March 2, 10 AM: Intro to Genealogy. A series of four rotating classes covering the basics of genealogical research. This month: “Vital Records (birth, marriage, and death).” Free. Via Zoom.
The following Special Interest Groups meet this week:
Mon., Feb. 26, 7 PM: Advanced DNA SIG. Mark McLaren leads this group where members can further develop their understanding of DNA techniques, review new developments in DNA testing and tools, and discuss members’ research problems and case studies.
Wed., Feb. 28, 6:30 PM – RootsMagic Special Interest Group. Keith Montgomery leads a discussion of helpful hints for users of this popular genealogy platform. Via Zoom.
Library hours: Thursday and Friday 10 AM-2 PM and Saturday 10 AM-4 PM
Helpful Links
Events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar: Google calendar
Sat., Feb. 24, 11 AM: Our featured presentation this month is an online class by Lisa Gorrell, CG: “How to Leave Your Genealogy: Don’t Let It Get Thrown Away!” Lisa has put a lot of thought and energy into preserving her more than 30 years’ worth of genealogy research for future generations. In this class, she will discuss organization and other tips to maintain your research and make it easy for your heirs to deal with.
Our free “Tips & Talk” series at the Oakland FamilySearch Center this week features these two compelling sessions:
Wed., Feb. 21, 11:00 am: “Using Mexican Records on FamilySearch and Ancestry.com.” Robert and Portia NeVille give an overview of Mexican records available on these two major websites. Robert and Portia are serving a one year mission at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. Past missions have been in Peru, Argentina, and Madrid, Spain. Robert also spent two years in Uruguay as a student. Both Portia and Robert speak Spanish and enjoy helping others with their Spanish research projects.
Wed., Feb. 21, 6:30 pm: “Improbable Family Ties: Connections Recovered from Antebellum Nelson and Fluvanna Counties of Virginia, 1815-1862.” Patricia Smith Jenkins and Martha A. Jessup happened to meet at the library several years ago and began a collaborative research effort to identify a common ancestor in central Virginia. Working through three generations of slavery, they discovered eight paths of connection. They will discuss the historical context, their findings, and the meaning and value of their story for genealogical research and education. Pat Jenkins, retired Manager of the Early Childhood Education Program at UC Berkeley, facilitates monthly research and discussion groups for the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California and Oakland California FamilySearch Library. Marty Jessup is a family historian and retired professor of nursing, University of California San Francisco. A 2017 trip to Fluvanna County, Virginia led her to her previously unknown great-aunt who was buried in the cemetery of an historic Black church where she found family from the community of Shores. Marty conducts research on the people enslaved by her ancestors and her connections to the Fluvanna and Nelson County family lines.
Both talks may be attended in person or via Zoom. Please pre-register at the link.
The following Special Interest Groups meet this month:
Sat., Feb. 24, 10 AM-noon. Eastern European Special Interest Group. Quarterly meeting of this group of enthusiastic researchers and genealogists who meet to support and learn from each other’s contributions and expertise in the areas of Central and Eastern Europe.
Sat., Feb. 24, 1-3 PM: Family Tree Maker SIG. Today’s meeting features a talk by Mark Olsen of MacKiev. Presentation, discussion, and troubleshooting for users of the popular genealogy software. Led by Ron Madson and Karen Halfon. Hybrid (held in person and on Zoom). Please register through the FTM SIG page.
The post This week at CGS (Feb. 19-25, 2024) first appeared on California Genealogical Society.]]>Tuesday, February 13, 11:00 am: “How-to Series: Ancestry Card Catalog and RecordSeek.” In-person and via Zoom. Speaker Annie Dearden, a native of Alabama currently serving as a missionary at the OFSC, shows how to use AncestryInstitution, the library version of Ancestry.com (available ...
The post This week at CGS (February 11-17, 2024) first appeared on California Genealogical Society.]]>Two fascinating topics are covered in this week’s free “Tips & Talk” series at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. Please preregister.
Tuesday, February 13, 11:00 am: “How-to Series: Ancestry Card Catalog and RecordSeek.” In-person and via Zoom. Speaker Annie Dearden, a native of Alabama currently serving as a missionary at the OFSC, shows how to use AncestryInstitution, the library version of Ancestry.com (available free at OFSC and at the CGS Library) to search the extensive historical record collections for free that are usually only available to paid Ancestry subscribers. She also gives a quick tutorial on the RecordSeek app, which allows you to quickly save Ancestry record information to the FamilySearch website, and vice versa.
