2019 Genie Awards and Quarterly Meeting

Vic Halfon and Theresa Murphy were the featured speakers

Our membership meeting on April 13 was fun AND instructive, as we enjoyed fellowship and some interesting talks by members. Theresa Murphy shared her tips on creating a professional-quality family memory book using one of a variety of print services. Vic Halfon recounted the amazing story of how research and DNA led to his reunion with descendants and cousins of the father he never knew.

Receiving the "Genie" award for outstanding contributions to CGS were:

Bill O'Neil with his collection of dolls in uniform

Bill O'Neil, a member since 1995, whose many contributions to the society include his long tenure as chair of the Book Repair Committee, in which he has overseen the maintenance and renewal of countless volumes and taught the skills of the trade to other volunteers. We were also treated to an exhibit of Bill's collection of "Ken dolls in uniform" - a dozen figures outfitted in military costume representing his ancestors' service through the centuries.

Genie Awardees Nancy Servin, Jerry McGovern, Bill O'Neil,
and Cheryl Schmidt (not pictured: Adelle Treakle)

Longtime Membership Team leaders Nancy Servin, Adelle Treakle and Cheryl Schmidt were also recognized, as was our dedicated "Saturday Library Assistant" Jerry McGovern. Our indefatigable Volunteer Coordinator Kathleen Beitiks presented the awards and helped bring the whole event together.

Our always-cheerful Volunteer Coordinator Kathleen Beitiks (at right)

Photos by Ron Madson.
Copyright © 2019 by California Genealogical Society

Judy G. Russell Event: A Smashing Success!

If you weren't able to make it, then check out the photos and see what you missed. Come to our next big event - make plans now to attend our upcoming Blaine Bettinger, aka The Genetic Genealogist, event in March 2018. It should be available on our Eventbrite site by mid-October. 

What happened
Judy G. Russell, aka The Legal Genealogist, was the featured guest lecturer for our September 23rd all-day seminar at the David Brower Center in Berkeley.  It was a wonderful genealogy event!  If you're not familiar with her, then check out one of her recent posts which highlighted our genealogical collections and resources at our genealogy library.

The California Genealogical Society (CGS) had tons of committed volunteers, thanks to Volunteer Coordinator Kathleen Beitiks. Add in a great venue, delicious food, a friendly vibe and a speaker with so much to talk about and we got genealogy magic that day. Many attendees commented on how much they enjoyed the day. The great photos you see were shot by member Ron Madson---thank you Ron!

A special thank you goes to Mary Mettler, a long-term member of CGS and a member of La Puerta de Oro–San Francisco Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) of San Francisco, California. Mary's commitment to genealogy and her generosity (helping to underwrite the event) benefitted all who attended.

See you at the next event!

Copyright © 2017 by California Genealogical Society

Do You Dream of Genie?

by Kathleen Beitiks

It’s almost time for our intrepid California Genealogical Society (CGS) President, Linda Okazaki, to don her shiny gold lame’ turban and present the coveted “Genie Awards” to a special group of volunteers who “make magic happen” at CGS!

CGS members are invited to attend the annual awards presentation and Fall Membership meeting on Saturday, October 14th, noon, in the library, 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland, CA. 

Our mystical master of ceremonies will present golden “magic lamps” to members who have been singled out for their dedication to CGS and its mission to help people trace and compile their family histories.

In addition to updates about CGS, members also will hear some tall tales about former board member and current Capital Campaign Chair Chris Pattillo’s 2.5 months long, summer genealogy road trip. 

While on this amazing journey, Chris found one small clue that enabled her to break down her tallest brick wall – one she’d been trying to topple for over 15 years!  Please register today for this wonderful talk.

Bring a bag lunch (drinks and dessert will be provided), mingle with old and new friends, and help us celebrate the contributions of our volunteers. Questions? Please contact Kathleen Beitiks.  We can't wait to see you!

Copyright © 2017 by California Genealogical Society

The California State Archives - A Capital Resource for Family Researchers

An early 20^th century “mug shot” book from San Quentin Prison is just one of the
pieces of California memorabilia preserved and protected by State Archives staff.

by Kathleen Beitiks

California’s capital city of Sacramento may be all about politics, but it is also a treasure trove for genealogists.

Recently, a small group of California Genealogical Society (CGS) members showed up in the capital city for a “behind the scenes” tour of the State Archives, located in the building occupied by the Secretary of State and the California Museum.

Although the State Archives was established in 1850 primarily to house records of California state agencies, the governor's office, the state legislature, and the State Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal, it also contains many genealogical resources. It is one of the biggest archives west of the Mississippi.

CGS members pose in front of shelves of vintage books and ledgers with Archivist
Jessica Herrick (left) before exploring the stacks on the 4^th Floor of the California State Archives. 

What we experienced
Archivist Jessica Herrick told CGS members that its list of Collections & Catalogs includes photographs and some census, county, mental health, military and prison records. 

Vintage Maps are preserved in a climate-controlled
room of the California State Archives.   

In addition, there are records for Supreme and Appellate Court cases, Common School Reports, Articles of Incorporation, Trademarks, and Professional and Vocational Licensing files.

Preserving ledgers from the former Whittier State School,
established as a reform school for boys and girls in 1891,
is an ongoing project for the State Archives staff.

The 1852 state census is on hand, as well as the 1860 and 1889 Federal Censuses. County records from 1850 -1987 are housed at the Archives and include probate court case files, wills, naturalizations, deeds, homesteads and vital records for more than 20 counties.

Common School Reports (1862-1960) include school districts, student attendance figures, grades taught and names of teachers. 

The destructive cigarette beetle – otherwise known
as a “bookworm” is just one of the challenges faced by
the preservation staff at the California State Archives.

In addition to housing important documents related to the history of California, the Archives is also tasked with preserving older documents, books, maps and ephemera.

Document Preservation Technician Juan Ramos,
shows Jessica Herrick, Archivist, some of the
preservation work his staff has completed
 on an 1892 World Atlas.

Juan Ramos, Document Preservation Technician, led CGS members on a tour of the conservation lab, showing some tools of the trade. He also pointed out some of the well-intentioned, but destructive attempts at preservation in the past – cellophane tape, laminate and glue. 

Preserving documents and old books is a science and an art, says Ramos, and there are many tools available today that are more successful in keeping items intact. (Check the State Archives website for information about periodic conservation classes.)

Genealogists are welcome to visit the State Archives to do research. It is recommended that you call prior to your visit so staff members can pull any relevant records and make your research easier. Want additional information? Click here for more about the California State Archives, its mission and programs.

Photos courtesy of Kathleen Beitiks

Copyright © 2017 by California Genealogical Society