Celebrating the Past and the Future: 2018 Genealogy Events and Education Plans

by Maureen Hanlon

Our 120^th Anniversary in 2018 is a great milestone --- we’ve planned a number of events and classes to both delve into our heritage and leverage the science that allows us to understand that past even better.  

Currently,  we are scheduling our five part Records Series and four part Skills Series. Your suggestions are most welcome for ideas on classes and events as we continue planning for 2018 continues. Come to our January 13th Annual Member Meeting and Birthday Party to hear more details and enjoy a talk about ancestors.

    

NOTE:  Our free Introduction to Genealogy on the first Saturday and the popular San Francisco Special Interest Group and Family Tree Special Interest Group will continue meeting on the third Saturdays. 

DNA

DNA will be a major focus as we have engaged Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist, to come for an amazing event on March 3rd.  Get ready for Blaine's event by attending Pam Miller's previously held three foundation lectures on the major DNA tests, Ancestry, FamilyTree and 23 and Me on January 27th, February 3rd and 10th, respectively.  

Then check our schedule for a talk by Eva Goodwin from Ancestry to be held later in the year on DNA, Adoptions and Unknown Parents. We will also continue the monthly first Saturday meetings of an ongoing DNA study group for those who have completed the foundation series. 

Heritage

Our fortune and that of our ancestors lies in California’s rich geography. We’ve scheduled the popular Melinda Kashuba, author of Walking with Your Ancestors: a Genealogist’s Guide to Using Maps and Geography for April 14th. 

We’re also celebrating the diversity of our state and its early settlers with a Chinese Ancestry Day in May, which is Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. Grant Din, Marisa Louie Lee and others will talk, plus we are exploring a tour of Angel Island. Look for Stewart Traiman's class that will share insights and strategies for Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender (LGBT) genealogy on June 23rd.

 

The online CGS Irish Ancestry Network will hold its second anniversary get-together on March 24th with an informal meet-up and an afternoon lecture by Cath Trindle on Irish Townlands. 

Trips and Tours

In addition to our annual Salt Lake City Research trip being held April 22nd-29th, Jane Lindsey will lead a trip for intermediate genealogists in August to the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne Indiana, home of the most extensive genealogy periodical collection.  We also have plans in the works to visit Sutro Library and events with The California Historical Society.  

Updates, more information and registration links will be published on our EventBrite page at least two months prior to the events.

It's going to be a wonderful year of genealogy and celebration at The California Genealogical Society.  We hope you'll be a part of the magic!

Copyright © 2017 by California Genealogical Society

Members Gathered after a Week of Teaching and Learning at SLIG 2013

Thomas MacEntee, Lisa Gorrell, Cath Trindle, Linda Okazaki, Tim Cox, Eva Goodwin,
Virginia Kysh and Julia Redford at SLIG 2013. (Not shown: Diana Powell)

The California Genealogical Society was well-represented at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) this year. They took the time to pose for a group photo and to send me some of their observations.

Our "far-flung" member from Chicago, Thomas MacEntee, coordinated a new offering this year – Course 6 – A Genealogists' Guide to the Internet Galaxy. He described the course as a "boot camp for genealogists who feel overwhelmed by technology and also have a fear of falling behind in terms of their 'tech quotient.'"

Cath Madden Trindle, CG, was an instructor for Course 1 – American Research and Records: Focus on Localities, coordinated by Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA, FMGS. Cath has recently retired so this was her last teaching "gig."

Lisa Gorrell attended Course 4 – Germany: Advanced Tools and Methods coordinated by F. Warren Bittner, CG.

I had a great time at my second SLIG, meeting lots of people who do German research. Our class had several certified genealogists which added to the knowledge. We learned about German history and how important it is to know the history of your area. I was able to spend a couple of afternoons at the Family History Library and found an 1807 marriage record for my husband's Wollenweber line in Kusel and went back another generation!

Tim Cox was enrolled in Course 9: Advanced Genealogical Methods coordinated by Thomas Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL.

