What You Missed: Ancestry Day - San Francisco

By any measure, Ancestry Day – San Francisco was a huge success! More than 900 family historians attended the full-day conference at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco on Saturday, November 5, 2011. The event, co-sponsored by the California Genealogical Society and Ancestry.com, featured four tracks of four classes each, consultations, an Ancestry.com computer area with experts to answer questions, and California Genealogical Society tables with books and membership displays.

The sixteen classes were presented by fifteen speakers, half of whom were CGS members. A special “thank you” to: 

• Ron Arons 
• Susan Goss Johnston 
• Melinda Kashuba, Ph.D
• Lisa B. Lee, PLCGS
• Craig Manson
• Lavinia Schwarz 
• Janice Sellers
• Cath Madden Trindle, CG 

Ancestry.com set up video cameras and "live-streamed" four of their lectures. Randy Seaver at Genea-Musings reported on the Videos from Ancestry Day at San Francisco 2011 which were also posted by Nick Cifuentes on the Ancestry.com Blog in Ancestry Day in San Francisco 2011.

Here are the links to the four talks now available on YouTube:

Five Quick Tips for Digging UP Answers at Ancestry.com with Jeanie Croasmun

How to Find Civil War Roots on Ancestry.com with Anne Mitchell “Ancestry Anne”

Emigration & Immigration Records Online with Crista Cowan “Barefoot Genealogist”

Find them Fast: Secrets to Searching Your Family History on Ancestry.com with Laura Dansbury


Raking the Ashes author Nancy Peterson was on hand to sign and sell books. We sold out of sixty copies in just two hours! Ancestry Day was also the launch of the society's newest publication – Insider's Guide to California Genealogy.

First sale of our new Insider's Guide to California Genealogy.

More than 300 attendees signed up for 15-minute consultations. Linda Okazaki did an outstanding job of matching questions to member volunteers with the right expertise. She and her staff kept things running smoothly and efficiently.

Thirty-eight genealogists provided more than 300 consultations.

CGS member and blogger, Jennifer Regan of the Rainy Day Genealogy Readings blog, spent the entire day providing consultations. She reflects on the experience in Defining Research, Part Two: The Internet vs. Research Skill.

Several members of the African-American Genealogical Society of Northern California who are also CGS members served as volunteer consultants. Nicka Smith reported on both Black Family History Day and Ancestry Day and included some great photos in her article, AAGSNC Teams Up With Local Societies for Fall Genealogy Events. 

One of our member speakers, Janice M. Sellers, blogs at Ancestral Discoveries. She wore several hats at Ancestry Day San Francisco.


Denise Richmond and Sandra Gardner Benward are CGS members and officers at the Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society where they are both contributors to their blog. Sandi wrote Ancestry Day Comes to San Francisco.

Ruth Hinman of Genealogy is Ruthless without Me blog wrote three reports!

San Francisco Ancestry Day November 5, 2011

Ancestry Day in San Francisco Blog 2 Gordon Atkinson

Another Reason to Attend Genealogy Conferences and Seminars...SWAG and Prizes

Thank you to Karen Ober and the Ancestry.com staff – it was a pleasure co-sponsoring the event with you.

The Ancestry Day planning committee (Jane Lindsey, Tim Cox, Linda Okazaki and Kathryn Doyle) thanks all the volunteers who made our event a huge success. The professionalism of our speakers, consultants, and hard-working staff volunteers was truly appreciated. 


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

Footnotes 101 with Jane Hufft

Saturday, December 17, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

Footnotes made easy! Citing your sources is an important part of family history researching. Footnoting is easier than it looks.

This presentation will take the mystery out of constructing footnotes, explain why you need to cite your sources and show you how to do it. There will be clear explanations, examples and handouts so that you can cite your sources correctly and confidently.

Register online.

The class is limited to thirty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first thirty registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Jane Hufft, current editor of the CGS periodical The California Nugget and former CGS board member, has written several articles for genealogy journals and continues to work on her own family history research. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband Ron.



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

Wordless Wednesday

California Genealogical Society Table 

Family History Day at the State Archives

Sacramento, California

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Directors Craig Manson, Diana Wild and President Stephen Harris

To view many photos from the event, see Last Book of Photo Memories at the Family History Day at the State Archives blog.

Photograph courtesy of Steve Harris.

