2023-06-10 00:21
Volunteers needed! Our tireless Digital Archiving Committee has begun digitization of our entire Vertical Files, a monumental task. We work assembly-line style, scanning, labeling, and inde… Read More
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California Genealogical Society And Library Blog
calgensoc.blogspot.com
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A blog about the California Genealogical Society and Library in Oakland, California.
Connecting people to their diverse family heritage.
2023-06-05 15:12
The weekly “Tips & Talk” series continues this Wednesday, 11 a.m. at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. Join us for free, fun discussions on genealogy, and learn to use the li… Read More
2023-06-04 23:44
San Francisco City Hall prior to the 1906 earthquake.Courtesy of the San Francisco Public Library Historical Photograph Collection.
Following a long hiatus due to the pandemic, the San Franc… Read More
2023-05-30 23:54
The Wednesday “Tips & Talk” series continues tomorrow, May 31, at 11 a.m. at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. Our speaker is Lynda McDowell on the topic: “Paleo… Read More
2023-05-29 17:37
For more information or to register, click the hyperlinks for any event.
All times are Pacific Daylight Time.
June is busting out! – with special events, our regular group meetings, a… Read More
2023-05-29 17:12
The listing for June events should have noted the following presentation is available to view through June 13: Stewart Blandon Traiman’s Excel for Genealogy, a demonstration of how to… Read More
2023-05-23 20:53
Potluck * Presentation * Awards
It’s “Back to the Library” for the 2023 CGS Genie Awards! After three years of celebrating the Genie Awards “virtually,” (due… Read More
2023-05-22 03:47
A correction to our previous post about this week’s coming events: the date for the RootsMagic Special Interest Group is Wednesday, May 24. Visit the web page for more information.The… Read More
2023-04-28 22:41
We are enjoying a good response to the weekly Wednesday “Tips & Talk” series at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. In weeks to come, you will hear from some of the volunteers w… Read More
2023-04-24 05:17
Monday, April 24: DNA Skills Special Interest Group, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Led by Mark McLaren. See details at the SIG page.
Wednesday, April 26: Our weekly “Tips and Talk”! 11 a.m. an… Read More
2023-04-16 22:15
We have two updates to announce related to the CGS research trip to the FamilySearch Library in October.
First, we are now offering early-bird rates up through June 30! (Those who have alre… Read More
2023-04-14 16:33
Boston University offers two unique courses that combine the convenience of online learning with expert instruction from noted BU Instructors, Certified Genealogists, and practicing profe… Read More
2023-04-09 01:57
A quick rundown of events scheduled for the coming week.
Recordings still available:
Why They Left, Where They Went, and What Their Journeys Can Reveal by Pam Vestal (Available until Tuesda… Read More
2023-03-28 18:42
Welcome back to the library! Beginning April 3, CGS is returning to most of its pre-pandemic policies and procedures. Eventbrite reservations will no longer be needed to visit the library d… Read More
2023-03-27 15:30
The genealogy platform MyHeritage has made a special offer available exclusively to CGS members: through March 31, you can purchase the “Annual MyHeritage Complete” plan for hal… Read More
2023-03-25 19:13
We’re enjoying our weekly “Tips & Talk” gatherings at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. and again at 7 p.m., we invite visitors to join us fo… Read More
2023-03-24 16:54
The California Genealogical Society Library reopened in the summer of 2021 with numerous COVID-related protocols in place. Given the end of the COVID emergency period and related restrict… Read More
2023-03-22 23:37
The FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City
CGS is excited to announce the return of our annual research trip to The FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City! Mark your calendars for October 9… Read More
2023-03-13 23:22
Has the approaching St. Patrick’s Day got you wondering about your Irish roots? Don’t miss this special presentation by our very own Maureen Hanlon, an experienced Irish research… Read More
2023-03-09 00:25
An email sent earlier today incorrectly stated that Pam Vestal’s talk “Why They Left, Where They Went, and What Their Journeys Can Reveal” is scheduled for Tuesday, March… Read More
2023-03-08 19:17
Next week, Tuesday, March 11, CGS hosts a special Zoom presentation by genealogist Pam Vestal, “Why They Left, Where They Went, and What Their Journeys Can Reveal.” In this fre… Read More
2023-03-03 22:14
We had a rewarding first “Tips & Talk” gathering this week at the Oakland FamilySearch Library! Our Events link is now active, so you can check out upcoming topics and let u… Read More
2023-02-27 02:14
Things are hopping at CGS in March! We know that many of you are attending RootsTech this coming week, whether virtually or in person. Take a minute after that to catch your breath, because… Read More
2023-02-27 01:06
Jacqueline Henderson, CGS Programs Director; Daniel Horowitz of MyHeritage; and Chris Pattillo, CGS President. All photos taken by CGS Board Member Ron Madson.
