Welcome back to the library!

by California Genealogical Society (3/24/2023)

Welcome to Library image with bookshelves
The California Genealogical Society Library reopened in the summer of 2021 with numerous COVID-related protocols in place. Given the end of the COVID emergency period and related restrictions, the CGS library is returning to most of its pre-pandemic policies and procedures in April. We’re pleased this coincides with our 125th anniversary.
Beginning the week of April 3, Eventbrite reservations will no longer be needed to visit the library during its open hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (NOTE: Admission is free for CGS members; non-members can pay the $5 fee at time of the visit or join and have the fee applied to membership cost.)
To make this work for our dedicated volunteers who come in just for you, we hope those planning a visit will let us know by sending an email no later than 7 p.m. the night before to [email protected].org.
We are also returning the computers and the small printer that were moved to their spaces and removing the plastic shields at the front desk. And did you know a new scanner has been added with easy to follow instructions?
We hope to see you at the library where there are 38,000 plus books, periodicals, manuscripts, pedigree charts and vertical files awaiting discovery. Many of our county books related to California have been linked to our California Names Index. Check to see if you find an ancestor now listed with code BIO2.  And, during the pandemic the library received several donations of new books from different donors. The  library committee members are processing and adding to our collections. So, when you come in, be sure to check the stacks for the counties you are interested in. You might find something new has been added!
Announcing: Return of the SLC Research Trip!

by California Genealogical Society (3/22/2023)

Photo of SLC library entrance

The FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City

CGS is excited to announce the return of our annual research trip to The FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City! Mark your calendars for October 9–14, 2023, immediately after the society’s 125th Anniversary Gala on October 8th. Participants will enjoy an orientation and research consultation before the trip, plenty of meals together, five nights at the Radisson in downtown Salt Lake, and lots of cameraderie and research help as needed throughout the trip.

For those interested in sharing a room: while we anticipate a good number of signups for this option, it’s a good idea to recruit a friend as a roommate, if you know of anyone else who would enjoy the trip.

For complete information on pricing, trip details, and your guides, Stewart Traiman and Evan Wilson, visit our page on the CGS website. Registration link is here.

“San Francisco Irish” – This Thursday, March 16

by California Genealogical Society (3/13/2023)

Celtic-style cutout of green treeHas the approaching St. Patrick’s Day got you wondering about your Irish roots? Don’t miss this special presentation by our very own Maureen Hanlon, an experienced Irish researcher whose great-grandparents were part of the large Irish immigration to San Francisco in the 1800s. By 1880, the Irish made up a third of the city’s population, and they had a profound impact on its growth and development.

San Francisco Irish in the late 1800’s: The Story of My Great-Grandparents” is presented live via Zoom this Thursday, March 16 at 6 p.m. Pacific Time. The event will be recorded; tickets may also be purchased to view it online through April 16. Click here to register.