Blog | California Genealogical Society

by Debbie Mascot (9/8/2025)

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

We just asked you a question about helping guide CGS in the title. What if we rephrase to a statement: Please help guide CGS. CGS is here for YOU. We plan, write, guide, teach, schedule, open the library, etc. All for you. If we are doing things you don’t care about, join the leadership team and tell us. If we are doing things you love, join the leadership team and tell us. The Board needs you to guide us to what you want and don’t want. Please contact Rudiger Wolf.

The CGS Board (https://www.californiaancestors.org/board-and-officers/) is a group of diverse, talented, and dedicated volunteers working to shape and steer the Society into the future. Currently, we are seeking two or three more people to join our team beginning next year. The most important qualification is love for and a commitment to the Society, but we especially welcome people with skills in communications, finance, or management. No financial contribution is required; commitment is roughly 6-10 hours a month, which includes attending a monthly board meeting and periodically assisting with events.

If you are willing to lend your talents, or if you know someone else who might be, please contact Rudiger Wolf (VP and Nominating Committee Chair) at [email protected]

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

Upcoming at CGS

by Debbie Mascot (9/5/2025)

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 – September 25, 2025 10:30 a.m.
• Danville: October 2, 2025 10:30 a.m. .
• Lamorinda – October 14, 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]).

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, September 6, 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:

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 to CGS members
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artificial-intelligence-with-familysearch-for-discoveries-and-breakthroughs-registration-1485534446519

CGS Members Report: DNA Surprises
DNA has become an exciting, if sometimes baffling, tool for genealogists. The results of matching may give us just the clue we need to break through a brick wall or introduce us to cousins we otherwise would never have known. Other times, we find something that leads to a whole new understanding and evaluation of our family history and ancestors. Hear three stories from CGS members illustrating these occasions.
When: Saturday, September 12, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cgs-members-report-dna-surprises-registration-1485591035779

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

Family History Month- Free Access!

by Debbie Mascot (9/3/2025)

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

Get ready for October— aka Family History Month! In anticipation of Family History Month, each Wednesday, the blog will feature something going on in October. Please take the time in September to mark your calendars!

If you haven’t visited the library in Oakland yet, you are in for a treat. The city directories and county histories are my favorite! Why not drop by in October? We’ll waive your fee and you can take a look around.

Free access to our Library for non-members (waiver of $5.00 fee) on all open days in October: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm. No registration needed.