Last Friday, CGS hosted its fi… Read More
2023-02-24 19:48
The California Nugget’s 120th commemoration issue in 2018.
We want to know about your family history! Our society’s magazine, The California Nugget, is published twice a year, in… Read More
2023-02-22 23:06
Beginning on March 1, CGS volunteers will host a series of fun, informal discussions on a variety of topics. These free in-person gatherings will be held Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Co… Read More
2023-02-18 03:23
Phil Hoehn (far right), one of the 2016 Genie Award recipients
I first met Phil Hoehn when I profiled the library committee while it was doing one of its periodic shelf reads, in September 2… Read More
2023-02-15 02:11
A reminder that we have two special presentations lined up for Feb. 24 and Feb. 25! There are still spots available, but don’t wait to register!
Daniel Horowitz
Friday, Feb. 24, 10:30… Read More
2023-02-13 17:53
Image: RecordsNotRevenue.com
The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has once again proposed substantial increases to the fees required to access historical records held by t… Read More
2023-02-06 18:15
One of the nice things about volunteering for the Library Committee is that we get to see all of the new books that are donated to CGS. Another perk is that we get to buy new books for our… Read More
2023-02-06 11:14
Do you know how to start researching your Swedish ancestors? What about accessing Swedish archives? Have you hit a brick wall with your research? Would you like to help others with their Sw… Read More
2023-02-05 01:07
A free class on DNA is offered Feb. 14 at the Oakland FamilySearch Center.
Following the success of the recent class on finding DNA matches on Ancestry.com, the Oakland FamilySearch Center i… Read More
2023-02-04 01:56
Daniel Horowitz
We are delighted to announce that MyHeritage genealogy expert Daniel Horowitz will be in Oakland on Friday, Feb. 24, for a two-part seminar: “Exploring DNA and the MyHe… Read More
2023-01-24 21:23
Old City Hall and Hall of Records, San Francisco. Courtesy of the San Francisco Public Library.
The California Genealogical Society is interested in reconstituting the San Francisco S… Read More
2023-01-22 20:14
Roger Prince, Chair of the Facilities Committee
One in a series of blog posts describing the work of CGS volunteer committees.
In the past this was one of the easiest committee chair positio… Read More
2023-01-22 20:09
CGS members enjoyed refreshments at the 2023 Annual Membership Meeting
The Annual Membership Meeting was held January 14 in hybrid form (both online and in person at the CGS Library). It was… Read More
2023-01-16 21:45
Mayflower Descendants SIG
Lead: Robert Trapp
[email protected]
The Mayflower Descendants SIG has been on hiatus due to the pandemic but is ready to set sail again.
The SIG focuses initially… Read More
2023-01-12 22:12
One in a series of blog posts about CGS committees and their work.*This committee currently has openings for a few volunteers. If interested, email [email protected].
The… Read More
2023-01-12 21:14
One in a series of blog posts about CGS committees and their work
*This committee is seeking new volunteers. Contact: Chris Pattillo.
