Blog

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

Local Meet-ups
Members gather together in homes, public libraries, cafes and even community rooms in condominium units. A facilitator leads the discussion as members share research topics, common interests, new resources discovered in an informal setting. Friendships have developed along with partnerships in resources and a better understanding of the many benefits available to CGS members.

If interested in a Regional Gathering in your area, please contact Kim Farnham-Flom ([email protected]).

Artificial Intelligence
Steve Little, the National Genealogical Society Artificial Intelligence Program Director, discusses how AI can be used in genealogy to extract names, dates, and relationships from text, assist with genealogical writing and translating documents, transcribe printed and handwritten text, and transform text to different comprehension levels or modern standard English. Listeners will learn about the potential of AI in the field of genealogy, as well as its limitations. Steve emphasizes the importance of verifying AI-generated results. He also touches on the future of AI in genealogy, predicting new use cases, more competitors, and expanding context windows.
When: Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-artificial-intelligence-for-genealogists-registration-1413519929159

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: Monday, July 28, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Zoom
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: Contact Mark McLaren for approval.

Introduction to Genealogy for 2025
In these 4-week sessions the CGS experts will help you get started with your research or reboot your research. The classes may be taken in any order, and participation in one class is not required to attend others in the series. See below for dates and topics:
• Jan 4, May 3, Sep 6 Genealogy Basics Overview
• Feb 1, Jun 7, Oct 4 Using the Census
• Mar 1, Jul 5, Nov 1 Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, and Death)
• Apr 5, Aug 2, Dec 6 Organizing Your Family History Work

When: Saturday, August 2, 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 (Note: Separate registration required for each session: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-intro-to-genealogy-1st-saturday-free-overview-and-focused-topics-registration-1114289041519)

Special Events:

CGS Member Experience
As parts 2 and 3 of our AI series, CGS Members, Janet Netz and Keith Montgomery will provide reassurance for all newbies with how they got their feet wet and how that experience has made them enthusiastic about using this technology. They will follow up with a Q & A session on Aug 13.
When: Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Where: CGS Library and Online via Zoom
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cgs-members-experience-with-ai-getting-your-feet-wet-registration-1414355438189

AI Discussion
This is the CGS AI follow-up session.
In part one of our AI series, CGS Members, Janet Netz and Keith Montgomery provided reassurance for all newbies with how they got their feet wet and how that experience has made them enthusiastic about using this technology.
They follow-up here with a Q & A session.
When: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cgs-member-follow-up-on-ai-your-questions-and-interests-going-forward-registration-1414363321769

Using Artificial Intelligence on FamilySearh: Some Amazing Discoveries and Broken Brick Walls
Kelvin Brewer of the Oakland FamilySearch Center will give a talk about using AI with FamilySearch.
When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
How to Register: Forthcoming

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/
Recordings for Members: https://www.californiaancestors.org/videos_for_cgs_members/
Tips & Talk: Oakland FamilySearch Center Family History Classes: https://www.familysearch.org/en/centers/oakland_california/classes