Blog

From the 10 Million Names website

An exciting project is under way in the world of African American genealogy. American Ancestors is partnering with many other organizations—including CGS—to recover the names of the roughly 10 million people enslaved in what is now the United States between the 1500s and 1865. The Ten Million Names project aims to produce a free, searchable database that will make it easier for descendants and researchers to trace enslaved ancestors.

We are delighted to take part in this effort and are calling on CGS members who may be interested in joining our team. The project is still in its very early stages, but now is a great time to get involved and help weigh in on where or how to direct our efforts as a partner society. Please reach out to Evan Wilson (ewilson@californiaancestors.org) if you are interested in being part of the project. For more information, visit the project website at https://10millionnames.org.

A large group of CGS friends and members gathered Sunday to celebrate the 125th anniversary of our society, and it was a blast! We will be sharing many more photos and details soon, but first–were you there? If so, please share your photos by uploading them to our shared album. Just scan the QR code below:

Stay tuned for more pictures and information!

To register or for more details, click on the link for any event.
All times are Pacific Time.

Cari Taplin, CG

Tuesday, October 10, 6 PM: If you haven’t already reserved your spot for Cari Taplin’s class on Using Google My Maps, you still have a chance! Don’t miss this Zoom webinar on this fun and easy-to-use tool that can help you visualize your ancestors’ lives and share that information with others. Cari is a delightful speaker and certified genealogist with an enthusiasm for all things genealogy.

Also this week:

Tuesday, October 10, 11 AM: “Tips & Talk” at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. This week: “FamilySearch Skills 3: Making Changes.” OFSC volunteer Denise Plaskett shows how to make changes on FamilySearch, standardize dates and places, and explain why you made the change (so you will remember a year from now why you made that change and so others will understand your logic!). You will learn how to add facts and events to your ancestors that maybe only you know and that may not be available in existing historical records.This course will be given in the computer classroom and is limited to 14 hands-on students, so drop-ins are welcome but registration via Eventbrite is encouraged. Topics will be covered at the pace of the attendees. Free; held in person at the Oakland FamilySearch Center.

Wednesday, October 11, 6:30 PM: Members’ Roundtable. A forum for asking questions about one another’s genealogical research, learn from others, share research successes, and enjoy a collegial group of individuals interested in learning together. Particularly for new and remote members, this will be an opportunity to meet and feel part of the CGS community. Led by Lisa Gorrell and Jacqueline Henderson.

Saturday, October 14, 10 AM: Monthly CGS Board Meeting. Hybrid; in person and via Zoom. On the agenda: Focus 2025 committee, discussion of class fees, an update on American Ancestors’ 10 Million Names project.

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