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To register for an event or for more information, click the link for any event. All times are Pacific Time.
Questions? Email [email protected]

Some great Special Interest Groups this week! I love that it’s the week where you can take a beginner class about census records, jump to 1620 for some Mayflower history, or deep dive into DNA developments. Something for everyone!

(As an aside, to create the image for this post, I went to Google Gemini and typed, “Create a photo with a starting line, a DNA strand, and the Mayflower.” I then asked it if I could use the image in this blog post and it said, “Sure, you can use the image in your blog post.” I of course did further research to confirm this answer (it’s true), but now when someone asks how I use AI in my genealogy, I have an answer— to create absurd images of gigantic DNA lined up to race the Mayflower at a misspelled START line!)

DNA Skills
Description: Develop your understanding of DNA and genealogy and review new developments. This group will also delve into research problems and case studies. Must have DNA test results uploaded at one of the common DNA websites and have completed the CGS DNA Series or equivalent.
When: Saturday, January 27, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Zoom
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: Contact Mark McLaren.

Introduction to Genealogy for 2025
This is a four-week session starting that started on January 4, 2025 (the next 4-week session starts May 3). The CGS experts will help you get started with your research or reboot your research. The first session was Genealogy Basics Overview, and this one is Using the Census. You can take the classes in any order, but why not join now and run straight through? Free to members AND non-members!
When: Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Zoom or in person at the CGS Library
Cost: Free!
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-intro-to-genealogy-1st-saturday-free-overview-and-focused-topics-registration-1114289041519

Mayflower Descendants Special Interest Group (SIG)
Do you have Mayflower ancestors (or think you may have them)? Join Robert Trapp the first Saturday of each month to lean more. This SIG meets on the first Saturday of each month in person at the CGS Library. Each month will vary as to the subject matter followed by a Q&A session. Robert is an expert in all things Mayflower and can help show you what you need to join the Society of California Mayflower Descendants or learn more about your Mayflower ancestors.
When: Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: CGS Library
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/

Special Event:
2025 All Ireland Genealogy Seminar
California Genealogical Society will host the first stop of the 2025 Ulster Historical Foundation US Tour. You can register for a 30-minute consultation and/or attend a day of lectures.
Consultations
When: Friday, February 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: CGS Library
Cost: $50.00 per 30-minute consultation
How to Register: https://ulsterhistoricalfoundation.com/events-courses/oakland
Lectures
When: Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Preservation Park, Oakland, CA
Cost: Purchase before January 31, 2025 $100 for CGS Members and $125 for non-members
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-all-ireland-genealogy-seminar-with-the-ulster-historical-foundation-registration-1100184514499

Helpful Links
Events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar view: https://www.californiaancestors.org/cgs_calendar/