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]

From the website:
[Ron Madson]’s relationship with family history was ignited a decade and a half ago by a photo of his great grandparent’s family. He quickly developed a passion for family history and teaching genealogy related topics having taught more than 70 courses in the past 5 years, primarily for CGS. He has a BS & MS in Math and is a USMC veteran. He had an IT career beginning in the mid-1960s and retired from his final career building custom homes in Silicon Valley and coast side. He served as educational coordinator for the largest international IBM computer users’ group for 7 years and for 10 years he was the technical education coordinator for an international insurance company. Ron is the founder and co-facilitator of the FTM-SIG, chair of the Digital Historian Committee, and served as Eventbrite coordinator for several years.

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

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

For today’s Monday blog, we thought we’d gear up for the Saturday All Ireland Genealogy Seminar! Get your tickets now if you don’t already have them (and be sure to order lunch while you are registering!).

2025 All Ireland Genealogy Seminar
When: Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Preservation Park, Oakland, CA
Cost: $120 for CGS Members and $145 for non-members
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-all-ireland-genealogy-seminar-with-the-ulster-historical-foundation-registration-1100184514499

I suggest that even if you don’t have Irish ancestors yet, you attend. I learned so much when I attended a decade ago, which is when we had the last Irish Seminar. I remember going to that event without knowing many people.  I picked up so many tips and tricks and was mesmerized by the different accents. I’m TERRIBLE with accents of all kinds, but it was odd to me that I had no trouble at all understanding the accent from Northern Ireland. It wasn’t until a year or two later that I found I had Northern Ireland ancestors. Coincidence?!? hmmmmm…

We thought it would be fun to browse some photos from that event in 2015 that Ron Madson shared:

I like to think that I have not changed in 10 years, but the picture above shows a much skinnier, clearly 10-year-younger me. While I don’t still have that bright yellow sweater, I hope you’ll manage to find me on Saturday to say hello!

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

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

One of the benefits of a CGS membership is the opportunity to network and meet with other genealogists.  Last year, our Membership Committee, under the leadership of Jane Lindsey, piloted in-person meetings for several regional areas. They were met with enthusiasm.

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.  Members who have attended, frequently ask when they will be meeting again.

In February and March, six new Member Regional Gatherings have been launched.  We will begin having a section in the Friday Next Week blog posts to remind you of these, but please mark your calendars.

• Danville/Dublin Area: Met on February 13
• Oakland/Piedmont:  February 25th and 27th
• Sonoma/Santa Rosa: February 26
• Peninsula: February 26
• Walnut Creek: March 20
• Lamorinda: April 8

If interested in one of these or another Regional Gathering in your area, please contact Kim Farnham-Flom.

Eastern European Special Interest Group (SIG)

Description: Discussion focused on Eastern European genealogy.  Join a community of enthusiastic researchers and genealogists who meet on a quarterly basis to support and learn from each other’s contributions and expertise in the areas of Central and Eastern Europe.

When: Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Virtually via Zoom

Cost: Free to CGS members

How to Register:  Register through the EESIG registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eastern-european-special-interest-group-registration-1141790348669

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, February 24, 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.

Roots Magic

Description: 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: Saturday, February 26, 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 

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, March 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 (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

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, March 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.  Lectures include:

• Introduction to Irish and Scots-Irish Family History Research
• Getting the most out of Griffith’s Valuation
• Using printed sources for Irish family history: Directories, newspapers and more
• Using the Registry of Deeds: an important source for 18^th century research
• The Irish Poor Law and local government records including workhouse registers
• Solving Your Brick Walls – interactive session for questions you may still have

Consultations- SOLD OUT

When: Friday, February 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: CGS Library

Lectures

When: Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Preservation Park, Oakland, CA

Cost: $120 for CGS Members and $145 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/
Tips & Talk: Oakland FamilySearch Center Family History Classes: https://www.familysearch.org/en/centers/oakland_california/classes