Wordless Wednesday

 Angel Island Genealogical Resources 

Presented by Grant Din on 19 March 2016

Kay Speaks, Grant Din, Linda Harms Okazaki

Copyright © 2016 by California Genealogical Society

Chinese-American Family History Workshop Saturday, July 27, 2013

Paper son Leong Wing Ding,  age 6, Case 3116/7-3, arrived 20 Dec 1930 at Port of San Francisco. Interrogation by immigration inspectors of Wing and his mother and sister lasted three days. His personal case file had forty-four pages of documents, including these photographs.

Saturday, July 27, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society and Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

Getting Started: Basic Research Techniques and Setting Research Goals

Join researchers Christine DeVillier, Kay Speaks and Doug Joe for a Chinese-American family history research workshop. The class is geared towards those newly beginning their Chinese-American research. No Chinese language skills required.

Schedule:
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Beginning Chinese Genealogy: Basic Training, Doug Joe
Learn the steps you need to start your Chinese family heritage research. Discussion will include: surnames, phonetic spellings, Chinese characters, multiple ancestors' names, the family interview, heirloom archeology, and gravestone inscriptions.

11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Beginning Chinese Genealogy: Internet Resources, Christine DeVilliers
This talk will cover both popular and lesser known English and Chinese online resources. A full list of internet resources and tools will be provided.

12:10 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch - Bring your own lunch and join us for informal discussions.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Passenger Lists: Annotations and Markings, Kay Speaks
Immigration records, known as “passenger arrival” records, provide valuable genealogical information. After April 1, 1924, immigrants in the U.S. who wanted to travel abroad could apply for a reentry permit. These permits required their original port of entry, ship and date of arrival. The immigrant’s provided information was verified against the original passenger list. Verification clerks would annotate the permit request on the original passenger list. Bring copies of your passenger lists if you have any.

2:10 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Open discussion, technique review, hands on research, review. Bring copies of your personal research records for sharing and review as possible research tools. You are welcome to stay later until the library is closed.

Register online.

Please note:

• Class is limited to twenty participants. Fee for both days, $20.
• No walk-ins.
• Priority will be given to first time attendees. (Attendees who attended our previous Chinese-American workshop may be wait-listed.
• Bring your wireless laptop and copies of your family records. if you would like the instructors to provide feedback.

Christine DeVillier has been practicing genealogical research as an avocation for more than ten years. She is of multiple ethnicities: Chinese, German, Danish, English, Tahitian, and possibly other European ancestry. This background, and her on-going active research into all facets of her ancestry, has presented her with numerous rich opportunities for her to explore the international dimensions of her ancestors. These opportunities have broadened her research skills with a wide range of techniques. Culturally, Christine identifies Chinese-American, having grown up in a bilingual Taishan (Hoisanwah)/English speaking household. Christine’s research into her Chinese ancestry culminated in a visit to both of her Chinese grandparents' villages in China in 2010, during which she learned more family history, and has uncovered even more since.

Kay Speaks, a California native, is first generation Chinese American on her paternal side, Irish on her maternal side. She began her genealogy journey over thirteen years ago while trying to solve a family murder mystery never talked about by her Chinese elders. Through her research, she finally “meets” her Chinese grandfather, a paper son, and discovers he was so much more than the photo that hung on her parent’s wall--his silent stories waiting discovery. Along the way, Speaks’ Leong family great-grandparents, grandparents, parents and other extended family have become part of her genealogical written stories and award winning poetry. Her Chinese adventures includes the serendipity of ancestors found, solving the 1928 murder mystery cited in case law today. Speaks teaches and lectures on genealogy research techniques, methodology and other research topics, writes articles for various society newsletters, co-teaches a software genealogy class, as well as organizes genealogy workshops and seminars for the Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society located in the East Bay of San Francisco and for other organizations in the area.

Doug Joe is a second-generation Chinese American “baby boomer” whose elders initially landed in the U.S. at the end of the 19th century. He has been able to trace and document several hundred years of his heritage without Chinese language skills. Doug Joe lives and works in Modesto, California but enjoys helping others worldwide in their search for their Chinese roots. His mantra is, "You can study your Chinese family history without knowing the Chinese language."

