California Genealogical Society and Library blog

Using Online Historical Black Newspapers for Genealogical Research

2012-01-21T23:45:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 25, 2012
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, CA 94612

Many historical black and abolitionist newspapers are available online, with more being added. Most are on subscription sites, and some are free. This class will give an overview of the role of black
newspapers, tell what is online and where to find it. Instructor Janice Sellers will suggest access strategies and show sample search results.

Register online.

The class is limited to thirty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first thirty registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Janice M. Sellers is a professional genealogist specializing in newspaper and Jewish research. She is the editor of two genealogy journals and is publicity director for the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society. Janice is a member of Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogical Speakers Guild, California Genealogical Society, California State Genealogical Alliance, and Gesher Galicia. She has been on the staff of the Oakland California Family History Center for eleven years.

Copyright © 2012 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T23:50:00.000-08:00

Book Repair Committee Luncheon
Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Bill O'Neil, Lorna Wallace, Marianne Frey, Judy Bodycote and Dick Rees

Photographs courtesy of Lorna Wallace and Dick Rees, 12/13/11, Oakland, California.

Copyright © 2012 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Ancestral Homelands: A Spotlight Series for Beginners

2012-01-09T23:55:00.000-08:00

The California Genealogical Society and the Oakland California Family History Center have collaborated on a new series of classes designed to help you find where your immigrant ancestor came from and to teach you the kinds of resources available for that part of the world. Each month will focus on a different country or region.

Classes will be held monthly on the fourth Tuesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Oakland California Family History Center, 4766 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland. The fee is $10 per class.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012: Beginning Research in Sweden with Wade Olofson
–An introduction to Swedish genealogical research and online resources and materials at the Oakland California Family History Center, including Swedish death records through 2009, Swedish census 1880 - 1900, vital and church records. Register online.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012: Beginning Research in England with Jeremy Frankel –An introduction to British genealogical research and online resources and materials at the Oakland California Family History Center, including resources for English/Welsh vital records through the twentieth century, census records for 1841-1911, church and probate records. Register online.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012: Beginning Research in Norway with Gloria Hanson.
–An introduction to Norwegian genealogical research and online resources and materials at the Oakland California Family History Center, including naming practices, censuses, church records (births, marriages, deaths, immigration) and information on Norwegian settlements in the U.S. Register online.

Coming Tuesday, April 24, 2012: Beginning Research in Louisiana.

Coming Tuesday, May 22, 2012: Beginning Research in Germany.

Copyright © 2012 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Announcing the 12th Annual Salt Lake City Research Tour April 22-29, 2012

2012-01-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

Join CGS for a week of intensive research and lots of fun!

Past-president Jane Lindsey is leading the twelfth annual California Genealogical Society Salt Lake City Tour to the Family History Library from Sunday to Sunday, April 22—29, 2012. Research Director Nancy Peterson returns to help lead this very popular trip.

Nancy Peterson and Betty Walker at the Family History Library in 2011.

Accommodations will be at the Shilo Inn, located three blocks from the Family History Library. The Shilo provides free high-speed internet access in every room.

The trip cost is $750 (airfare not included.) A deposit of $200 holds one space.

The Tour Package includes:

Hotel room – 7 nights, double occupancy
Shuttle service to and from airport
Three group dinners (Sun., Wed., and Sat.)
Daily continental breakfast
Orientation and lectures
Computer assistance using the online catalog at FamilySearch.org and other websites
Optional consultation prior to the trip

Download the tour flier for restrictions and full information.

Register online and reserve your space now!

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

eNews January 2012, volume 6 number 1

2012-01-05T23:47:00.000-08:00

The January 2012 eNews, volume 6, number 1, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

Member Grace Frontin contributed this month's photograph of her great-grandfather, Patrick J. White, and his family, of San Francisco.

[Left to right] Patrick Joseph White, with James, on his lap; [standing] William V. (my grandfather),
Mary, Harry; Mary Jane Kelly White, with David Augustus on her lap;
[seated in front] Joseph and Grace; [center] fraternal twins, John and Katharine.

The infant seated at right on the lap of Mary Jane (Kelly) White was the future police chief of San Francisco, David Augustus White, who died in 1920 while in office.

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The February 2012 issue will be emailed on January 31, 2012. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Grace Frontin.

San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar: January 2012 Published

2011-12-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

January 2012 events have been published on the San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar – a collection of local genealogical society classes, workshops and meetings within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco.

The January calendar has forty-five classes and events at various venues around the Bay Area, sponsored by twenty different societies and genealogy libraries.

If you would like to add your group's events to the calendar, please email the information by the 15th of each month for publication on or before the 25th. (Please put "SFBA Calendar" in the subject line.)

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

31st Annual Ancestor Roundup Seminar on January 28, 2012

2011-12-29T23:00:00.000-08:00

CGS member Kitty Nevin is Regent of the Commodore Sloat Chapter, NSDAR. She sent this announcement:

The 31st Annual Ancestor Roundup Genealogical Seminar will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., in Seaside, California, at the LDS Church, 1024 Noche Buena (at Plumas).

Claire V. Brisson-Banks, nationally known genealogist, researcher and teacher, will be the keynote speaker. She will teach four classes: New England Research, Scotland Research Strategies, Preserving your Records and Attacking those Brick Walls.

Brisson-Banks has worked at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City since 2003. She is a member of The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists.

$30.00 pre-registration by January 21, 2012 guarantees syllabus and lunch.

Download the registration flier. (Page two is the full schedule of classes.)

The event is co-sponsored by the Commodore Sloat Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

For more information email Serita Sue Woodburn.

The National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution granted a charter to the Pacific Grove Chapter on September 29, 1922. In 1934, the chapter name was changed to Commodore Sloat Chapter to commemorate the historical significance of Commodore John Drake Sloat in California history. In 2011, to reflect the historical importance of Commodore Sloat's landing in Monterey, the chapter location was changed to Monterey, California.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T23:50:00.000-08:00

Holiday Tea at Jane Lindsey's

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Photographs courtesy of Arlene Miles.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

New Winter Series Starts January 26, 2012: Best Genealogy Websites

2011-12-23T23:00:00.000-08:00

Continuing a four-year tradition, the California Genealogical Society (CGS) and the Oakland California Family History Center (OCFHC) are teaming up to present a winter series of genealogy classes: Best Genealogy Websites – Tips & Tricks.

Eight weekly 90-minute sessions will give you the skills you need to navigate your way to better and more efficient search results on the best sites for family history research.

Classes will be held on Thursday afternoons from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at the Oakland California Family History Center, 4766 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland. The series begins on January 26, 2012 and runs through March 15, 2012. The fee is $40 for eight sessions, including course materials.

Reserve your space now!

SCHEDULE:
01/26 Ancestry.com
02/02 Fold3.com
02/09 FamilySearch.org I
02/16 FamilySearch.org II
02/23 Search Engines Fundamentals and the World of Google
03/01 Using Advanced Search Techniques to Narrow Your Results
03/08 Rootsweb.com, USGenWeb and WorldGenWeb Projects
03/15 NewspaperARCHIVE.com and GenealogyBank.com

PLEASE NOTE:

Class size limited to the first forty who register. Walk-ins will NOT be permitted.
Free parking at the Oakland California Family History Center.
$10.00 off a CGS membership if you join by March 1, 2012.
No refunds once the series begins.

Download the series flier.

Register online.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Two New Blogs from the California State Genealogical Alliance (CSGA)

2011-12-21T23:27:00.000-08:00

There are two new blogs in the right sidebar list of member blogs. Both are products of the California State Genealogical Alliance (CSGA) and some of the blog authors are members of the California Genealogical Society.

First is the CSGA Blog, providing information that impacts California genealogy. Among the team of bloggers are CGS members Sheri Fenley, Cat Nielsen and Cath Trindle.

The CSGA Blog will cover the following types of topics:

Legislative issues affecting California genealogists
California projects including the CSGA–FamilySearch partnership, the California Online Research Aid, the California Wiki on FamilySearch, and many individual society projects throughout the state
California societies, websites, repositories, online materials and events

Other members of the CSGA blog team are: Gena Philbert-Ortega and newcomers Junel Davidsen, CGSM.

The second blog, Copyright Issues for the 21st Century Genealogical Community (CSGAcopyright), is authored by Cath Madden Trindle and is part of a continuing effort by the Alliance to help gen societies understand copyright issues. The CSGAcopyright blog discusses copyright law, provides links and feeds to other copyright web sites, and will highlight blog postings on other sites.

The California State Genealogical Alliance (CSGA) was founded in 1982 and links genealogical societies and individuals throughout California who are interested in coordination and communication between societies as well as preservation of California’s rich genealogical history. The California Genealogical Society is a member of the Alliance.

Annual Business Meeting Postponed One Week

2011-12-19T23:30:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 21, 2012
1:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, CA 94612

The bylaws of the California Genealogical Society specify that the regular January membership meeting shall be the Annual Business Meeting "at which time the annual budget shall be adopted and all appropriate business presented."

This year's meeting will be postponed one week to avoid the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. The Annual Business Meeting will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at 1:00 p.m.

President Steve Harris will preside over the meeting. Agenda items will include:

treasurer's report from Laura Lee Karp and approval of the society budget
report from the nominating committee by Linda Okazaki, nominations and election of new board members
brief committee reports
remarks from the president

Following the meeting there will be a member reception and refreshments in the Sherman Room.

In addition, the library will hold a used book sale from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Library Committee volunteer Arlene Miles reports some great bargains among the wide variety of used genealogy books and periodicals set aside for the sale. Donated books continue to be a welcome source of materials in the library and the society is selling those which are duplicates of items already on our shelves and some which do not meet the strict collection policy. Proceeds are used to purchase more books.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Annual Giving Drives

2011-12-16T22:30:00.000-08:00

Carly Perez, Operations Manager of Cushman & Wakefield of California, Inc., the management company of 2201 Broadway, sent this reminder about the annual Breuner Building holiday drives:

This holiday season 2201 Broadway is supporting two wonderful ways to give back in our community.

The cold weather is here! Please consider donating a warm winter coat to our coat drive. Coats and jackets should be clean and gently used. The goal of One Warm Coat is to provide any person in need with a warm coat, free of charge. Carly has a collection box in her office, Suite M-3, or feel free to leave them with security. Coats will be collected until February 1, 2012.

The Alameda County Food Bank donation barrel is in the main lobby.

This is a list of most needed non-perishable foods:

Canned Fruit & Vegetables
Canned Meats and Fish
Peanut Butter
Pasta
Beans
Rice
Canned Soup
Dry Cereal and Oatmeal
Tomato Sauce
Powdered Milk

The food bin will be located in the main lobby through the first week of January.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Digging Into Your Past: Library Program with Jane Lindsey on YouTube

2011-12-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

Past-president Jane Knowles Lindsey participated in a free event on December 1, 2011 at the Walnut Creek Library. She was one of four panelists discussing a myriad of resources for tracking down family history including online databases, where to search for vital records, and genealogy libraries. The program – Digging into Your Past: Tips and Clues on How to Pursue Your Ancestry– also featured Bill Slocum, former Director of the Oakland Regional Family History Center, Martha Whittaker, former Senior Librarian at the Sutro Library, and author Diane DeGolia. The entire ninety-minute program is viewable on YouTube.

Jane's portion on breaking down brick walls starts about 1:03:50.

Live! From The Library is the Walnut Creek Library Foundation’s speaker series, which features public lectures and other cultural and literary events which are held at the Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, California.

eNews December 2011, volume 5, number 12

2011-12-07T23:55:00.000-08:00

The December 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 12, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month we pay tribute to Agnes Rasmine Isacksen Nygard, grandmother of member Louise Randolph.

The Isacksen sisters (l. to r.) Sophie Louise Isacksen Hansen (1884-1978), Agnes Rasmine Isacksen Nygard (1891-1971), Lily Isacksen Monks (1888-1980), and Mary Dorothy Isacksen Hansen (1880-1952).

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The January 2012 issue will be emailed on December 31, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Louise Randolph.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Insider's Guide to California Genealogy

2011-12-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

The California Genealogical Society (CGS) announces publication of the Insider’s Guide to California Genealogy – a laminated reference card of essential resources designed to help family historians researching their Golden State ancestors.

Modeled on a similar guide by the Illinois State Genealogical Society, the CGS product reflects the unique resources available and particular problems encountered with California research.

The Insider’s Guide To California Genealogy contains:

An overview of California history in a timeline format
Lists of general California research websites and resources
Research strategies for the Golden State
More than 130 different links to essential websites
22 subject sections including Census and Vital Records, Land and Maps, Newspapers and more.

While done under the guidance of the Publications/Marketing Committee, the Insider’s Guide to California Genealogy was created by the CGS Research Committee. Jim Sorenson was the project manager. Special thanks to the committee for their many hours of work on the project: Judy Bodycote, Kim Cotton, Nancy Peterson, Lavinia Schwarz, Pat Smith, Henry Snyder, Jim Sorenson and Laura Spurrier.

CGS is the second large genealogy society to publish a state research guide in this format. We gratefully acknowledge our "far-flung" member, Thomas MacEntee, for gifting the project to CGS. I'm looking forward to thanking Thomas "in person" later this morning on the Blog Talk Radio show My Society presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies, when we will discuss Insider's Guides to Genealogy.

Listen to internet radio with mysociety on Blog Talk Radio.

Insider's Guide to California Genealogy
Pub. 2011 by California Genealogical Society
Laminated card, 8.5” x 11" format, 4pp.
Price: $7.00, includes shipping and handling.