Linda Okazaki and Diana Powell attended Course 5: Researching in Washington DC without Leaving Home, coordinated by Pamela Boyer Sayer, CG, CGL, and Richard Sayer, CG. This was Linda's first SLIG:

I was a little intimidated going in, but on Sunday night there was a get-together and I was chatting with a lovely woman only to discover she was my co-instructor! The rest of the week was a whirlwind of information. A high point for me was the reception and banquet on the last night. I spoke with Valerie Elkins who has been helping me with my Japanese research. She introduced me to Eric Stroschien, a professional genealogist with expertise in Japanese-American internment camp records. The timing couldn't have been better. I am eager to put into use all that I learned from the Sayres, then consult with Eric before heading to Washington, D.C. in February.

The Utah Genealogical Association's Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy offers a full week of instruction by national experts. Students receive at least twenty hours of in-depth instruction. The 2014 lineup of courses has been published. It's not too early to start planning for next year!


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

Two New Blogs from the California State Genealogical Alliance (CSGA)

There are two new blogs in the right sidebar list of member blogs. Both are products of the California State Genealogical Alliance (CSGA) and some of the blog authors are members of the California Genealogical Society.

First is the CSGA Blog, providing information that impacts California genealogy. Among the team of bloggers are CGS members Sheri Fenley, Cat Nielsen and Cath Trindle.

The CSGA Blog will cover the following types of topics:

• Legislative issues affecting California genealogists
• California projects including the CSGA–FamilySearch partnership, the California Online Research Aid, the California Wiki on FamilySearch, and many individual society projects throughout the state
• California societies, websites, repositories, online materials and events

Other members of the CSGA blog team are: Gena Philbert-Ortega and newcomers Junel Davidsen, CGSM.

The second blog,  Copyright Issues for the 21st Century Genealogical Community (CSGAcopyright), is authored by Cath Madden Trindle and is part of a continuing effort by the Alliance to help gen societies understand copyright issues. The CSGAcopyright blog discusses copyright law, provides links and feeds to other copyright web sites, and will highlight blog postings on other sites.


The California State Genealogical Alliance (CSGA) was founded in 1982 and links genealogical societies and individuals throughout California who are interested in coordination and communication between societies as well as preservation of California’s rich genealogical history. The California Genealogical Society is a member of the Alliance.

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

Encore Presentation! Celtic Roots Online with Cath Madden Trindle

Friday, August 5, 2011
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

Back by popular demand. If you missed Cath's presentation in March, you won't want to miss this one!

Contrary to popular belief, the records of Scotland begin long before the advent of statutory registration in 1855. In some cases it is possible to trace families back to the sixteenth century using easily available records. Scottish research and retrieval of the records of Scotland is completely intertwined with the use of the Internet. We will look at some of the basic records – statutory registers, census, old parish records, and testaments – and navigate the Scotland government web sites to retrieve them. Even if you have no research in Scotland, the government web sites of Scotland provide a model for any government body or society to use when putting their documentation on the Internet.

Ireland government web sites are not quite as complete, but the selection of records available online is growing. We will again look at some of the basic records available both online and off and discuss the records hiding in repositories that might help you further your research.

Cath will also explore other interesting genealogical and informational online sites for both countries and also touch of some genealogical resources online for those with Welsh ancestry.

This class is limited to forty participants and is one of the free benefits for members. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop. Preregistration is required.

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

Register online.

Cath Madden Trindle is a certified genealogist in the San Francisco Bay area, and a national conference speaker. She earned a Certificate of European Research from BYU, and a Certificate in Genealogical Studies - Libraianship (NIGS.) Cath owned a bookkeeping consultation business for thirty years and is currently Treasurer of the Federation of Genealogical Societies. She writes regular copyright and society strategy solumns for the CSGA newsletter. As Publication Chair for SMCGS, she has edited the San Mateo County Naturalization Index Series, the Schellens indexing project, and coauthored the SMCGS Tree Climbing Guides.