Photograph courtesy of Kay Speaks.

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Chinese-American Genealogy Resources November 12, 2011

CGS member Kay Speaks sent word of this upcoming workshop.

Saturday, November 12, 2011
12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Oakland Regional Family History Center
4766 Lincoln Avenue
Oakland, CA 94602

Are you curious about what Chinese resources are available at the Oakland Regional Family History Center but haven't had the chance to check it out? Come learn from Assistant Director Marge Bell of the center and Kay Speaks and Christine DeVillier as they tell us how they have used the resources of the center and its Salt Lake City parent, the Family History Library, to research their Chinese roots. Kay will be covering research techniques at the center and Christine will talk about using the FamilySearch catalog and Chinese databases. All are welcome to attend - you don't have to be a church member.

Schedule:
12 noon – Bring a bag lunch to talk story with the group. Bring your discoveries or share any roadblocks you are facing in your research so the group can brainstorm some research options.

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Orientation to the center by Marge Bell, examples of research by Kay Speaks and Christine DeVillier, experienced genealogists.

The classroom has seventy seats and about sixty computers, so we will take the first 60 respondents, and then have a wait list.

Cost: Free!

RSVP by emailing Kay Speaks. When you respond, if you wish, please list your name, city of residence, village, surnames, etc. Depending on response, we may limit the number of attendees from each family.

Sponsored by Oakland Regional Family History Center and Chinese-American Family History Yahoo Group


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

Chinese American Family History Conference

Sunday, October 10, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.)

Oakland Asian Cultural Center
388 Ninth Street
Oakland Chinatown

Learn about how to research your Chinese family ancestry and history at this informative and interactive all day conference. Speakers will include staff from the In the Search of Roots program, National Archives San Francisco and the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation. Three CGS members are part of the planning committee for the event: Christine DeVillier, Douglas Joe and Kay Speaks. Christine and Kay are two of the scheduled speakers.

Workshop Topics include:

• Why work on learning about family history?
• How do I start my family history project? An introduction to Chinese surnames.
• Why did our ancestors migrate within and beyond China?
• How do I research family documents from the National Archives?
• What are some good research techniques to use to learn about my family and roots?
• Fascinating case studies showing use of many different research methods and technology.
• Journeys to the Motherland: What can I expect if I go to China? Who can help me get there?

Registration is $25 online and includes a box lunch. There is a reduced fee of $15 for students with current ID.

For more infomation, email rchan@oacc.cc or call (510) 637-0463.

The Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) was founded in 1984 by a coalition of volunteers who recognized the need for a strong artistic and cultural force in the Chinatown area. Since opening its own facility in 1996 in the heart of Oakland's Chinatown district, the OACC has presented countless high quality cultural programs including performances, workshops, festivals, school tours, classes, and exhibitions.

Copyright © 2010 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

Ethnic Genealogy Series: Chinese Ancestry Workshop I

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Christine DeVillier , Marisa Louie,  Jeanie Low and Kay Speaks

Photographs by Tim Cox and Kathryn Doyle, Oakland, California.

Copyright © 2010 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Ethnic Genealogy Series: Chinese Ancestry - A Workshop in Two Sessions

The California Genealogical Society and Library, in partnership with the National Archives and Records Administration - San Francisco, presents a FREE two-part workshop on researching Chinese ancestry. Members Christine DeVillier, Jeanie Low and Kay Speaks will share their experience and the knowledge gained researching their own Chinese ancestors.  The classes are open to all levels of experience – Chinese language skills are not necessary. Attendance at both sessions is required. 

Session I - Saturday April 17, 2010
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
California Genealogical Society Library, 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland, CA.

Program:
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  Chinese Research Timeline in the U.S. from 1849 to the present – Jeanie Low presents an examination of immigration laws and migration patterns and their effect on Chinese families.

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Resources in the The National Archives and Records Collection Pertaining to Chinese Research – Marisa Louie, NARA Archivist.

12:00 p.m. -   1:00 p.m.  Brown bag lunch and informal discussion.

