A Collaborative Formula For Success

The California Genealogical Society has participated in several collaborative projects with groups, such as: SFgenealogy.com, the Peralta Hacienda and the New England Historic Genealogical Society. But the most successful venture has been a partnership with the Oakland Regional Family History Center started in October 2008. Then-president Jane Lindsey and Marge Bell, Assistant Director of the ORFHC, cooked up a scheme to offer a menu of beginning genealogy classes at both facilities. The classes were offered on Tuesday evenings at the Family History Center or Saturday mornings at the CGS Library which enabled free parking at either venue. The classes were a huge hit and the formula was expanded to intermediate sessions as well.

Jane Knowles Lindsey and Margery Howe Bell

In all, a total of 174 students have been through five sessions of classes: three for beginners and two for intermediate level participants. The classes have led to an increase in membership and volunteerism and have been successful by any measure.

Jane and Marge – keep talking – we're ready for your next good idea in collaboration.


Written for the second edition of the Carnival of Genealogical Societies: Collaboration.

Photograph courtesy of Judy Bodycote, Oakland, California, 3/30/2010.


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