To place an order, send a check for $7.00 to "Insider's Guide" California Genealogical Society, 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland, CA 94612. Please include your mailing address. Orders are processed weekly and sent by first class mail. You can also order using PayPal.

News from the 2011 Nominating Committee

2011-11-30T23:30:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Nominating Committee – Kim Cotton, Linda Okazaki, Patricia Smith, and Chair Jane Lindsey – has announced the nominations for the 2012-2013 board of directors for the California Genealogical Society. Nominations will be presented at the Annual Business Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Reception on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at 1:00 p.m.

The nominated members are:

Kim Cotton
Ellen Fernandez-Sacco
Pat Gallagher
Karin Lemelin
Nicka Smith

Lisa Gorrell and Henry Snyder were appointed to fill vacated positions in 2011 and are nominated to continue their first terms (1-2013). Sandy Fryer, Laura Lee Karp and Jim Sorenson are also continuing their first terms (1-2013). The terms of Nancy Fike and Craig Manson end in January; they will not be serving a second term. Tom Gesner and Jeff Vaillant are nominated for their second term (2-2014). Steve Harris and Diana Wild are continuing their second terms (2-2013). Kathryn Doyle is in the midst of her third term (3-2013). Jane Lindsey serves as Past-president.

Happy Fourth Blogiversary!

2011-11-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

Four years ago the California Genealogical Society board of directors approved creation of this blog. It has been an honor and pleasure to bring you updates about our events and activities at the library, as well as reports from and about our talented members.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

What You Missed: Ancestry Day - San Francisco

2011-11-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

By any measure, Ancestry Day – San Francisco was a huge success! More than 900 family historians attended the full-day conference at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco on Saturday, November 5, 2011. The event, co-sponsored by the California Genealogical Society and Ancestry.com, featured four tracks of four classes each, consultations, an Ancestry.com computer area with experts to answer questions, and California Genealogical Society tables with books and membership displays.

The sixteen classes were presented by fifteen speakers, half of whom were CGS members. A special “thank you” to:

Ron Arons
Susan Goss Johnston
Melinda Kashuba, Ph.D
Lisa B. Lee, PLCGS
Craig Manson
Lavinia Schwarz
Janice Sellers
Cath Madden Trindle, CG

Ancestry.com set up video cameras and "live-streamed" four of their lectures. Randy Seaver at Genea-Musings reported on the Videos from Ancestry Day at San Francisco 2011 which were also posted by Nick Cifuentes on the Ancestry.com Blog in Ancestry Day in San Francisco 2011.

Here are the links to the four talks now available on YouTube:

Five Quick Tips for Digging UP Answers at Ancestry.com with Jeanie Croasmun

How to Find Civil War Roots on Ancestry.com with Anne Mitchell “Ancestry Anne”

Emigration & Immigration Records Online with Crista Cowan “Barefoot Genealogist”

Find them Fast: Secrets to Searching Your Family History on Ancestry.com with Laura Dansbury

Raking the Ashes author Nancy Peterson was on hand to sign and sell books. We sold out of sixty copies in just two hours! Ancestry Day was also the launch of the society's newest publication – Insider's Guide to California Genealogy.

First sale of our new Insider's Guide to California Genealogy.

More than 300 attendees signed up for 15-minute consultations. Linda Okazaki did an outstanding job of matching questions to member volunteers with the right expertise. She and her staff kept things running smoothly and efficiently.

Thirty-eight genealogists provided more than 300 consultations.

CGS member and blogger, Jennifer Regan of the Rainy Day Genealogy Readings blog, spent the entire day providing consultations. She reflects on the experience in Defining Research, Part Two: The Internet vs. Research Skill.

Several members of the African-American Genealogical Society of Northern California who are also CGS members served as volunteer consultants. Nicka Smith reported on both Black Family History Day and Ancestry Day and included some great photos in her article, AAGSNC Teams Up With Local Societies for Fall Genealogy Events.

One of our member speakers, Janice M. Sellers, blogs at Ancestral Discoveries. She wore several hats at Ancestry Day San Francisco.

Denise Richmond and Sandra Gardner Benward are CGS members and officers at the Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society where they are both contributors to their blog. Sandi wrote Ancestry Day Comes to San Francisco.

Ruth Hinman of Genealogy is Ruthless without Me blog wrote three reports!

San Francisco Ancestry Day November 5, 2011

Ancestry Day in San Francisco Blog 2 Gordon Atkinson

Another Reason to Attend Genealogy Conferences and Seminars...SWAG and Prizes

Thank you to Karen Ober and the Ancestry.com staff – it was a pleasure co-sponsoring the event with you.

The Ancestry Day planning committee (Jane Lindsey, Tim Cox, Linda Okazaki and Kathryn Doyle) thanks all the volunteers who made our event a huge success. The professionalism of our speakers, consultants, and hard-working staff volunteers was truly appreciated.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Footnotes 101 with Jane Hufft

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 17, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, CA 94612

Footnotes made easy! Citing your sources is an important part of family history researching. Footnoting is easier than it looks.

This presentation will take the mystery out of constructing footnotes, explain why you need to cite your sources and show you how to do it. There will be clear explanations, examples and handouts so that you can cite your sources correctly and confidently.

Register online.

The class is limited to thirty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first thirty registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Jane Hufft, current editor of the CGS periodical The California Nugget and former CGS board member, has written several articles for genealogy journals and continues to work on her own family history research. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband Ron.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

California Genealogical Society Table

Family History Day at the State Archives

Sacramento, California

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Directors Craig Manson, Diana Wild and President Stephen Harris

To view many photos from the event, see Last Book of Photo Memories at the Family History Day at the State Archives blog.

Photograph courtesy of Steve Harris.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

eNews November 2011, volume 5, number 11

2011-11-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

The November 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 11, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month member Paul Mayer pays tribute to his wife LoisMarie's ancestors - Thorvald and Ragna Rodley, of Lookingglass, Oregon.

The Rodley family, left to right: Irene, Arnold (my wife's father), John, Ragna, Irene, Ruth, Oscar, Thorvald and Ralph. Not shown are two daughters: Lucile and Betty Louise.

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The December 2011 issue will be emailed on November 30, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Paul Mayer.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Chinese-American Genealogy Resources November 12, 2011

2011-10-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

CGS member Kay Speaks sent word of this upcoming workshop.

Saturday, November 12, 2011
12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Oakland Regional Family History Center
4766 Lincoln Avenue
Oakland, CA 94602

Are you curious about what Chinese resources are available at the Oakland Regional Family History Center but haven't had the chance to check it out? Come learn from Assistant Director Marge Bell of the center and Kay Speaks and Christine DeVillier as they tell us how they have used the resources of the center and its Salt Lake City parent, the Family History Library, to research their Chinese roots. Kay will be covering research techniques at the center and Christine will talk about using the FamilySearch catalog and Chinese databases. All are welcome to attend - you don't have to be a church member.

Schedule:
12 noon – Bring a bag lunch to talk story with the group. Bring your discoveries or share any roadblocks you are facing in your research so the group can brainstorm some research options.

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Orientation to the center by Marge Bell, examples of research by Kay Speaks and Christine DeVillier, experienced genealogists.

The classroom has seventy seats and about sixty computers, so we will take the first 60 respondents, and then have a wait list.

Cost: Free!

RSVP by emailing Kay Speaks. When you respond, if you wish, please list your name, city of residence, village, surnames, etc. Depending on response, we may limit the number of attendees from each family.

Sponsored by Oakland Regional Family History Center and Chinese-American Family History Yahoo Group

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar: November 2011 Published

2011-10-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

November 2011 events have been published on the San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar – a collection of local genealogical society classes, workshops and meetings within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco.

The November calendar has forty-five classes and events at various venues around the Bay Area, sponsored by twenty different societies and genealogy libraries.

If you would like to add your group's events to the calendar, please email the information by the 15th of each month for publication on or before the 25th. (Please put "SFBA Calendar" in the subject line.)

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

The Ancestry and Descendancy of Thomas Frost of Hebron, Connecticut

2011-10-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

It's always a pleasure to write about the publication of a new genealogy by one of our members and it's especially nice when the member is one of our hard-working volunteers. So it is with double pleasure, and a great deal of amazement, that I introduce the new two-volume work by Larry Youngman,
The Ancestry and Descendancy of Thomas Frost of Hebron, Connecticut.

The two volumes are a culmination of three years work by Larry but also a lifetime of work by his co-author, the late Evelyn Annis Frost Baum Rush. Larry and Evelyn were introduced by a third Frost cousin, Harriette Froid. All three joined forces and expanded their research efforts to include other branches of the Frost family. After Harriette's death, Evelyn and Larry agreed to be joint compilers of this book.

Larry and Evelyn built upon initial research conducted by Josephine C. Stillman Frost whose work, The Frost Genealogy, was published in 1912. Co-author Evelyn Rush devoted her "golden years" to the project and amassed an enormous amount of research material. Over a fifty-year period, hundreds of family members had submitted information to Evelyn who did not live to see the finished work. Prior to her death in October 2010, at the age of 90, Evelyn sent Larry her entire collection of books, source documents, and research – a total of 4,900 lbs. in 185 boxes! Larry combined her research with his, and transcribed all of it into his database.

The result is a fully-indexed, two-volume hard-bound set, with more than 980 pages, documenting the ancestors of Thomas Frost (1718-1798) of Hebron, Connecticut, and his descendants. Included are over 1,000 photos of family members.

In the forward, Youngman reflects back upon the journey "and upon the impact of the marriage of Thomas and Abigail Frost. The result of this union has directly impacted the lives of the over 7,000 descendants during the following 260 years as documented in this work."

Volume I includes: Preface, Introductions, Acknowledgements / Frequently Used Reference Book Titles / Part I - Thomas Frost of the Kennebec / Part II - The Second Generation / Part III - The Third Generation - Thomas Frost (1718 - 1798) / Part IV - The Fourth and Later Generations.

Volume II is a continuation of Part IV – The Fourth and Later Generations. For a complete list of the major surnames in the work, visit Larry’s website: Thomas Frost Family.

Larry Youngman has been conducting genealogy research for over thirty-five years, and has published ten lineage books covering the mid-1400's through present day. He is a member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the Mayflower Society of California, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the California Genealogical Society, where he serves as the webmaster for their site, CaliforniaAncestors.org. Youngman conducts professional research via his website GenealogyPro.

The Ancestry and Descendancy of Thomas Frost of Hebron, Connecticut is available for purchase at Youngman’s Lulu bookstore.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

What Do Dead People, Greed and Real Estate Have in Common?

2011-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Answer: Cemeteries!

In 1900, San Francisco was a Wild West boom town driven by greed. The city fathers removed cemeteries and banned burials. Research Director Nancy Peterson shares this little-known piece of San Francisco history in a new video by Shannon Reese and Kathleen Jones.

San Francisco Cemeteries: What Happened?
Announcer: Tayler Jones
Directed by: Shannon Reese
Edited by: Kathleen Jones

Visit our YouTube channel: CAancestors

A Special Wedding Gift: The Pattillo Family History

2011-10-14T23:50:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, then-Vice President Chris Pattillo shared her Genealogy Addiction with readers. Chris was in a race with the clock to finish another family history book in time for a family wedding.

I'm pleased to announce that Chris finished on time and published The Pattillo Family History with Stover, Drake, Gaines, Land and Ward Ancestors. She brought a copy to "Creative Ways to Share and Write Your Family History Research" – one of the Thursday evening discussions this summer.

Chris was able to make her deadline thanks to the assistance of Ernie Grafe. Originally, she had intended to learn InDesign and do all the production work herself. She notes: "Since I had such a short time to write, edit and produce the book (only 4 months), I wisely made the decision to work with Ernie, an editor/producer who I met while taking an InDesign class and whose services I have since utilized for my business." Chris advises it's okay to use help: "It's not cheating and frees one to concentrate on the research and writing."

The Pattillo Family History with Stover, Drake, Gaines, Land and Ward Ancestors

From the back cover:

About the Author
I am the great-granddaughter of James William Pattillo and Carrie Brooks Stover, granddaughter of Lewis Wood and daughter of James Edward Pattillo. This is my fourth family history publication, but not the last. I have been interested in genealogy since the mid-1960s. I joined the California Genealogical Society (CGS), based in downtown Oakland, in 2004. In the summer of 2010 I took a month off and immersed myself in family history research. I learned many new research techniques and was finding a lot of new information. Using the Melba Crosse book and other family trees found online, I was able to take our family back several more generations. I knew I would want to publish another book and share this information with the rest of our family, but the question was, when? Your “Save the Date” postcard gave me the answer. Since it arrived I have been possessed, and devoted most of my free time to continuing my research and writing this book. During my month off, and since, I have learned a tremendous amount about how to do genealogy research. The members of CGS have been generous and patient in guiding me along — particularly Jane Lindsey, Vinnie Schwarz and Judy Bodycote. I am grateful for their help, passion and inspiration.

Congratulations, Chris, and thanks for the tips.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

November Membership Meeting: Members Talk, CGS Listens

2011-10-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday, November 12, 2011
1:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, CA 94612

The California Genealogical Society has had a busy and productive 2011. As we begin to make plans for 2012, we thought it was important to make time for member feedback. We want to know what you're thinking!

Join President Stephen Harris and Vice-President Jeffrey Vaillant for a special member session where you'll do all the talking. We're seeking input and feedback from members on a variety of topics. Join us for a one-sided conversation: you talk, we listen!

