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29 May 2019

Grant Din: Uncovering Asian American history from the Transcontinental Railroad to the Titanic


It’s been a busy month for local genealogist Grant Din. In addition to the usual flurry of events marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, this year marked the 150th anniversary of theTranscontinental Railroad—a monumental undertaking built largely by Chinese laborers. Din was among those who gathered in Promontory, Utah, on May 10 for the sesquicentennial celebration. “It was just exciting to be a part of it,” he said.

Grant Din
Din joined others of Chinese descent for a group photograph at the site where a ceremonial golden spike marked the joining of the Central and Union Pacific railroads on May 10, 1869. It was part of a years-long movement of Asian Americans reclaiming their history. In the official photos taken at Promontory Point on May 10, 1869, Chinese faces are nowhere to be seen. The Chinese contributions were also dismissed at the 100th anniversary celebration in 1969. At that event, Philip Choy, president of the Chinese Historical Society, was bumped from the official festivities by the arrival of a surprise guest, John Wayne; and U. S. Secretary of Transportation John Volpe lauded the building of the railroad with these words: “Who else but Americans could chisel through miles of solid granite?” This year, the Transportation Secretary was Elaine Chao and featured speakers included Bay Area historian Connie Young Yu, who proclaimed, “I am a descendant of a Chinese railroad worker, an American, speaking about American history.” 
Grant Din (far right by post) and others at the 150th anniversary celebration of the Transcontinental Railroad. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times
Uncovering the hidden past is a slow and ongoing process, but that’s the nature of genealogy and history. Din, who formerly worked as community resources director for the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, is an experienced genealogist whose specialties include research into “paper sons” and “paper daughters,” Chinese who came to America under assumed names and identities: it was the only way to get around the restrictive immigration policy dictated by the Chinese Exclusion Act, which held sway from 1882 until World War II.

Din’s detective skills led to recent work as a consultant for “The Six,” a documentary about six Chinese workers who survived the 1912 Titanic disaster. The film by Arthur Jones and Steven Schwankert, currently in production, looks into the fate of six Chinese workers who survived the 1912 Titanic disaster. All were experienced seamen. When they booked steerage class on the ill-fated ocean liner they were on their way to meet another ship, the Annetta, which would carry them to the Caribbean to work on fruit ships. Eight Chinese nationals boarded the Titanic in April 1912. Two of them, Len Lam and Lee Ling, are thought to have perished along with more than 1,500 other victims lost after the ship hit an iceberg and sank. The other six made it out alive. But instead of being brought ashore and sheltered at New York with other survivors, they were promptly transferred to the Annetta, which departed within 24 hours. What little mention they received in the New York press was derogatory; it was widely reported that the men had dressed as women, pushed children aside, or hidden like stowaways in order to get on the lifeboats—all completely false allegations. And then the trail goes cold.

"The Six" (Facebook)
“They couldn’t enter the U.S. because of the Chinese Exclusion Act,” said Din. “And because of the Exclusion Act, no one wanted to talk about it.” The filmmakers found one man from the Midwest who was told after his father’s death that his father had been on the Titanic. Din and other researchers followed obscure clues, making their way through a web of different names and changing identities to try to determine if this story was true, and to bring the survivors’ stories to light and to find their descendants. The crew of international researchers shared information via Skype, at one point conferring weekly. The project, Din said, was “probably the most fun I’ve had in genealogical work besides my own family.” And with the stories they uncovered and the family connections forged by the researchers, a bit more human history comes to light.

To view a trailer for "The Six," click here.

Copyright © 2019 by California Genealogical Society

10 October 2013

Spotlight Series: Events Committee

Seated front: Therese Hart-Pignotti, Jane Lindsey, Geri Willinger. Standing back: Rich Kehoe, Debbie Mascot, Ron Madson, Sandy Fryer, Lynne Dory, Linda Okazaki, Todd Armstrong, Diana Edwards

“Awesome.” “Committed.” “Efficient but fun.” This is how the members of the Events Committee describe their team. For anyone not familiar with their work, the Events Committee is responsible for planning all in-house classes and workshops – everything from picking topics, arranging speakers, obtaining speaker photos, biographies and lecture handouts, setting up online registration, sending reminders and follow-up evaluations, and setting up the classroom on the day of the event. They arrange the field trips to archives and libraries and other places of local interest for genealogists. The committee also oversees our Special Events and Tours, for example the research trip to Family History Library in Salt Lake City. These are the primary fund-raisers for the society which pay the lion’s share of the rent for the library.

This amazing diversity of efforts on behalf of the organization is accomplished by a fairly small group of members who make this their way of giving back. Committee member Debbie Mascot exemplifies this point of view, “I find that I get more out of a society if I put more in. It’s my way to give back just a little and show how much I value CGS.”

