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

As I come across things that I think you all may find interesting, I often email them to myself at my CGS email and then on Sundays, when I’m working on the blog for the upcoming weeks, I comb through them to see what tickles my fancy. Today’s “find” was a link. No forward, no article, nothing but a link I sent to myself back in June. I’m not sure where it came from (apologies for not citing my source here!), but today I clicked it.  And now I am hooked. It’s a link to a very interesting way to look at Chinatown. Scroll down a bit and you will get to a 360 video that talks about some of the unique buildings and history of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Don’t just watch the video; move around with your mouse. LOOK UP!

https://www.calmigration.org/experiences/chinatown?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLOudhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHi1R4XStmlFvPJ4da0AHa9gT9z5QxlNPpdJrcSknAT6bV4DF_BTDikUyjA3F_aem_rYP1w2XKkAG3xx2KdAwA4w 

It’s a fascinating experience full of goose-bumpy storytelling and music. After watching this great way to tell a story of an area, I wondered what else the California Migration Museum had on it’s website and if I could actually visit? Answered! The About page notes, “The California Migration Museum is a new kind of museum — a museum without walls. We create immersive experiences that take you out into the neighborhoods where immigrant stories began and continue to unfold.” Who made this amazing museum without walls? Also answered! https://www.calmigration.org/about

Some of the other features:
• San Francisco’s Japantown- 8 stops
• Downtown Los Angeles- 7 stops
• San Francisco’s Castro- 5 stops
• San Francisco’s Mission- 6 stops
• San Francisco Food- 38 stops (THIS ONE IS AMAZING! Podcase and a map of stories about people and food)

In addition to these storytelling tours, they also have a section that is a link to different articles. It’s an amazing website full of unique ways to tell the stories of our ancestors I highly recommend you check it out.

https://www.calmigration.org

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]

SPECIAL NOTICE: The CGS Library will be closed on August 29 and August 30.

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.
• 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]).

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, August 23, 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: Monday, August 25, 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 at [email protected] 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: Wednesday, August 27, 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:

The Promised Land: How Pioneer Jews Helped Shape California
The California Gold Rush transformed California. The influx of people from all over the world created a unique social experiment and culture. As part of our series on California immigrants, Frances Dinkelspiel will cover the important role Jewish immigrants played in developing the state. Frances will draw on the extensive research carried out for her two books to provide stories of how members of the Jewish community influenced the economic, political and culturallandscape of late 19th and early 20th century San Francisco and environs.
When: Saturday, August 23, 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/the-promised-land-how-pioneer-jews-helped-shape-california-registration-1404467332599

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

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

I recently came across a section of the Library of Congress that I’d not seen before… Research Guides (https://guides.loc.gov/). Maybe it’s something everyone knows about, but I did not and I couldn’t wait to share in case you did not either.

THERE ARE 84 SUBJECTS! One is Genealogy with 87 guides!

Here is one that I love: Using Local and Family History Photographs to Tell the Stories of Your Ancestors
https://guides.loc.gov/local-history-and-family-photos

It’s a whole rabbit hole down a rabbit hole! And you know I love me a rabbit hole!

This Research Guide has the following sections:

Introduction– Provides a summary of using photos and also a link to the photos and visual materials in the LOC
People, Places, Events, Oh My!- This section tells me to search for more than just the name. And it tells me that I need to look at those portraits that I do have very carefully.
Photographic Evidence– This gives a history of photography and the different things you will find and talks about using context to date and even name the people. And if that’s not enough, it provides 3 links to guides on using photographs in genealogy and 14 books.
Library of Congress Resources– Links to books, digital collections, prints & photographs Online Catalog, other research guides, and subscription databases.
Beyond the Library– Provides links to internet sites that focus on photo collections
Genealogy Basics– Some handouts and general information about starting genealogy
Using the Library of Congress– General information

Please explore and let me know if you find anything exciting in our Library of Congress Research Guides!

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