For our distant members who can't make it, please leave a comment here and I'll make sure your remarks are read at the meeting.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Honored Twice and Doubly Well-Stated!

2011-10-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

The December 2011 issue of Family Tree Magazine arrived and this month's cover is their now annual feature: 75 Best State Websites.

Contributing editor Rick Crume, in the article "Well Stated" (pages 20-26), lists the magazine's 2011 picks for the seventy-five best U.S. state-focused websites for genealogical research.

In selecting this year's best state websites for genealogy, we were looking for databases where you can look for a relative's name. Many of the 75 sites (at least one per state) have indexes, and in many cases, you can even view images of original records.

The Golden State has two picks and the California Genealogical Society and Library is proud to have close ties to both!

The first is our own website CaliforniaAncestors.org.

Click the Databases tab to search more than 350,000 records – including voter registers, probate records, cemetery records and more – in the California Names Index for free. If your ancestor's name appears you can order a copy of their original record for $10. Members have online access to San Francisco church records and newspapers.

The second is the California Digital Newspaper Collection, founded by our newest board member, Dr. Henry Snyder.

Access more than 5 million California newspaper articles from 1846 to 2009.

Henry is the former director of The Center for Bibliographical Studies and Research (CBSR) at the University of California, Riverside, where he led the California Newspaper Project from 1990 through 2009.

I've written before about Professor Snyder and the project which went digital in 2007. In case you missed it, Henry's article The California Newspaper: What Survives and How to Find It was published last year in the Fall 2010 issue of the Nugget. CGS is honored to have such an esteemed historian on our board and we're thrilled that Family Tree Magazine is bringing attention to his work.

This is the second year that the CGS website was chosen. We're honored to be listed among so many fantastic online state resources. Thank you, Family Tree Magazine!

Kudos to Kathy Watson and Larry Youngman and their technology team who work tirelessly for the society to keep our website up-to-date.

eNews October 2011, volume 5, number 10

2011-10-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

The October 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 10, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month, member Pat Gallagher honors her Gallagher family of San Francisco.

L to R, seated: Alice, William J., Jr (my father), Mary Maloney (my grandmother), William J. Gallagher (my grandfather); rear, standing: Madeline and Theresa

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The November 2011 issue will be emailed on October 31, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Patricia Gallagher.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

The California Nugget, Fall 2011, Volume III, Issue 2

2011-09-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Fall 2011 edition of The California Nugget has been sent to the printer and should begin arriving in members' mailboxes next week. It's another information-filled issue by Editor Jane Hufft and Production Editor Lois Elling.

Here is Jane's letter from the editor:

Dear Readers:

This issue of the California Nugget is arriving in your mailbox earlier than usual so we can share exciting news about two events. First, the California Genealogical Society proudly announces the publication of the newly revised Raking The Ashes, Genealogical Strategies for pre-1906 San Francisco Research. This new second edition is the finest tool available for conducting genealogical and historical research in San Francisco in the years before the great earthquake. No one knows more about work-around strategies to find cemeteries, records, repositories, unique sources, church information, land records and other genealogical and historical records related to San Francisco than author Nancy Peterson. Completely updated, painstakingly researched, carefully organized and thoroughly user-friendly, Raking the Ashes, second edition, belongs on the shelf of every California researcher. For more information and ordering information, please see page 17.

There’s more! CGS and Ancestry.com are bringing a special all-day genealogy con- ference to San Francisco on Saturday, November 5. This informative day will offer many workshops and lectures. If you can be in the area, plan on joining us. Registration information is on page 16.

In other articles, Amy Coffin’s description of the first RootsTech Conference will take readers one step further into an exciting future where technology and genealogy meet. Rachel M. Popma, editor of Indiana Genealogist, has graciously allowed us to reprint her recent article that describes how to add eBay to your toolbox of genealogy search strategies. In “California Ancestors,” Jim Sorenson recounts the unexpected results of a persistent search to find just one more cousin. Virginia Turner looks back on early days of researching at CGS, and Sheri Fenley recounts the story of a successful pioneering family in San Francisco.

One way to have your family’s history saved for posterity is to have it in print. Have you thought about submitting your family’s story to the Nugget? We are always looking for well-researched family histories as well as articles that will help our readers become better genealogists and more successful writers and researchers.

Jane Hufft, Editor

TABLE of CONTENTS
Twenty-First Century Genealogy
RootsTech: A Report from the Trenches by Amy Coffin
Using Automated eBay Searches for Genealogy by Rachel M. Popma

California Ancestors
Chasing After Cousins by Jim Sorenson
Pursuing My Spooner and Ruffcorn Legacies at CGS by Virginia Turner
David Nathan Walter: Jewish Pioneer of San Francisco by Sheri Fenley
1883 Pensioners List: Cashman, James to Dorland, John M.

For Our Readers
November 5 Ancestry Day in San Francisco Registration Form
Raking the Ashes order form

At the Society
Recent Acquisitions in the LibraryNew Members
Index

The California Nugget, the magazine of the California Genealogical Society, is published twice a year. Its purpose is to share the unique genealogical material in the CGS library, add to the body of family history information about Californians, offer guidance and timely information to family researchers, and to provide a forum for members to share their expertise and findings. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the society. The magazine is distributed free to members and is available to non- members for $5.00 an issue, plus postage.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Early-Bird Registration Ends in One Week!

2011-09-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

This is an Ancestry Day – San Francisco alert! Registration for the early-bird discount ends Wednesday, October 5, 2011.

Register now so you don't forget!

By registering before the early-bird deadline, you'll save $10 on the basic registration.

A fifteen minute consultation is just $5 more, but act fast! There are a limited number available and they are almost sold out.

There are also a limited number of hotel rooms at a special event rate. There are two options for making a hotel reservation.

By phone: Call 888-421-1442 and mention "SF Hyatt Regency Embarcadero and Ancestry Day"

Online: Ancestry Day - San Francisco special rate

Follow all of our updates on Twitter @AncestryDaySF and on Lanyrd.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

October Family History Month: Lots of Bay Area Choices in 2011

2011-09-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

October 2011 events have been published on the San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar – a collection of local genealogical society classes, workshops and meetings within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco.

With many societies and libraries planning events for October Family History Month, the calendar lists sixty-four events at various venues around the Bay Area, sponsored by twenty-four different societies and genealogy libraries.

Both sessions of the Fall Beginning Genealogy Series continue. This is the fourth year that CGS has partnered with the Oakland Regional Family History Center to offer the classes for Family History Month.

CGS members Nicka Smith and Vernester Sheeler are organizers of the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California's Black Family History Day on Saturday, October 8, 2011, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Oakland Regional Family History Center.

The California Genealogical Society will be an exhibitor at the 13th Annual Family History Day at the State Archives in Sacramento on Saturday, October 15, 2011. CGS President Stephen Harris will be heading up our delegation. We gratefully acknowledge Denise Richmond of RootCellar–Sacramento Genealogical Society for her assistance with our arrangements. Denise and Sandy Benward are the authors of the Family History Day at the California State Archives blog where you can find full information about the event schedule, speakers and exhibitors.

Be sure to check the calendar and decide which October Family History Month events you will attend!

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Portraits of Our Patriots: Stories of Revolutionary War Ancestors

2011-09-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

It's always a great pleasure to announce publication of a member's book so this time it's quadruply special. Four of the eight authors of Portraits of Our Patriots: Stories of Revolutionary War Ancestors are members of the California Genealogical Society – Millianne (Peirano) Lehman, Linda Longley, Mary Mettler and Terri Taylor.

L to R: Annette Litle, Cathy McCausland, Carol Yenne, Terri Taylor and Mary Mettler. Not shown: Joan Evans, Millie Lehman and Linda Longley.

The eight writers are members of the San Francisco DAR La Puerta de Oro San Francisco Chapter who tell the stories of fifteen of their Patriots, "recounting with as much detail as possible the events they and their families endured in the years during and surrounding the American Revolution." A genealogical summary covering the patriot and his family is provided at the end of each chapter which includes source references.

Mary Mettler has generously donate one copy to the CGS Library. She is the author of the two chapters on her ancestors Cephas Kent Sr. and Cephas Kent Jr. Mary chronicled some of her KENT research in as Tuesday Tales for this blog.

Congratulations, Mary, to you and all of your fellow authors!

Contents:

Bladen Ashby by Carol Yenne
John Blair by Millianne (Peirano) Lehman
John Chatham and William Chatham by Catherine McCausland
John Chilton by Carol Yenne
Stephen Fischer by Terri Taylor
David French Millianne (Peirano) Lehman
Lewis L. Humphreys by Joan Reumah Evans
Cephas Kent, Sr. by Mary A. Mettler
Cephas Kent, Jr. by Mary A. Mettler
Abraham Kitchel by Jim Cooper and Annette Cooper Litle
John Lamb by Mary A. Mettler
Jonathan Langley by Linda Longley
Roger McPike by Carol Yenne and Max McPike
Onesimus Whitehead by Millianne (Peirano) Lehman

Portraits of Our Patriots: Stories of Revolutionary War Ancestors
Hardcover, 246 pages, published 2011

There are a limited number available for purchase for $20 plus postage. Proceeds go to the San Francisco NSDAR chapter, La Puerta de Oro.

La Puerta de Oro San Francisco Chapter consists of four DAR chapters that merged—the oldest of these, the Sequoia Chapter, was founded on Dec 10, 1891. Their mission is to promote the objects of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Photographs courtesy of Mary Mettler.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Discover a Bridge to Your Past

2011-09-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

Have you seen them? The design elves at Ancestry.com created these gorgeous "tout ads" for Ancestry Day – San Francisco.

The ads show up randomly on Ancestry's home page and link directly to our event page (also created by Ancestry.com)

Be sure to follow our event updates on Twitter @AncestryDaySF.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Society Showcase at FGS Conference in Springfield

2011-09-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

The California Genealogical Society sponsored a table recently at the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) annual conference in Springfield, Illinois. FGS made it easy for even distant genealogy societies to have a presence in the exhibit hall at Society Showcase on Thursday, September 8, 2011, in the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Exhibitors were encouraged to "bring display items and giveaways, such as membership brochures, sample publications, bookmarks, and event fliers." The FGS Conference blog published the full list of participating societies.

California Nugget Editor Jane Hufft and I staffed the table which we shared with fellow CGS member Denise Richmond who was representing the RootCellar Sacramento Genealogical Society. Denise handles publicity for RootCellar and she is one of the authors of the excellent Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society Blog with teammates Sandra Gardner Benward and Ron Setzer. Denise is also the blogger behind the conference blog for the upcoming Family History Day at the California State Archives on Saturday, October 15, 2011.

Jane Hufft and Denise Richmond

We had lots of information fliers and brochures highlighting the best of our California societies. Both Denise and I took advantage of the U.S. Post Office flat rate boxes to mail materials ahead of our arrival. Jane brought sample copies of our periodical as well as her submission guidelines for the Nugget. I think she talked to at least two potential authors who were intrigued with the idea of writing about their California ancestors.

Staffing the next table over and representing Fox Valley Illinois Genealogical Society was their president, Jane Haldeman, co-owner of It's Relative. Jane and I "met" years ago via a Rootweb mail list and exchanged information about our BRIGGS of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. It's one of my "brick wall" lines so I'm not exactly sure how Jane and I are related but I'm optimistic that someday I'll figure it out. It was great to finally meet "cousin" Jane in person and to attend one of her lectures.


Genealogist quilters Pat Richley and Jane Hufft

The CGS contingent had one significant meeting that occurred just outside the convention center. Jane and I ran into DearMyrtle herself – Pat Richley. Jane had been wanting to meet Pat since they share a love of quilting. I'm still not exactly sure how it happened but in just a few minutes a cash transaction had taken place, fabric was exchanged and information was provided about the 1812 Preserve the Pensions Quilt Project.

It was a whirlwind few days but CGS was well-represented in Springfield.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

What You Missed: Summer Thursday Night Discussions

2011-09-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

Did you make it into the library this summer for our extended Thursday hours? Tim Cox and Jane Lindsey cooked up the idea last year and it has proved to be wildly successful. We've gotten lots of positive feedback from members who enjoyed coming to do research on a day they didn''t have to pack up and leave at 4:00 p.m. Some even came in at 9:00 a.m. and stayed until 8:30 p.m. closing!

Kim Cotton led "Social Networking: Facebook, RSS, Twitter and Blogs" on 6/16.

Jane and Tim also scheduled specific discussions for 6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. every Thursday in June, July and August. Topics included everything from ethnic research to software and subscription databases.

Cathy Paris led "Creative Ways to Share and Write Your Family History Research" on 7/28.

A special "thank-you" to all of our member facilitators who led Thursday night discussions this summer: Judy Bodycote, Kim Cotton, Tim Cox, Gloria Hanson, Steve Harris, Sally Houston, Douglas Joe, Lorna Jones, Jane Lindsey, John Moore, Cathy Paris and Lavinia Schwarz.

Tim tells me we had a grand total of 147 attendees at the thirteen discussions – many attended more than one session. Thanks to you all for making our summer program a success!

Photographs courtesy of Jane Lindsey (6/16/11) and Jeremy Frankel (7/28/2011), Oakland, California.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

New in the Library: the Konika-Minolta Bizhub 250

2011-09-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

The California Genealogical Society has a new piece of equipment in the library. Vice-president Jeffrey Vaillant negotiated a new rental contract to replace our aged copier with a state-of-the-art networked model that prints, copies, faxes and scans. Best of all, the new contract price costs less so updated technology also represents a monthly net savings to the society. Nice work, Jeff!