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

eNews November 2011, volume 5, number 11

The November 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 11,  has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month member Paul Mayer pays tribute to his wife LoisMarie's ancestors - Thorvald and Ragna Rodley, of Lookingglass, Oregon.

The Rodley family, left to right: Irene, Arnold (my wife's father), John, Ragna, Irene, Ruth, Oscar, Thorvald and Ralph. Not shown are two daughters: Lucile and Betty Louise.

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The December 2011 issue will be emailed on November 30, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Paul Mayer.


Copyright © 2011 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

San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar: November 2011 Published

November 2011 events have been published on the San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar – a collection of local genealogical society classes, workshops and meetings within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco.

The November calendar has forty-five classes and events at various venues around the Bay Area, sponsored by twenty different societies and genealogy libraries.

If you would like to add your group's events to the calendar, please email the information by the 15th of each month for publication on or before the 25th. (Please put "SFBA Calendar" in the subject line.)


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

The Ancestry and Descendancy of Thomas Frost of Hebron, Connecticut

It's always a pleasure to write about the publication of a new genealogy by one of our members and it's especially nice when the member is one of our hard-working volunteers. So it is with double pleasure, and a great deal of amazement, that I introduce the new two-volume work by Larry Youngman,
The Ancestry and Descendancy of Thomas Frost of Hebron, Connecticut.

The two volumes are a culmination of three years work by Larry but also a lifetime of work by his co-author, the late Evelyn Annis Frost Baum Rush. Larry and Evelyn were introduced by a third Frost cousin, Harriette Froid. All three joined forces and expanded their research efforts to include other branches of the Frost family. After Harriette's death, Evelyn and Larry agreed to be joint compilers of this book.

Larry and Evelyn built upon initial research conducted by Josephine C. Stillman Frost whose work, The Frost Genealogy, was published in 1912. Co-author Evelyn Rush devoted her "golden years" to the project and amassed an enormous amount of research material. Over a fifty-year period, hundreds of family members had submitted information to Evelyn who did not live to see the finished work. Prior to her death in October 2010, at the age of 90, Evelyn sent Larry her entire collection of books, source documents, and research – a total of 4,900 lbs. in 185 boxes! Larry combined her research with his, and transcribed all of it into his database.

The result is a fully-indexed, two-volume hard-bound set, with more than 980 pages, documenting the ancestors of Thomas Frost (1718-1798) of Hebron, Connecticut, and his descendants. Included are over 1,000 photos of family members.

In the forward, Youngman reflects back upon the journey "and upon the impact of the marriage of Thomas and Abigail Frost. The result of this union has directly impacted the lives of the over 7,000 descendants during the following 260 years as documented in this work."

Volume I includes: Preface, Introductions, Acknowledgements / Frequently Used Reference Book Titles / Part I - Thomas Frost of the Kennebec / Part II - The Second Generation / Part III - The Third Generation - Thomas Frost (1718 - 1798) / Part IV - The Fourth and Later Generations.

Volume II is a continuation of Part IV – The Fourth and Later Generations. For a complete list of the major surnames in the work, visit Larry’s website: Thomas Frost Family.

Larry Youngman has been conducting genealogy research for over thirty-five years, and has published ten lineage books covering the mid-1400's through present day. He is a member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the Mayflower Society of California, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the California Genealogical Society, where he serves as the webmaster for their site, CaliforniaAncestors.org. Youngman conducts professional research via his website GenealogyPro.

The Ancestry and Descendancy of Thomas Frost of Hebron, Connecticut is available for purchase at Youngman’s Lulu bookstore.


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

What Do Dead People, Greed and Real Estate Have in Common?

Answer: Cemeteries!

In 1900, San Francisco was a Wild West boom town driven by greed. The city fathers removed cemeteries and banned burials. Research Director Nancy Peterson shares this little-known piece of San Francisco history in a new video by Shannon Reese and Kathleen Jones.

San Francisco Cemeteries: What Happened?
Announcer: Tayler Jones
Directed by: Shannon Reese
Edited by: Kathleen Jones

Visit our YouTube channel: CAancestors

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

A Special Wedding Gift: The Pattillo Family History

Earlier this year, then-Vice President Chris Pattillo shared her Genealogy Addiction with readers. Chris was in a race with the clock to finish another family history book in time for a family wedding.

I'm pleased to announce that Chris finished on time and published The Pattillo Family History with Stover, Drake, Gaines, Land and Ward Ancestors. She brought a copy to "Creative Ways to Share and Write Your Family History Research" – one of the Thursday evening discussions this summer.

