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I hope you didn’t miss the All-Ireland Genealogy Seminar on March 1! It was such a well-planned, information-filled event held at Oakland’s Preservation Park (https://www.preservationpark.com). I’d never been before and I loved the charm. I highly recommend a visit. I didn’t know what to expect, so I was a bit surprised to roll up to what looked like a Victorian neighborhood, which, it turns out, it once was.
It began in the 1870s as an upscale neighborhood, but within 100 years, many were subdivided into rooming houses and deteriorated structures. They demolished all but five homes and, with the threat of a new highway, the City of Oakland swooped in and created a partnership to save the area. Now there are 16 buildings that look like Victorian homes (even though they fit 77 genealogists!) and the area has period-piece park benches and street lamps.
I arrived a little before 8:30 and parking was easy, with just some minor confusion fixed by super helpful staff. I walked across the street to Preservation Park and easily found the right Victorian-looking home. Check-in was so easy with no wait at all. I found a seat and then the coffee. We started right on time at 9:00 a.m. with CGS president, Roger Prince, delivering the opening remarks.
There were 77 tickets sold and all 77 attended. For Friday’s individual consultation, I hear that there were 24 booked and it sold out! I looked around the room and took a moment to appreciate the luxury of the day. It had been years since I’d been to a genealogy event and I was so glad that my foray back was with CGS.
Soon, Gillian Hunt and Fintan Mullen of the Ulster Historical Foundation began their presentations. There were 5 (FIVE!) presentations through the day, plus a question-and-answer session. It was an intensely-educational day with all things Irish and some prizes doled out throughout. I was delighted to go home with some Irish whiskey and a flask!
I hope you will enjoy some photos taken by CGS photographer, Ron Madson, and that you will join CGS in the next special event!
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/
Tips & Talk: Oakland FamilySearch Center Family History Classes: https://www.familysearch.org/en/centers/oakland_california/classes
MAR
2025