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Irish genealogy researchers will be excited to learn that CGS is hosting a virtual session with expert John Grenham on Saturday, July 27. Tickets already are going fast! John will discuss his website, Irish Ancestors (www.johngrenham.com), known as a premier resource for searching Irish heritage, and provide a broad overview of the most relevant records for Irish research. In addition, attendees can get a 33% discount on an Irish Ancestors subscription, available until July 30.

To register and for more details, visit our Events page.

While the formal “Tips & Talk” series is on hiatus until the fall, a variety of discussion groups meet this summer at the Oakland FamilySearch Center, 4766 Lincoln Ave, Oakland. Topics include genealogical research for different ethnicities (Chinese, Danish, Scottish, Norwegian, and many more), using DNA for genealogy, navigating the FamilySearch website, and more. These meetings are held in person (no Zoom attendance). No pre-registration required. Come join the discussions! And stay after the meetings at the library to try out some of the strategies you learned. Schedule is below. (Click HERE to download file.) For more information, contact: [email protected] or jlindsey@californiaancestors.org

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

We hope you’re already aware of the two big exciting events we have going on this coming Saturday, June 8, but if not – you can still sign up for them!

American Ancestors Comes to California!
Saturday, June 8, 9 AM – 4 PM
Preservation Park, Oakland

David Lambert and Melanie McComb of American Ancestors present “Tracing Your Westward Ancestors.” This is a unique opportunity to gather in person, socialize, and learn about your ancestors from some of the best genealogists in the field! Lectures include:

• “Colonial Migrations in the Northeast” – David Allen Lambert
• “Westward Migration, 1783-1900” – David Allen Lambert
• “California or Bust! Researching Your Western Pioneers” – Melanie McComb
• “Follow the Money: Go-To Records for Tracing Ancestors on the Move” – Melanie McComb
• “Strategies for Tracking Ancestors on the Move” – David Allen Lambert

Event includes breakfast, lunch, and a door prize drawing. There is convenient parking and easy BART access nearby. Want to carpool? Contact Jane Lindsey at [email protected]. To register, visit the event website.

Jose Joaquin Moraga Family & the Rancho Laguna De Los Palos Colorados Grant
California History and Genealogy Lecture Series
Saturday, June 8, 1 – 3 PM
CGS Library, 2201 Broadway, Oakland

This monthly series, a joint presentation of CGS and Los Californianos, features expert speakers on the history of Spanish and Mexican colonization of Alta (“Upper”) California from 1769 to 1848. Today, Kent Long, president of the non-profit Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe association, will discuss the importance of this historic rancho, the oldest surviving building in Contra Costa County. The site is now a permanent history exhibit emphasizing California’s Rancho era, the Moraga family, and the lifestyles of early settlers. After today’s talk, the library will stay open and participants can browse our extensive collection of California genealogy and history books, including many focused on Alta California. Register at our EventBrite listing.

Library hours: Thursday through Saturday 10 AM – 2PM

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