As most of you know, the CGS library has been closed since
March 12 and we have canceled all public CGS activities through the end of
April. Fortunately, many of our volunteers are able to work from home. The
library closure and cancellation of classes may continue into May. Please check
our website: https://www.californiaancestors.org/ for the current status. These are
extraordinary times for CGS and this closure is unprecedented in the memory of
any of us–but I’m sure you’re aware of why we have taken these steps. Due to
the age demographic in the genealogy community, CGS will remain on the cautious
side of any government mandates. Although I am not aware of any library or
class attendees having tested positive for the coronavirus aka COVID-19, the
threat is real and we are concerned for the health and safety of our patrons,
friends and volunteers.
Individually, we will come through this and CGS will come
through this. We are already planning the transition back to normal CGS operations
on the other side although when that transition will start is unknown at this
point. Rescheduling of canceled classes or events will have to be coordinated
with the instructors and the calendar of events at each venue. We appreciate
your support and understanding as we go down this road. The library closure
will cause some disruption in our processing of membership dues renewals but we
will not drop any members for non-payment of dues until the end of June. Rather
than having individuals cancel their class registration, rest assured that all
fees paid will be refunded for classes or events if they have been canceled.
I think most genealogists have tasks that have been put
aside until someday when they have more time. Well, that time has come for many
of us. It’s a good time to organize your family history files. I’ve started
writing a narrative history for each of my grandparents based on years of
accumulated information. And after that, I have to complete work on eight
great-grandparents. Those narratives can be revised if new information is
discovered but this is a great time to get started.
Jim Sorenson, President
