Friday, September 30, 2011

LUNCH break - La Bou Bakery and Cafe or Brown Bag

Those of you who have attended Family History Day in the past are familiar with the surrounding area and what is available.for lunch - not much and nothing too close by.  On a Saturday in downtown where we are at, there are few choices. 

However,  with the help of the California State Archives, La Bou Bakery and Cafe at the corner of 11th and "O" Streets has generously agreed to be open from 9am to 2pm on the 15th of October. They are typically closed on Saturdays. So make sure that you thank them if you go over there for your lunch or for a break.

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating.
  
The menu will include soups, salads, and sandwiches.  Beverages will include espresso drinks, coffee, teas, and bottled drinks.  They may have a limited assortment of desserts. 

They will not be open before our event starts but you will not be able to bring any drinks or food upstairs to the 4th floor anyway. 

Of course La Bou Bakery and Cafe is our first choice for lunch. However, you may prefer to brown bag it. Just keep in mind that you cannot eat in the Archives builidng above the lobby. Take a break in the lobby area where there are limited seats or in the courtyard. 

Sacramento Regional Family History Center, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the Sacramento Regional Family History Center as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The wonderful world of genealogy is waiting for you at the Sacramento Regional Family History Center. The Center contains thousands of books. The collection is composed of family histories, dictionaries, how-to-do-books, major American and foreign reference materials, U.S. federal census indexes, local histories, printed parish and town records, and other typical archival records. The Center has free online access to the following internet sites:
  • 19th Century British Library Newspapers Digital Archive
  • Newspaper Archives
  • Alexander Street Press – American Civil War Research Data
  • Ancestry.com
  • FindMyPast
  • Fold3 (formerly Footnote)
  • The Genealogist
  • Genline Family Finder
  • Godfrey Memorial Library
  • Heritage Quest Online
  • Historic Map Works Library Edition
  • Paper Trail
  • World Vital Records
Volunteer staff are ready to help direct you to the extensive resources held there. In addition to the library's collections, free genealogical classes and research assistance is available to the public. You can register for the classes at the Center or call 487-2090. Here is a summary of what's available:
  • Family history research classes, afternoons and evenings
  • Research assistance from the Sacramento German Genealogical Society
  • Online Research Classes through the Family History Library
  • Writer's Workshop
SAVE THE DATE!
Family History Seminar
Saturday, November 5, 2011
8:30 am-3:45 pm

Stop by our exhibit at Family History Day and let us tell you more about the genealogical resources available at the Sacramento Regional Family History Center and the upcoming seminar.

Sacramento Regional Family History Center
2745 Eastern Avenue
Sacramento, California
Phone: (916) 487-2090
Hours
Monday 10am—4:00pm (New!)
Tuesday 10am—9:00pm
Wednesday 10am—6:30pm
Thursday 10am—9:00pm
Friday 10am—4:00pm

 

 

 

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Tea Gowns and Knickers at Family History Day

Who will be wearing this cute little number to Family History Day 2011?

                                           
What will you be wearing?  Something from the 1700's, 1800's, 1900's? Try to get into character (not you are a character!) and just have more fun while attending genealogy classes!!  You will not be the only person in period costume.

United Daughters of the Confederacy, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the United Daughters of the Confederacy as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy is the outgrowth of many local memorial, monument, and Confederate home associations and auxiliaries to camps of United Confederate Veterans that were organized after the War Between the States. It is the oldest patriotic organization in our country because of its connection with two statewide organizations that came into existence as early as 1890 -- the Daughters of the Confederacy in Missouri and the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Confederate Soldiers Home in Tennessee.

Membership is open to women no less than 16 years of age who are blood descendants, lineal or collateral, of men and women who served honorably in the Army, Navy or Civil Service of the Confederate States of America, or gave Material Aid to the Cause.