Chris was able to make her deadline thanks to the assistance of Ernie Grafe. Originally, she had intended to learn InDesign and do all the production work herself. She notes: "Since I had such a short time to write, edit and produce the book (only 4 months), I wisely made the decision to work with Ernie, an editor/producer who I met while taking an InDesign class and whose services I have since utilized for my business." Chris advises it's okay to use help: "It's not cheating and frees one to concentrate on the research and writing."

The Pattillo Family History with Stover, Drake, Gaines, Land and Ward Ancestors

From the back cover:

About the Author
I am the great-granddaughter of James William Pattillo and Carrie Brooks Stover, granddaughter of Lewis Wood and daughter of James Edward Pattillo. This is my fourth family history publication, but not the last. I have been interested in genealogy since the mid-1960s. I joined the California Genealogical Society (CGS), based in downtown Oakland, in 2004. In the summer of 2010 I took a month off and immersed myself in family history research. I learned many new research techniques and was finding a lot of new information. Using the Melba Crosse book and other family trees found online, I was able to take our family back several more generations. I knew I would want to publish another book and share this information with the rest of our family, but the question was, when? Your “Save the Date” postcard gave me the answer. Since it arrived I have been possessed, and devoted most of my free time to continuing my research and writing this book. During my month off, and since, I have learned a tremendous amount about how to do genealogy research. The members of CGS have been generous and patient in guiding me along — particularly Jane Lindsey, Vinnie Schwarz and Judy Bodycote. I am grateful for their help, passion and inspiration.

Congratulations, Chris, and thanks for the tips.


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

November Membership Meeting: Members Talk, CGS Listens

Saturday, November 12, 2011
1:00 p.m.

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

The California Genealogical Society has had a busy and productive 2011. As we begin to make plans for 2012, we thought it was important to make time for member feedback. We want to know what you're thinking!

Join President Stephen Harris and Vice-President Jeffrey Vaillant for a special member session where you'll do all the talking. We're seeking input and feedback from members on a variety of topics. Join us for a one-sided conversation: you talk, we listen!

For our distant members who can't make it, please leave a comment here and I'll make sure your remarks are read at the meeting.


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

Honored Twice and Doubly Well-Stated!

The December 2011 issue of Family Tree Magazine arrived and this month's cover is their now annual feature: 75 Best State Websites.

Contributing editor Rick Crume, in the article "Well Stated" (pages 20-26), lists the magazine's 2011 picks for the seventy-five best U.S. state-focused websites for genealogical research.

In selecting this year's best state websites for genealogy, we were looking for databases where you can look for a relative's name. Many of the 75 sites (at least one per state) have indexes, and in many cases, you can even view images of original records.

The Golden State has two picks and the California Genealogical Society and Library is proud to have close ties to both!

The first is our own website CaliforniaAncestors.org.

Click the Databases tab to search more than 350,000 records – including voter registers, probate records, cemetery records and more – in the California Names Index for free. If your ancestor's name appears you can order a copy of their original record for $10. Members have online access to San Francisco church records and newspapers.

The second is the California Digital Newspaper Collection, founded by our newest board member, Dr. Henry Snyder.

Access more than 5 million California newspaper articles from 1846 to 2009.

Henry is the former director of The Center for Bibliographical Studies and Research (CBSR) at the University of California, Riverside, where he led the California Newspaper Project from 1990 through 2009.

I've written before about Professor Snyder and the project which went digital in 2007. In case you missed it, Henry's article The California Newspaper: What Survives and How to Find It was published last year in the Fall 2010 issue of the Nugget. CGS is honored to have such an esteemed historian on our board and we're thrilled that Family Tree Magazine is bringing attention to his work.

This is the second year that the CGS website was chosen. We're honored to be listed among so many fantastic online state resources. Thank you, Family Tree Magazine!

Kudos to Kathy Watson and Larry Youngman and their technology team who work tirelessly for the society to keep our website up-to-date.

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

eNews October 2011, volume 5, number 10

The October 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 10,  has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month, member Pat Gallagher honors her Gallagher family of San Francisco.

L to R, seated: Alice, William J., Jr (my father), Mary Maloney (my grandmother), William J. Gallagher (my grandfather); rear, standing: Madeline and Theresa

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The November 2011 issue will be emailed on October 31, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Patricia Gallagher.


