Genealogy Class: Practical tips for a successful genealogy research trip

What to expect from the class

A genealogy fact-finding trip to one's ancestral home can be extremely rewarding, but also present many challenges. Join Pam Brett for this class on successful on-site research. 

She has two goals for the class.  Pam will share tips on how to plan a trip that will help you achieve your research goals, but more importantly hopes that you will gain a new understanding of the lives of your ancestors.

About the instructor

Pam has been interested in genealogy for nearly forty years---ever since she began filling in the family tree of her first-born child's baby book. 

She was finally able to begin her family tree research in 1999.  Luckily for the rest of us, Pam's ancestors were mobile which has led to her expertise in on-site fact-finding.  She's traveled through thirty-one states and the District of Columbia. 

Why does she do it?  She naturally loves combing for records throughout the U.S. because as she states, "there are many challenges, but the rewards are priceless."

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

The class is from 10am-12pm on Saturday, January 30th at our library, located at 2201 Broadway, in uptown Oakland.  

Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited so please register early. 

Members enjoy free admission.  Non-member admission fee is $30.00* and can be applied towards a new one year CGS membership the day of the class.

We hope to see you there!

Copyright © 2016 by California Genealogical Society

You're Invited! Annual Membership & Business Meeting: Sat, Jan 23rd

Who:  Members of the California Genealogical Society

What:  Annual Membership and Business Meeting

When:  January 23, 2016 from 1:00-3:00 pm

Where:  2nd Floor Conference Room at 2201 Broadway, Oakland

What happens before the meeting?
The meeting will be preceded by a social hour and potluck lunch, so please bring a dish to share. We're providing the dessert and beverages.

Reminder:  The library will be closed to researchers from 12:00-3:00 pm.

Meeting schedule
The meeting will begin promptly at 1:00. The agenda will include annual reports from the committees, presentation of the 2016 budget, and a member vote on the proposed budget as well as the slate of nominees for the Board of Directors. 

An RSVP is desired, but not required.

                         

                      Copyright © 2016 by California Genealogical Society

Wordless Wednesday

SLIG 2016

Instructors Blaine Bettinger and Cece Moore with Linda Okazaki and Jeffrey Vaillant

Instructor Angie Bush with Jacqi Stevens and Jeffrey Vaillant


Instructor Judy Russell with Jeffrey Vaillant and Linda Okazaki

Jim Russell and Rich Kehoe

Jim Russell, Jan Brandt and Lisa Gorrell

Janice Sellers and Linda Okazaki

Linda Okazaki, Jan Brandt and Lisa Gorrell


Copyright © 2016 by California Genealogical Society

Dede Noll Muhler

Dede Noll Muhler

July 16, 1945 ~ December 11, 2015

A member of the California Genealogical Society since 2011, Dede Muhler was a devoted and beloved volunteer. She was a friendly presence who worked both at the front desk of our library and on the events committee. Library patrons and CGS members alike were drawn to her friendly nature, her infectious giggle and her warm, Arkansas accent. She helped many library patrons get started in their own genealogy with her outgoing charm and enthusiasm for family history. Dede brought a smile to everyone who knew her and she will be missed.

Her Legacy

Many remember Dede as “the woman on a bike.” She was an athlete who regularly rode her bike to and from CGS (and everywhere else, for that matter). She was an avid golfer, hiker, and world traveler, as well as a devoted mother, grandmother, wife and sister.

Dede was also an eager genealogist who was quick to help others. She was a lifelong learner who graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1968—the same year that she married William Muhler. Since joining the California Genealogical Society, Dede took many classes to enhance her own genealogical research. 

Early Life

Mary Lynn Noll was born on 16 July 1945, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was nicknamed “Dede” by her older sister, who was a toddler at the time. The name suited her and that’s how she was known throughout her life.

Her parents were Willis Westbrook Noll and Vera Sue McCord. Willis was born 19 September 1907 to Sherwood Isaiah Noll and Willa Westbrook; he died 14 June 1951. Vera was born 14 October 1907 to James P. McCord and Sue F. McClure; she died 13 April 1967.

Memorial service

A memorial service will be held January 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Oakland Center Spiritual Living. Additional details can be found in her obituary, which was published January 3 in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Copyright © 2016 by California Genealogical Society

Help us reach our Annual Appeal goal

We need your help to achieve our goal

The Annual Appeal for the California Genealogical Society has raised 64 percent — $8,000 — of its $12,500 goal.  Please help us reach 100%.

"So far, 95 members have contributed $8,000.  It’s wonderful to see the large number of donors from our committed membership,” said current Treasurer Kathie Jones.

Why is the money needed?

Membership fees only cover 40% of our operating expenses; most of the rest comes from special events and tax-deductible donations from members like you.

Kathie Jones stated, "Real estate in the San Francisco Bay area is incredibly expensive and as such, our rent (although reasonable by Bay Area standards) consumes 68% of our budget."

Our library, with thousands of volumes, is one of the premiere genealogy libraries on the West Coast, and is one of the main reasons that many of you joined the society.

Jones became the Treasurer this past year and has enjoyed the challenges of the job, as well as the camaraderie of her fellow volunteers.  "All of our volunteers tend to wear multiple hats, which contributes to the feeling of commitment that's apparent whenever you visit our library", she said.


2016 Goals

This year, the goal was set at $12,500 - $2,500 more than last year’s target to help us continue offering quality trips and speakers for you.




President Linda Harms Okazaki sent a letter to all members in November explaining, "In order to ensure that our society remains a leader in the genealogy field (in just over 2 years we'll reach our 120th anniversary), your help is needed."

The appeal helps support both our library and research services, which in turn has created our community of committed genealogy volunteers and members.

"We want to thank those who have already donated, plus get out a reminder that now's the time to get a 2015 tax-deduction by making a donation before year-end," says Okazaki.

In 2016 we are hosting a research trip to Washington D.C., in addition to our annual trip to Salt Lake City and our biennial trip to Boston.  Other near-term goals include hosting nationally and internationally recognized speakers, and giving back to the genealogy community by participating in indexing projects.

You make it all possible

Linda says, “So much has happened over the last few years in the world of genealogy and yet we’ve continued to move forward, especially in the last year.  Your support and commitment is the cornerstone of our success."


Please donate today.

You make our success possible.

Thank you.

Copyright © 2015 by California Genealogical Society