(7/8/2023)
Do you have a Monday afternoon free to assist our tireless Digital Archiving Committee? A reminder that DAC is digitizing our entire Vertical Files, and helping hands are needed, Mondays from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. We work assembly-line style, scanning, labeling, and indexing. We do have snacks and fun as well! Anyone who is able to volunteer even for a single Monday will help us with this huge project. Interested? Please contact Ron Madson: [email protected]
(7/6/2023)
The latest issue of The California Nugget is out, soon to arrive in your mailbox and now viewable online to our members.
This issue includes an entertaining tale from the state’s early history. Joseph Fox shares the story of his ancestor Dr. James Martin, who came to California from Baltimore in 1849 and spent several eventful years here as a young physician, establishing one of the first hospitals in Sacramento, weathering a deadly cholera epidemic, and navigating the occasionally nasty politics of early California.
You’ll also find two articles by Lisa S. Gorrell which will help you with your genealogical research. “In the News: Finding Tales of Your Ancestors in Newspapers” is a wonderful overview of the riches available in historical newspapers. “How to Do an In-Depth Study” offers practical steps to take when starting research on an unfamiliar topic or area.
We have lots of information on summer classes and special interest groups, and a sneak preview of the 125th anniversary celebration planned for October. Enjoy!
“A Maryland Doctor in Gold Rush California” by Joseph Fox
“In the News: Finding Tales of Your Ancestors in Newspapers” by Lisa S. Gorrell
“How to Do an In-Depth Study” by Lisa S. Gorrell
At the Society:
Tips & Talk series
Special Interest Groups
CGS is 125!
Donor Recognition
(6/29/2023)
For more information or to register, click the hyperlinks for any event.
All times are Pacific Daylight Time.
Summer is rolling along, and so are activities at CGS! Here’s a list of upcoming events in July.
Tuesday, July 18, 6 pm: Certified Genealogist Lisa Gorrell presents “Focused Research Using Research Plans.” A research plan is a great way to sharpen your skills and stop “going in circles” in your genealogy research. Join us for step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Held online.
Ongoing events and classes:
Saturday, July 1, 10 am: Intro to Genealogy. Our four-part series is ideal for getting started with genealogy or for advanced researchers to revisit principles of good research. This month: Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, and Death). Free. Online.
Every Wednesday, 11 am: “Tips & Talk“ at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. Join library volunteers for a discussion about different genealogy topics. Free. In person. This month:
July 5: Got Questions? Join discussion leader Sue Severson to chat about your research and ask questions.
July 12: Connecting with Others on FamilySearch. OFSC volunteer Denise Plaskett talks about how to get the most out of the FamilySearch website.
July 19: Swedish Research and ArkivDigital. Swedish specialist Wade Olofson discusses how to use this premier resource for Swedish genealogy, available free at the Oakland Family History Center.
July 26: African American Research. A talk by Patricia Smith Jenkins, who facilitates monthly research and discussion groups for the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California and the OFSC. She will discuss some historical challenges when researching African Americans in the United States and a few strategies found to break through brick walls.
Saturday, July 8, 10 am: CGS Monthly Board Meeting. Members are welcome to join the CGS Board for their monthly board meeting. Both in person and online via Zoom.
Special Interest Groups for Members:
*Wednesday, July 12: Members Roundtable Discussion.
*Monday, July 24: DNA Skills SIG.
*Saturday, July 15: San Francisco Special Interest Group.
*Saturday, July 15: Special joint meeting of the Family Tree Maker SIG and RootsMagic SIG. Guest speaker Pierre Clothier gives an overview of Charting Companion,™ a creative genealogy chart-making program which works well with both FTM and RootsMagic.
*Friday, July 21: Mayflower SIG.
Reminder!
Friday, June 30, is the last day to get early-bird pricing for our Salt Lake City Research Trip, scheduled October 9-14! For details, see the event page, where you can also watch the video of our virtual meetup and info session, and download a handout with more information.
Recording available through July 24.
Tax Records: More Exciting Than You Might Think. Annette Burke Lyttle discusses how tax records can provide a rich record of our ancestors’ lives and their sometimes-changing fortunes.
Helpful Links
Events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar: Google calendar