The objectives of the organization are Historical, Educational, Benevolent, Memorial and Patriotic to:
  • Collect and preserve the material necessary for a truthful history of the War Between the States and to protect, preserve, and mark the places made historic by Confederate valor
  • Assist descendants of worthy Confederates in securing a proper education
  • Fulfill the sacred duty of benevolence toward the survivor of the War and those dependent upon them
  • Honor the memory of those who served or fell in the service of the Confederate States of America
  • Record the part played during the War by Southern women
  • Cherish the ties of friendship among the members of the Organization
Genealogical Resources
  • The United Daughters of the Confederacy collects and preserves rare books, documents, diaries, letters, personal records, and other papers of historical importance relating to the period 1861 to 1865. The Caroline Meriwether Goodlett Library is the repository for these items.
  • The Helen Walpole Brewer Library was established in 1996 through a generous bequest of the late Helen Walpole Brewer. It contains microfilm copies of the National Archives Compiled Confederate Service Records and a limited number of regimental histories, family histories, pension records, and cemetery records.
  • The libraries are open to United Daughters of the Confederacy members and non-members by appointment. Both libraries are located at the UDC Memorial Building, 328 North Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220-4009, (804) 355-1636.
The Fort Sumter Chapter is excited to be part of Family History Day. We look forward to talking to you about our organization, membership and library.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Joy Fisher, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome Joy Fisher as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Joy Fisher is an Engineer by training and has been using computers for nearly 50 years. She became interested in genealogy four decades ago. Searching for ways to use the computer to assist in doing genealogical research, she became a sysop [administrator of a computer bulletin board] for a genealogy bulletin board back in the early 1980's.  She began translating and transcribing Russian church records in the early 1990's. These records were uploaded to an experimental server and made available via FTP (before the age of browsers).

Joy was on the Kentucky (KY) mailing list when Jeff Murphy announced his small Muhlenberg County web site and USGenWeb was born. She started web sites for two KY counties soon after and has been part of USGenWeb ever since.  She is the founder of SDGENWEB, the South Dakota state pages for USGenWeb, and maintains several county web sites in Illinois, South and North Dakota.

Since its inception in 1996, Joy has been a part of the USGenWeb Archives. The Archives has steadily grown from a few text documents to almost 2 million text files and over 5 million photographs and document images.  She can be reached by email

Joy Fisher will be presenting an Introduction to the USGenWeb Archives.  Learn about this all volunteer managed website of public records transcribed and made accessible by county and state.  Records vary by state but typically include transcriptions of such records as census, marriage bonds, wills, obits, and tombstones.  Images are also available such as maps and penny postcards.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Placer County Genealogical Society, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the Placer County Genealogical Society as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The Placer County Genealogical Society was founded in 1980 to encourage an active interest in the study of genealogy and related interests by its members and the general public.

The Society's objectives are to:
  • Instruct and educate members and the general public in the use of genealogical research techniques and procedures.
  • Preserve public and private records, and to publish books, bulletins and newsletters relating to family history and genealogy.
  • Assist in the enhancement of the Auburn-Placer County Library Genealogical Department.
The Placer County Genealogical Society is an active organization featuring many activities including:
  • General membership meetings with an educational program held at the Auburn-Placer County Library Beecher Room, 350 Nevada Street in Auburn
  • Study group sessions
  • Family Tree Maker User Group; a free annual spring seminar; genealogy section at the Auburn-Placer County Library; monthly newsletter; research services and indexing and extraction projects of Placer County records; and publications.
Please stop by our exhibit at Family History Day and let us help you find your Placer County ancestors.

Placer County Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 7385
Auburn, California 95604
Voice Mail (866) 894-2076

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Old Sacramento Schoolhouse, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum is a learning center that allows students of all ages to explore California's early days of education. Located in the Capital City's historic Old Sacramento area, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum is a living replica of traditional one-room schoolhouses found throughout America in the late 1800s.

Costumed schoolmarms and school masters are available to tell about school life in 19th century California, and sometimes even lead visitors in a lesson. The one-room replica schoolhouse, established in 1977 by community volunteers, features a pot-bellied stove, vintage student desks and other furnishings typical of the period.  The design and contents closely match those of the one-room Canon School, built in 1884 to serve students in the Northern California community of Brooks in the Capay Valley, located in Yolo County.