Cath is a first generation Californian and has limited her client research to Northern California. Personal research and national speaking engagements focus on the records of Ireland and Scotland, Canada, Minnesota, and Michigan, and on storytelling.


Photograph by Kathryn M. Doyle, Drumcliff, Co. Sligo, Ireland, 2008.

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

Quick Report from Jamboree 2011

The California Genealogical Society and Library is well-represented this year at the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree.

Our far-flung member Thomas MacEntee is presenting several talks and moderating two blogger panels. Amy Coffin, Elyse Doerflinger and I are participating in the Blogger Summits I and II.  Other member speakers include Cath Trindle and Ron Arons.

Ron Arons at his table in the exhibit hall

CGSL has a table in "Society Row" on Saturday. The table is just outside the exhibit hall and was offered free of charge by organizers. Thank you, SCGS!

Two blogger buddies and CGSL members at our table: Sheri Fenley and Elizabeth O'Neal.

Thanks to Kim Cotton, Sheri Fenley, Lisa Gorell, Laura Lee Karp, Virginia Kysh, Mary Mettler, Elizabeth O'Neal, Carolyn Sakkis, Jim Sorenson and Geri Willinger for staffing the table!

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

Wordless Wednesday

Celtic Roots with Cath Madden Trindle

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Photographs courtesy of Kim Cotton, Oakland, California.

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

Workshop: Celtic Roots with Cath Trindle - March 19, 2011

Saturday, March 19, 2011
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

Contrary to popular belief, the records of Scotland begin long before the advent of statutory registration in 1855. In some cases it is possible to trace families back to the sixteenth century using easily available records. Scottish research and retrieval of the records of Scotland is completely intertwined with the use of the Internet. We will look at some of the basic records – statutory registers, census, old parish records, and testaments – and navigate the Scotland government web sites to retrieve them. Even if you have no research in Scotland, the government web sites of Scotland provide a model for any government body or society to use when putting their documentation on the Internet.

Ireland government web sites are not quite as complete, but the selection of records available online is growing. We will again look at some of the basic records available both online and off and discuss the records hiding in repositories that might help you further your research.

The workshop will also explore other interesting genealogical and informational online sites for both countries and also touch of some genealogical resources online for those with Welsh ancestry.

This workshop is limited to forty participants and is one of the free benefits for members. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the workshop. Preregistration is required.

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


Register online.

Cath Madden Trindle is a certified genealogist in the San Francisco Bay area, and a national conference speaker. She earned a Certificate of European Research from BYU, and a Certificate in Genealogical Studies - Libraianship (NIGS.) Cath owned a bookkeeping consultation business for thirty years and is currently Treasurer of the CSGA and the FGS. She writes regular copyright and society strategy solumns for the CSGA newsletter. As Publication Chair for SMCGS, she has edited the San Mateo County Naturalization Index Series, the Schellens indexing project, and coauthored the SMCGS Tree Climbing Guides.

Cath, is a first generation Californian, and has limited her client research to Northern California, however, personal research and national speaking engagements also focus on the records of Ireland and Scotland, Canada, Minnesota, and Michigan, and on storytelling.


Photograph by Kathryn M. Doyle, Drumcliff, Co. Sligo, Ireland, 2008.

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

Well-Represented in Knoxville at the FGS 2010 Annual Conference

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) annual conference is underway at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. The meeting runs August 18-21, 2010 and this year's theme is “Rediscovering America’s First Frontier.” Co-Sponsors for the event are the East Tennessee Historical Society and Kentucky Historical Society.

The California Genealogical Society and Library is well-represented in far-off Tennessee. Kentucky native and CGS Events Coordinator Tim Cox is there, after a couple of days visiting family.

Member Cath Madden Trindle, CG, is presenting three lectures: Financial Considerations for Your Non-Profit Society, Grandma, Who Are You? and Wills, Estates, and Guardianships. Cath is treasurer of FGS, Projects chair for the California State Genealogical Alliance and Publications Chair for the San Mateo County Genealogical Society.