Longtime Volunteer Committee chair Kathleen Beitiks (in… Read More
2023-01-01 20:19
CGS will celebrate our 125th anniversary in 2023
It’s a new year, and almost time for our Annual CGS Membership Meeting! We hope many of you will join us, whether in person or via Zoom… Read More
2022-12-31 03:06
One in a series of blog posts about CGS committees and their work
*The committees currently have openings for volunteers. For more information, email Linda Darby.
Pat Bonderud and Linda Darb… Read More
2022-12-27 00:07
To all our friends and members, we give our sincere thanks for your support. We’ve come through the difficult COVID epidemic, reopened the CGS library to visitors, and have begun to… Read More
2022-12-22 05:51
Viggo Johansen, Denmark, 1891
Today, December 21, marks the Winter Solstice, the longest night and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. From the beginning of human histor… Read More
2022-12-22 02:27
A genealogical family chart is featured in “The Compass Rose” art exhibit
An art exhibit rooted in family history opens January 13 at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture… Read More
2022-12-05 22:20
CGS past president Linda Okazaki hosted a holiday gathering for the society’s many volunteers this past weekend. Beautiful setting, great company, and, oh, the food! Thank you, Linda!… Read More
2022-12-04 17:34
Recent Outreach Committee event – the History Fair at the Camron-Stanford House in Oakland, Fall 2022
The CGS Outreach Committee seeks to share the knowledge and skills of the CGS boar… Read More
2022-12-04 17:30
The 2022 Nominating Committee – Joanna Shear, Kathleen Beitiks, and Linda Okazaki – has proposed one new board nominee, Keith Montgomery, for the term 2023-2025. The candidate wa… Read More
2022-12-02 19:36
Two racks were given to CGS after the NGS conference that we are using to display new additions to the library
In the past someone from the library committee would provide the publications c… Read More
2022-12-01 04:44
The investment and finance committees are ones that require very little time so if you are looking for a way to support the society but don’t have much time, one of these may be the pe… Read More
2022-11-23 17:12
December is one of our quieter months, but the library is still open and multiple groups will hold their regular meetings. And you can still see some of our most popular presentations in re… Read More
2022-11-23 03:45
We’ve had so many wonderful speakers at CGS this year. We’re pleased that we can offer the chance to see some of our past presentations in recorded form for a limited time. A pre… Read More
2022-11-21 05:25
One in a series of blog posts about CGS committees and their work
*This committee currently has openings for volunteers
The Education and Events Committee is unusual in that it is really a… Read More
2022-11-20 01:32
All CGS volunteers, past, present, and potential, are cordially invited to an informal holiday gathering!
Details:
Sunday, December 4
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
In Lafayette
Come join your frie… Read More
2022-11-17 18:36
John Ralls is our webmaster and chair of the Technology and Website Committee
There’s a particularly bad form of email fraud going around this fall that poses two serious risks: More w… Read More
2022-11-17 16:32
We’re delighted to announce that the latest issue of our biannual journal, The California Nugget, has been published. CGS members will soon see it in their mailboxes, or they can acce… Read More
2022-11-17 05:01
Arlene Miles, Nancy Cork and Shirley Hoye at a pre-COVID quarterly membership meeting
One in a series of blog posts about CGS committees and their work
The Development and Member Services Co… Read More
2022-11-12 03:07
Written by: Maureen Hanlon, Chair
One in a series of blog posts about CGS committees and their work
Serving as the public face of the CGS Library, members of the Desk Duty Committee welcome… Read More
2022-11-11 22:05
Lois Elling and Judy Zelver
One in a series of blog posts about CGS committees and their work
*This committee currently has openings for volunteers
Lois Elling has chaired our membership com… Read More
2022-11-11 00:57
We are delighted to announced that the San Francisco Special Interest Group is resuming its meetings after a long COVID hiatus. The next meeting is Saturday, November 19, from 10 a.m. to no… Read More
2022-11-09 22:19
Three of our recent special presentations were recorded. You can still register to watch them, but only for a few more weeks!
