Summer Evening Hours – Discussion Topics 2011

Tim Cox sent the schedule of discussion topics for Thursday evenings this summer at the library. These discussion groups are planned for 6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. and they are open to members and to the public. Participants of all levels of research experience are welcome to network and join the conversation.

June 2, 2011 – Using Ancestry.com; Footnote.com; and AmericanAncestors.org
Helpful tips will be shared to more effectively use these free and subscription sites.

June 9, 2011 – Genealogy Gadgets: Digital Cameras, Flash Drives, Portable Scanners, etc.
What kind of technology are you using to help you capture the information as you find it? Discussion will focus on what is new on the market and what works well for genealogists.

June 16, 2011 – Social Networking: Facebook, RSS, Twitter and Blogs
Overwhelmed with all of the ways to communicate and network with other genealogists? We'll talk about the various ways to network and how to stay up to date with blogs.

June 23, 2011 – Using Google and other Search Engines
Is Google really the best search engine? There are other search engines that you may not be aware of. We'll discuss Google and the others.

June 30, 2011 – Help with Researching New Netherlands and New York
Our discussion will be focused on research in New Netherlands and current day New York.

July 7, 2011 – Research Problems and Possible Solutions (Session 1 of 2)
Have a research problem you've been working on for a while and can't seem to solve it? Bring your problem and let the group discuss options you may be able to employ.

July 14, 2011 – Census Research
Love it or not, the U.S. Federal Population Schedule is really a genealogist's best friend. Our group will discuss the various kinds of census records including agricultural, deaf/dumb/blind, veterans, mortality and state censuses.

July 21, 2011 – Ethnic Groups: Chinese; Hispanic/Latino; French-Canadian; German; Scandinavian
Join some experienced researchers who may be able to give some advice on your next steps in your research for any of these ethnic groups.

July 28, 2011 – Creative Ways to Share Your Research and Writing Family Histories
Ready to write your family history but need some help with deciding on the best way to share it or publish it? Come see what the group has to offer. You just might get that resolution to your dilemma.

August 4, 2011 – Genealogy Databases: RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, The Master Genealogist, Ancestral Quest, Reunion
Bring your questions and ask the group for advice on how to perform tasks, run reports, create charts, or overcome obstacles you are experiencing with any of these popular databases or join us to learn more about each them.

August 11, 2011 – Online newspapers
Millions of pages of the world's newspapers are now accessible online, but there is no one place to find them all. Join us for discussions on what is available and how to find it. You may learn some techniques to find your ancestors in the paper.

August 18, 2011 – Getting the Most from FamilySearch.org Including Mexican Research
Having problems with the new look of FamilySearch? We'll talk about it and discover some easy ways to it work for you and learn how to find the recently uploaded Mexican records database.

August 25, 2011 – Research Problems and Possible Solutions (Session 2 of 2)
Have a research problem you've been working on for a while and can't seem to solve it? Bring your problem and let the group discuss options you may be able to employ.

BYO dinner or buy something nearby. If you plan to drive, metered spaces in Oakland are free after 6:00 p.m. but they fill up fast. Traveling in by BART is easier – get off at the 19th Street station. Group discussions will end by 8:15 p.m. to allow for everyone to walk to BART together before dark.


Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library