The Events Committee members are: Diana Edwards (membership liaison), Lynne Dory (Saturday in-house events), Rich Kehoe (both Saturday events and maintaining the calendar), Debbie Mascot (fliers), Jane Lindsey, Sandy Fryer, Geri Willinger (field trips), Therese Hart-Pignotti, and Erin Kelleher-Wees (registration, reminders, evaluations, etc. for special events and tours – with Tim Cox as consultant).

One of the most important roles of the committee is creating the public ‘face’ of our organization. The committee works between the membership and the public to bring them together in a way that enhances knowledge and familiarizes the larger community both about the society and about genealogy. People who otherwise would never have heard of the California Genealogical Society not only discover its existence but get an immediate demonstration of the value of belonging to this organization. Members of the public who come to events at the library or to Special Events such as Ancestry Day not only discover that there is a local association of people who share their interests in genealogy but also that CGS offers them the benefits of being part of an active organization dedicated to enhancing the skills of its membership. Committee member Sandy Fryer says: “Events are a big draw for people joining CGS. It is satisfying to work on something that members are so interested in.”

This year’s upcoming special events are a great example of outreach to the public. Here is a barebones look at each event and the people responsible for them in order of their appearance. And don’t forget that this list of committee members is truly the tip of the iceberg; dozens more volunteer their time to make these events a success.

Their Roots Are Showing! [October 26, 2013 at the Del Valle Theater in Walnut Creek]: Therese Hart-Pignotti (Chair), Shannon Reese, Kathie Jones, Linda Okazaki, Rich Kehoe, Ellen Fernandez-Sacco, Todd Armstrong and a group of researchers. In the manner of the TV show Who Do You Think You Are, three Bay Area celebrities will learn about their family history, members will be on hand to answer questions, and a Silent Auction will be held.

Ancestry Day San Francisco [November 9, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Francisco]: Jane Lindsey (Chair), Kathleen Beitiks and Tim Cox (co-Chairs); Cathy Paris, syllabus lay-out. An exciting day of genealogy filled with lectures and presentations as well as a chance to hear advice from the experts.

You will hear a lot more about these events in the coming weeks but, if you’re like most people, you won’t think about the amount of planning and behind-the-scenes work that goes into producing even one of these events. By the way, if you did stop and think about the backstage work, and you felt really excited about doing this kind of work, then the Events Committee would like to hear from you right away! However, even if taking on the organization and planning of a major event isn’t your cup of tea, Committee Chair Jane Lindsey makes sure that all committee members have a role that is manageable. She says “People find that when they are able to give, even just a little bit of their time, they get an amazing amount back. They feel more connected to the organization and freer to ask questions. They realize they are part of a bigger organization. I have tried hard to find manageable jobs for people who are interested in helping but work full time or have other heavy commitments.“ Debbie Mascot wholeheartedly agrees: “When Jane asked me to help with fliers, I realized that despite my full time work, my two young children, and all my other volunteer work, that this was something I actually could do. I am thankful to Jane for finding a spot for me at CGS.”

Besides the Special Events, the regular Saturday in-house classes and presentations offer numerous opportunities for members to increase their skills in genealogical research and to hear from experts about topics of interest to them. Most classes are free to members but cost a $20 fee for non-members. Jane reports that she has heard people saying to non-members that they really should join CGS; “they have such great classes available FREE to members.” Lynne Dory, a fairly new member and one of the organizers of the Saturday classes, says: “I like volunteering because I meet new people who share a love of genealogy. I get to exercise my brain in doing things outside my normal sphere of activity. I get to participate in the events we produce. I get to give back and make a difference. I enjoy being part of a team.”

When asked if there was anything unique about the people who volunteer for the Events Committee, Jane said: “I’m not sure there are any unique characteristics. Some people are outgoing, others are organized and efficient, and still others are creative. I think each member brings something helpful to the committee and they all mesh together to make a good committee.” Members’ reasons for joining are varied but there is a common thread of wanting to give back, to meet new people and to learn from the experience.

Planning for 2014 will be underway shortly and there are lots of opportunities for anyone who would like to experience the satisfaction of being part of this enthusiastic working group. The group makes it as easy as possible to participate by holding regular monthly meetings by phone. Email Jane Lindsey to get started.

Photograph courtesy of Jane Knowles Lindsey, 9/12/2013.

Copyright © 2013 by Marie Trelevean, California Genealogical Society and Library.

07 August 2009

Tip of the Iceberg Poster – Buy Three Get One Free!