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

The California Nugget, Fall 2011, Volume III, Issue 2

The Fall 2011 edition of The California Nugget has been sent to the printer and should begin arriving in members' mailboxes next week. It's another information-filled issue by Editor Jane Hufft and Production Editor Lois Elling.

Here is Jane's letter from the editor:

Dear Readers:

This issue of the California Nugget is arriving in your mailbox earlier than usual so we can share exciting news about two events. First, the California Genealogical Society proudly announces the publication of the newly revised Raking The Ashes, Genealogical Strategies for pre-1906 San Francisco Research. This new second edition is the finest tool available for conducting genealogical and historical research in San Francisco in the years before the great earthquake. No one knows more about work-around strategies to find cemeteries, records, repositories, unique sources, church information, land records and other genealogical and historical records related to San Francisco than author Nancy Peterson. Completely updated, painstakingly researched, carefully organized and thoroughly user-friendly, Raking the Ashes, second edition, belongs on the shelf of every California researcher. For more information and ordering information, please see page 17.

There’s more! CGS and Ancestry.com are bringing a special all-day genealogy con- ference to San Francisco on Saturday, November 5. This informative day will offer many workshops and lectures. If you can be in the area, plan on joining us. Registration information is on page 16.

In other articles, Amy Coffin’s description of the first RootsTech Conference will take readers one step further into an exciting future where technology and genealogy meet. Rachel M. Popma, editor of Indiana Genealogist, has graciously allowed us to reprint her recent article that describes how to add eBay to your toolbox of genealogy search strategies. In “California Ancestors,” Jim Sorenson recounts the unexpected results of a persistent search to find just one more cousin. Virginia Turner looks back on early days of researching at CGS, and Sheri Fenley recounts the story of a successful pioneering family in San Francisco.

One way to have your family’s history saved for posterity is to have it in print. Have you thought about submitting your family’s story to the Nugget? We are always looking for well-researched family histories as well as articles that will help our readers become better genealogists and more successful writers and researchers.

Jane Hufft, Editor

TABLE of CONTENTS
Twenty-First Century Genealogy
RootsTech: A Report from the Trenches by Amy Coffin
Using Automated eBay Searches for Genealogy by Rachel M. Popma

California Ancestors
Chasing After Cousins by Jim Sorenson
Pursuing My Spooner and Ruffcorn Legacies at CGS by Virginia Turner
David Nathan Walter: Jewish Pioneer of San Francisco by Sheri Fenley 
1883 Pensioners List: Cashman, James to Dorland, John M.

For Our Readers
November 5 Ancestry Day in San Francisco Registration Form
Raking the Ashes order form

At the Society
Recent Acquisitions in the Library
New Members
Index

The California Nugget, the magazine of the California Genealogical Society, is published twice a year. Its purpose is to share the unique genealogical material in the CGS library, add to the body of family history information about Californians, offer guidance and timely information to family researchers, and to provide a forum for members to share their expertise and findings. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the society. The magazine is distributed free to members and is available to non- members for $5.00 an issue, plus postage.


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

Early-Bird Registration Ends in One Week!

This is an Ancestry Day – San Francisco alert!  Registration for the early-bird discount ends Wednesday, October 5, 2011.

Register now so you don't forget!

By registering before the early-bird deadline, you'll save $10 on the basic registration.

A fifteen minute consultation is just $5 more, but act fast! There are a limited number available and they are almost sold out.

There are also a limited number of hotel rooms at a special event rate. There are two options for making a hotel reservation.

By phone: Call 888-421-1442 and mention "SF Hyatt Regency Embarcadero and Ancestry Day"

Online: Ancestry Day - San Francisco special rate
 
Follow all of our updates on Twitter @AncestryDaySF and on Lanyrd.


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

October Family History Month: Lots of Bay Area Choices in 2011

October 2011 events have been published on the San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar – a collection of local genealogical society classes, workshops and meetings within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco.

With many societies and libraries planning events for October Family History Month, the calendar lists sixty-four events at various venues around the Bay Area, sponsored by twenty-four different societies and genealogy libraries.

Both sessions of the Fall Beginning Genealogy Series continue. This is the fourth year that CGS has partnered with the Oakland Regional Family History Center to offer the classes for Family History Month.

CGS members Nicka Smith and Vernester Sheeler are organizers of the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California's Black Family History Day on Saturday, October 8, 2011, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Oakland Regional Family History Center.