We look forward to talking to you at Family History Day.  Learn about the information on the schools that were in Sacramento county and surrounding areas as well as some notes we have on teachers and class photos. Once in a while someone contacts the Old Schoolhouse for information on a family member who either taught or attended one of these schools, and we have been able to provide some missing pieces to their family puzzle.  We can help with your research also!

The Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum is open most weekdays and weekends to the general public, and weekdays by appointment for school field trips.

Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
1200 Front Street (at L Street)
Sacramento, California
(916) 483-8818

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Linda R. Lucky, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome Linda R. Lucky as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

While Linda and her husband, Ed, have been the Directors of the Sacramento Regional Family History Center for over two years, Linda has been actively engaged in family history research for nearly 30 years. Her “cemetery” tours have taken her to England, Scotland, Utah, Idaho, and deep into the Louisiana swamps. She has taken her ancestral research back eight generations from the United States to Scotland, England, and Denmark.  Linda is a direct-line descendant of the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies of 1856 and is a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

Linda completed the National Genealogical Society (NGS) American Genealogy: Home Study Course in 2003.  In addition, she has completed all classes required for the Family History Certificate offered through Brigham Young University and is currently working on her certification from the Board of Certified Genealogists and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family History.  Linda still works full time but often consults to help others link their families together.  She is a frequent speaker at the Sacramento Regional Family History Center and surrounding genealogy societies.  She is also a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, NGS, SVGHS, and Winn Parish (Louisiana) Genealogical Society.  Family History is her PASSION!

Linda R. Lucky will be presenting What’s New at FamilySearch.org?  FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. For over 100 years, FamilySearch has been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide. With nearly a billion searchable historical records, the new FamilySearch.org offers amazing possibilities for furthering your research. This class will spotlight tips and hints for making the most of this FREE website.

Friday, September 23, 2011

NOW AVAILABLE - Class Schedule and more!

Have you noticed the Tabs at the top of the homepage of the blog?  (Email subscribers can hop over to the homepage by clicking on the title of this blog post "NOW AVAILABLE....".)

Click on the Tabs to access these helpful documents for Family History Day.  They are Google Docs and should be easily viewed and printed.
  • FHD Flyer
  • Class Schedule, subject to change but we hope not
  • Class Descriptions, condensed from the blog posts
  • Exhibitor List
See you and a friend on October 15, 2011!

Katherine Hope Borges, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome Katherine Hope Borges as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Katherine Hope Borges is the Co-Founder and Director of The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG), which promotes and educates about genetic genealogy.  ISOGG has grown to over 8,000 members in 66 countries.

Through ISOGG, Katherine has increased professional standards in the practice, research, and discussion of relevant issues in DNA testing, interpretation, and ethics. She organized a speakers bureau and has given many presentations on genetic genealogy to groups across the United States and in the United Kingdom. She administers several surname, regional, and haplogroup DNA projects.

Katherine Hope Borges will be presenting two classes: I've DNA Tested, Now What, Part 1 and Part 2. This two-part class will answer your questions about what steps to take next, what the results mean, what projects you should join, and more.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Melinda Kashuba, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome Melinda Kashuba as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.
Melinda Kashuba holds a PhD in Geography from the University of California, Los Angeles.  She is a popular lecturer and author of Walking with Your Ancestors: a Genealogist’s Guide to Using Maps and Geography (Family Tree Books, 2005) plus numerous articles in genealogical magazines and other publications. Her specialties include nineteenth and twentieth century American records and maps.  She performs genealogical research for clients and is a member of the National Genealogical Society, the Association of Professional Genealogists, California State Genealogical Alliance, and the Shasta County Genealogical Society.
Melinda possesses archival, library and courthouse research experience throughout California, Nevada, and Hawaii as well as at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, the National Archives in Washington, D.C., the Library of Congress, the Daughters of the American Revolution Library, and The Newberry Library in Chicago.  Her expertise is in nineteenth and twentieth century American genealogical sources including, of course, maps.  She lives with her family in Northern California.

