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.
- Walnut Creek- November 20, 2025 10:30 a.m.
If interested in one of these or another Regional Gathering in your area, please contact Kim Farnham-Flom ([email protected]).
San Francisco Special Interest Group (SIG)
San Francisco has so many nuances to genealogical research that it helps to know an expert. Join this SIG to meet several! It doesn’t matter if you are new to genealogy or an old hat, find your family story in the City of Love.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Zoom
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: Contact [email protected]
Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group (SIG)
Are you using the popular Family Tree Maker software to keep track of your genealogy findings? Are you new and looking for a program to use? Are you just wanting to know more about it? Join this great SIG for a plethora of topics this January, including a new release, and all things cemetery, including citations (which some may find more frightening than a cemetery!).
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Zoom or in person at the CGS Library
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: Register through the FTM-SIG website: https://ftm-sig.org/index.html
Roots Magic
Users of RootsMagic will meet to discuss helpful hints for using the software. Group will review their experience in updating to version 8. Topics include review of various screens and functions of RootsMagic with group suggestions on best usage and practice.
When: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Zoom
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: Register through the Roots Magic sign-up page https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rootsmagic-special-interest-group-registration-1092897288209
Special Events:
Guide to Creating a Family Legacy Book
As part of California History Days, Elizabeth Winslow shares how to create a book to share with loved ones. Create an engaging book to preserve and pass on the rich history of Californio Rancho Era ancestry for one’s children and grandchildren. This also provides an excellent way to share one’s genealogy research in a centralized, accessible source.
Family researcher, Elizabeth Winslow, a Los Californianos member and descendant of noteworthy early Californios: Arguello, Olvera, Ortega, Pico and Stokes, will share her book and tips on how to design your own legacy book. The creative possibilities are entirely up to you, from simple to complex.
When: Friday, October 24, 2025 from 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Zoom or in person at the CGS Library
Cost: Free to all
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guide-to-creating-a-family-legacy-book-registration-1721742200269
Two Case Studies: Recreating the Lives of Our Immigrant Ancestors
Linda Okazaki will present her extensive research and the resulting case histories for two immigrant families. Originating from different parts of the world, the Nii’s and the Gonzalez’ journey ended in San Francisco.
Three Generations of a Japanese Immigrant Family- A Case Study
Sansuke Nii immigrated from Japan to Mexico in 1907, eventually settling in Placer County. Through thorough research, the story of his life, and the lives of his descendants can be recreated using federal and local documents, photos, and oral history.
An Immigrant Family in Pre-1906 San Francisco – A Case Study
Despite profound record loss following the San Francisco earthquake and fire, family groups can be reconstructed using newspapers, maps, city directories, block books, and religious records. You will learn about the Gonzalez family, including Gibraltar immigrant, Dominick, his Irish wives, and his children.
When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 11:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Virtually via Zoom or in person at the CGS Library
Cost: Free to all
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/two-case-studies-recreating-the-lives-of-our-immigrant-ancestors-registration-1549601091579
2026 CGS Research Trip to Boston, Massachusetts
CGS returns to Boston for a week of research led by Matthew Blaine Berry, CG. The Charlesmark Hotel is 1 minute from the Boston Public Library, 6 minutes from American Ancestors, and 15 minutes from the Massachusetts Historical Society.
The trip, led by Matt Berry, includes:
- A seven-night stay at the Charlesmark Hotel
- Orientation and tour of the Massachusetts Historical Society
- Orientation and tour of American Ancestors
- Six days of uninterrupted research at your choice of top Boston research facilities
- Pre-trip meeting and consultation
- Research assistance by Matt Berry
- Daily continental breakfast (pastry and coffee)
- Two group dinners at local restaurants
When: Sunday, February 1, 2026-Sunday, February 8, 2026
Where: Boston, MA
Cost: $1,399 single occupancy (airfare not included).
How to Register: Deadline October 31, 2025. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-cgs-boston-research-trip-registration-1415983146709
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
OCT
2025