Wednesday, February 14, 11:00 am: “Introduction to A-Files and C-Files” with Linda Okazaki. (Note: this class is in-person only.) What are A-files? Does your 20th-century immigrant have one? Why or why not? If so, where is it located? If he or she doesn’t have an A-file, is there a C-file? This class will introduce you to A-files and C-files, as well as other records held in the genealogy program at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or the National Archives. Linda Harms Okazaki is a fourth-generation Californian who is passionate about teaching people of all ages to research, document, and share their family histories. Her areas of interest include the western U.S., upstate New York, England, Australia, Japanese Americans, and the use of DNA in genealogy. Linda has been researching her husband’s ancestry since 2012, documenting his family in the internment camps and in Japan. A charter member of the Nikkei Genealogical Society, and a consultant for Ancestry’s Progenealogists and Densho, she is also a featured columnist for the Nichi Bei News. Her column, “Finding Your Nikkei Roots,” is published bimonthly. Her guide to “Finding Your Japanese Roots” was updated in 2023. Ms. Okazaki is the author of numerous articles, including the National Genealogical Society Magazine‘s “Paper Sons and Picture Brides,” which was co-authored by Grant Din, and “Japanese American Research,” published in the New York Researcher. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speaker’s Guild, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Linda is a past president of the California Genealogical Society, a former board member of the Nichi Bei Foundation, and the current president of the Northern California Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
The following Special Interest Groups are meeting this week:
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 6:30 PM: Members’ Roundtable. A forum for asking questions about one another’s genealogical research, to learn from others, share research successes, and enjoy a collegial group of individuals interested in learning together. Particularly for new and remote members, this is an opportunity to meet and feel part of the CGS community. Led by Lisa Gorrell and Jacqueline Henderson.
Friday, Feb. 16, 10:30 AM: Mayflower Descendants SIG. Led by Robert Trapp. Focus on Mayflower ancestry and how to join The Society of California Mayflower Descendants. Discussion of ongoing research.
Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 AM: San Francisco SIG. Sandra Huber leads this group for those interested in finding San Francisco ancestors, with discussion of where to look for records both pre and post the 1906 earthquake.
Saturday, Feb. 17, 1 PM: Family Tree Maker SIG. Presentation, discussion, and troubleshooting for users of the popular genealogy software. Today’s meeting features a talk by Mark Olsen of MacKiev. Led by Ron Madson and Karen Halfon. Hybrid (held in person and via Zoom).
Library hours: Thursday and Friday 10 AM-2 PM and Saturday 10 AM-4 PM
Helpful Links
Events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar: Google calendar
Current officers are Chris Pattillo, president; Roger Prince, vice president; Matt Berry, treasurer; Evan Wilson, recording secretary; and Cindy Kim Thomson, corresponding secretary. Other board members are Grant Din, Jennifer Dix, Ron Madson, Keith Montgomery, Carly Morgan, Bob Trapp, and Adelle Treakle.
The post Report from the Annual Meeting first appeared on California Genealogical Society.]]>
To register or for more information, click the link for any event. All times are Pacific Time.
Sat., Feb. 24, 11 AM: Our featured presentation this month is an online class by Lisa Gorrell, CG: “How to Leave Your Genealogy: Don’t Let It Get Thrown Away!” Lisa has put a lot of thought and energy into preserving her more than 30 years’ worth of genealogy research for future generations. In this class, she will discuss organization and other tips to maintain your research and make it easy for your heirs to deal with.
Our free “Tips & Talk” series at the Oakland FamilySearch Center is now available both in person and via Zoom! Please pre-register. We have a great lineup of speakers this month; please visit this link for more details about each talk.
Wed., Feb. 7, 11:00 am: “Beginning French Canadian Research” with Jane Lindsey.
Wednesday, February 7, 6:30 pm: “Finding People of Color in Census Records and Antebellum Records” with Craig Manson.
Tuesday, February 13, 11:00 am: “How-to Series: Ancestry Card Catalog and RecordSeek” with Annie Dearden.
Wednesday, February 14, 11:00 am: “Introduction to A-Files and C-Files” with Linda Okazaki. NOTE: This presentation is in-person only and will not be recorded.
Wednesday, February 14, 6:30 pm: “Hidden Ancestors in the Shadow of One Drop and Jim Crow” with Lavinia Schwarz.
Wednesday, February 21, 11:00 am: “Using Mexican Records on FamilySearch and Ancestry.com” with Robert and Portia NeVille.
Wednesday, February 21, 6:30 pm: “Improbable Family Ties: Connections Recovered from Antebellum Nelson and Fluvanna Counties of Virginia, 1815-1862” with Pat Jenkins and Marty Jessup.
Tuesday, February 27, 11:00 am: “How to Series: The FamilyHistory Guide (thefhguide.com)” with Janet and Cliff Ross.
The following Special Interest Groups meet this month:
Library hours: Thursday and Friday 10 AM-2 PM and Saturday 10 AM-4 PM
Helpful Links
All events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar: Google calendar