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To register or for more information, click the link for any event. All times listed are Pacific Time.
Questions? Email [email protected]

We have a veritable cornucopia of activities and presentations as we head into fall. Read on for a taste of what’s to come!

Last chance!
Some spaces remain open for the 2024 Salt Lake City Research Trip (Sep. 29-Oct. 5) led by Stewart Traiman and Evan Wilson. Registration closes soon. To learn more or sign up, visit the EventBrite link.

Special presentations:

Sat., Sep. 28, 11 AM–12:30 PM: “Cemetery Photography.” Join CGS board member Carly Morgan, the owner of Family Tree Notebooks, for an online presentation discussing the multifaceted nature of cemetery photography and its role in preserving memories and unearthing history. The session covers the importance of composition, lighting, and angles, methods for deciphering weathered or illegible inscriptions, and discussion of the ethical aspects of cemetery photography. Live online via Zoom (also broadcast live at the Oakland FamilySearch Center). Members may view the recording for 30 days following the presentation.

Sat., Sep. 28, 1 PM–3 PM: Irish Ancestry SIG. The newly formed Irish Ancestry SIG will hold its third quarter meeting via Zoom. Two of our members, Rick Kehoe and Gary Knecht, will share new findings and resources they have uncovered in locating their family history and origins. We’ll also have a review of John Grenham’s recent presentation for those who weren’t able to attend.

Fall 2024: “Tips & Talk” at Oakland FamilySearch Center.

CGS and OFSC volunteers lead discussion groups, classes, and presentations covering a wide range of genealogy topics. In person at the FamilySearch Center, 4766 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. For more details, see the OFSC events calendar. This month:

Wed., Sep. 4, 11 AM: German Interest Group with Robert Jackson.

Wed., Sep. 4, 1 PM: French Canadian Special Interest Group with Jane Lindsey. (See also Sep. 25.)

Sat., Sep. 7, 11 AM: Chinese Special Interest Group facilitated by Lee Pearce.

Tue., Sep. 10, 11 AM: Scottish Special Interest Group led by Roger Prince.

Wed., Sep. 11, 11 AM: Portugal/Madeira Azores Special Interest Group by Ralph Severson,

Wed., Sep. 11, 1 PM: DNA Special Interest Group facilitated by Sue Severson.

Thu., Sep. 19, 11 AM: Build Your Story: Digitizing with a Purpose.

Thu., Sep. 19, 1 PM: “FamilySearch Skills #1: Using thefhguide.com” with Denise Plaskett. (Continues Sep. 24).

Fri., Sep. 20, 11 AM: “Finding your Immigrant Ancestor’s Birthplace” with Maureen Hanlon.

Tue., Sep. 24, 11 AM: “FamilySearch Skills #2: The Find and Recents Menu, Alternate Views” with Denise Plaskett.

Wed., Sep. 25, 11 AM & 6:30 PM: French Canadian Special Interest Group with Jane Lindsay.

Other September events:

Sat., Sep. 7, 10 AM: “Intro to Genealogy”  – monthly free class. Today’s topic: “Genealogy Basics.” In person and online.

Sat., Sep. 14, 10 AM: Monthly Board Meeting. CGS members are welcome to attend via Zoom or in person.

Special Interest Groups for CGS Members:

Sep. 11: Members’ Roundtable

Sep. 20: Mayflower Descendants

Sep. 21: San Francisco SIG, Family Tree Maker SIG

Sep. 23: Advanced DNA Techniques

Sep. 25: RootsMagic SIG

STILL TO COME in October: the Los Californianos California History Series, Melinda Kashuba on Fire Insurance Maps, and more! See our Events and Education page.

Helpful Links
Events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar view: Google calendar