Installed in August, the Konica Minolta Bizhub 250 can print 25 black and white copies per minute or patrons and volunteers can scan instead of copying. The BizHub scans to and prints from all computers in addition to handling incoming faxes. The old stand-alone fax machine has been retired.

The BizHub automatically recognizes the copy size needed and has paper loaded for 8.5 x 11, 8.5 x 14 and 11 x 17 copies. It copies both sides (duplex) and has a stapler. Large print (11 x 17) capability allowed us to retire the HP5000 printer, making room for another computer “up front” which can be used by patrons or volunteer staff.

Jeff gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Kathy Watson who worked her tech-magic to network print, scan and fax functions.

Inservice training for desk volunteers took place on August 10, 2011. Training will continue as needed.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Legacy Planning: What Happens to Your Research after You Are Gone?

2011-09-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 15, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, CA 94612

Legacy Planning usually refers to your will, trusts and medical directives. Have you thought about what is going to happen to your family history research? Do your children know what to do with those file cabinets, folders, binders and archival boxes full of memorabilia? Patricia Burrow will share some of the things we can do to ensure our family history research is preserved for future generations.

The class is limited to thirty-five participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first 35 registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

Patricia Burrow has blended her retired, tech world vocation with her passionate avocation for genealogy research and storytelling. She leads several groups in the genealogy community and has been actively researching her family’s history for almost a decade. Pat has had several articles and stories published about her ancestors and is working on a book about her adopted grandmother and the two families that loved her. She teaches Reunion for the Mac at the Silicon Valley Computer Genealogy Group and participates in an indexing project at the Santa Clara County Archives. Her mantra is: “Your kids won’t throw away a book with their surname on it. Publish, publish, publish.”

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Report from the 2011 Allen County Public Library Research Tour

2011-09-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

This year's tour to Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana was led by CGS Vice-President Jeffrey Vaillant who sent this report:

The pressure is on to be back in 2013 when the Federation of Genealogical Societies holds its annual conference in Fort Wayne! That was one of many nuggets gathered during the week at the Allen County Public Library.

It was a great week for research with everyone devouring the stacks of information available in book form or in microfilm. We all agreed that the microfilm room itself could hold ice cream solid for days!

It was a great group of people – Cathy Gowdy, Nancy Peterson, Mary Lee Sammis, Patricia Smith and Duncan Tanner – who fanned out in the library hunting down new information and genealogical clues. Mary Lee thoroughly investigated the 50,000 family history books looking for her families. Cathy fed Mary Lee information as well as seeking her own. Nancy walked the book stacks with state and county histories finding in one Minnesota county history THE naturalization account with the local German town which had been eluding discovery. Duncan hunted down clues for his grandfather and Pat was the energizer bunny moving around at a frantic pace.

Nancy Peterson presented Curt Wicher with a copy of her second edition of Raking the Ashes: Genealogical Strategies for Pre-1906 San Francisco Research

There were many highlights of the time in Fort Wayne. Everyone agreed that the Wednesday night dinner with Curt Witcher was one of the best. He broke bread with us for two hours and talked about being at the Genealogical Department for 25+ years, the type of staff he hires (they are very very helpful), the challenges of being in a public library, the policies about collecting materials and what he foresees. [Hint: Subscribe to the Genealogy Gems from the ACPL.]

The next day Curt took us into the “basement” to see and ask questions about the archives.org scanning efforts taking place at the Library. There is excellent work being done to scan a multitude of records including the original New York Times newspapers from the 1860s!

Gastronomically we ate our way through Fort Wayne from Cindy’s Diner (only seats 15 at a time) to J.K. O’Donnell’s Irish Ale House for three dinners! Of course we did the Dash-In as well as the 13th floor Window Garden Café – the view of Fort Wayne from the 13th floor can be stated in one word: Flat! The Toscani Pizzeria, the 816 Pint & Slice together with the Loaf n’Ladle and even Dunkin Donuts at the Library got visits. Another highlight was the 1905 Pfeiffer House and Wayne Street Soda Shop. All of these were within a few blocks of the library and the weather cooperated by being in the low 80’s with reasonable humidity.

Another highlight was a good old fashion Midwestern thunder and lightning storm or the fireworks Saturday night after the Tincaps baseball game. A little something for everyone was provided.

The Courtyard by Marriott was a hit. As one participant stated “I have never stayed in a hotel with such fast, seamless internet…multiple public terminals and “Word” to boot. Staff is extraordinarily friendly.” There was a Starbucks onsite for all the breakfast needs so we ate our way through their offerings.

It was my good fortune to be with five completely self-starters. It was a wonderful way to “break” me into my first trip. My thanks to all the people for a great seven days at the ACPL and Fort Wayne. See you in 2013.

– Jeff Vaillant

eNews September 2011, volume 5, number 9

2011-09-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

The September 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 9, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month, member Anita Wills honors her maternal great-uncle, William Chester Ruth, grandson of a slave, inventor, and self-made millionaire.

William Chester Ruth (1882-1971)

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The October 2011 issue will be emailed on September 30, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Anita Wills.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

A Genealogy Society First: It's A Girl!

2011-08-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

This blog is all about the news and members of the California Genealogical Society, but in four years this is a first. In fact, I don't recall ever seeing this type of announcement in any genealogical society publication. Ladies and gentleman: "It's A Girl!"

When member Gabby Kojder sent photos of her latest project we just couldn't resist introducing the newest little member of the CGS family.

Eliza Jane Kojder arrived Wednesday, August 10, 2011.

Welcome to the world, Eliza, and congratulations to your family!

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Book Repair Workshop Returns!

2011-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 8, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

The California Genealogical Society is taking reservations for the popular Book Repair Workshop to be held Saturday morning, October 8, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Taught by Book Repair Committee Chairman, Bill O'Neil, the workshop is limited to ten enrollees.

Workshop participants learn book repair techniques by creating a book for themselves. Pages are provided and the pupils create the binding. The finished product will be a copy of a "how to" pamphlet written by the late Dick Thrift, founder of the CGS Book Repair Committee. Everyone goes home with a self-made instruction book and souvenir of the day.

PLEASE NOTE:
• Workshop is limited to ten.
• $25 charge for materials must be pre-paid.
• Walk-ins will not be admitted.

Register online.

Registration confirmations will be sent to the first ten who register and pay the materials fee. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Photograph by Kathryn M. Doyle, Oakland, California, 10/25/2008.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar: September 2011 Published

2011-08-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

September 2011 events have been published on the San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar – a collection of local genealogical society classes, workshops and meetings within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco.

The September calendar has more than fifty events at various venues around the Bay Area, sponsored by twenty different societies and genealogy libraries.

If you would like to add your group's events to the calendar, please email the information by the 20th of each month for publication on the 25th. (Please put "SFBA Calendar" in the subject line.)

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Creating Genealogy Timelines with Lavinia Schwarz

2011-08-15T23:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 24, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

Timelines are a terrific tool for family research. A personal timeline keeps chronological track of the data we find while placing our ancestor in historical and social context. Come learn some simple tools that put flesh on your ancestral bones. You’ll gain perspective and witness the personal pushes and pulls of your family’s history as you chart their migrations and life choices.

The class is limited to forty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first forty registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

A genealogist since 1999, Lavinia Grace Gilbert Schwarz has served on the California Genealogical Society's board of directors for five years while coordinating the CGS Research and Lookups service. She graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in English Literature, then earned a masters at Tufts in education. Schwarz completed the National Institute on Genealogical Research (N.I.G.R.) program in 2008 at the National Archives in Washington D.C. and College Park, Maryland. Using timelines, she has traced her ancestors to France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Germany, Cuba and San Domingue (now Haiti).

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Chasing Your Civil War Ancestor with Jeffrey Vaillant

2011-08-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 17, 2011
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

How does one find that Civil War ancestor? What are the steps to be taken? Where is the information? What does the information include? Come and find out the answers to these questions and bring your own questions for discussion.

This class is limited to forty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the class.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first forty participants to register. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

Jeffrey L. Vaillant is working towards his professional genealogical certification. His educational background includes a B.A. in History with English minor from the University of Redlands; Graduate studies in American Studies (History, Literature, Art History) at the University of Delaware (3 years); Graduate study in Business at the Colgate Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia; Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (Utah Genealogical Association) Course I on American Records & Research Focusing on Families, Course on certification (January 2010) and Advanced Genealogical Methodology (January 2011). He completed the Intermediate Genealogy course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University (2010) and has blogged about his experiences for the California Genealogical Society where he serves as Vice President.
Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Jeff Vaillant, aka Mr. Fix-it

Photographs by Kathryn Doyle, Oakland, California, April 20, 2011.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Ancestry Day in San Francisco - Saturday, November 5, 2011

2011-08-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, November 5, 2011
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA

Ancestry.com and the California Genealogical Society (CGS) are partnering to present Ancestry Day in San Francisco 2011 on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, located on the waterfront near the historic Ferry Building.

This full-day event will help you start or hone your genealogical skills. Explore the world of genealogy, listen to engaging lectures, meet with expert staff and learn about the incredible resources available at Ancestry.com and at the California Genealogical Society Library.

The day will include:

More than a dozen family history lectures
Ancestry.com experts on-hand to answer your questions
One-on-one consultations with genealogists
Beginner’s classes where your family and friends can learn the basics

The “early bird” price (through October 5, 2011) is $42 for the all-day event. To learn more about the classes and consultation offerings, visit our event page Ancestry Day in San Francisco.

Register online.

About Ancestry.com
With more than five billion historical records and in excess of 20 million family trees, Ancestry.com is the world's largest genealogical database. Have you explored what Ancestry.com has to offer? Visit Ancestry.com.

About CGS: The California Genealogical Society, founded in San Francisco in 1898, gathers and preserves vital records, offers research services and online databases, and maintains a library in Oakland. CGS disseminates information through publications, meetings, seminars, workshops and its website: CaliforniaAncestors.org.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

eNews August 2011, volume 5, number 8

2011-08-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

The August 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 8, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month member Dick Rees pays tribute to his grandfather, R. George Rees, with an interesting photograph.

Dick notes, "Dating an old photo can be difficult. Not so with this one where everything was included except the year!"

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The September 2011 issue will be emailed on August 31, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Dick Rees.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Fourth Annual Beginning Genealogy Series Starts September 15, 2011

2011-07-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

In celebration of October Family History Month, the Oakland Regional Family History Center (ORFHC) and the California Genealogical Society (CGS) are offering the fourth annual Fall Beginning Genealogy Research Series. Six 1-1/2 hour sessions includes a field trip to the California Genealogical Society Library. Enrolled students may attend Thursday afternoon or Tuesday evening sessions, or both. Come and learn the basics!

Where: Oakland Regional Family History Center, 4766 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602
When: Thursday afternoons (1-2:30) or Tuesday evenings (7-8:30) – see specific dates below
Cost: $30 for six sessions, includes syllabus – $5 to attend one class, if space available

Preregistration is necessary to ensure adequate handouts. Download the information flier for the full course schedule.

Register online.

Afternoon Sessions – Thursdays 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 15, 2011 – Introduction to Genealogy
Thursday, September 22, 2011 – Secondary Research
Thursday, September 29, 2011 – Getting the Most from the Census
Thursday, October 6, 2011 – Field Trip to the CGS Library
Thursday, October 13, 2011 – Vital Records and the Calendar Change of 1752
Thursday, October 20, 2011 – Orientation to the ORFHC

Evening Sessions – Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 – Introduction to Genealogy
Tuesday, October 4, 2011 – Secondary Research
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 – Getting the Most from the Census
Tuesday, October 18, 2011 – Orientation to the ORFHC
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 – Vital Records and the Calendar Change of 1752
Tuesday, November 1, 2011 – Field Trip to the CGS Library

PLEASE NOTE:

Class size limited to the first thirty who register.
Walk-ins only if space allows.
Free parking at the Oakland Regional Family History Center
$10.00 off a CGS membership if you join by November 1, 2011

*All sessions at the ORFHC except Field Trip to CGS Library, 2201 Broadway, Oakland.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

September Membership Meeting: Putting Flesh on the Bones with Ron Arons

2011-07-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 10, 2011
1:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, CA 94612

Why limit yourself to simply expanding your family tree by looking for names, dates and places? Beyond the Who, When, and Where, it is possible to explore the far more interesting question: WHY? Why did our ancestors behave the way they did?

After a short membership meeting at 1:00 p.m., Ron Arons' presentation will provide two related examples from his own research experience on how this process works. The unexpected benefit of this approach is that it allowed Ron to push back his family tree four more generations and find many living relatives he never knew before.

Born and raised in New York, Ron Arons has traced his roots to England, Poland, Romania, the Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania. In researching his book, The Jews of Sing Sing, Ron took a genealogical approach, collecting a variety of original source documents. The book includes biographies of more than a dozen famous gangsters and lesser-known criminals and paints a broad canvas of Jewish criminality in New York City. Ron's latest book is Wanted! U.S. Criminal Records: Sources and Research Methodology.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Research "Look-ups" Team

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Photographs courtesy of Arlene Miles, Oakland, California.

“I’m Sorry, Those Records Were Lost” California Genealogical Society Publication Gives Researchers New Hope

2011-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

The California Genealogical Society (CGS) is pleased to announce publication of Raking the Ashes: Genealogical Strategies for Pre-1906 San Francisco Research, second edition, a guide to circumventing the enormous record loss in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.