Jennifer Holick
Available until Nov 20:
Ancestral Time T… Read More
2022-11-07 03:18
Library Committee members Gibran Rath, Kristi Wessenberg and Shirley Hoye
First in a series of blog posts describing our various committees and their work.
CGS will celebrate its 125th anniv… Read More
2022-11-04 14:32
Happy November! We have a lot to be thankful for this month at CGS. As well as our regular monthly meetings and study groups, we have two special presentations coming up in November:
Tuesda… Read More
2022-10-28 01:26
Check out this fun video featuring Chris Pattillo as she leads us through the library and discusses our many holdings. We hope you can come visit us in person, too!The post Visit the librar… Read More
2022-10-28 00:53
Given that it’s election season right now, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the genealogical riches available in voting records from the past. Presenter Pam Vestal shows how to… Read More
2022-09-27 04:50
We have a number of special events coming this month, along with our regular meetings and monthly study groups. Our featured presentations include using social media in genealogy; finding t… Read More
2022-09-22 03:19
Apologies. Our post earlier today had a broken link in the contact information. If you are interested in the Book Repair Committee, please contact Kathleen Beitiks: [email protected]… Read More
2022-09-22 00:53
Past participants in one of our book repair workshops. Come join our volunteers!
Interested in learning the art of book repair and donating your time and talent to CGS? If so, consider join… Read More
2022-09-10 17:47
Archivist Nancy Loe
We are excited to have a special speaker, archivist Nancy Loe, presenting “Organize Like An Archivist: Taming Genealogy Records and Research,” via Zoom this c… Read More
2022-08-29 00:16
We have a special presentation by archivist Nancy E. Loe this month in addition to our monthly “Intro to Genealogy” class and other regular meetings. Click the links to register… Read More
2022-08-09 20:03
Colleen J. Shogan (Facebook)
Recent news has highlighted the importance of records at the National Archives. On August 3, President Biden announced nominees for key leadership positions in h… Read More
2022-07-31 18:00
July 14th was a busy day at the library. There was a library committee meeting, Kate Black on Desk Duty, 3 researchers using comupters and Kathleen Beitiks dropped by. Here are Gibran Roth… Read More
2022-07-25 19:32
Another special presentation coming up in August is “Researching Your Farming Ancestors” on Tuesday, August 9. Lisa Gorrell talks about the way most Americans lived until the la… Read More
2022-07-23 19:24
A special Zoom presentation is scheduled for Saturday, August 6, when Annette Burke Little will talk about “Maps Galore: Finding and Using Online Maps from the Library of Congress.&rd&helli…Read More
2022-07-18 13:59
CGS members and distant cousins Shirley Thomson and John Moore
John Moore, a past CGS Board member, died on March 14, 2020, at the age of 88. His wife, Barbara, died March 20, 2022. Both wer… Read More
2022-07-16 03:35
Our new scanner is set up at the table opposite the front desk.
This is the fifth in a series of blog posts that responds to some of the suggestions made in response to the recently conducte… Read More
2022-07-16 03:19
Our August offerings include two special presentations, plus our regular monthly meetings.
* Saturday, August 6: Maps Galore: Finding and Using Online Maps from the Library of Congress.&nbs&helli…Read More
2022-07-14 03:23
by Chris Pattillo
On June 6th Jane Knowles Lindsey hosted a thank-you luncheon for the CGS members who volunteered during the recent NGS Conference in Sacramento. Over 100 of our members wo… Read More
2022-07-01 03:30
Happy July! We hope many of you are anticipating celebrations, vacations or holiday time with family. Don’t forget to set aside some time for genealogy, too! Here are this month&rsquo&helli…Read More
2022-06-22 03:24
The United Kingdom is by far the most popular area being researched by CGS members
This is the fourth in a series of blog posts that responds to some of the suggestions made in response to… Read More
2022-06-22 03:06
This photo has nothing to do with the content of this blog post but it is eye-catching. Part of the fun at the 50s party during the NGS conference.
