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27 January 2016

Genealogy Class: So you've got French-Canadian ancestry, Eh?


Trying to hunt down that elusive French-Canadian ancestor?  Then register today for our class, French-Canadian Family History.  It’s this Saturday, January 30, 2016 at our library in Uptown Oakland from 1PM to 3PM.

What’s the purpose of the class?
It’s to learn how to solve the key problem facing anyone with French-Canadian ancestors: the discovery of their most recent marriage record, whether in Canada or the United States, which will usually provide access to the rest of the family tree.  Also, you’ll review the main online resources for French-Canadian research.

Who were the original French-Canadians?
From a tiny population of immigrants—just 5,000 men and 1,500 women, most of whom arrived in Canada between 1660 and 1680—descends the entire French-Canadian population of more than seven million, as well as their millions of American cousins.

To have French-Canadian ancestors is to have an astonishing and ready-made family tree. From the very beginning of French settlement in Canada, in the early 1600s, the Catholic priests responsible for the spiritual lives of their parishioners maintained thorough and complete records of all vital events, including marriages, baptisms, and burials.

From these pristine and detailed documents, all of which are now available on line, we can construct impressive family trees, often consisting of over a thousand individuals reaching back to the fifteenth century in France.

About the instructor
Robert Jackson holds a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University. After several years’ teaching at the college level, he pursued a professional career in banking and finance. Since retiring, he has assisted a variety of not-for-profit and community organizations.  He has also been enjoying his hobbies of genealogy and tennis.

Robert lives in Berkeley, is devoted to his wife, and is very proud of his daughter, who recently graduated from Bennington College in Vermont.

The details
Member?  Then you enjoy free admission. 

Not a member yet?  Your admission fee is $30.00* and can be applied towards a new one year CGS membership the day of the class.  If you think you’ll come to more than one of our classes, then a new membership (which starts at only $40) more than pays for itself.

So what are you waiting for?  Reserve your spot today and learn all about the French-Canadians!



Copyright © 2016 by California Genealogical Society

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