Melinda Kashuba will be presenting two classes:

(1) Civil War Genealogy:  The Civil War was the first American war that created a vast amount of information about participants: their military service, regimental and battle histories, and pension records as well as social and demographic information.  Success in navigating through these records comes from knowing the full name of the ancestor, whether he served on the Union or Confederate side, and the state from which he served.  This session will introduce you to the basic sources available to jump-start your Civil War research.

(2) Map Resources for Genealogists:  This session will present digital sources for maps – where to find old maps and how to make your own maps to enhance your research and illustrate events in your family history. Popular map collections such as the American Memory Project at the Library of Congress, David Rumsey, Ancestry.com and Historical Map Works will be featured.  Mapping web sites such as Google Earth, the National Atlas, and the University of Virginia Historical Census Browser and others will be demonstrated.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

California Genealogical Society, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the California Genealogical Society as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Whether you have Gold Rush ancestors or have no family connection to California, you will find extensive support for your genealogy research at the California Genealogical Society (CGS). The society, founded in 1898 in San Francisco, has been located in Oakland since 1998. CGS maintains a library, gathers and preserves vital records, disseminates information through its publications and internet access, and teaches genealogical research methods through meetings, seminars and workshops.

Visit our exhibit at Family History Day and meet CGS President Stephen Harris who will head up our delegation. The CGS table will feature samples of our periodical, The California Nugget, and one of our most recent publications Raking the Ashes: Genealogical Strategies for Pre-1906 San Francisco Research.

For further information about CGS programs and publications, please visit us at our homes on the web:
California Genealogical Society and Library
2201 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612-3031


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Paradise Genealogical Society, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the Paradise Genealogical Society as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Nestled in the foothills of northern California, the Paradise Genealogical Society was started in 1968 by a dedicated group of volunteers. Motivated by a love of history, they collected books, newspaper articles, maps and photographs of Butte County. Through the years, our members have donated and indexed additional books, obituaries, publications, and family histories.

Our Society maintains a library unique in that it is not subsidized by church or tax funds and is not housed in a church or tax-supported public building. Members have check-out privileges and the facilities are available to the public at no charge. We are open four days a week with researchers always on hand to assist members and non-members alike.

Library patrons have much to access when they arrive:

  • More than 3,600 printed volumes
  • Over 480 periodical titles of genealogical interest
  • Microfilm/fiche records
  • Computerized files and resources
  • The Florence Styles Collection of files and written records of California, particularly Butte County, from this noted historian.
Having just completed a successful four-day exhibition at the Butte County Fair in Gridley, we realized how excited people are about genealogy. We look forward to being at Family History Day, talking to you about your ancestors and describing how we can be of assistance.

Paradise Genealogical Society
5587 Scottwood Road
P.O. Box 460
Paradise, CA 95967
530-877-2330

Monday, September 19, 2011

Rhian Harris, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome Rhian Harris as an exhibitor at Family History at the California State Archives.

Rhian Harris, age 14, lives in Sacramento, California and is currently a freshman at St. Francis High School.  Rhian is the oldest of four children.  Her parents are Patrick and Antonette Harris.

Last year, Rhian was a student at Sam Brannan Jr. High School and entered the National History Day competition in the Junior Individual Exhibit category representing Sam Brannan Jr. High School.  Her exhibit was one of two qualifiers at the Sacramento County National History Day contest to qualify for the California State National History Day contest held in San Jose, California last April.

At the California State National History Day competition, Rhian’s exhibit won third place (runner-up) among 34 other student exhibits competing in San Jose.  Her exhibit had the extraordinary distinction of having one judge give her a perfect score for her exhibit and the supporting documentary research she put together for the competition.

The theme at last year’s National History Day competition was “Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, and Consequences.”  Rhian’s exhibit was entitled “The Rages of Shay’s Rebellion.”  The exhibit included a copy of an original “oath of allegiance” that her 6th great grandfather, Deacon Jacob Bliss, had signed in 1787 in Rehoboth, Massachusetts.  Rhian’s interest in this particular subject was bolstered by the fact that she had a total of three great-grandfathers who participated in Shay’s Rebellion:
  • Deacon Jacob Bliss and Jacob Bliss Jr., both of Rehoboth, and
  • Selectman Job Smith of Shutesbury
This young researcher was able to document with original primary source documents from the Massachusetts Archives that all three of her great-grandfathers had in fact participated in Shay’s Rebellion.