This authoritative book by Nancy Simons Peterson, Research Director at CGS, is a must have for researching San Francisco ancestors, providing invaluable guidance on which records were lost in the 1906 earthquake and fire, which records survived, and where to find them.

Peterson alerts the reader to lesser-known sources, recently published references, and newly discovered documents. Sources are clearly identified and evaluated, while graphics, statistics, and historical background enrich the text. Not limited to San Francisco, Peterson's solutions for working around lost records and her emphasis on casting a much wider net than is customary will be especially welcomed by researchers wherever natural disasters have destroyed historical documents. First published in 2006, the second edition has been substantially updated and expanded.

ISBN 978-0-9785694-5-7
Format: Perfect-bound paperback, 242 pages
Dimensions (inches) 8.5 wide × 11.0 tall
Retail Price: $25.00
Publisher: California Genealogical Society

Additional information at: http://rakingtheashes.weebly.com.

About the author:
Nancy Simons Peterson is a certified genealogist and author of numerous articles. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford University.

About CGS:
The California Genealogical Society, founded in San Francisco in 1898, maintains a library, gathers and preserves vital records, and offers research services and online databases. CGS disseminates information through publications, meetings, seminars, workshops and its website, CaliforniaAncestors.org.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

2011 Nominating Committee

2011-07-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

In fulfillment of the California Genealogical Society Bylaws, Article VII, Section 1, President Stephen Harris has appointed the 2011 Nominating Committee. General members are Kim Cotton, Linda Okazaki and Pat Smith; director and past-president Jane Knowles Lindsey will act as the committee chair.

The committee is seeking nominees for three anticipated openings on the board of directors. They welcome suggestions of candidates or volunteers to serve. Nominees must be members of the California Genealogical Society. Please e-mail Jane Lindsey with your suggestions.

The full requirements as stated in the society bylaws, page 3, are as follows:

ARTICLE VII: NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. The Nominating Committee shall consist of at least three (3) members to be named not less that ninety (90) days prior to the Annual Business Meeting. The President shall appoint the Nominating Committee. The chairperson of the committee shall be from the Board of Directors and additional committee members from the general membership.

Section 2. The Nominating Committee shall submit its report to the Board of Directors and the Board shall give timely notice of nominations to the general membership prior to the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 3. Following the Nominating Committee’s report to the membership at the Annual Business Meeting, the floor shall be open to additional nominations, provided nominees have given consent to serve if elected.

Section 4. Nominees shall be members in good standing in the Society.

Section 5. Members in good standing who are present at the Annual Business Meeting shall elect the Directors. A plurality vote shall elect.

Section 6. If there is only one candidate for an opening, the ballot may be dispensed with by general consent and the election held by voice vote.

Do You Descend from a California Suffragette?

2011-07-18T23:40:00.000-07:00

October 10, 2011 is the 100th anniversary of California women's right to vote and women all over the state are planning parades and other events to commemorate the centennial.

October 10, 1911 was election day when the men of California voted to allow what only five other states had done. Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Washington were the first five states to grand suffrage. By 1914, seven more states followed and a national campaign towards a federal suffrage amendment began in earnest. By the time of the 1916 presidential election the party platforms of both Democrats and Republicans had endorsed suffrage reform. Congress passed the Nineteenth Amendment in 1919. It was ratified by three-fourths of the states the following year and became law.

One of the iconic images of the California campaign was taken on August 27, 1908 in Oakland. Three women – Lillian Harris Coffin, Mrs. Theodore Pinther, Jr. and Mrs. Theodore Pinther, Sr. – led a parade of 300 suffragists to the Republican state convention.

Lillian Harris Coffin, Mrs. Theodore Pinther, Jr. and Mrs. Theodore Pinther, Sr.

CGS member Carol Norberg brought the photograph to my attention. Carol is helping to plan a Centennial parade and she thinks it would be wonderful to find descendents of the Oakland marchers to take part in the celebration. She would like to honor the early California suffragists by reaching out to their descendants, including those who may not even know what their ancestors did.

In her research in Oakland newspapers, Carol has secured the names of thirty women who were mentioned there, but being new to genealogy, she has not been able to make much progress. She would especially like to locate descendants of Lillian Harris Coffin and the Mrs. Theodore Pinthers.

I had time to do just a little sleuthing and was able to find records for the Pinthers in San Francisco. While there was more than one Lillian Cofflin living in the Bay Area, records for a Lillian Harris Coffin point to her being the wife of Horace Coffin of Marin County.

If you descend from a California suffragette, have time to do some research or have other information to share, please email Carol Norberg.

Sources:
1. Silver, Mae and Cazaly, Sue, The Sixth Star: Images and Memorabilia of California Women's Political History 1868-1915, Ord Street Press, San Francisco, 2000, http://lwvc.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/sixthstar00silv.pdf : accessed 17 July 2011.

2. Rodes, Donald Waller, "The California Woman Suffrage Campaign of 1911: A Thesis Presented to the Graduate Faculty of California State University, Hayward, In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in History," 1974, http://lwvc.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/casuffrage.pdf : accessed 17 July 2011.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

I've Tested My DNA, Now What?

2011-07-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday August 27, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

Join Katherine Borges for answers to these questions, and more!

I have my results, what are the next steps I should take?
How do I understand the results?
What projects should I join?

This class is limited to forty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied toward membership only on the day of the class.

Preregistration is required. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first forty participants who register. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations. Walk-ins will not be admitted.

Register online.

Katherine Hope Borges is co-founder and director of The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG), which promotes and educates about genetic genealogy. ISOGG has grown to over 8,000 members in sixty-six countries. Through ISOGG, Katherine has increased professional standards in the practice, research, and discussion of relevant issues in DNA testing, interpretation, and ethics. She organized a speakers bureau and has given many presentations on genetic genealogy to groups across the United States and in the United Kingdom. She administers several surname, regional, and haplogroup DNA projects, including one on the study of null alleles.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Greek Like Me by Cathy Paris

2011-07-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

When Cathy Paris brought her new book Greek Like Me into the library everyone gathered around to marvel at her creativity. Cathy wrote the book so her children and grandchildren could learn about their Greek heritage and their roots in the Greek village of Koroni.

One of Cathy's acknowledgments is to her father-in-law for "enduring my relentless questions about his life in Koróni." From his recollections as a young boy, Cathy tells the story of his grandparents, Pavlos Psaropoulas and Irini. She describes how the events of history impacted the lives of the citizens of Koroni, especially the family of Pavlos and Irini.

Greek Like Me is a seventy-nine page illustrated children's book with an overview of Greek history from ancient times until the 1930s.

The book is filled with colorful images in which Cathy has magically added photographs of her grandchildren. I can only imagine their delight in seeing themselves inserted into the pages of their family history.

Greek Like Me was published on Lulu.com. She has also published a private version of the book for family only.

Photograph by Kathryn M. Doyle, 5/3/2011, Oakland, California.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

New Netherland Genealogy

2011-07-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Aug 13, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

In 1624, the Dutch West India Company established settlements in what is now New York and New Jersey which they ruled for the next forty years. Known as New Netherland, its history is fascinating but unfamiliar to most Americans. Dutch customs and culture were established whose influence continues even today.

Many Americans have ancestors who were among the settlers of this colony in the 17th century. And though English settlements in New England and Virginia were founded during the same period, genealogical research for New Netherland involves different sources and research aids.

John Moore and Dorothy Koenig will present an overview of the New Netherland Colony and the genealogical sources that may be helpful in finding more information about the settlers of the colony during the Dutch period. There will be some emphasis on sources available on the internet.

The class is intended for those with only a general familiarity with the New Netherland colony, but are interested in researching their New Netherland ancestors. The scheduled class will include time for Q and A.

The class is limited to forty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first forty registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

John Moore will conduct the class with assistance and contributions from Dorothy Koenig. John is a retired corporate counsel, former NEHGS Trustee/Councillor and former CGS Board Member. He has researched his own Dutch ancestors for more than twenty years. Dorothy is a retired university librarian and was the editor of the quarterly, New Netherland Connections. She has an extensive background researching Dutch colonial ancestry in America.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

eNews July 2011, volume 5, number 7

2011-07-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

The July 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 7, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month we pay tribute to Virginia Turner's great-grandparents enjoying a gathering at Fish Ranch, California in the San Gabriel mountains about 1918.

Samuel and Christina Ertel Bartholomew and family at Fish Ranch.

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The August 2011 issue will be emailed on July 31, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Virginia Turner.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

New Shelves in the Library!

2011-06-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

There's been lots of activity in the library this month as the contents of close to 600 shelves of books were moved over a period of just two weeks. This was the culmination of a space review and "remodel" that included the purchase of ten new shelving units paid by an anonymous donor.

Once the new shelves were installed the process of "shifting" books began. Many responded to a call for volunteers, including members of the Library, Look-ups and Desk Committees.

Special thanks to our librarians Laura Spurrier and Diana Wild for overseeing the project and to our member volunteers who worked tirelessly: Judy Bodycote, Nancy Fike, Steve Harris, Jane Lindsey, Arlene Miles, Shannon Reese, Lavinia Schwarz, Pat Smith, Roland Smith, Jim Sorenson and Judy Zelver.

Temporary signs have been put up to help patrons locate books until our exhausted librarians have time to create new permanent ones.

Congratulations and thanks to everyone!

Photographs by Kathryn Doyle, 5/28/2011, Oakland, California.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Encore Presentation! Celtic Roots Online with Cath Madden Trindle

2011-06-24T23:44:00.000-07:00

Friday, August 5, 2011
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society and Library
2201 Broadway
Suite LL2
Oakland, CA 94612

Back by popular demand. If you missed Cath's presentation in March, you won't want to miss this one!

Contrary to popular belief, the records of Scotland begin long before the advent of statutory registration in 1855. In some cases it is possible to trace families back to the sixteenth century using easily available records. Scottish research and retrieval of the records of Scotland is completely intertwined with the use of the Internet. We will look at some of the basic records – statutory registers, census, old parish records, and testaments – and navigate the Scotland government web sites to retrieve them. Even if you have no research in Scotland, the government web sites of Scotland provide a model for any government body or society to use when putting their documentation on the Internet.

Ireland government web sites are not quite as complete, but the selection of records available online is growing. We will again look at some of the basic records available both online and off and discuss the records hiding in repositories that might help you further your research.

Cath will also explore other interesting genealogical and informational online sites for both countries and also touch of some genealogical resources online for those with Welsh ancestry.

This class is limited to forty participants and is one of the free benefits for members. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop. Preregistration is required.

Registration confirmations will be sent to the first forty participants who register. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

Cath Madden Trindle is a certified genealogist in the San Francisco Bay area, and a national conference speaker. She earned a Certificate of European Research from BYU, and a Certificate in Genealogical Studies - Libraianship (NIGS.) Cath owned a bookkeeping consultation business for thirty years and is currently Treasurer of the Federation of Genealogical Societies. She writes regular copyright and society strategy solumns for the CSGA newsletter. As Publication Chair for SMCGS, she has edited the San Mateo County Naturalization Index Series, the Schellens indexing project, and coauthored the SMCGS Tree Climbing Guides.

Cath is a first generation Californian and has limited her client research to Northern California. Personal research and national speaking engagements focus on the records of Ireland and Scotland, Canada, Minnesota, and Michigan, and on storytelling.

Photograph by Kathryn M. Doyle, Drumcliff, Co. Sligo, Ireland, 2008.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

Planning Meeting for the Salt Lake City Research Tour

Nancy Peterson and Jane Lindsey

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Photographs courtesy of Arlene Miles, Oakland, California.

The California Nugget, Spring 2011, Volume III, Issue 1

2011-06-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Harold Henderson of Midwestern Microhistory: A Genealogy Blog, published State and Regional Genealogy Journals: The List. "The List" is a downloadable pdf file of genealogical periodicals published by genealogy organizations throughout the United States, compiled by Henderson and Michael Hait. They make the point that state journals "often contain high-quality genealogies of local families, utilizing a wide variety of local, state, and federal records."

The article was timely since the newest issue of The California Nugget has been printed and mailed to members. As always, the Spring 2011 Nugget includes exactly the kind of local genealogies Hait and Henderson describe.

I'm sure editor Jane Huff won't mind if I share her page one letter:

Dear Readers:

Do you feel like you are still just getting started in genealogy? Chris Pattillo had begun her family history research but felt like she still didn’t know what she was doing. The story of her headlong dive into genealogy when she unexpectedly had a month off from work and her emergence four weeks later with a treasure trove of new skills, resources and information is inspirational.

Finding the Laughran Sisters Part III wraps up, for now, the story of how the discovery of one online newspaper article revealed the names and relationships of an entire pioneer California family. Resources such as Newspaperarchive.com are truly goldmines of information. Be sure you are using the many online newspapers to further your research.
In our California Ancestors section, Virginia Turner and Georgia Lupinsky bring to life a treasure from the CGS manuscript collection, telling the story of the Covell family who settled near San Jose. Then Bill O’Neil shares the struggles of his Union soldier ancestors in the Civil War, a conflict that took a formidable toll on many families.

We have news for our members: now is the time to sign up for the August research trip to the Allen County Public library! Information is on the flier. Also, be sure to save November 5 for a spectacular day with Ancestry.com and the California Genealogical Society in San Francisco.