It was in March of this year that I first reported on the "Tip of the Iceberg" idea that developed during a casual conversation between CGS member volunteers Lisa Gorrell and Tim Cox. Lisa asked her daughter Elizabeth to create a graphic image and the project snowballed after Dick Eastman mentioned it in his online newsletter.

Tim followed up and had a poster created which was unveiled at the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree in June.

Now Tim has sent word that the "Tip of the Iceberg" posters are available by mail order.

The charge for a single 11 x 17 poster is $13.00, including tax and postage. The poster is mailed in a protective cardboard tube.

Up to four posters can be mailed in one tube so the society is offering these price breaks:

Two posters – $23.00, including tax and postage.

Three posters – $33.00, including tax and postage plus one free poster!

Send request, including payment to:
The California Genealogical Society and Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, CA 94612-3031

Thanks for helping us spread this vital message.

29 July 2009

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday
July Membership Meeting
Tim Cox and the "Tip of the Iceberg" Poster


Photograph by Kathryn M Doyle, 7/11/2009, Oakland, California.

13 July 2009

What You Missed: July Membership Meeting with Steve Danko

This month's second Saturday membership meeting on July 11, 2009, was a high tech show-and-tell by CGS member Steve Danko. Genealogist, blogger and specialist in Eastern European research, Steve recently earned his Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies (PLCGS) with specialties in both United States and Canadian records from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies in Toronto.




After some society business by CGS President Jane Lindsey and the unveiling of the new iceberg poster by Tim Cox, Steve presented Genealogy Gadgets and Gizmos: New Technology to Help in Your Research. He brought along lots of his favorite genealogy toys for a grown-up version of "show and tell." Tim got a shot of the collection of electronic devices that Steve brought to share.



Steve's Genealogy Gadgets and Gizmos.

Any regular reader of Steve's blog knows that he is one organized guy so it was no surprise that his presentation was well-ordered and his delivery crisp. Steve divided his gadgets into different categories of "family history" aides: gizmos for learning, for "finding your way," for recording, preserving, presenting and even "dressing for family history."


Steve and the 2GB Pulse SmartPen.

I won't go into detail about the items that Steve presented. He covered an impressive amount of technological gear and I don't even want to think about how he keeps track of all those power cords.


Steve spoke to a full house.

Needless to say, Steve's use of audio-visual aides gets an A+. (He even brought his own InFocus portable projector.) If you missed Steve you'll get another chance next year when he'll be presenting Genealogy Gadgets and Gizmos to the San Mateo County Genealogical Society on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.


Photographs courtesy of Tim Cox and Kathryn Doyle, 7/11/2009, Oakland, California.

10 July 2009

Tim's Report from Jamboree 2009

Tim Cox sent this report from last month's Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree:

I planned my vacation around this year’s 40th Anniversary Jamboree, June 26-28, 2009. It was my first genealogy conference and I was so excited I decided to arrive a day early and to stay an extra night to catch up on my rest before heading home. Wise move on my part, I really needed it!

Before going, I followed the Jamboree blog that Paula Hinkel publishes – she and Leo Myers co-chair the event. One blog post was a call for volunteers to introduce the seminar speakers. I'd heard that classes fill up quickly so I figured if I was arriving early to introduce the speaker, I’d be guaranteed a seat. I responded with a list of the classes I wanted to attend and received confirmation for fifteen. WHEW!! I had my classes confirmed and would be introducing some of my genealogy idols! WOW! This was going to be so much fun!

Friday morning I arrived at the exhibit hall, found table #114 – among the sea of tables all draped with black linen – and sat down and looked around the huge room. The California Genealogical Society table was placed against one wall. To our right was the Immigrant Genealogical Society; to our left was lecturer Tony Burroughs who was a sharing with the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. Directly across was Ancesty.com and Family Roots Publishing with Leland Meitzler and Bill Dollarhide – a perfect high-traffic area.

Then it happened! Genealogy celebraties were coming in to set up their tables: Maureen Taylor, Lisa Louise Cooke, Leland Meitzler, Bill Dollarhide, Arlene Eakle, George G. Morgan, Dick Eastman, Dear Myrtle, Drew Smith. One by one they walked by. I was in heaven but I was way too nervous to say anything so I just took photos. It was still early and the exhibit hall was not open yet. I was in awe! These are accomplished genealogists! I’m in the company of these people. Call 911!

Luckily I snapped out of it so we could set up our table. We had membership brochures, fliers of some upcoming events and research trips, assorted candy, and books for sale. We also debuted the Tip of the Iceberg poster.


Tim Cox and the "Tip of the Iceberg" at Jamboree.

Diagonally from our table was the New England Historic Genealogical Society. It was really weird to see Chris Child and Michael Leclerc in person because we had their photos on the fliers for the upcoming "NEHGS Comes West" weekend at CGS in October.