Rhian was selected as Sam Brannan’s Elks Lodge Student of the Year 2011.  Last year was the first year that Sam Brannan Jr. High School has participated in National History Day.

Please come meet Rhian at her exhibit and learn more about her winning display.  She represents the future of family history research.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Kathy Burrow, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome Kathy Burrow as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Kathy Burrow has over 40 years experience in researching records, specializing in southern, and mid-western states, data entry, and adult education classes.  Kathy currently serves as training director of the Oakhurst [Madera County, California] Family History Center, working with senior citizens as they learn the research and computer skills necessary to complete their own family history projects.

On a monthly basis, Kathy teaches adult genealogy classes in the Oakhurst area and is a well-known genealogy speaker for numerous societies and Daughters of the American Revolution chapters throughout the Central Valley.  She has also served as past editor for the Ash Tree Echo for the Fresno County Genealogy Society and has recently created her own  genealogy blog which can be viewed at Katsmountain.com.

Kathy Burrow will be presenting two classes:

(1) Genealogical Software Aids for Data Organization:  Organizing your research so that the next generation will want to use it may require the use of a genealogy software program. This class will introduce some of the more popular genealogy software programs as well as some of the online databases you can use.  We will discuss the advantages of having your family on your own personal database at home over only keeping it in an online database. We will also talk about the value of having your research well-documented and organized. This is an excellent class for the beginner.

(2) Adding History to My Patriot: Make your patriot come alive. Tell their stories using the resources of the internet and in the libraries.  Use Google Earth  to add pictures of battle grounds and regiment histories to add meat to the facts you have collected about your ancestors.  Create that book that will bring tears to your eyes as you realize all that your forebears did to allow you the freedoms you enjoy today. This is an excellent class for anyone wanting to add history to their ancestors.  The tools taught in this class can be applied to any ancestor.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Barbara Leak, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome Barbara Leak as a speaker at Family History Day the California State Archives.

Barbara Leak has more than 25 years experience as a genealogy researcher and educator, having presented genealogy and local history programs to audiences ranging from third-graders to senior citizens.

A member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, she has lectured at conferences and workshops sponsored by the National Genealogical Society, Federation of Genealogical Societies, and numerous libraries and societies throughout northern California. She is president of the Genealogical and Historical Council of Sacramento Valley, past president of the Placer County Genealogical Society, and a California State Genealogical Alliance Distinguished Service Award recipient.

With a professional background in business administration, Barbara demonstrates a practical approach to research in a presentation style that enlightens her audiences.

Barbara Leak will be presenting two classes:

(1) Getting Organized: Managing Your Paper Files: Disorganized stacks of papers are the true hallmark of a genealogist. Understanding filing concepts is the key to gaining control. Compare some widely diverse genealogy filing systems and learn which one works best for you.

(2) Evaluating the Evidence: Are Your Facts Proven?  How many sources does it take to prove a fact? Unfortunately, more does not always mean better. Evidence evaluation is a skill a researcher must carefully develop. Join in this interactive workshop where the audience gets to decide: are the facts proven? 

Friday, September 16, 2011

USGenWeb, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the USGenWeb as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.
The USGenWeb Project is beginning its 16th year of providing free on-line genealogical help. We are an organization of about 2,200 volunteers maintaining web sites. Thousands of others have volunteered their time to transcribe old records, walk cemeteries (often taking photos of gravestones) and share family information.
We have websites for every state in the US and for every county (including many extinct counties) and many special projects such as:
Visit our exhibit at Family History Day to learn more about us and obtain brochures about our services from our California branch (CAGenWeb) members. Computers will be set up to demonstrate how to look up data on your family.
As an all-vounteer organization, we are in constant need of new volunteers to transcribe materials walk cemeteries near your home, or maintain web sites (experience is helpful, but not needed - we train you).