The California Genealogical Society will be an exhibitor at the 13th Annual Family History Day at the State Archives in Sacramento on Saturday, October 15, 2011. CGS President Stephen Harris will be heading up our delegation. We gratefully acknowledge Denise Richmond of RootCellar–Sacramento Genealogical Society for her assistance with our arrangements. Denise and Sandy Benward are the authors of the Family History Day at the California State Archives blog where you can find full information about the event schedule, speakers and exhibitors.

Be sure to check the calendar and decide which October Family History Month events you will attend!


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

Portraits of Our Patriots: Stories of Revolutionary War Ancestors

It's always a great pleasure to announce publication of a member's book so this time it's quadruply special. Four of the eight authors of Portraits of Our Patriots: Stories of  Revolutionary War Ancestors are members of the California Genealogical Society – Millianne (Peirano) Lehman, Linda Longley, Mary Mettler and Terri Taylor.

L to R: Annette Litle, Cathy McCausland, Carol Yenne, Terri Taylor and Mary Mettler. Not shown: Joan Evans, Millie Lehman and Linda Longley.

The eight writers are members of the San Francisco DAR La Puerta de Oro San Francisco Chapter who tell the stories of fifteen of their Patriots, "recounting with as much detail as possible the events they and their families endured in the years during and surrounding the American Revolution." A genealogical summary covering the patriot and his family is provided at the end of each chapter which includes source references.

Mary Mettler has generously donate one copy to the CGS Library. She is the author of the two chapters on her ancestors Cephas Kent Sr. and Cephas Kent Jr. Mary chronicled some of her KENT research in as Tuesday Tales for this blog.

Congratulations, Mary, to you and all of your fellow authors!

Contents:

1. Bladen Ashby by Carol Yenne
2. John Blair by Millianne (Peirano) Lehman
3. John Chatham and William Chatham by Catherine McCausland
4. John Chilton by Carol Yenne
5. Stephen Fischer by Terri Taylor
6. David French Millianne (Peirano) Lehman
7. Lewis L. Humphreys by Joan Reumah Evans
8. Cephas Kent, Sr. by Mary A. Mettler
9. Cephas Kent, Jr. by Mary A. Mettler
10. Abraham Kitchel by Jim Cooper and Annette Cooper Litle
11. John Lamb by Mary A. Mettler
12. Jonathan Langley by Linda Longley
13. Roger McPike by Carol Yenne and Max McPike
14. Onesimus Whitehead by Millianne (Peirano) Lehman

Portraits of Our Patriots: Stories of Revolutionary War Ancestors
Hardcover, 246 pages, published 2011

There are a limited number available for purchase for $20 plus postage. Proceeds go to the San Francisco NSDAR chapter, La Puerta de Oro.

La Puerta de Oro San Francisco Chapter consists of four DAR chapters that merged—the oldest of these, the Sequoia Chapter, was founded on Dec 10, 1891. Their mission is to promote the objects of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.


Photographs courtesy of Mary Mettler.


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

Discover a Bridge to Your Past

 

Have you seen them? The design elves at Ancestry.com created these gorgeous "tout ads" for Ancestry Day – San Francisco.

The ads show up randomly on Ancestry's home page and link directly to our event page (also created by Ancestry.com)

Be sure to follow our event updates on Twitter @AncestryDaySF.



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

Society Showcase at FGS Conference in Springfield

The California Genealogical Society sponsored a table recently at the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) annual conference in Springfield, Illinois. FGS made it easy for even distant genealogy societies to have a presence in the exhibit hall at Society Showcase on Thursday, September 8, 2011, in the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Exhibitors were encouraged to "bring display items and giveaways, such as membership brochures, sample publications, bookmarks, and event fliers." The FGS Conference blog published the full list of participating societies.

California Nugget Editor Jane Hufft and I staffed the table which we shared with fellow CGS member Denise Richmond who was representing the RootCellar Sacramento Genealogical Society. Denise handles publicity for RootCellar and she is one of the authors of the excellent Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society Blog with teammates Sandra Gardner Benward and Ron Setzer. Denise is also the blogger behind the conference blog for the upcoming Family History Day at the California State Archives on Saturday, October 15, 2011.

Jane Hufft and Denise Richmond

We had lots of information fliers and brochures highlighting the best of our California societies. Both Denise and I took advantage of the U.S. Post Office flat rate boxes to mail materials ahead of our arrival. Jane brought sample copies of our periodical as well as her submission guidelines for the Nugget. I think she talked to at least two potential authors who were intrigued with the idea of writing about their California ancestors.