This is the third in a series of blog post… Read More
2022-06-15 20:59
Members of the Library Committee L-R Tracy Pullar, Arlene Miles, Wendy Polivka, Linda Edwards, Kristi Wessenberg, Shirley Hoye and Gibran Rath. Photo by Chris Pattillo, Chair
This is the sec… Read More
2022-06-12 03:10
The National Genealogical Society’s 2022 Conference, “Our American Mosaic,” was held in Sacramento May 24-27. CGS served as the local host society. Kudos to NGS and to CGS… Read More
2022-06-06 20:36
Members of the Library Committee hard at work during a recent committee meeting. L-R: Linda Edwards, Shirley Hoye, Wendy Polivka and Karen Halfon.
by Chris Pattilo, Library Committee Chair… Read More
2022-05-29 14:29
“June is bustin’ out all over” – with classes and discussion groups on many specialized topics. Here’s what’s coming this month:
Saturday, June 4: 1st Sa… Read More
2022-05-19 16:21
The California Nugget is out! This issue contains two feature articles about a couple of colorful California characters; information about a little-known San Francisco repository; and tips… Read More
2022-05-16 02:39
Russ Worthington
The genealogy community was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Russ Worthington on May 11. An affable, generous man known to many as “Cousin Russ” fro… Read More
2022-05-03 00:04
We have a variety of live and recorded events in May. Don’t forget the free California Research Series: the final presentation is Tuesday, May 4. Videos of the classes in this series w… Read More
2022-04-28 02:48
Our website now has a link that will take you directly to a list of the books we have for sale on eBay. You can find the link on the Shop page (under the Publications tab). Scroll down to &l&hell…Read More
2022-04-24 17:10
Have you been enjoying our “California Research” series? Don’t miss the last two presentations! All of the lectures in the series are free. Previous talks are recorded and… Read More
2022-04-18 18:10
A toast from our host, Jane Knowles Lindsey!
CGS is the local host society for the National Genealogical Society 2022 Conference, held May 24-28 in Sacramento. Our local host committee chair… Read More
2022-04-13 02:52
Last Saturday the CGS Board held its monthly meeting online (as we have done since the pandemic began). Besides discussing business, we took time to honor this year’s recipients of th… Read More
2022-04-12 15:08
“Our American Mosaic,” the National Genealogical Society’s 2022 Conference in Sacramento, is just over a month away! We hope many of you can join us, whether in person or… Read More
2022-04-01 22:06
By Evan Wilson
The release of the 1950 census is well under way. All images are already available at NARA’s website (archives.gov) and searchable by name, though the computer-gener… Read More
2022-03-31 03:07
Got questions about the National Genealogical Society’s 2022 Conference? Join the organizers Tuesday, April 12, and ask us anything!
You probably know that CGS is the local host socie… Read More
2022-03-29 15:17
April happenings at the California Genealogical Society include a look at Irish names and a special presentation by Frances Kaplan of the California Historical Society, along with our month… Read More
2022-03-29 04:14
Carly Lane Morgan
The National Genealogical Society conference, “Our American Mosaic,” is scheduled May 24-28 in Sacramento. CGS is the local host society! We are pleased to tell… Read More
2022-03-23 23:25
An update to yesterday’s blog post about working on the 1950 U.S. census:
CGS board member Evan Wilson will host two informal Zoom sessions–one before April 1 and one after&ndas&helli…Read More
2022-03-22 23:36
by Evan Wilson
The California Genealogical Society has joined forces with genealogy societies and organizations around the country as part of the 1950 US Census Community Project, and you a… Read More
2022-03-21 15:35
Colleen Robledo Greene
The National Genealogical Society conference, “Our American Mosaic,” is scheduled May 24-28 in Sacramento. CGS is the local host society! We are pleased to… Read More
2022-03-18 03:46
Clearly your blog editor is fuzzy-brained tonight.
The Member Connections demonstration is scheduled for Tuesday, March 29.
We hope you will join us to learn about this new CGS member bene… Read More
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