Over the three days these CGS members rotated shifts to cover the table: Carolyn Steinberg, Kathryn Doyle, Ron Filion, Pamela Storm, Marston Watson, Geri Willinger, and Arlene Folker. I’m so glad they shared part of their weekend with me.

Introducing the speakers turned out to be a lot of fun. I was surprised to learn that there was more than just a short bio – they gave us a page and a half of ads to read, in addition to the speaker’s bio! I finally started asking the audience to participate and evidently they loved it. I found out I received several great reviews on the evaluation cards.

As it turned out, I didn’t do all the introductions I was assigned because some SCGS board members wanted to do some. That freed me up to shop, mingle, and visit. I realized after the first day that there was no way I could sit in class all day and not be able to network.

I attended the two Jamboee dinners. Friday night I enjoyed listening to Tukufu Zuberi from the PBS series: History Detectives. Saturday night's speaker was David Rencher who discussed the comical side of genealogy.

In all, the conference had over 1,500 attendees, from as far away as Tel Aviv. I was in awe at how well it was planned, managed and executed! Leo Myers and Paula Hinkel and the Southern California Genealogical Society really know how to put on a great event.

What was most interesting, though, was a personal choice I made. Instead of just passively attending classes and working at the table, I made a point of introducing myself and meeting people. I knew them already through the internet and podcasts, blogs, mailing lists, and other networking sites, I just hadn't ever met them face-to-face. This made my first conference so much better because I didn't feel alone or like I didn’t know anyone. So, if you are not sure about going to a conference because you think you don’t know anyone, you’re wrong. You know a lot of people there, you just haven’t met them face to face!

Maybe sometime in the near future I can work with someone to begin the discovery process of organizing a conference up here in Northern California. It will take us a few years to match the excellence of the Jamboree '09, but we can come pretty darn close! Anyone up for the challenge?

06 July 2009

CGS Iceberg Poster on YouTube

Tim Cox just let me know about Lisa Louise Cooke's Genealogy Gems Jamboree video discussion with Randy Seaver of the Genea-Musings blog. At the end of Randy's Interview he mentions the CGS iceberg poster and Lisa includes a visual of the poster.

Thanks Randy and Lisa!



The complete catalog of Lisa's videos can be viewed at Genealogy Gems on YouTube.

24 June 2009

"Tip of the Iceberg" Poster Debuts at Jamboree!

Back in March I reported on an idea based on a conversation between CGS members Lisa Gorrell and Tim Cox that turned into a wonderful graphic designed by Lisa's daughter Elizabeth Gorrell.

The "Tip of the Iceberg" graphic went viral after it was picked up by Dick Eastman who quoted Lisa's wish:

What would be nice is to have a poster of it in every research facility – especially those with computers – to remind them that so little of their research will be found on the internet.

Thanks to the efforts of Tim Cox, Lisa's dream has become a reality and the "Tip of the Iceberg" poster will make its debut on Friday at the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree.

Tim informs me that an 11 x 17 full color poster will be available at Jamboree for only $10, including taxes and a protective cardboard tube, at the California Genealogical Society and Library table #114. Tim, Carolyn Steinberg and I will be staffing the table with some other CGS members so please stop by and see us. And consider purchasing a poster to donate to your local public library!


27 March 2009

Internet Genealogy – It's Just the Tip of the Iceberg

CGS member Lisa Gorrell allowed me to share this fantastic graphic created by her daughter Elizabeth.


The idea sprang from a conversation at the society between Lisa and fellow CGS-member, Tim Cox. They were remembering the "old days" before the internet and Lisa was commenting that most of her work had been done the "hard way." She explains:

During the conversation I casually said that researching on the Internet was like the tip of an iceberg – that there was so much more out there in libraries, courthouses, cemeteries, etc. Tim thought a graphic would be an excellent way to explain the idea.

At Tim's urging Lisa decided to pursue the idea of a graphic and took the idea to her daughter Elizabeth, a sophomore studying Art and Graphic Design at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. Lisa reports that Elizabeth had fun with the concept and the result speaks for itself.

Lisa and Tim discussed using the graphic as a fundraiser for the society. Lisa shared this idea:

What would be nice is to have a poster of it in every research facility – especially those with computers – to remind them that so little of their research will be found on the internet.

I was so impressed with the outcome of this meeting of CGS minds that I asked if I could share it on the blog. Any suggestions out there for ways to spread the word and use the graphic? Please leave a comment.

Elizabeth Gorrell obviously has a bright future. Great job, Tim, Lisa and Elizabeth!

Graphic reprinted with permission of Elizabeth and Lisa Gorrell.