Blog

First Saturdays FREE
Introduction to Genealogy
Saturday, March 6, 2010
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Sometimes things are carefully scripted and planned. Sometimes it’s just plain dumb luck. This month the California Genealogical Society and Library’s First Saturday Free and Introduction to Genealogy class (taught by Lisa Gorrell) just happens to come the morning after the premier of Who Do You Think You Are?.  I’m hoping for an onslaught, so, attention volunteers: 

ALL HANDS ON DECK!

In anticipation of an increase in patronage of the library, local members are asked to volunteer their time to answer phones, re-shelve books and be on-hand to assist visitors. If WDYTYA? creates the same response in the U.S. as it did in 2004 in the U.K., we are going to need more volunteers to staff the desk and help in the library.

It remains to be seen if the program will translate to a resurgence in interest in genealogy but NBC is pulling out the stops to promote both the show and the pursuit of our favorite hobby. Executive Producer Lisa Kudrow has been busy. She’s made appearances on the Today Show on NBC, The View on ABC and on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, she’ll hang with Oprah on Celebs Dig Up Their Family Secrets.

In any case, it’s cause for celebration anytime mainstream media is paying attention. Yesterday’s New York Times sited the “genealogy craze” and today’s Los Angeles Times review includes one encouraging statement:

The power of “Who Do You Think You Are?” does not lie in the celebrity but in the much more dramatic nature of “ordinary” life. Residents of 21st century America cannot be reminded often enough of how easy so many of us have it compared with previous generations. As anyone perusing their own genealogy knows, the infant mortality rate of even a few generations ago is shocking to the modern sensibility.

So don’t forget to tune in tonight to watch Sarah Jessica Parker and stop by the library to greet all the newcomers!

The California Genealogical Society and Library, in partnership with the National Archives and Records Administration – San Francisco, presents a FREE two-part workshop on researching Chinese ancestry. Members Christine DeVillier, Jeanie Low and Kay Speaks will share their experience and the knowledge gained researching their own Chinese ancestors.  The classes are open to all levels of experience – Chinese language skills are not necessary. Attendance at both sessions is required. 

Session I – Saturday April 17, 2010
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
California Genealogical Society Library, 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland, CA.

Program:
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  Chinese Research Timeline in the U.S. from 1849 to the present – Jeanie Low presents an examination of immigration laws and migration patterns and their effect on Chinese families.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Resources in the The National Archives and Records Collection Pertaining to Chinese Research – Marisa Louie, NARA Archivist.

12:00 p.m. –   1:00 p.m.  Brown bag lunch and informal discussion.

1:00 p.m. –   2:00 p.m.  Obtaining Records: Your Toolbox – Christine DeVillier reviews: interview and research techniques, using photos and artifacts, online resources, how to use headstones, passengers lists, birth and death records, census records, family associations and more.

2:00 p.m. –   3:30 p.m.  Case Studies and Research – Kay Speaks.

Session II – Saturday, May 8, 2010
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
National Archives, San Francisco Pacific Region, 1000 Commodore Drive, San Bruno, CA.