To register or for more information, click the hyperlink for any event. All times are Pacific Time.
Mark your calendars now for some great educational opportunities, including a special class featuring well-known genealogist Thomas MacEntee. If you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (or even if you don’t), don’t miss Maureen Hanlon‘s March 6 talk on Irish Records and Research. We’ve also got the monthly first-Saturday Intro to Genealogy, All events are completely free of charge, but please do preregister.
Sat., March 2, 10 AM: Intro to Genealogy. A free series of 4 rotating classes covering the basics of genealogical research. This month: “Vital Records (birth, marriage, and death).” Via Zoom.
Sat., March 30, 10 AM: “You Can Do This: Photo Organizing and Preservation.” Participants will learn the best ways to organize and preserve family photos including outsourcing as well as the DIY approach. Starting with quick and easy inventory and organizing tips, we’ll move on to creating a strategic plan to finally get this photo project done! Thomas MacEntee, creator of “Genealogy Bargains,” is a popular speaker and educator. His current focus is changing the way genealogists acquire new research skills, motivating researchers to take a chance on new technologies, and improving how family stories and heirlooms are preserved and passed on to the next generations. Online via Zoom.
“Tips & Talk” series at the Oakland FamilySearch Library:
- Wed., March 6, 11:00 AM – “Overview of Irish Records and Research” with Maureen Hanlon.
- Wed., March 6, 6:30 PM – “On the Road Again: Tips for Planning On-site Research” by Pam Brett.
- Tue., March 12, 11 AM: “How-to Series: Snipping, Clipping, Infraview, and More!” with Robert and Portia Neville.
- Wed., March 13, 6:30 PM: “Part I: German Research” by Robert Jackson. First in a 3-part series.
- Wed., March 20, 11 AM: “History Geo” with Debbie Hunt.
- Wed., March 20, 6:30 PM: “Part II: German Research” by Robert Jackson. See March 13.
- Tue., March 26, 11:00 AM: “How To Series: Simple Photo enhancements for Novices” with Robert Leitao.
- Wed., March 27, 6:30 PM: “Part III: German Research” by Robert Jackson. See March 13.
The following Special Interest Groups (SIGs) meet in March:
Sat., March 9, 10 AM. Monthly Board Meeting. Hybrid; in person and via Zoom.
Wed., March 13, 6:30 PM: Members’ Roundtable. A forum for asking questions about one another’s genealogical research, to learn from others, share research successes, and enjoy a collegial group of individuals interested in learning together. Particularly for new and remote members, this is an opportunity to meet and feel part of the CGS community. Led by Lisa Gorrell and Jacqueline Henderson.
Fri., March 15, 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., March 16, 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.
Sat., March 16, 12 noon: Irish Ancestry Network/Family Tree Maker: Please join our “live” special Potluck and Celebration of both groups in the CGS Library on the March 16th, beginning at 12:00 noon. Bring your Scones, soda bread and other Irish goodies to share!
Mon., March 25, 7 PM: Advanced DNA SIG. Mark McLaren leads this group where members can further develop their understanding of DNA techniques, review new developments in DNA testing and tools, and discuss members’ research problems and case studies.
Wed., March 27, 6:30 PM: RootsMagic Special Interest Group. Keith Montgomery leads a discussion of helpful hints for users of this popular genealogy platform. Via Zoom.
Recording available through March 24:
How to Leave Your Genealogy: Don’t Let It Get Thrown Away! Lisa Gorrell’s presentation will discuss tasks you can do now so you will leave your genealogy in good shape for your heirs.
Library hours: Thursday and Friday 10 AM-2 PM and Saturday 10 AM-4 PM
Helpful Links:
Events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar: Google calendar
Sat., March 2, 10 AM: 
Sat., Feb. 24, 11 AM: Our featured presentation this month is an online class by Lisa Gorrell, CG: 
Wed., Feb. 21, 11:00 am: “Using Mexican Records on FamilySearch and Ancestry.com.” Robert and Portia NeVille give an overview of Mexican records available on these two major websites. Robert and Portia are serving a one year mission at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. Past missions have been in Peru, Argentina, and Madrid, Spain. Robert also spent two years in Uruguay as a student. Both Portia and Robert speak Spanish and enjoy helping others with their Spanish research projects.
Wed., Feb. 21, 6:30 pm: “Improbable Family Ties: Connections Recovered from Antebellum Nelson and Fluvanna Counties of Virginia, 1815-1862.” Patricia Smith Jenkins and Martha A. Jessup happened to meet at the library several years ago and began a collaborative research effort to identify a common ancestor in central Virginia. Working through three generations of slavery, they discovered eight paths of connection. They will discuss the historical context, their findings, and the meaning and value of their story for genealogical research and education. Pat Jenkins, retired Manager of the Early Childhood Education Program at UC Berkeley, facilitates monthly research and discussion groups for the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California and Oakland California FamilySearch Library. Marty Jessup is a family historian and retired professor of nursing, University of California San Francisco. A 2017 trip to Fluvanna County, Virginia led her to her previously unknown great-aunt who was buried in the cemetery of an historic Black church where she found family from the community of Shores. Marty conducts research on the people enslaved by her ancestors and her connections to the Fluvanna and Nelson County family lines.