Staffing the next table over and representing Fox Valley Illinois Genealogical Society was their president, Jane Haldeman, co-owner of It's Relative. Jane and I "met" years ago via a Rootweb mail list and exchanged information about our BRIGGS of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. It's one of my "brick wall" lines so I'm not exactly sure how Jane and I are related but I'm optimistic that someday I'll figure it out. It was great to finally meet "cousin" Jane in person and to attend one of her lectures.

Genealogist quilters Pat Richley and Jane Hufft

The CGS contingent had one significant meeting that occurred just outside the convention center. Jane and I ran into DearMyrtle herself – Pat Richley. Jane had been wanting to meet Pat since they share a love of quilting. I'm still not exactly sure how it happened but in just a few minutes a cash transaction had taken place, fabric was exchanged and information was provided about the 1812 Preserve the Pensions Quilt Project.

It was a whirlwind few days but CGS was well-represented in Springfield.


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

What You Missed: Summer Thursday Night Discussions

Did you make it into the library this summer for our extended Thursday hours? Tim Cox and Jane Lindsey cooked up the idea last year and it has proved to be wildly successful. We've gotten lots of positive feedback from members who enjoyed coming to do research on a day they didn''t have to pack up and leave at 4:00 p.m. Some even came in at 9:00 a.m. and stayed until 8:30 p.m. closing!

Kim Cotton led "Social Networking: Facebook, RSS, Twitter and Blogs" on 6/16.

Jane and Tim also scheduled specific discussions for 6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. every Thursday in June, July and August. Topics included everything from ethnic research to software and subscription databases.

Cathy Paris led "Creative Ways to Share and Write Your Family History Research" on 7/28.

A special "thank-you" to all of our member facilitators who led Thursday night discussions this summer: Judy Bodycote, Kim Cotton, Tim Cox, Gloria Hanson, Steve Harris, Sally Houston, Douglas Joe, Lorna Jones, Jane Lindsey, John Moore, Cathy Paris and Lavinia Schwarz.

Tim tells me we had a grand total of 147 attendees at the thirteen discussions – many attended more than one session. Thanks to you all for making our summer program a success!


Photographs courtesy of Jane Lindsey (6/16/11) and Jeremy Frankel (7/28/2011), Oakland, California.

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

New in the Library: the Konika-Minolta Bizhub 250

 

The California Genealogical Society has a new piece of equipment in the library. Vice-president Jeffrey Vaillant negotiated a new rental contract to replace our aged copier with a state-of-the-art networked model that prints, copies, faxes and scans. Best of all, the new contract price costs less so updated technology also represents a monthly net savings to the society. Nice work, Jeff!

Installed in August, the Konica Minolta Bizhub 250 can print 25 black and white copies per minute or patrons and volunteers can scan instead of copying. The BizHub scans to and prints from all computers in addition to handling incoming faxes. The old stand-alone fax machine has been retired.

The BizHub automatically recognizes the copy size needed and has paper loaded for 8.5 x 11, 8.5 x 14 and 11 x 17 copies. It copies both sides (duplex) and has a stapler. Large print (11 x 17) capability allowed us to retire the HP5000 printer, making room for another computer “up front” which can be used by patrons or volunteer staff.

Jeff gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Kathy Watson who worked her tech-magic to network print, scan and fax functions.

Inservice training for desk volunteers took place on August 10, 2011. Training will continue as needed.


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

Legacy Planning: What Happens to Your Research after You Are Gone?

Saturday, October 15, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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

Legacy Planning usually refers to your will, trusts and medical directives. Have you thought about what is going to happen to your family history research? Do your children know what to do with those file cabinets, folders, binders and archival boxes full of memorabilia? Patricia Burrow will share some of the things we can do to ensure our family history research is preserved for future generations.

The class is limited to thirty-five participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first 35 registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

Patricia Burrow has blended her retired, tech world vocation with her passionate avocation for genealogy research and storytelling. She leads several groups in the genealogy community and has been actively researching her family’s history for almost a decade. Pat has had several articles and stories published about her ancestors and is working on a book about her adopted grandmother and the two families that loved her. She teaches Reunion for the Mac at the Silicon Valley Computer Genealogy Group and participates in an indexing project at the Santa Clara County Archives. Her mantra is: “Your kids won’t throw away a book with their surname on it. Publish, publish, publish.”