Capturing the story of any migration should be a focus of individual family histories as well as the work of genealogical societies. Now and then a best-seller, in this case Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns, reviewed in the book section, turns out to be a real addition to the literature of genealogy and family history research. Whether or not you are descended from the black southerners who made the journey north, this book speaks to every family that has ever set out for someplace better.

Jane Hufft, Editor

TABLE of CONTENTS
Twenty-First Century Genealogy
Finding the Laughran Sisters Part III by Jane Hufft
Thirty Days of Total Immersion in Genealogy by Chris Pattillo

California Ancestors
Frank Covell: California Pioneer and Family Historian by Georgia Lupinsky and Virginia Turner
Hill and Drinkwine: Civil War Ancestors by Bill O'Neil
1883 Pensioners

For Our Readers
Save the Date! Ancestry and CGS Team Up!
News from the Society
Allen County Public Library Research Trip
Book Reviews
Recent Acquisitions from the Library
New Members
Index

The California Nugget, the magazine of the California Genealogical Society, is published twice a year. Its purpose is to share the unique genealogical material in the CGS library, add to the body of family history information about Californians, offer guidance and timely information to family researchers, and to provide a forum for members to share their expertise and findings. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the society. The magazine is distributed free to members and is available to non- members for $5.00 an issue, plus postage.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Chinese Genealogy Research for Beginners with Douglas Joe

2011-06-17T23:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 30, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

This class is for beginners without Chinese language skills to learn how to start researching their Chinese ancestry. The first half of the class is designed for the computer challenged and will emphasize the basics of Chinese genealogy, including nuances and taboos and how to overcome these obstacles.

In the second portion, Doug will discuss the internet and computer resources.

Learn how to:

use digital resources and free programs to overcome Chinese language illiteracy
how to archive and reference your findings
what to expect in the future as China opens new online genealogy resources

For those uncomfortable with computers, Doug recommends bringing a tech savvy friend or family member.

This class is limited to forty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied toward membership only on the day of the class.

Preregistration is required. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first forty participants who register. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations. Walk-ins will not be admitted.

Register online.

Douglas Joe is a second generation Chinese American “baby boomer” who has been able to trace and document several hundred years of his heritage without Chinese language skills. He is a moderator for the Chinese Genealogy Forum and enjoys helping others worldwide in their search for their Chinese roots. Joe lives and works in Modesto, California and can be reached via email.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T23:53:00.000-07:00

Blogging 201 Workshop with Craig Siulinski

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Photographs courtesy of Kim Cotton, Oakland, California.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

July Membership Meeting: All About the CGS Library

2011-06-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 9, 2011
1:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

Join CGS librarians Laura Spurrier and Barbara Hill for So Many Books, So Little Time! Demystifying the California Genealogical Society Library – a discussion of the vast resources at the society's library.

Have you ever wondered...

Why are there a lot of books on some geographical areas and only a few or none on others?
What's in the Dorman Room?
If there's an easy way to find books when browsing the aisles?
Are there any tips or tricks for using the online catalog?
If you can still use the old card catalog?
How to donate genealogy books to CGS?

Laura and Barbara will answer these questions, and will take questions from the audience.

Laura Spurrier retired from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory after serving as a reference librarian and the head of cataloging. Among her M.A. degrees, she has an M.L.S. from U.C. Berkeley. Her interest in genealogy dates from her teenage years, with Quaker genealogy being a specialty. Laura has been a member of CGS since 1996 and is currently volunteers as the chair of Library Services.

Barbara Hill retired after thirty-three years of library work, with experience in a public library, a school library, a small scientific research library, and an academic library. Her last position, at UC Berkeley Library, involved ordering books from all over the world. She ascribes her interest in genealogy to "prenatal influence," as her mother was researching the family tree at the Library of Congress before Barbara was born. Although she did not begin active pursuit of her ancestors until after her marriage, she has been at it ever since, and has been a member of CGS since 1985.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Quick Report from Jamboree 2011

2011-06-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

The California Genealogical Society and Library is well-represented this year at the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree.

Our far-flung member Thomas MacEntee is presenting several talks and moderating two blogger panels. Amy Coffin, Elyse Doerflinger and I are participating in the Blogger Summits I and II. Other member speakers include Cath Trindle and Ron Arons.

Ron Arons at his table in the exhibit hall

CGSL has a table in "Society Row" on Saturday. The table is just outside the exhibit hall and was offered free of charge by organizers. Thank you, SCGS!

Two blogger buddies and CGSL members at our table: Sheri Fenley and Elizabeth O'Neal.

Thanks to Kim Cotton, Sheri Fenley, Lisa Gorell, Laura Lee Karp, Virginia Kysh, Mary Mettler, Elizabeth O'Neal, Carolyn Sakkis, Jim Sorenson and Geri Willinger for staffing the table!

Finding Your Ancestors Through Latino/Hispanic Genealogy, A Two-Part Series

2011-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sheila Prader

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

July 23, 2011 and August 6, 2011
Both sessions 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join professional genealogist Sheila Lee Prader and Dr. Ellen Fernandez-Sacco for two Saturday workshop sessions on finding your Latino/Hispanic ancestors.

Session I – Beginning Research in Spanish Records: An Introduction
Saturday, July 23, 2011, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Getting Started:

Family and original sources: ecclesiastic, civil, immigration records

Getting Organized

Handwriting, commonly used words and phrases, interchangeable letters
Forms and extracts: family group sheets, parish records, civil records

Parish Records

Determining location
Overview of content
Hands-on exercise: Sample extract. Try it yourself

Bring your questions, family group sheets and a document if applicable. Specific areas will be addressed based on registrant feedback and the time available.

Session II – Digging Deeper: Record Types and Specific Locations of Origin
Saturday, August 6, 2011, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Focus On Record Types

Baptism/birth, death/burial, marriage, dispensas
Other types of documentation

Focus on Records for Specific Locations

California
Mexico
Caribbean & Latin America
Spain

Hands-on exercise

Guided assistance in group setting

Bring your questions, your family group sheets and a document, if applicable. Specific areas will be addressed based on registrant feedback and the time available.

The workshop is limited to twenty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 for each session (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first twenty participants to register. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

Sheila Lee Prader began researching her own early California and Mexican genealogy in 1983. She has conducted considerable research in the records of Spain, the Azores, Mexico and early California, and continues to research Hispanic ancestry for herself and for clients. She maintains a great interest in the local history of Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and southern Santa Clara counties in California. She has the Certified Local designation from Professor/Historian Sandy Lydon.

Ellen Fernandez-Sacco’s involvement with genealogy started in 1999, when she began researching the oral history of her family in Moca, Puerto Rico. She has traced her background to Mallorca and Galicia, Spain and is also of Taino Amerindian descent. She has a Ph.D. in Art History and is a co-founder and chair of Sociedad Ancestros Mocanos, a Yahoo! Group, whose focus is the genealogy and oral history of Northwest Puerto Rico. Dr. Fernandez-Sacco will provide support and assistance during the workshop.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

In the Library

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Photograph courtesy of Tim Cox, Oakland, California.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Mapping Madness with Ron Arons – Saturday, July 16, 2011

2011-06-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 16, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, CA 94612

Member and author Ron Arons will discuss numerous websites where one can find historical maps and he will review two Goliaths of online mapping: Microsoft and Google as well as other interesting online, map-oriented tools including Microsoft's MapCruncher.

Hands-on learning: Ron will provide instructions/excercises for using a number of the online tools discussed during the lecture.

This class is limited to forty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the class.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first forty participants to register. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

Born and raised in New York, Ron Arons has traced his roots to England, Poland, Romania, the Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania. In researching his book, The Jews of Sing Sing, Ron took a genealogical approach, collecting a variety of original source documents. The book includes biographies of more than a dozen famous gangsters and lesser-known criminals and paints a broad canvas of Jewish criminality in New York City. Ron's newest book is Wanted! U.S. Criminal Records: Sources and Research Methodology.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Jeffrey Vaillant's Top Ten Reasons to Go to the Allen County Public Library

2011-06-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

Here are Jeff's ten reasons you should sign up for the CGSL tour to the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Six days of uninterrupted research!
A leader to help you with your research problems (Jeffrey Vaillant).
Talk non-stop genealogy to other participants to help solve problems.
Fantastic resources for the Midwest and other parts of the country. Search the Genealogy Center catalog at: http://smartcat.acpl.lib.in.us/?skin=genealogy.
Open stacks – the new library opened in February 2007.
A lecture by Curt Witcher, Manager, Historical Genealogy Department, Allen County Public Library.
ACPL is the creator of PERSI – the Periodical Source Index. You can do all your periodical research and all periodicals are there to use. (You can search PERSI at CGS or on HeritageQuest).
Unique resources due to their book binding service.
Great accommodations at the Courtyard Marriott, one and one-half blocks from library.
You chose this one:

Get away from the kids
Don’t have to cook
Pick your own schedule
See the TinCaps minor league baseball team
Visit an auto museum
Learn the tune to "Back Home in Indiana."

Download the registration flier or register online.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

eNews June 2011, volume 5, number 6

2011-06-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

The June 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 6, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month we pay tribute to Lois Elling's family enjoying a gathering at the Robinson family home in 1916 Los Angeles.

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The July 2011 issue will be emailed on June 30, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph by William Robinson, Jr., courtesy of Lois Elling.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Summer Evening Hours – Discussion Topics 2011

2011-05-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

Tim Cox sent the schedule of discussion topics for Thursday evenings this summer at the library. These discussion groups are planned for 6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. and they are open to members and to the public. Participants of all levels of research experience are welcome to network and join the conversation.

June 2, 2011 – Using Ancestry.com; Footnote.com; and AmericanAncestors.org
Helpful tips will be shared to more effectively use these free and subscription sites.

June 9, 2011 – Genealogy Gadgets: Digital Cameras, Flash Drives, Portable Scanners, etc.
What kind of technology are you using to help you capture the information as you find it? Discussion will focus on what is new on the market and what works well for genealogists.

June 16, 2011 – Social Networking: Facebook, RSS, Twitter and Blogs
Overwhelmed with all of the ways to communicate and network with other genealogists? We'll talk about the various ways to network and how to stay up to date with blogs.

June 23, 2011 – Using Google and other Search Engines
Is Google really the best search engine? There are other search engines that you may not be aware of. We'll discuss Google and the others.

June 30, 2011 – Help with Researching New Netherlands and New York
Our discussion will be focused on research in New Netherlands and current day New York.

July 7, 2011 – Research Problems and Possible Solutions (Session 1 of 2)
Have a research problem you've been working on for a while and can't seem to solve it? Bring your problem and let the group discuss options you may be able to employ.

July 14, 2011 – Census Research
Love it or not, the U.S. Federal Population Schedule is really a genealogist's best friend. Our group will discuss the various kinds of census records including agricultural, deaf/dumb/blind, veterans, mortality and state censuses.

July 21, 2011 – Ethnic Groups: Chinese; Hispanic/Latino; French-Canadian; German; Scandinavian
Join some experienced researchers who may be able to give some advice on your next steps in your research for any of these ethnic groups.

July 28, 2011 – Creative Ways to Share Your Research and Writing Family Histories
Ready to write your family history but need some help with deciding on the best way to share it or publish it? Come see what the group has to offer. You just might get that resolution to your dilemma.

August 4, 2011 – Genealogy Databases: RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, The Master Genealogist, Ancestral Quest, Reunion
Bring your questions and ask the group for advice on how to perform tasks, run reports, create charts, or overcome obstacles you are experiencing with any of these popular databases or join us to learn more about each them.

August 11, 2011 – Online newspapers
Millions of pages of the world's newspapers are now accessible online, but there is no one place to find them all. Join us for discussions on what is available and how to find it. You may learn some techniques to find your ancestors in the paper.

August 18, 2011 – Getting the Most from FamilySearch.org Including Mexican Research
Having problems with the new look of FamilySearch? We'll talk about it and discover some easy ways to it work for you and learn how to find the recently uploaded Mexican records database.

August 25, 2011 – Research Problems and Possible Solutions (Session 2 of 2)
Have a research problem you've been working on for a while and can't seem to solve it? Bring your problem and let the group discuss options you may be able to employ.

BYO dinner or buy something nearby. If you plan to drive, metered spaces in Oakland are free after 6:00 p.m. but they fill up fast. Traveling in by BART is easier – get off at the 19th Street station. Group discussions will end by 8:15 p.m. to allow for everyone to walk to BART together before dark.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Jeffrey Vaillant Talks Civil War Research on Blog Talk Radio

2011-05-27T23:40:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey Vaillant

Be sure to tune in and listen to CGS Director Jeffrey Vaillant talk Civil War records on Geneabloggers Blog Talk Radio. Jeff was a guest of host Thomas MacEntee on the Friday, May 27, 2011 show Military Records and Genealogy.

Jeff discussed the basics of how to start researching your Civil War ancestor. He also describes the rich information that can be gleaned from Civil War pension files.

Geneabloggers Radio airs every Friday night at 7:00 p.m. Pacific time. Past shows are available to be listened to on demand.

Listen to internet radio with GeneaBloggers on Blog Talk Radio

A Visit from the Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz County

2011-05-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

Twenty-two members of the Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz County (GSSCC) toured the library and the Stephen Harris city directory collection on Saturday, April 9, 2011, and had great success with their research.

Our member volunteers Kim Cotton, Barbara Hill, Dick Rees, Pat Smith, Laura Spurrier and President Steve Harris were on hand to assist our visitors.

Two members of the GSSCC became new members of CGS.

