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If you have Irish ancestry–or an interest in it–this is your chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts! The newly formed Irish Ancestry Special Interest Group holds its quarterly meeting online this Saturday from 1-2:30 PM. It’s a way for those researching Irish ancestors to connect, share successes and resources, and solve problems. This meeting features stories shared by three of the members, followed by discussion of the upcoming Ulster Historical Foundation Irish Conference. We’ll also have a review of John Grenham’s recent presentation for those who weren’t able to attend. The agenda is as follows:

1. Welcome

 2. Group Member Stories and Sharing

1. Gary Knecht: “Five websites for New York City research”
2. Rich Kehoe: “DNA connection leads to London and Irish cemeteries”
3. Joyce Kelly: “Collecting Irish Stories-Roscommon, Galway and Donegal ancestors”

 3. Ulster Historical Foundation Irish Conference :

1. Save the Date
2. Proposed Topics–what do you think??

4. Miscellaneous Resources for your research

This group is for CGS members, but we welcome visitors! For more details, and to get your Zoom link, register online.

Let’s try this again!

In January, CGS planned a field trip to visit the OFSC. The weatherman determined we were going to have a MAJOR storm and urged people to stay home. They did! We had over 30 members signed up and all but 8 canceled. So we are trying again!

This coming Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 1-3 p.m., CGS members are invited to join for a field trip to the Oakland FamilySearch Center. The trip includes a brief tour of the center and an orientation to/overview of the Familysearch.org website. If you haven’t been to the Oakland FamilySearch Center in a while, you will be amazed at the increased number of resources available. Did you know:

• There are over 50 newly installed computers for patron use.
• Patrons have free use of many subscription databases, including FindMyPast, AmericanAncestors, MyHeritage, GenealogyBank, Fold3, Newspapers.com, and NewspaperArchive. You also can access online records available only at the library.
• OFSC offers comprehensive digitizing services: you can scan photos, documents, slides, scrapbooks, and digitize VCR tapes, CDs, and audio tapes.

Trained volunteers are available to assist you. Plan to stick around after the tour to do your own research! To register, please RSVP to Jane Lindsey at [email protected]

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

Tips & Talk: CGS volunteers and others lead discussion groups throughout the month. Held in person at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. Free. All welcome! For details, visit https://templehill.org/event-calendar/category/family-history-class/list/. This week:

Thu., Sep. 19, 11 AM: Build Your Story: Digitizing with a Purpose.

Thu., Sep. 19, 1 PM: “FamilySearch Skills #1: Using thefhguide.com” with Denise Plaskett. (Continues Sep. 24).

Fri., Sep. 20, 11 AM: “Finding your Immigrant Ancestor’s Birthplace” with Maureen Hanlon.

The following Special Interest Groups meet this week:

Fri., Sep. 20, 10:30 AM: Mayflower Descendants SIG. Led by Robert Trapp. Focus on Mayflower ancestry and how to join The Society of California Mayflower Descendants. Discussion of ongoing research.

Sat., Sep. 21, 10 AM: San Francisco SIG. Sandra Huber leads this group for those interested in finding San Francisco ancestors, with discussion of where to look for records both pre and post the 1906 earthquake. Held via Zoom.

Sat., Sep. 21, 1 PM: Family Tree Maker SIG. Presentation, discussion, and troubleshooting for users of the popular genealogy software. Today’s meeting includes a look at the newest FTM update. Led by Ron Madson and Karen Halfon. Hybrid (held in person and on Zoom).

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/