Blog | California Genealogical Society

by Debbie Mascot (4/7/2025)

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

I hope all the members are reading and participating in the amazing Jukebox Genealogy newsletter. This month it came out and the request was for a genealogical discovery that is special to you. Something with an “emotional punch.” Make sure you send in your story— you know you have one…

I think my favorite thing about the Jukebox Genealogy is the music. I hadn’t listened to John Coltrane before, even though he has been mentioned in my beloved Michael Connelly’s Bosch book series multiple times. But hearing Mr. Coltrane when I clicked the jukebox made me go on a jazz-listening spree and then some historical digging. As one does.

Mr. Coltrane’s goal was to make others happy through his music and I think it’s wonderful that almost 60 years after his death, he is still doing just that with his broody saxophone playing. He released 25 albums during his lifetime and had many amazing heroes to follow and then that followed him.

He was born in a small town in North Carolina, in 1926 and, in 1938, his father, grandfather, grandmother and aunt all passed away. He was 12 and he took up the clarinet, which became his lifeline in this trying time. The big band era influenced him until bebop came along and Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie became his new heroes. He moved to Philadelphia in 1943 after joining the Navy, was able to take music lessons and then traveled as a saxophonist in wherever he was needed. It was a hard life, for sure and sadly heroin became a staple until Miles Davis picked him up and drew him to New York City. Following this, he played with Thelonious Monk and Ornette Coleman and came into his own.

He married Juanita Grubbs and he adopted her daughter, but the relationship didn’t last. He then married Alice McLeod, born in Detroit, MI and they had three sons, John, Ravi, and Oranyan. He died in 1967, leaving this amazing jazz behind to now travel with me.

I highly recommend you have as much fun with the CGS Jukebox Genealogy as I do. And give Mr. Coltrane a listen again.

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 (4/4/2025)

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.

• Lamorinda: April 8, 2025

If interested in this 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, April 5, 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, April 5, 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:
The Leeds Method Can Unlock DNA Mysteries
Presented by Stewart Blandón Traiman

Learn to use the Leeds Method to turn cousin matches into meaningful connections. Open to all levels of DNA experience.

The first challenge in DNA analysis is making sense of those thousands of cousin matches. How do you turn genetic chaos into meaningful connections? By using the Leeds Method—a simple yet powerful color-coding technique that helps you group your DNA matches into family groups. By organizing your matches into clusters, you’ll start identifying family lines, linking distant cousins to your tree, and even uncovering long-lost connections or hidden family mysteries. In this class, you’ll learn step-by-step how to apply the Leeds Method to your own results and turn your DNA data into real discoveries!

The event will take place via Zoom. If you join, please sign in early to make sure you are able to see the program. We will send you instructions the night before, and a reminder shortly before the event, which will give you access. Our remote classes now have live closed captioning. When registering, use an email address you will be checking. Please note all times are Pacific Daylight Time.

You do not have to have a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting. You will be prompted to download the software, once you have clicked on the link that you have been provided. You may also wish to create an account, but that is not required to participate in a Zoom meeting.

This event is presented live. Some events may be recorded for CGS use.

When: Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free to CGS members
How to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-leeds-method-can-unlock-dna-mysteries-registration-1256907105989

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 Tree Maker Special Interest Group

by Debbie Mascot (4/2/2025)

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

I have been using Family Tree Maker since December of 1995. Broderbund Software had purchased it and I got it for Christmas that year. I’ve never taken a class and honestly don’t know what most of the bells and whistles are for. Time for me to join the FTM SIG!!!

This CGS members-only group, led by Ron Madson and Karen Halfon, meets the third Saturday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. except November and December. You can join in person at the CGS Library or online.

The formal description on our website is:
FTM-SIG is a user group founded in 2014. Its purpose is helping genealogists at all levels use the popular flexible Family Tree Maker genealogy software, optimally to further their family history work and to promote CGS. We offer presentations on special topics as well as discussions about problems. Check out the FTM-SIG website, http://ftm-sig.org to find the topics for the upcoming meetings, as well as FTM information and help.

The next meeting on April 19, 2025 is about managing media, particularly exciting to me! Another reminder to clear my Saturday calendar for all these great CGS learning opportunities! As the library is open at 10:00 a.m., bring your computer and the FTM team will help with any issues you have from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The agenda for this meeting is:
• Your Questions.
• Status of FTM2024.
• Managing Media!
• Recommended computer Hard Disk Organization.
• FTM Media, recommended WorkFlow.
• Family History Photographs Labeling.

To register for this event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ftm-sig-apr-19-2025-all-things-cemeteries-part-ii-and-citations-registration-1284897987469?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information, contact the leaders at [email protected].

Leads: Ron Madson and Karen Halfon
Format: Meets Hybrid (In-Person at the CGS library and Online)
Meeting Time: Third Saturday of each month 1:00-3:00 PM Pacific Time NOTE: No Meetings in November or December
Registration Information: Register through the FTM-SIG website or contact Ron Madson (650) 576-4495 or Karen Halfon (415) 922-2255 for more information.