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

Report from the 2011 Allen County Public Library Research Tour

This year's tour to Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana was led by CGS Vice-President Jeffrey Vaillant who sent this report:

The pressure is on to be back in 2013 when the Federation of Genealogical Societies holds its annual conference in Fort Wayne! That was one of many nuggets gathered during the week at the Allen County Public Library.

It was a great week for research with everyone devouring the stacks of information available in book form or in microfilm. We all agreed that the microfilm room itself could hold ice cream solid for days!

It was a great group of people – Cathy Gowdy, Nancy Peterson, Mary Lee Sammis, Patricia Smith and Duncan Tanner – who fanned out in the library hunting down new information and genealogical clues. Mary Lee thoroughly investigated the 50,000 family history books looking for her families. Cathy fed Mary Lee information as well as seeking her own. Nancy walked the book stacks with state and county histories finding in one Minnesota county history THE naturalization account with the local German town which had been eluding discovery. Duncan hunted down clues for his grandfather and Pat was the energizer bunny moving around at a frantic pace.

Nancy Peterson presented Curt Wicher with a copy of her second edition of Raking the Ashes: Genealogical Strategies for Pre-1906 San Francisco Research

There were many highlights of the time in Fort Wayne. Everyone agreed that the Wednesday night dinner with Curt Witcher was one of the best. He broke bread with us for two hours and talked about being at the Genealogical Department for 25+ years, the type of staff he hires (they are very very helpful), the challenges of being in a public library, the policies about collecting materials and what he foresees. [Hint: Subscribe to the Genealogy Gems from the ACPL.]

The next day Curt took us into the “basement” to see and ask questions about the archives.org scanning efforts taking place at the Library. There is excellent work being done to scan a multitude of records including the original New York Times newspapers from the 1860s!

Gastronomically we ate our way through Fort Wayne from Cindy’s Diner (only seats 15 at a time) to J.K. O’Donnell’s Irish Ale House for three dinners! Of course we did the Dash-In as well as the 13th floor Window Garden Café – the view of Fort Wayne from the 13th floor can be stated in one word: Flat! The Toscani Pizzeria, the 816 Pint & Slice together with the Loaf n’Ladle and even Dunkin Donuts at the Library got visits. Another highlight was the 1905 Pfeiffer House and Wayne Street Soda Shop. All of these were within a few blocks of the library and the weather cooperated by being in the low 80’s with reasonable humidity.

Another highlight was a good old fashion Midwestern thunder and lightning storm or the fireworks Saturday night after the Tincaps baseball game. A little something for everyone was provided.

The Courtyard by Marriott was a hit. As one participant stated “I have never stayed in a hotel with such fast, seamless internet…multiple public terminals and “Word” to boot. Staff is extraordinarily friendly.” There was a Starbucks onsite for all the breakfast needs so we ate our way through their offerings.

It was my good fortune to be with five completely self-starters. It was a wonderful way to “break” me into my first trip. My thanks to all the people for a great seven days at the ACPL and Fort Wayne. See you in 2013.

– Jeff Vaillant

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

eNews September 2011, volume 5, number 9

The September 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 9,  has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

This month, member Anita Wills honors her maternal great-uncle, William Chester Ruth, grandson of a slave, inventor, and self-made millionaire.

William Chester Ruth (1882-1971)

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The October 2011 issue will be emailed on September 30, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Anita Wills.


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

A Genealogy Society First: It's A Girl!

This blog is all about the news and members of the California Genealogical Society, but in four years this is a first. In fact, I don't recall ever seeing this type of announcement in any genealogical society publication. Ladies and gentleman: "It's A Girl!"

When member Gabby Kojder sent photos of her latest project we just couldn't resist introducing the newest little member of the CGS family.

Eliza Jane Kojder arrived Wednesday, August 10, 2011.

Welcome to the world, Eliza, and congratulations to your family!


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

Book Repair Workshop Returns!

Saturday, October 8, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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

The California Genealogical Society is taking reservations for the popular Book Repair Workshop to be held Saturday morning, October 8, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Taught by Book Repair Committee Chairman, Bill O'Neil, the workshop is limited to ten enrollees.

Workshop participants learn book repair techniques by creating a book for themselves. Pages are provided and the pupils create the binding. The finished product will be a copy of a "how to" pamphlet written by the late Dick Thrift, founder of the CGS Book Repair Committee. Everyone goes home with a self-made instruction book and souvenir of the day.