The California Genealogical Society welcomes interested groups to tour the library and spend time exploring our genealogy resources. Email the society or call 510-663-1358 to schedule a group visit.

Photographs courtesy of Kim Cotton, Oakland, California.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Salt Lake City Finds 2011

2011-05-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

The 11th annual tour to the Family History Library was another great success. Thirty-five members of the society (including leaders Jane Knowles Lindsey and Nancy Simons Peterson) spent the week of May 15 – 22, 2011, immersed in genealogy.

Kathleen Dunn Jones

One surprise was running into our "far-flung" member, Bette Kot, who was leading a group from Colorado. Bette is a former CGS librarian who led the tour with Jane in past years. It was great seeing you again, Bette!

Leader Jane Lindsey and Betty Kot

Carolyn Mowry Sinclair discovered the Automated Genealogy site and gave it high praise. She was working on her husband's Nova Scotia family.

Leader Nancy Peterson and Lavinia Schwarz

Irene Vega Kelly made some great discoveries using Border Crossings records from Mexico to Arizona. She was able to go back several more generations with the VEGA family.

Rita Anberg and Judy Greenwood Jones

Judy Greenwood Jones had a breakthrough researching her grandfather William FAWCETT in Ontario, Canada.

Cynthia Peterson Gorman and Tim Cox

Chris Pattillo was fact-checking during the week in order to finish a book she will be presenting as a wedding gift on June 18.

Jane Hufft, Jane Lindsey, Kathryn Doyle, Nancy Peterson, Nancy Fike and Pam Lewis

Linda Okazaki broke through a brick wall using 19th Century U.S. Newspapers when she found documentation that an ancestor changed his name.

Sandy Frye had luck researching her SMITHs and proved a move from Indiana to Missouri.

Laura Lee Karp

Alison Kern Shedd broke through a German brick wall researching SIEGLE/SIGLEN in Ditzingen, Wurtenburg.

Pam Lewis located the 1842 Church of England marriage record of her gg-grandfather and went back another generation on her EDWARDS family. The couple were both born in Hertsfordshire but they were married in Surrey – another mystery for another trip.

St. George the Martyr, Southwark, Surrey, England 4 June 1842

A Few Genealogical Favorite Things and What We Can Learn from the Pros

2011-05-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 8, 2011
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

Join member Virginia Kysh for some genealogy fun and tips from the experts.

A Few Favorite Things
Virginia will start things off with a “poor genealogist’s” version of Oprah's famous give away. Kysh shares favorite websites, magazines, tools and other genealogical finds that have caught her fancy. Bring an empty bag so you can carry home some fun stuff! (But don't come looking for a new car or a trip to your ancestral home.)

Some Things We Can Learn from the Professionals
Next, Kysh will share some insights learned from working with two professional genealogists each year at Utah Genealogical Association problem solving classes. She’ll discuss the importance of using research logs and many other tips to help with researching.

The class is limited to forty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first forty registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

Virginia Kysh has served as Assistant Director of the Antioch Family History Center for many years. A graduate of Brigham Young University Provo with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Library Science, Virginia caught the genealogy bug while attending an introductory genealogy class at BYU. Kysh has attended Utah Genealogical Association (UGA) Institute at Salt Lake City for the past fourteen years and she is a frequent attendee at FGS and NGS conferences as well as those closer to home. Virginia has forty years of genealogy research experience. She has been teaching genealogy for ten years.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

Online Newspapers with Janice Sellers

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Two Member Coffees in June!

2011-05-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 11, 2011, 9:30 a.m.
or

Thursday June 23, 2011, 11:00 a.m.

California Genealogical Society and Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

Attention, members!

Please choose a date and join us for a get-together at the library.

Who: Any member who would like to learn more about the library, see what the society has to offer, and compare notes with other members.

What: Tour the library, learn about what is going on at the society, meet other members, share research interests and get a little help with your research.

Membership Committee Chair Sandy Fryer and Volunteer Coordinator Jane Lindsey cooked up the coffee idea as a way to network and to learn more about how best to assist our members with their family history research. It is also a way for members to discover volunteer opportunities at the library.

The coffees last about an hour, but members are encouraged to stay and do some research.

Sandy plans to schedule member coffees twice a month so if you can't make a date in June, please watch the society calendar for future events.

The coffees are limited to fifteen members. Please RSVP online or by telephone at 510-663-1358.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

East Bay Teens on a Familiar Journey

2011-05-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today's San Francisco Chronicle carries a story on page A-1 under a heading I've never before seen on the front page: Genealogy. The article, "Emotional Peeks at Family History" has a different headline in its online version: Genealogy Search Expands East Bay Teens' Worlds.

Chronicle staff writer Jill Tucker reports on Family Journey – an ancestry program that has East Bay high school and community college students meeting weekly to learn about their roots. The program launched in February during Black History Month and will conclude with a special presentation on June 4, 2011.

The Family Journey Ancestry project is a collaborative effort by the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC), the Oakland Regional Family History Center (ORFHC) and staff from the office of Alameda County's District 5 Supervisor Keith Carson. The supervisor's April 27, 2011 newsletter carries this quote from Carson:

A few years ago I had the chance to look into my family history and it gave me a deeper appreciation for what my parents and grandparents went through in their journey out of the South. I wanted youth in Alameda County to have that same chance to connect with a deeper sense of who we are.

I was curious about Supervisor Carson's "look" at genealogy so I called his office and learned that he took part in the 2007 Black History Month program at the ORFHC with then-mayor Ron Dellums.

You can read more about Family Journey Ancestry at the AAGSNC blog. Nicka Smith has written an insightful piece on the program's challenges and rewards AAGSNC Teams Up With County Supervisor for Program. Her use of Michael Jackson's ancestry as an example for the kids is brilliant.

Kudos to Supervisor Carson and to Nicka Smith and our colleagues at AAGSNC and the ORFHC for introducing a new generation to their ancestors.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T23:00:00.000-07:00

Celtic Roots with Cath Madden Trindle

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Civil War Research: It's More than Compiled Service and Pension Records

2011-05-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Susan Goss Johnston

Saturday, June 25, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

It you haven't heard Susan Goss Johnston speak about military records, you are in for a treat! In honor of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, Johnston is presenting two talks: Recreating the Life of the Civil War Soldier and It Becomes My Painful Duty: Uncovering the Stories behind Letters of Condolence.

Recreating the Life of the Civil War Soldier
Pension records are wonderful presents waiting to be unwrapped and studied. They are rich in genealogical information, but they’re not the only records worth exploring. In fact, these records are only a fraction of the many records that were created during the Civil War. Case studies will be used to find and examine records – and record substitutes – created in the time between a soldier’s draft registration and his burial. What records exist? Where can they be found? What will they tell us?

It Becomes My Painful Duty”: Uncovering the Stories behind Letters of Condolence
We genealogists tend to read documents for the answers they provide, but these letters of condolence sent from the Civil War battlefields still evoke strong emotions one hundred fifty years after they were written. They may provide answers, but they also provoke strong questions. Who was the soldier and his heart-broken widow or grieving father? What were the circumstances behind his death? What does the letter say about the writer? The search for these answers will take the researcher into seldom-used records, and the stories uncovered bring history to life.

Register online

Susan Goss Johnston was a member of Yale University’s first undergraduate class of women, earning a B.A. in physics. After graduation, she began working in medical research while studying voice at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. The natural outgrowth of this experience, mixed with two children, led to genealogy – research that didn't require grant writing! She has been involved in teaching and researching for thirty years. Sue currently teaches basic and advanced genealogy courses in the Community Education division of Las Positas College in Livermore, California, and is a member of the Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society and co-presenter at the group’s Tri-Valley TMG [The Master Genealogist] user group. She is a graduate of the National Institute on Genealogical Research, "Advanced Methodology and Evidence Analysis" at the Samford University's Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, and the National Archives' course, "Going to the Source." On her first day of research at the National Archives, Sue found three Civil War pensions, and she has loved military records, especially those of the Civil War era, ever since.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Using Digital Photography for Genealogy with Mary Beth Frederick – 6/18/2011

2011-05-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 18, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society and Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

Back again by popular demand!

Let Mary Beth Frederick teach you how to use your digital camera to take photographs of books, original documents, microfilm, and computer screens. Using her method will save you time, money, energy, and frustration. You'll also be kind to your back by never again toting a mountain of paper in your carry-on baggage!

New this year! Based on feedback from previous sessions, Mary Beth has added a post-lunch lecture on organizing digital files.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Digital Photography: A Tool for Your Genealogical Research

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch

Bring a brown bag or carry-in from neighborhood cafes. Mary Beth will have an informal "hands-on" photo session so bring your cameras!

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Questions and Answers

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Organizing Your Digital Files

This workshop is limited to twenty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first twenty participants to register. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

Mary Beth Frederick has enjoyed careers in marketing research, systems analysis and design, project management and as an editor for both print catalogs and an online website.

For over six years she has been engaged full time in discovering her family tree and that of her husband, as well as working for select clients. She has researched the records of many U.S. states as well as those of French Canada and the Louisiana Territory; England, France and Germany; Wales and the Channel Islands, and South Africa. When the volume of paper collected during the first two years of research threatened to outgrow her office, she started taking digital photos of source documents.

Mary Beth attended the 2011 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy where she completed the Research of France and French Canada course. She holds memberships in various genealogical and lineage societies, including First Families of St. Louis and La Société des Filles du roi et soldats du Carignan. She earned a BA in English Literature with Classics from The Loyola University of Chicago.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

March Membership Meeting and Book Launch

"Over, Under, Around and Through Lost Records"

with Raking the Ashes Author Nancy Peterson

eNews May 2011, volume 5, number 5

2011-05-02T23:55:00.000-07:00

The May 2011 issue of the eNews, volume 5, number 4, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month member Stephen Glenn White pays tribute to his father's older brother, Valmah "Val" Sherman White, who enlisted in the French army Réserve Malle, in 1916, as a volunteer ambulance driver.

Valmah "Val" Sherman White, far left, placing a call in the donkey's ear to his buddy at the tail.

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The June 2011 issue will be emailed on May 31, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Talking California Genealogical Society Initiatives on Blog Talk Radio

2011-04-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

I was honored to be a guest on the Federation of Genealogical Societies' new blog radio show, My Society on Saturday, April 29, 2011. Host (and far-flung member) Thomas MacEntee invited me to discuss Genealogy Society Initiatives That Work!

During the first forty-five minutes of the hour long show, Thomas and I talked about the California Genealogical Society blog, eNews and our internet presence across social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, and American Towns. We also discussed these initiatives:

Society "Welcome Mat"
First Free Saturday Intro class
Family History Month classes
Don't hide your newsletter behind the website membership wall
Collaboration

The shows are archived so you can listen to them anytime. My Society airs every Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, 1:00 p.m. Central, 12:00 p.m. Mountain and 11:00 a.m. Pacific time.

Let me know what you think!

Listen to internet radio with mysociety on Blog Talk Radio.

Founded in 1976, the Federation of Genealogical Societies links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow. To do this, FGS publishes FORUM magazine, filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news; publishes an extensive series of Society Strategy Papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society; sponsors an annual conference – four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics; publishes a blog, FGS Voice; and hosts My Society on BlogTalkRadio.

Society Row at Jamboree – Can You Help?

2011-04-29T23:45:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again! The Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree returns Friday through Sunday, June 10 - 12, 2011, at the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel and Convention Center.

The generous folks at SCGS know how difficult it is for societies to afford the fees and provide the manpower to have an exhibit booth for the full three days of the conference. This year Paula and Leo have made an incredible offer to genealogical societies and we have taken them up on it!

Jamboree's new feature this year is Society Row. The California Genealogical Society will have a 6' table in the Convention Center main foyer on Saturday, June 11, 2011, at no cost! Thank you, Southern Cal! Our table will be staffed throughout the day 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Members are needed to help starting at 7:00 a.m. for set up.

For detailed information about schedule, speakers, genealogy exhibitors and more, visit the Jamboree blog and be sure to download the Jamboree App. The full thirty page Jamboree Magazine is available for download from the SCGS website.

Attention members: please email me if you are attending and can help at the table.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

What Bay Area Genealogy Events Will You Attend in May?

2011-04-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

May 2011 events have been published on the San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar – a collection of local genealogical society classes, workshops and meetings within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco.

The May calendar includes forty-five events at various venues around the Bay Area, sponsored by twenty different societies and genealogy libraries.

Among the choices you will find several featuring speakers who are members of the California Genealogical Society:

5/1 Janice Sellers – Researching Newspapers Online, Central Library, Sacramento

5/7 Craig Siulinski – Who Do You Think You Are? Into to Genealogy, CGSL, Oakland

5/7 Janice Sellers – Using the Subscription and Free Web Sites available at the Oakland Regional Family History Center, ORFHC, Oakland

5/14 Glenn Koch – Wish You Were Here: Using Postcards in Your Genealogy Research, CGSL, Oakland

5/15 Janice Sellers – Newspapers Online, Albert Einstein Center, Sacramento

5/15 Cath Madden Trindle – Land Ahoy! Locating Property Records, Central Library, Sacramento

5/21 Marcia Holstrom – Social Networking for Genealogists, Grace Lutheran, San Mateo

5/21 Jeffrey Vaillant – Chasing a Civil War Ancestor, Finley Community Center, Santa Rosa

5/22 Lisa Lee – Genealogy Research Puzzles: A Brainstorming Session, Central Library, Sacramento

If you would like to add your group's events to the calendar, please email the information by the 20th of each month for publication on the 25th. (Please put "SFBA Calendar" in the subject line.)

