California Genealogical Society blog

23 March 2016

Ready to create an immersive, digital version of your family history?

Posted by Shannon Reese

Have you ever thought, "How can I create a digital, interactive version of my family history?" Then you won’t want to miss this wonderful introductory class taught by Niles Lichtenstein, co-founder and CEO of Oakland-based tech startup, The History Project (THP) on Friday, April 15^th from noon – 1pm at our library in Uptown Oakland.

Although this is our first joint collaboration, our goal is to create a future series of computer-based courses that would result in each participant walking away with their "own history project."

Our Events Coordinator, Maureen Hanlon says, “This isn't just a digital scrapbook that we’re talking about. It’s truly the opportunity to learn how to create an immersive experience for you and your family.”

Maybe you have personal prized possessions such as:

Old movies of family vacations or a cherished bar mitzvah?
Audio recording of Grandpa singing Christmas Carols?
Photos of Grandma and Mom basting the Thanksgiving turkey?
Love letters between your parents?
Old recipes passed down through the generations?

About The History Project (THP)
We help you present your family history in a new and fresh way by bringing life to your genealogy through digital storytelling. It’s about preserving your research in an innovative and progressive way that will appeal to your extended family, both young and old alike.

THP is a local company that has developed tools backed by The New York Times and the Associated Press that will help you capture and create multi-media life narratives through memories, stories and artifacts.

What are the goals of the introductory class?

Create a wonderful story of your family by unifying your online and physical assets
Import and search content from multiple sources
Publish a dynamic view of your project's content over an interactive timeline and map
Collaborate with other family and friends to create an interactive narrative that transcends generations

About the Instructor

Niles Lichtenstein is the Co-Founder and CEO of The History Project, a modern re-invention of a digital time capsule that empowers individuals and organizations to build meaningful and interactive digital narratives and memory boards.

He is a native son of the Bay Area, graduating from Berkeley High School and Harvard University. He has spent much of his life in the worlds of storytelling and technology and was recently named one of 7x7's top 20 influencers in the Bay Area for 2016.

His inspiration for creating The History Project was finding a richer and more dynamic way to capture his late father's legacy, while also engaging with his mother on archiving and curating her own remarkable narrative.

Are you ready to preserve the memories that tell your family’s story now and in the future?

*Can’t make it on the 15^th? You're in luck because this class will also be made available via a free webinar on April 22nd.

If you are unable to join us in person, there will be a follow-up online webinar on Friday April 22nd from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., which will include a Q&A session.

To participate, simply copy this link into your web browser https://join.me/thehistoryproject

Provide your name and click "knock to join." A recording of the webinar will be available online shortly thereafter.

All images courtesy of The History Project

21 March 2016

A Remembrance: Marianne Frey

Posted by Linda Okazaki

Photo from Dick Rees

Marianne Ruth Durand was born about 1936 in Maplewood, New Jersey, to Albert and Caroline Durand. Marianne attended Swarthmore College, graduating with a degree in biology in 1957. She later earned a graduate degree from Yale.

Marianne married Walter C. Frey on 2 September 1982 in Alameda County, California. They lived in Kensington, California for many years, and were avid members of the “Berkeley Folk Dancers” club. On top of her many talents, Marianne also played the oboe.

Marianne joined the California Genealogical Society in 1995. She jumped right in as a volunteer. Early in her membership, Marianne assisted with one of our “Genealogy Fairs.” Her friend, Dick Rees, recalled “I first met Marianne when I was in charge of registration for the Genealogy Fairs we used to have. Rick Sherman introduced us and Marianne immediately asked if I would like a program for my Mac that would help with the pre-registration. Would I! Not only was I amazed at the ease of using the program, I was equally amazed that someone of my generation could write a program for a computer.”

In addition to her participation in the fairs, Marianne was also on our Board of Directors as Membership Chair, she assisted with mailings, organized shelf-reading days in our library, and was a member of the Book Repair Committee. Early in her tenure, Marianne created the database for our “Look-Ups” committee and even entered most of the data. Her work ethic and dedication didn’t stop there. Marianne trained many of our volunteers in using the Library of Congress system.

Photo by Kathryn Doyle

Lavinia Schwarz said, “Marianne was here so often, helping in any way she could. She was a delight.”

Through their research at the California Genealogical Society, Marianne, Dick Rees and Lavinia Schwarz discovered that they were cousins, many times removed, through the Kitchel and Sheafe families from 15^th Century Kent, England. You can read about their discovery in this 2008 blog post by Kathryn Doyle.

"Cousins" Marianne Frey, Lavinia Schwarz, Dick Rees
Photo by Kathryn Doyle

Marianne Ruth Durand Frey passed away early this year. Her warmth and gracious work ethic will be missed.

Memorial gifts in her name may be sent to the California Genealogical Society, 2201 Broadway, LLS, Oakland CA, 94612-3031.