California Genealogical Society blog

04 January 2013

Announcing the 13th Annual Salt Lake City Research Tour April 14-21, 2013

Posted by Kathryn Doyle

Join CGS for a week of intensive research and lots of fun!

Past-president Jane Lindsey is leading the thirteenth annual California Genealogical Society Salt Lake City Tour to the Family History Library from Sunday to Sunday, April 14–21, 2013. Research Director Nancy Peterson will return to help lead this very popular trip.

Accommodations will be at the Shilo Inn, located three blocks from the Family History Library. The Shilo provides free high-speed internet access in every room.

The trip cost is $762 per person, double occupancy OR $1074 for a single room (airfare not included). A deposit of $200 holds one space.

The Tour Package includes:

Hotel room – 7 nights, double occupancy
Shuttle service to and from airport
Three group dinners (Sun., Wed., and Sat.)
Daily continental breakfast
Orientation and lectures
Computer assistance using the online catalog at FamilySearch.org and other websites
Optional consultation prior to the trip

Download the tour flier for restrictions and full information.

Video created by Kathleen Jones and Shannon Reese.

01 January 2013

eNews January 2013, volume 7, number 1

Posted by Kathryn Doyle

The January 2013 eNews, volume 7, number 1, 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 we honor the Dartt Brothers of Mendocino, family of CGS member Nyla Urch-Dartt.

The Dartt Brothers:

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

The February 2013 issue will be emailed on January 31, 2013. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Nyla Urch-Dartt.

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

31 December 2012

A Message from President Jeff

Posted by Kathryn Doyle

California Genealogical Society President Jeffrey Vaillant sent these words of appreciation.

Members and Friends:

There is a great deal to be thankful for as 2012 winds to a close. We are appreciative of our loyal members, numbering almost 1150, and for the many volunteers who devote time, energy, and talent to the California Genealogical Society.

Volunteers serve the society through program committees including:

Book Repair

Desk and Patron Services

Education and In-house Programs

Events

Finance

Investments

Library Services

Manuscript collections

Membership,

Outreach

Publications and Marketing

Research & Look-ups

Strategic Planning

Technology

Website

This long lists translates to more than 100 volunteers and thousands of volunteer hours per year.

The highlights from the year are a long list and at the risk of overlooking some people here are a few: The Library had its great migration with the addition of shelving and hundreds of books while removing non genealogical materials. The blog celebrated its fifth year of publications. New videos were produced and posted at the website. Successful field trips were held both locally and out of state. Our relationship with the Family History Center flourished. Many hundreds of people attended classes at the Library. Books were repaired on a regular basis. Desk duty responsibilities were covered allowing the Library to be open to members and visitors.

So THANK YOU for being a member and interested person in the California Genealogical Society. We hope you have a wonderful finish to 2012 and look forward as we do to 2013!!

Sincerely,
Jeffrey Vaillant, President

28 December 2012

Black History Month Panel Discussion – Saturday, February 23, 2013

Posted by Kathryn Doyle

Saturday, February 23, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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

The California Genealogical Society (CGS) is partnering with the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC) to present a Black History Month panel discussion. Felicia Addison, Annette Madden, Vernester Sheeler, Nicka Smith, and Jackie Stewart are members of both societies. They will be discussing genealogy research in their respective home states: South Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi. The panel will share some of the challenges they have faced and how they overcame them, including the use of DNA. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a strategy session.

The panel session 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 of the event.

Register online.

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.

Copyright © 2012 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

27 December 2012

Genealogy Writing Series Begins Saturday, February 16, 2013

Posted by Kathryn Doyle

The California Genealogical Society will present an encore of our popular series Writing Your Family History: Start Now. By the end of the course, you will be ready to start writing, or will be already writing, a family history with confidence and style!

Who Should Take this Course?
This course is for genealogists and family historians who are ready to transform their research into a quality family history.

Course Details
This course will meet for a five-hour session one Saturday a month at the library in the Learning Center. Class size is limited to twelve participants. All sessions are on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with one hour break for lunch.

The course will provide participants with all the information and assistance needed to get started on writing a family history. The course includes

a copy of the class text Producing a Quality Family History
helpful course materials organized in a binder
step-by-step instruction in organizing and writing your history
a variety of lecturers on topics to expand on reading assignments
experienced instructors
editing and writing help

Session dates:

Saturday, February 16, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013

The course has been created by a team of dedicated volunteers – Matt Berry, Tim Cox, Lisa Gorrell and Jane Hufft – who have different and complementary skills.

Fee $100*
Non-members $125

Registration Requirements

Attendance is required at all five sessions.
There is no registration for individual sessions.
Participants must be willing to commit a reasonable amount of time to the homework assignments, which consist of reading assigned chapters in the provided text and working on individual writing projects.

Last year's course filled very quickly, so please register now!

*All course fees are non-refundable.