PLEASE NOTE:
• Workshop is limited to ten.
• $25 charge for materials must be pre-paid.
• Walk-ins will not be admitted.

Register online.

Registration confirmations will be sent to the first ten who register and pay the materials fee. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Photograph by Kathryn M. Doyle, Oakland, California, 10/25/2008.


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

San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar: September 2011 Published

September 2011 events have been published on the San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar – a collection of local genealogical society classes, workshops and meetings within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco.

The September calendar has more than fifty events at various venues around the Bay Area, sponsored by twenty different societies and genealogy libraries.

If you would like to add your group's events to the calendar, please email the information by the 20th of each month for publication on the 25th. (Please put "SFBA Calendar" in the subject line.)

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

Creating Genealogy Timelines with Lavinia Schwarz

Saturday, September 24, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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

Timelines are a terrific tool for family research. A personal timeline keeps chronological track of the data we find while placing our ancestor in historical and social context. Come learn some simple tools that put flesh on your ancestral bones. You’ll gain perspective and witness the personal pushes and pulls of your family’s history as you chart their migrations and life choices.

The class is limited to forty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first forty registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

A genealogist since 1999, Lavinia Grace Gilbert Schwarz has served on the California Genealogical Society's board of directors for five years while coordinating the CGS Research and Lookups service. She graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in English Literature, then earned a masters at Tufts in education. Schwarz completed the National Institute on Genealogical Research (N.I.G.R.) program in 2008 at the National Archives in Washington D.C. and College Park, Maryland. Using timelines, she has traced her ancestors to France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Germany, Cuba and San Domingue (now Haiti).


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

Chasing Your Civil War Ancestor with Jeffrey Vaillant

Saturday, September 17, 2011
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

How does one find that Civil War ancestor? What are the steps to be taken? Where is the information? What does the information include? Come and find out the answers to these questions and bring your own questions for discussion.

This class is limited to forty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the class.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first forty participants to register. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Register online.

Jeffrey L. Vaillant is working towards his professional genealogical certification. His educational background includes a B.A. in History with English minor from the University of Redlands; Graduate studies in American Studies (History, Literature, Art History) at the University of Delaware (3 years); Graduate study in Business at the Colgate Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia; Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (Utah Genealogical Association) Course I on American Records & Research Focusing on Families, Course on certification (January 2010) and Advanced Genealogical Methodology (January 2011). He completed the Intermediate Genealogy course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University (2010) and has blogged about his experiences for the California Genealogical Society where he serves as Vice President.
Copyright © 2011 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library

Wordless Wednesday

Jeff Vaillant, aka Mr. Fix-it

 

Photographs by Kathryn Doyle, Oakland, California, April 20, 2011.



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

Ancestry Day in San Francisco - Saturday, November 5, 2011

Saturday, November 5, 2011
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA

Ancestry.com and the California Genealogical Society (CGS) are partnering to present Ancestry Day in San Francisco 2011 on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, located on the waterfront near the historic Ferry Building.

This full-day event will help you start or hone your genealogical skills. Explore the world of genealogy, listen to engaging lectures, meet with expert staff and learn about the incredible resources available at Ancestry.com and at the California Genealogical Society Library.


The day will include:

• More than a dozen family history lectures 
• Ancestry.com experts on-hand to answer your questions
• One-on-one consultations with genealogists 
• Beginner’s classes where your family and friends can learn the basics

The “early bird” price (through October 5, 2011) is $42 for the all-day event. To learn more about the classes and consultation offerings, visit our event page Ancestry Day in San Francisco.

Register online.

About Ancestry.com
With more than five billion historical records and in excess of 20 million family trees, Ancestry.com is the world's largest genealogical database. Have you explored what Ancestry.com has to offer? Visit Ancestry.com.

About CGS: The California Genealogical Society, founded in San Francisco in 1898, gathers and preserves vital records, offers research services and online databases, and maintains a library in Oakland. CGS disseminates information through publications, meetings, seminars, workshops and its website: CaliforniaAncestors.org.


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

eNews August 2011, volume 5, number 8

The August 2011 eNews, volume 5, number 8,  has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.


This month member Dick Rees pays tribute to his grandfather, R. George Rees, with an interesting photograph.

Dick notes, "Dating an old photo can be difficult. Not so with this one where everything was included except the year!"

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The September 2011 issue will be emailed on August 31, 2011. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Dick Rees.




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