1:00 p.m. -   2:00 p.m.  Obtaining Records: Your Toolbox – Christine DeVillier reviews: interview and research techniques, using photos and artifacts, online resources, how to use headstones, passengers lists, birth and death records, census records, family associations and more.

2:00 p.m. -   3:30 p.m.  Case Studies and Research – Kay Speaks.


Session II - Saturday, May 8, 2010
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
National Archives, San Francisco Pacific Region, 1000 Commodore Drive, San Bruno, CA.

Research day at NARA with access to the Angel Island Immigration Station case files. Only those who attend the April 17, 2010, workshop will be admitted to the archives.

Please note:

• Workshop is limited to twenty.
• FREE with advanced registration.
• No walk-ins allowed.
• Handouts will be emailed in advance. Please bring your own printed copy and help us cut costs.

Update 3/12/10:

The Chinese Ancestry Workshop is now full. A waiting list has been started for a future class. Add your name at the online registration form. 

The Best (Genealogy) Things in Life Are Free!

CGS member Kay Speaks sent word from the Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society (L-AGS) about a last-minute change for their Thanksgiving weekend seminar. Their Ancestry.com speaker had to cancel and will be rescheduled for next year.

Susan Goss Johnston will present The Best Things Are Free: Using Free On-line Genealogy Resources For Your Family Research on Saturday, November 28, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The morning seminar and afternoon workshop are free and open to the public.

There is an amazing amount of material available on-line from resources that don't charge a fee to access their information. Some of this data is identical to that found on popular fee- based subscription web sites!

There will be a lunch break from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring a bag lunch and attend two short presentations by Kay Speaks on Google Search Tips and Basic Techniques for Saving On-line Research Results.

Susan Goss Johnston graduated from Yale University with a degree in physics. While raising her family she discovered a passion for genealogy. For the next thirty years she would be a genealogist, teacher, and lecturer. Johnston is a graduate of the National Institute on Genealogical Research, the Advanced Methodology and Evidence Analysis course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, and the National Archives' course, Going to the Source. She has traveled throughout the states giving a variety of genealogical lectures and has taught numerous classes and courses about genealogy research on both the east and west coasts. Johnston currently teaches genealogical research procedures and techniques for both the beginning and advanced student at Las Positas College. She is a popular Bay Area lecturer. 

Saturday, November 28, 2009
LDS Church, 950 Mocho Street, Livermore
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Best Things Are Free: Using Free On-line Genealogy Resources For Your Family Research
Sponsored by the Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society and the Livermore Family History Center.

Download the registration flier.

Alameda County Fair Genealogy Booth

Volunteers Needed!
June 20 – July 6, 2008
The Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society (L-AGS) is gearing up for the annual Genealogy Booth at the 2008 Alameda County Fair. This is the ninth year that the society has organized and staffed the popular station in the fair's Technology Adventures Building at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, located at Valley Avenue and Bernal Avenue in Pleasanton, California.

CGS member and L-AGS Fair Booth Coordinator, Kay Speaks, sent the following:
"We are inviting other genealogy societies, DAR Chapters, FHC docents, historical societies and library genealogy docents to join us in this fun and very rewarding endeavor. Want to reserve an entire day for your organization? Please contact the fair booth coordinator to reserve a convenient date."

The genealogy booth is one of the most popular attractions at the seventeen-day fair, where hundreds of people get their first exposure to the genealogy bug. The booths are equipped with computers, laser printers and Internet access. Each session has three research docents and two greeters scheduled. Many volunteers, like CGS member Lorna Wallace, have wonderful stories to share from past years so organizers are promoting the event as "An Experience You Will Want to Repeat Year After Year."

The Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society serves the cities of Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin and surrounding areas in the Livermore and Amador Valleys of southeastern Alameda County, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The society was formed in June 1977 by student participants of a Livermore Adult Education Class. General meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Court, Pleasanton. The Society, in cooperation with the City of Pleasanton Library, maintains the largest collection of genealogical materials in the Valley, numbering over 1000 books.

For additional information about volunteering, e-mail Kay Speaks.