Off to the NGS 2013 Family History Conference

Are you attending this year's NGS Family History Conference? It's relatively rare for the national societies to host their annual meetings in the western states so this is a great opportunity for genealogists on the left coast.

In fact, before the Salt Lake City meeting in 2010, the annual conference was last in the West in 2004 (Sacramento) and in 2001 (Portland). The Federation of Genealogical Society (FGS) was in Salt Lake City in 2005 and in Ontario, California in 2002.

I've been designated one of the conference "official bloggers" so I'll be posting reports and Tweeting (#NGS2013) from the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Among the other bloggers are fellow California Genealogical Society members Sandra Benward and Denise Levenick. Our board member Kim Cotton will also be attending.

It's become a tradition for CGS members to meet at conferences for a group photo, so if you are going and you haven't let me know yet, email me or send a message via Twitter. I've got our blue ribbons (thanks, Tim Cox!) so be sure to find me.


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

Demystifying Lineage Society Applications - June 22, 2013

Saturday, June 22, 2013
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

Are you eligible to join a lineage society? Does the process overwhelm you? Come to this informative workshop to learn:

• how to start the process
• how to organize your papers for submission 
• how much help to expect during the process

Linda Longley, Co-Historian of the California Mayflower Society, will give an overview of the resources the Mayflower offers to new applicants and what is expected from you in order to complete a Mayflower Society application. The procedures can be used for most lineage societies.

Bring your questions and you will be on your way!

SCHEDULE
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  How do I start the process?

• How much does it cost?
• What proof is needed for each generation?
• What to submit and what not to submit?
• If all else fails – how do I hire a researcher?

A case study will be presented and we will review the "help sheet" given to each applicant when they begin the process.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Questions and Answers

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a workshop to complete your papers. It is a day to clarify what is needed and how to organize your application and proof. When joining the Mayflower Society, you are responsible for researching and supplying the proof needed to complete your application.

Register online.

The class is limited to thirty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-member 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 thirty registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Linda Longley retired from a marketing career in Silicon Valley twelve years ago. She is a member of three lineage groups: General Society of Mayflower Descendants, The Colonial Dames of America and Daughters of the American Revolution, and of many genealogical and historical societies. In 1984 Linda discovered her link back to Colonial America. Since that time she has worked steadily on her family genealogy. She is the author of three articles published by The Maine Genealogist, a publication of the Maine Genealogical Society and she authored the chapter on her ancestor, Jonathan Langley, in Portraits of our Patriots: Stories of Revolutionary War Ancestors.

For the last six years, Linda has been working as one of three California Mayflower Society Co-Historians. Her latest project is researching and writing a book written as a biographical directory focused on 4-6 plus generations of the descendants of James Langley, b. ca. 1680 of Oyster River Plantation Durham, New Hampshire. Linda is a native of Maine and a resident of Burlingame, California. She was most recently the Governor of the San Francisco/Peninsula Colony of the California Mayflower Society.


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

eNews May 2013, volume 7, number 5

The May 2013 eNews, volume 7, number 5, 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.

In May, as we celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, we honor the paternal Chinese-American family of member Pamela Coville.

The LEE Sack Sam Family [standing] Oscar, age 16, Henry, 14, and May, 12; [seated] George, 22, LEE Sack Sam, 54, with Edward, 6, on his lap and CHAN Shee, 39, holding Paul, 2.

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

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

Photograph courtesy of Pam Coville.



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

Wordless Wednesday

Using DNA to Solve Your Genealogical Mysteries

Preservation Park, Oakland, California

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Photographs by Kathryn Doyle and Jane Lindsey, Oakland, California.


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

What You Missed: April 2013 Membership Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony

Members gathered on Saturday, April 13, 2013, for a special celebration of volunteerism and creativity. Volunteer Coordinator Linda Okazaki and Membership Coordinator Diana Edwards unveiled a new meeting format and started a new tradition to honor long-standing volunteers. It was a success by every measure.

Linda Okazaki and Diana Edwards added festive touches.

Most of the members in attendance arrived early at 12:00 p.m. with lunch in hand to share company and lively conversation in the Sherman Room. Beverages were provided by the board of directors.

Members shared lunch and lively conversation.

After the celebratory cake was cut and dessert finished, the festivities moved to the classroom for the program and a few words of welcome by President Jeff Vaillant. Director Tom Gesner updated members on several changes in the library, including new computers, shelving, and display racks. Tom also announced three special events planned for the fall.

Pat Bonderud accepting her "Certificate of Recognition" from President Jeff Vaillant.

Next up was the volunteer recognition part of the program. Linda Okazaki gave some statistics, "Of our more than 1000 members, 170 have contributed their time in some way to the society. Ninety-three current members are scheduled to work in 2013 and fourteen new volunteers have joined our team since January."

Honorees Marston Watson (representing his wife, Kathy), Gloria Hanson, Pat Bonderud, Barbara Hill, and Dick Rees. Honorees not in attendance: Lois Elling, Ken Haughton, Lorna Jones.

Eight individuals who have held membership for more than two decades and who continue to serve the California Genealogical Society as active volunteers were presented with certificates of recognition.

• Kathy Watson, a member for twenty years since 1993, has held a variety of roles and currently serves as chair of both the Computer and Technology Committees. Kathy was unable to attend so her husband Marston, a past board member, accepted on her behalf.
• Lois Elling, also a member for twenty years since 1993, creates every layout of the California Nugget and has designed the society's bookmarks, business cards, and branding graphics.
• Gloria Hanson, a member for twenty-one years since 1992, has held a variety of positions including Desk Duty. Gloria is well known in the society for her extensive knowledge of Norwegian genealogy. She currently volunteers in the library as a copy cataloger.
• Pat Bonderud, a member for twenty-three years since 1989, helped with the architectural design of the media room and layout of the library. Pat partners with Linda Darby as Special Projects Co-chair. The two have organized the manuscript collection and vertical files.
• Lorna Jones, a member for twenty-nine years since 1984, has worked in a variety of positions in the library. For several years she led the French-Canadian Special Interest Group.
• Barbara Hill, a member for thirty-two years since 1981, volunteers on the Library Committee and handles library acquisitions. Barbara performs monthly desk duty on Saturdays.
• Dick Rees, a member for thirty-three years since 1980, has worn many hats for the society. These days he does special project work, teaches some introductory genealogy classes, and serves on the Book Repair Committee. 
• Kenneth Haughton, a member for thirty-five years since 1978, is our member of longest standing who continues to actively serve the society. Ken served on the board of directors and was CFO for many years. He is currently an advisor to the Investment Committee.

Diana Edwards introduced the last part of the program: Preserving Your Genealogical Work Through Publishing. Displayed around the room were charts, books, articles, and other materials created by members – wonderful family treasures that will be cherished by family members for years to come.

Tim Cox served as master of ceremonies and guide as he went around the room and introduced each item on display. Tim introduced the authors/creators and described their work.

After the program members were able to browse and examine the displayed items more closely. Past-president Steve Harris gave tours of his city directory library.

Linda Okazaki proclaimed the day "a smashing success."


Photographs courtesy of Ron Madson. More of Ron's photos from the day are posted at Wordless Wednesday.

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