Blog | California Genealogical Society

This week at CGS (October 30-November 5, 2023)

by Jennifer Dix (10/29/2023)

All times are Pacific Time. Click a hyperlink for more details.

Wed., Nov. 1: Tips & Talk: “Intro to the Basics of DNA“ – Sue Severson, Oakland FamilySearch Center volunteer, has had a lifelong passion for genealogy and science! She will explain different types of DNA, available tests, comparison of labs and how to use DNA for family history research. Held in person. Free. NOTE: A more in-depth class series on how to use your DNA results to break through genealogy brick walls will be offered Spring 2024. Stay tuned!

Sat., Nov. 4, 10 a.m.: Intro to Genealogy. A series of 4 rotating classes covering the basics of genealogical research. This month: “Vital Records,” with Lisa Gorrell. Free. Via Zoom.

Special Interest Groups for Members:

Mon., Oct. 30, 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.

Sat., Nov. 4, 10 AM: Eastern European Special Interest Group. Quarterly meeting.

And . . . ICYMI:

Cari Taplin‘s fun and informative workshop on Using Google’s My Maps was recorded and may be viewed through November 15.

CGS is one of many organizations invited to participate in The 10 Million Names Project, an effort launched by American Ancestors to recover the names of approximately 10 million people enslaved in the U.S. and colonial America over the centuries. Read more about the project HERE. If you’d like to volunteer to be part of it, contact CGS liaison Evan Wilson.

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

This week at CGS (October 23-29, 2023)

by Jennifer Dix (10/22/2023)

All times are Pacific Time. Click a hyperlink for more details.

Tues., Oct. 24, 11 AM: “Tips & Talk” at the Oakland FamilySearch Center. This week: “FamilySearch Skills 4.” OFSC volunteer Denise Plaskett continues her series on using the FamilySearch website. Limited to 14 hands-on students; registration via Eventbrite is encouraged. Today’s topics: “Add Ancestors, Add Sources”—In the last FamilySearch Skills class, we learned how to edit the information we found on our ancestors. This week we will add ancestors to our family tree-parents, children, siblings, and even other unconnected people. We will also explore the Sources tab and examine how to dig into the historical records that are already attached to our ancestors.

Wed., Oct. 25, 6:30 PM – RootsMagic Special Interest Group. Keith Montgomery leads a discussion of helpful hints for users of this popular genealogy platform. Via Zoom.

ICYMI:

party favor It’s been an eventful month at CGS! On October 8, we celebrated our 125th Anniversary with a party at Lake Temescal Beach House. If you weren’t able to make it, you can view photos from the festive event HERE. See which of your friends were there!

Cari Taplin‘s fun and informative workshop on Using Google’s My Maps was held via Zoom on October 10. If you missed it, you can still view the recording through November 15.

CGS is one of many organizations invited to participate in The 10 Million Names Project, an effort launched by American Ancestors to recover the names of approximately 10 million people enslaved in the U.S. and colonial America over the centuries. You can read more about the project HERE. If you’d like to volunteer to be part of it, contact CGS liaison Evan Wilson.

Library hours: Thursday and Friday 10 AM-2 PM and Saturday 10 AM-4 PM

CGS Announcement: All Talks Now FREE

by Jennifer Dix (10/18/2023)

CGS logo with 125th anniversary dates

At the recent CGS board meeting it was decided that our regular talks and events will from now be offered free to all. This policy change reflects CGS’s ongoing efforts to make genealogy education more inclusive and accessible. We have so many wonderful speakers and want to make their expertise more easily available to everyone.

The policy does not cover special workshops or half-day seminars. Special Interest Groups remain a benefit of membership, with visitor policies as outlined on the website.