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

At the library:

Glenn Koch, Carl Muller, and John Keilch.

Summer Evening Hours Start Thursday, June 2, 2011

2011-04-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

Events coordinator Tim Cox and Jane Lindsey are excited to announce summer extended research hours at the library designed especially for our working members and patrons.

Starting June 2, 2011, and continuing every Thursday through August, the California Genealogical Society Library will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Hours on the two other open days will remain the same: Friday (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) and Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

In addition, informal discussions are planned from 6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Participants of all levels of research experience are welcome to network and join the conversation. Topics will include:

Using Ancestry.com, Footnote.com, and AmericanAncestors.org
Research problems and possible solutions
Getting the most from FamilySearch.org
Help with researching New Netherlands and New York
Online newspapers
Genealogy gadgets: digital cameras, flash drives, portable scanners, etc.
Using Google, Mocavo, and other search engines
Census research
Writing family histories and other creative ways to share your research
Ethnic research: Chinese, French-Canadian, German, Hispanic/Latino
Social networking: blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and RSS
Genealogy software: RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, The Master Genealogist, Ancestral Quest, Reunion

Dates and facilitators will be announced in May. Please check back or watch the calendar for updates.

Non-members are welcome. There is a $5.00 library user’s fee for non-members. The user’s fee will be waived for those who arrive after 5:00 p.m. for the discussion sessions.

BYO dinner or buy something nearby. If you plan to drive, metered spaces in Oakland are free after 6:00 p.m. but they fill up fast. Traveling by BART is easier – get off at the 19th Street station. Group discussions will end by 8:15 p.m. to allow for everyone to walk to BART together before dark.

We would love your feedback. Do these topics appeal to you? Will extended summer hours entice you to spend some time with us?

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Fort Wayne, Indiana Research Tour August 21-28, 2011

2011-04-22T23:55:00.000-07:00

Fort Wayne, Indiana Research Tour
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
August 21-28, 2011

Join Director Jeffrey Vaillant for the fifth California Genealogical Society research tour to the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Whether you have visited before or this is your first time, you will enjoy your week at the best public genealogy library in the United States.

Jeff will provide individualized attention in Ft. Wayne to help you with your research problems. Planning meetings can be arranged by phone or in person prior to the trip.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Seven days, double occupancy, at the Marriott Courtyard Fort Wayne
• Free shuttle service to and from airport
• Two group dinners (Monday and Saturday)
• Breakfasts included

Library orientation and a lecture, TBA

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is the home of PERSI (PERiodical Source Index), searchable on Ancestry.com or HeritageQuest. ACPL has over 513,000 rolls of microfilm and 55,000 compiled genealogy volumes, an impressive collection of state and territorial censuses, and many other resources unique to this library. Be sure to browse the Genealogy Center's online databases and search the library's online catalog.

Space is limited to fifteen participants. For full information, please download the registration flier.

Photographs by Kathryn M. Doyle, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 8/20/2009.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Writing and Publishing Your Family History with Nora Profit

2011-04-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

Nora Profit

Saturday, June 11, 2011
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society and Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

Everyone has a story to tell. What about you? You've done the research, gathered the facts, and now you're ready to write your family history.

Join Nora Profit for an afternoon and learn how categorize your experiences, memories and family traditions and present them in a cohesive structure. The world is waiting for your one-of-a-kind story. Let Nora share the information you need to know to get it published.

This workshop is limited to twenty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first twenty participants to register. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

Nora Profit is an award winning journalist, feature writer, columnist, author, and executive director of The Writing Loft. She is a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living Your Dreams as well as the author of 10 Glaring Mistakes Amateur Writers Make and How to Avoid Them.

A graduate of San Jose State University, Nora received a B.S. in Journalism and went on to own the public relations firm, The Profit Exchange, providing promotional materials for business and professional clients. Her speaking credits include the National Organization of Naval Officers, The Writer’s Resource Center, California Writing Club, and Romance Writers of America, groups associated with poets and writers, and numerous professional organizations.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

At the library

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Elizabeth O'Neal and Kathy Watson at the DAR State Conference

2011-04-11T23:55:00.000-07:00

California Genealogical Society members Elizabeth O’Neal and Kathy Watson attended the 103rd annual State Conference of the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) held March 17-20, 2011 at the Irvine Marriott Hotel in Irvine, California.

Elizabeth sent this report:

The conference began on Thursday evening with the opening night festivities, at which many awards were presented. The DAR Medal of Honor was awarded to Mike Conklin, founder and head of the San Ramon-based Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation, which assists severely wounded members of the armed forces to find homes, return to college, find employment, and connect with community resources to ease their transition back to civilian life. Mr. Conklin was nominated by the Anne Loucks Chapter DAR, of which Kathy is the regent. The DAR Medal of Honor is the most prestigious honor given by the DAR.

Friday and Saturday were filled with meetings and reports. Every state officer, chairman, district director, and chapter regent gave a brief report of the year’s activities.

The DAR Celebration Dinner and Debutante Presentation was held on Saturday evening. Young ladies in white dresses from all over California were escorted by fathers, grandfathers, boyfriends, and friends, as their many accomplishments were read to the audience. Elizabeth, who currently serves as the Senior State President of the California State Society, Children of the American Revolution (CAR), was honored to be one of the dignitaries greeting each debutante as she was introduced on stage.

Elizabeth also coordinated social media for the conference. For the first time, members were able to follow conference activities on Twitter and Facebook, as well as view photos and news on the society’s web site.

The conference concluded after the final business session on Sunday afternoon, as members rushed to get on the road to avoid the impending rain storm.

Elizabeth joined the DAR as a “junior” in 1996, and is a member of the Captain Henry Sweetser Chapter in Santa Maria. She presently serves the state society as the State Chairman, Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), State Vice Chairman, Volunteer Information Specialists, Social Media, and has served as the organization’s webmaster for 11 years. She is a member of the DAR Speaker’s Staff, and is available for presentations to DAR chapters and genealogical societies.

Elizabeth O'Neal and Kathy Watson

Besides her work as regent of the Anne Loucks Chapter in Martinez, Kathy is a talented web site designer who has helped create dozens of web sites for California DAR chapters. Kathy generously serves as chairs of both the website and computer committees at the California Genealogical Society.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

eNews April 2011, volume 5, number 4

2011-04-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

The April 2011 issue of the eNews, volume 5, number 4, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month member Laura Obergfell pays tribute to her ancestor, Dr. Josiah Andrus Gridley, a nineteenth century Massachusetts physician. Laura hasn't yet found his death date and is seeking additional information about this ancestor. Please leave a comment if you can help.

Josiah Andrus Gridley with third wife Myra and daughter Eva.

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNewsARCHIVE.

The May 2011 issue will be emailed on April 30, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Comparing Genealogy Software Workshop

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Wish You Were Here: Using Postcards in Your Genealogy Research

2011-04-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Membership Meeting
Saturday, May 14, 2011
1:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

People have been collecting postcards since they first appeared on the American scene in 1893. While their popularity has ebbed and flowed, they continue to be sought after by collectors today. CGS member Glenn Koch combines his passion for postcards with his interest in genealogy and has agreed to share his expertise at the May membership meeting. Glenn will teach us the value of postcards as historical documents and explain how postcards can be used to enhance any family tree or genealogy project.

Glenn will briefly cover how to date undated cards. Through the use of collecting by category, collecting by region, and collecting by family, he will show you how to go from the broadest level of collecting, right down to the finest point — your own family on postcards. Koch will use personal examples from his own family and from his Pennsylvania German heritage.

Glenn D. Koch is both postcard collector and genealogist, and he is the author of San Francisco Golden Age Postcards. His dual interests began when he was a young man and he has pursued both for countless hours since. A native of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, he traces his roots back to some of its earliest families, along with those of neighboring Berks County with names like Miller, Troxell, Pfister, Koch and Kistler. He is quite proud of the fact that in most cases he is the ninth-generation-descendant in the colonies of these families who arrived from Germany and Switzerland. Glenn and his partner Ray Tombaugh, also a genealogist, enjoy traveling and seeking out their family roots in Europe.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

At the library on Monday, March 21, 2011

Dr. Henry Snyder and , Director of Library and Archive, California Historical Society

How Our Genealogy Society Does Outreach

2011-03-28T23:44:00.000-07:00

Board directors of non-profits should be ambassadors to the community. A successful genealogical society has a board whose members connect with neighborhood groups and local organizations and articulately voice the society’s mission and programs. It's just as important for societies to reach out as it is for them to invite new members in.

So far this year, two directors have represented the California Genealogical Society in community events.

On Saturday, February 19, 2011, past-president Jane Lindsey spoke at the Phi Beta Kappa Northern California Association 25th Annual Asilomar Conference. Jane presented her talk “Genealogy is Not Just for Genealogists” to more than 100 members from the Bay Area and beyond who attended the group’s three-day President's weekend event.

Jane was asked to participate after a recommendation by CGS member Janiece Nolan who had arranged Jane to speak to her Rotary group a few years ago. Janiece knew that her Phi Beta Kappa colleagues would enjoy the talk and Jane jumped at the chance to spread some genealogy-love.

On Saturday, February 26, 2011, director Craig Manson spoke at the Black History Month Program at Bethany Baptist Church in Oakland. Craig spoke at our own Black History Month event last year. He is the well-regarded author of the Geneablogie blog.

Craig sent these comments:

I had a wonderful time at the Bethany Baptist Church event. Although the program started a little bit later than expected, they put on a great event. They honored heroes of their community, including a lawyer, a judge, a local parks official, an artist, and several others; the intent was to make a point that I presciently had covered in my presentation: history is made every day and not just necessarily by people who appear in the books.

Kanika Brown, one of the Bethany organizers, approached us about participating in their event after we met last October at the Pleasanton Family History Expo.

Both of these February speaking opportunities came as a result of previous outreach events. That's "networking" and it is absolutely the best way to get the word out about your genealogical society.

Is your genealogical society's board reaching out to your community?

Photographs courtesy of Judson Goodrich and Kanika Brown.

Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Update on CGS Projects with FamilySearch Indexing

2011-03-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

The California Genealogical Society and Library is partnering with FamilySearch Indexing on its second Partner Project – the U.S., California 1852 State Census. The project is classified as “Skill level: Intermediate” and is “recommended for volunteers who are familiar with the indexing process and comfortable using various system features. The documents are old and some of the handwriting is difficult to read.”

FamilySearch is indexing the 1852 California census even though this record set is available on Ancestry.com. Once this project is complete, there are some San Francisco record sets in line to be indexed, including records of San Francisco citizens of German descent who were required to register during WWI. The San Francisco Public Library has information about the Alien enemy registration affidavits, 19 18. There are several other sets to follow that will greatly assist San Francisco researchers.

Heading up the 1852 State Census project for the society is one of our new members – Maureen Stephan. Maureen joined CGS last year after she visited the library during a family vacation to San Francisco from her home in Kansas:

It was the best vacation we've ever had! We did and saw so many wonderful things. We walked up and down Lombard Street a couple of times, went on a cruise on the bay, saw the tiled steps, went on a walking tour of Chinatown and an architecture tour of downtown San Francisco, drove up to Twin Peaks and looked out over the city (we were lucky - no fog!), rode the cable cars – and ate at In-N-Out Burger for the first time (loved it!).

The Stephan family.

One day I went to the CGS Library while my husband took our two daughters up to Sacramento (my oldest daughter was born at Mather AFB) where they went to Old Town and the train museum. I had a great time at the library – everyone was so helpful. I found a couple of things about some of my relatives who used to live in San Francisco.

Maureen is able to coordinate the project for CGS from her home in Kansas for the same reason that our members can index from where ever they live. If you don’t yet have an indexing account with FamilySearch, find out how easy it is with the two-minute test drive. Follow the instructions to download the indexing program to your computer.

Once have an indexing account with FamilySearch, you will need to “join” our group. If you have any problems, either with joining the group or indexing, email Maureen and she will guide you through the process.

I'm honored to have been asked to coordinate the California 1852 state census project, and look forward to helping on more projects! –Maureen Stephan

New Member Book – The Nilson Family: From Jönköping to America

2011-03-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

I can't imagine a more satisfying feeling than holding your just-published genealogy in your hand. It's got to be so much better than the genealogy happy-dance we all do when we find a long-lost someone or we break down a brick wall. Luckily, belonging to an active genealogical society means that some well-organized members get the job done and bring their finished tomes to the library to share their success (and donate a copy). That's what happened at the March board of directors meeting when our newest board member and recording secretary, Lisa Gorrell, brought a copy of The Nilson Family: From Jönköping to America.

Lisa Gorrell

The Nilson Family is the story of four siblings who came to the United States from Åsenhöga, Jönköping, Sweden in the 1880s and two generations of their children and grandchildren. The book describes a total of forty-three descendants with narrative stories and photos. Lisa also included information about the parents and the two siblings who remained in Sweden.

Lisa did most of the research on her husband's maternal family online, using Ancestry, FamilySearch and Genline, as well as that old standby – writing many letters. She started the project four years ago with some help from her husband's aunt who had a collection of family documents. Family members provided additional information and their stories as well. The Nielson Family is fully documented and has an every name index.

The Nilson Family: From Jönköping to America

Lisa designed the book layout using Adobe InDesign and she chose to have it printed by BYU Print and Mail because they offered an option to print both black-and-white and color pages.