Two of our "long-distance" members have been busy blogging and tweeting from Knoxville. Amy Coffin writes the We Tree Genealogy Blog and helps out on the Pub/Mark Committee. Thomas MacEntee is the genius behind Geneabloggers and writes a personal research blog Destination: Austin Family.

All four of our members attended yesterday's Association of Professional Genealogists Professional Management Conference where Thomas sat on the Roundtable panel exploring Your Internet Presence- How to Get IT and What To Do with IT: A Discussion of What IT Is.

If you want to keep up with what is happening at the conference, Thomas set up a news feed of all the blog posts and #FGS10 tweets at Geneabloggers: Latest News From FGS Knoxville. I have a bit more news that I'll share tomorrow.



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

Member Spotlight: Cath Madden Trindle

One of the high points of the February 27, 2010 meeting of the California State Genealogical Alliance held at the CGS Library was the presentation of The President's Citation award to Cath Trindle by Alliance President Sue Roe.

Cath Madden Trindle, CG, is a first generation Californian who owned a bookkeeping consultation business for thirty years. She earned a Certificate of European Research from BYU and a Certificate in Genealogical Studies - Librarianship from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies.

In addition to being a national conference speaker, Cath is an active administrator for three genealogical societies. She is currently Treasurer of the Federation of Genealogical Societies. She heads up Special Projects for the California State Genealogical Alliance and is a regular contributor to their newsletter. As Publication Chair for the San Mateo Coutny Genealogical Society, she has edited the San Mateo County Naturalization Index Series, the Schellens indexing project, and coauthored their Tree Climbing Guides.

She has been a member of the California Genealogical Society since 2006.

Cath will be making three presentations at the upcoming FGS Conference "Rediscovering America's First Frontier" August 18-21, 2010, in Knoxville, Tennessee. The conference is co-sponsored with the East Tennessee Historical Society and Kentucky Historical Society.

Cath's award states:

President's Citation Award to Cath Madden Trindle for her many contributions to CSGA, the genealogical community as CSGA Treasurer, Special Projects Chair, Speaker and as a positive example of CSGA Member dedication. Presented by the California State Genealogical Alliance, Susan M. Roe, President, 27 February 2010.

Congratulations, Cath!


Photographs by Kathryn M. Doyle, Oakland, California, 2/27/2010.

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

Wordless Wednesday

California State Genealogical Society Meeting

Sue Roe, President

Saturday, February 26, 2010

Photographs by Kathryn M. Doyle, Oakland, California.

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

Jane's Interview with Lisa Louise Cooke

I've reported several times on the successful genealogy classes that have been jointly offered by the California Genealogical Society and the Oakland Regional Family History Center. Things got started October 2008 with the Family History Month Beginners Series, then the Intermediate Series in January and February 2009, a full-day Beginning Genealogy Seminar held in April and a four session Spring Intermediate Series that is half completed.

Jane Lindsey and Marge Bell came up with the idea and since then the two of them have been a couple of whirling dervishes, teaching class after class after class.

Now, thanks to the magic of podcasting, anyone with a computer can sample a taste of what it is like to learn a little genealogy from Jane and Marge. Both of these dynamos have been recent guests of Lisa Louise Cooke on her Family History: Genealogy Made Easy podcast.

Part one of Lisa's interview with Jane was published today as Episode 27: Your Ancestors in the News Part 1. Part 2 will be published next Friday, May 8, 2009. I'm taking Lisa up on this suggestion:"She's a great interview and I hope you'll let your readers on the CGS blog know about it."

Lisa Louise Cooke is the producer and host of The Genealogy Gems Podcast and her blog Genealogy Gems News. Her goal is to provide fun and interesting genealogical education in a variety of mediums: audio podcasts, videos, books, online resources, daily blog and e-newsletter.

Update:
The link to Part 1 and 2 of Jane's interview can be found on Jane's bio page on Lisa's site. (Thanks for the blog link, Lisa.) The bio page for Margery Bell lists several interviews about Family History Centers. Lisa has also featured interviews with two other CGS members: Steve Danko and Cath Trindle.