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The California Nugget’s 120th commemoration issue in 2018.

We want to know about your family history! Our society’s magazine, The California Nugget, is published twice a year, in spring and fall. We welcome contributions from readers. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from short articles on California immigrants and ancestors to in-depth California stories to tips on genealogical resources and research.

CGS celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, and for the Fall 2023 issue, we invite members to share a story about their family in 1898–no matter where they may have been at the time. It’s a wonderful chance to glimpse the diversity of our experiences and backgrounds. If you have a story about California during that era, or about the California Genealogical Society, we would love to hear that, too. Please contact us at [email protected].

We welcome genealogy-related submissions at any time. You do not need to be a member of CGS to submit an article. For more information, see the Publications section of the website.

Beginning on March 1, CGS volunteers will host a series of fun, informal discussions on a variety of topics. These free in-person gatherings will be held Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Come to the FamilySearch genealogical library, meet other family history researchers, and learn to use the library’s databases, scanning and digitizing equipment, and many other resources!

March topics:

March 1: “Got Questions?” – led by Jane Lindsey. Bring your genealogical questions and learn how to use the Center’s photo and video digitizing equipment.

March 8: “Learning the Ins & Outs of FamilySearch” – with Kim Miller.

March 15: “Overview of Ancestry Institution” – Kathi Robertson gives an introduction to the many subscription-based genealogical databases you can access completely free at the OFSC! Includes Ancestry Institution, MyHeritage, Newspapers.com, GenealogyBank, and more.

March 22: “Finding the Homeland of Your Immigrant Ancestor” – with Jane Lindsey.

March 29: “Intro to Genealogy” – Lavinia Schwarz and Jennifer Dix lead discussion on the basics of starting your own family history research.

The Oakland FamilySearch Center is located at 4766 Lincoln Avenue. For more information, call 510-531-3905 or email [email protected]. More details will be posted soon on our website.

A reminder that we have two special presentations lined up for Feb. 24 and Feb. 25! There are still spots available, but don’t wait to register!

Daniel Horowitz

Friday, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Exploring DNA and the MyHeritage Website (FREE). MyHeritage’s Daniel Horowitz will be at the Oakland Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to lead this two-part, in-person event on using tools at MyHeritage.com for DNA in genealogical research.

Annette Burke Lyttle

Saturday, Feb. 25, 10-11:30 a.m.: “Genealogical Proof for the Everyday Genealogist” ($15; members $10): Well-known genealogical speaker Annette Burke Lyttle gives an overview of the Genealogical Proof Standard and shows how it can be used by professionals and nonprofessionals alike to improve their research. This is a live Zoom presentation; recording will be available through March 25.

To register, click on the class title – or go to our Events page to see all our upcoming classes!