Salt Lake City Family History Library: Why You Should Go on Our 2018 Research Trip

by Lisa Gorrell

Have you heard? The California Genealogical Society (CGS) has scheduled its 2018 annual genealogy research trip to the Family History Library from Sunday, April 22nd to Sunday, April 29th. As the team leader for the trip, for the third year in a row, I’m especially excited to get you to come with me!  Now you’re probably asking yourself,  “Why would I want to go to the Family History Library? Isn’t it all online now?”

Advantages
So what is the real advantage of an in-person trip to the Family History Library?

• Six days of being with others who share your enthusiasm for genealogy research
• Research assistance with the leader (me) or one of the experts at the library (especially at the foreign language floors)
• Six days of distraction-free research
• Six days where you didn’t have to do household chores

Yes, it is true, that FamilySearch has been digitizing their collected records and putting images online, but they are far from putting it all online. So let’s talk about their collection:

Books 
Many of the books in their collection may never be digitized. Books that have been recently published are still under copyright laws. Even if a book is digitized, only one person can view it at a time. Your chances are greater of viewing a physical copy at the library.

Microfilm 
The plan is to digitize all of the microfilm because they are having a hard time getting blank microfilm and it is very expensive. Also the microfilm machines are getting old and it’s difficult o find parts to repair them. So digitizing the film is a win-win situation for the library. 

However, some of the original repositories where they filmed the records have not given approval for publishing the images online. So the only place you can view some “digitized” films is on computers at the library itself, or perhaps at the local family history centers. This will also include microfiche.

Now that I’ve got your attention, the next thing to think about is: 
How should you prepare for such a trip?

• Decide which ancestral lines you want to work on
• Record the localities where these families lived
• Check the FHL catalog for the records and books that are available at the library for each locality
• Some items may be available online, but if there is a “key” symbol next to the film number, that film can only be viewed at the FHL or a Family History Center.
• If you find lots of books and films you’d like to view, then it may be worthwhile to make the trip with CGS

Consultation

You can schedule a pre-trip consultation with me, Lisa Gorrell, by sending an email. I’ll also be available for consultations while we’re on the trip in Salt Lake City.

We have fun, too!

Of course, the trip isn’t just all about serious genealogy research. We have three planned group meals together, plus every day we get together for lunch and dinner at a variety of places. It’s a great time to share our successes and get help with our research issues.

To sign up for the trip, use Eventbrite. There are limited spaces, so be sure to register soon!

Copyright © 2017 by California Genealogical Society

The California State Archives - A Capital Resource for Family Researchers

An early 20^th century “mug shot” book from San Quentin Prison is just one of the
pieces of California memorabilia preserved and protected by State Archives staff.

by Kathleen Beitiks

California’s capital city of Sacramento may be all about politics, but it is also a treasure trove for genealogists.

Recently, a small group of California Genealogical Society (CGS) members showed up in the capital city for a “behind the scenes” tour of the State Archives, located in the building occupied by the Secretary of State and the California Museum.

Although the State Archives was established in 1850 primarily to house records of California state agencies, the governor's office, the state legislature, and the State Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal, it also contains many genealogical resources. It is one of the biggest archives west of the Mississippi.

CGS members pose in front of shelves of vintage books and ledgers with Archivist
Jessica Herrick (left) before exploring the stacks on the 4^th Floor of the California State Archives. 

What we experienced
Archivist Jessica Herrick told CGS members that its list of Collections & Catalogs includes photographs and some census, county, mental health, military and prison records. 

Vintage Maps are preserved in a climate-controlled
room of the California State Archives.   

In addition, there are records for Supreme and Appellate Court cases, Common School Reports, Articles of Incorporation, Trademarks, and Professional and Vocational Licensing files.

Preserving ledgers from the former Whittier State School,
established as a reform school for boys and girls in 1891,
is an ongoing project for the State Archives staff.

The 1852 state census is on hand, as well as the 1860 and 1889 Federal Censuses. County records from 1850 -1987 are housed at the Archives and include probate court case files, wills, naturalizations, deeds, homesteads and vital records for more than 20 counties.

Common School Reports (1862-1960) include school districts, student attendance figures, grades taught and names of teachers. 

The destructive cigarette beetle – otherwise known
as a “bookworm” is just one of the challenges faced by
the preservation staff at the California State Archives.

In addition to housing important documents related to the history of California, the Archives is also tasked with preserving older documents, books, maps and ephemera.

Document Preservation Technician Juan Ramos,
shows Jessica Herrick, Archivist, some of the
preservation work his staff has completed
 on an 1892 World Atlas.

Juan Ramos, Document Preservation Technician, led CGS members on a tour of the conservation lab, showing some tools of the trade. He also pointed out some of the well-intentioned, but destructive attempts at preservation in the past – cellophane tape, laminate and glue. 

Preserving documents and old books is a science and an art, says Ramos, and there are many tools available today that are more successful in keeping items intact. (Check the State Archives website for information about periodic conservation classes.)

Genealogists are welcome to visit the State Archives to do research. It is recommended that you call prior to your visit so staff members can pull any relevant records and make your research easier. Want additional information? Click here for more about the California State Archives, its mission and programs.

Photos courtesy of Kathleen Beitiks

Copyright © 2017 by California Genealogical Society