Last Call For Submissions to the 82nd Edition of the COG

The California Genealogical Society and Library blog is hosting the next edition of the Carnival of Genealogy: Breaking Into Society.

The deadline is today so you have until midnight tonight to answer the following questions:

What's your favorite genealogical society?

Do you belong to a society?

Tell us why! Or if not, why not?

Some CGS members may not be familiar with blog carnivals – collections of articles written about a specific theme. The host blog presents the edition (think magazine) and provides links to each blog article submitted.

The Carnival of Genealogy was invented by Jasia of Creative Gene in June 2006. There are two editions published each month and the CGSL blog is honored to be hosting the 82nd edition.

As always, the footnote Maven has created a beautiful poster for this edition of the COG. She has all the details on how to submit at her blog Breaking Into Society at the COG.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday
Fall Beginners Series - Secondary Sources
California Genealogical Society Library

Photograph courtesy of Jane Knowles Lindsey, 10/3/2009, Oakland, California.

NEHGS Comes West: 2009 Edition

Have you registered yet? It's been two years since our last joint event with the New England Historic Genealogical Society. You won't want to miss out on all the fun when Michael LeClerc, Christopher Child, Ryan Woods and D. Brentan Simons arrive for a weekend of New England genealogy.

October 23, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Full Day Seminar and Lunch
Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center at the Metrolinks Golf Course
10051 Doolittle Drive, Oakland
Michael J. LeClerc and Christopher Child from NEHGS will present several talks, including Researching Your New England Ancestors Online, Western Massachusetts Families in 1790, Migration Through Western Massachusetts and Using DNA to Unravel Your Genealogy.

Friday, October 23, 2009, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Evening Cocktails and Dinner
Holiday Inn & Suites, 77 Hegenberger Road, Oakland
Capping off the day will be cocktails, dinner and The Lighter Side of Genealogy by D.Brenton Simons, Ryan Woods, and Jane Lindsey.

Saturday, October 24, 2009
Private Consultations with Chris Child or Michael LeClerc
CGS Library, 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland, California
Consultations will be available for purchase for $25 per half-hour. Payment should be made directly to NEHGS at the time. Please email Ryan Woods with questions or to receive the request form.

Sunday, October 25, 2009
Special Sunday Research Time (Open to seminar participants only.)
CGS Library, 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland, California

Download the information and registration flier.

Blogging Workshop: Easy as 1-2-3

The reviews are in and Saturday's Genealogy Blog Workshop was a smashing success. Twenty-five participants gathered at the California Genealogical Society Library for three presentations by two well-known gen-bloggers and CGS members, Thomas MacEntee and Craig Manson.

Thomas got things started with "Become A Genealogy Blog User" – an overview of blog basics – with instructions on how to use blog readers, how to leave comments and how blogs can help with genealogy research. Attendees received a comprehensive hand-out which included a list of dozens of helpful genealogy blogs.

His second session was the "nuts and bolts" part of the day as MacEntee presented "How To Build a Genealogy Blog." CGS member volunteer Craig Siulinski provided the specifics in advance so Thomas was able to create a blog to Craig's specifications and the audience was able to see just how easy the process is using Google's Blogger.

Craig Manson ended the day with "Blogging and the Law" – a review of the copyright acts, their duration and limitations, fair use, public domain works, using photographs, defamation and privacy.

Two audience members deserve special recognition – bloggers Cheryl Palmer and Steve Danko came to lend support. Of course we took the opportunity to pose for a group geneablogger photo!

Cheryl Palmer, Craig Manson, Thomas MacEntee, Kathryn Doyle and Steve Danko.

And how successful was the day? Well, I'm thrilled to present three new bloglings for you to add to your readers:

August Legacy by Craig Siulinski

Hacienda Circle by Lavinia Schwarz

Historic American Landscapes Survey by Chris Pattillo

CGS member Cynthia Gorman summed up the day like this: "Great program, speakers and afternoon!

Photographs courtesy of Tim Cox, October 10, 2009, Oakland, California.

The 2009 Annual Appeal

It was all hands on deck this week as volunteers folded, assembled, stuffed and stamped the 2009 Annual Appeal letter to members.

Like many non-profits, the society sends a letter at the end of each year to request member donations. The California Genealogical Society letter is always sent from the society president. This is Jane Lindsey's last year as president and as she notes "seeing the society in good financial health would be a wonderful 'retirement' gift."

The letter highlights several of the year's successes:

Strengthening our successful education programs. Over 120 participants attended genealogy classes offered in conjunction with the Oakland Regional Family History Center. More classes will be offered in 2010.

Providing quality seminars and classes with major speakers including NEHGS.

Bringing programs to members and communities outside the local area.

Utilizing new technology and communications. The CGSL blog was recognized as one of the top 25 genealogical blogs in the nation.

Improving publications. Members are receiving The California Nugget twice a year and the monthly eNews, to improve communication.

Creating valuable new publications, authored by CGS members, that will be revenue producing.

Providing refurbished computers in the library, thanks to generous member donations. We also improved our internet connection and speed by changing providers.

Hosting group visits to the library and offering presentations to community groups such as Rotary and Lions clubs, DAR and Colonial Dames chapters

Of course, it wouldn't be an appeal if it didn't end with a request and a call to action!

Can you help us keep up this valuable work by sending a donation to CGS? Please consider a financial gift to help the society refund the Endowment Fund and support operating expenses. You may write a check to CGS or use PayPal.

Please consider making a gift to our Annual Appeal.