Thursday, September 15, 2011

San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which has been in existence for over twenty-five years.

The Society holds some sixteen meetings throughout the year in three Bay Area locations serving its 200+ membership. Speakers range from local to international and cover all topics related to genealogical research. A magazine "ZichronNote" (meaning memories) is sent by email to all members.  A library committee reviews and purchases books for placement in three dedicated Jewish libraries around the Bay Area.

A number of members are well-known at the national level for their specific expertise.  These include Steve Morse (One Step web site); Ron Arons (criminal research); and Janice Sellers (newspaper research).  The Society also has experienced members who assist with monthly "break through those brick walls" in consort with the Jewish Community Library in San Francisco on the first Sunday of most months. These members include Steve Harris (current President of the California Genealogical Society). The meetings are moderated by Society member Judy Baston, who is a director of Jewish Record Indexing-Poland.

We look forward to meeting Family History Day attendees and helping them with any enquiries they may have about their family history research.

For further information on the Society and upcoming meetings, please visit our website.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Lisa B. Lee, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome Lisa B. Lee as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

A professional genealogist, Lisa B. Lee is the owner of GotGenealogy.com, where she publishes a monthly newsletter, the Got Genealogy Gazette.  The newsletter provides timely and useful information to help genealogists make the most of their online genealogical searches.

Ms. Lee is a graduate of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies (University of Toronto), where she obtained her Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies (PLCGS) with certificates in U.S., Canadian and Irish genealogy and methodology.  Since the inception of ExpertConnect, by Ancestry.com in 2009, Ms. Lee was one of the original Experts, and conducted professional research for clients in the U.S. and Europe, until the demise of ExpertConnect in early 2011. In addition to the Got Genealogy Gazette, dozens of her articles have been published in numerous genealogical journals and newsletters in North America.

Ms. Lee speaks and conducts workshops at genealogical societies and conferences in the U.S. and Canada where her animated style, infinite knowledge of everything internet, wit and perverted humor ensure that attendees will not only learn a lot but will have fun doing so. All of her workshops feature a free raffle where attendees can win valuable prizes, and if you ask her a genealogical question she can't answer, you'll win an awesome reward.  Mind you, your question has to be pretty hard to stump her, especially since she's memorized the internet by heart.  If genealogy isn't fun, then why do it?

She invites you to join her on Facebook or contact her at Lisa@GotGenealogy.com.

Lisa B. Lee will be presenting two classes:

Introduction to Using Land Records: Whether your ancestor lived in a metes & bounds state or in one covered by the Public Land Survey System, there's more information in land records than you might realize.  Predating many vital records, you can use land records to determine family relationships, when and where someone was born, women's maiden names and much, much more.  We'll explore what's available in the U.S. and other countries, what you can find online and offline, and important information you won't find anywhere else and why land records need to be a part of every genealogical research project.

Introduction to Using Census Records: Censuses date back to as early as the 15th century in some countries, and with more and more databases coming online, we'll examine why census records are so important, how to decipher them and the best places to find them online.  Census records can provide links to military, land, immigration, manumission and other records and are some of the most important records available to genealogists.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Family History Day on Display Now at the Arden-Dimick Library

Now through the end of September patrons of the Arden-Dimick Public Library can view the Family History Day display in the foyer.  The Family History Day publicity committee is pleased to have the opportunity to introduce the joy of genealogy to all visitors to the library.
 
The display case has photos, a list of the resources available locally, resource books, examples of records where our ancestors names are recorded, and more.
The library is located at 891 Watt Avenue at Northrop in Sacramento. The pesky glare could not be avoided in these photos.  You simply must come to the library for a closer look.  Click on photos to enlarge.
 

Monday, September 12, 2011

Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the International Society of Daughters of Utah Pioneers (ISDUP or just DUP) as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The DUP is an association devoted to preserving the legacy of those pioneers who came to the State of Deseret before the railroad in May 1869.  More than 60,000 pioneers traveled in more than 300 companies to find their place in the west.  The objective of DUP is to perpetuate the names and achievements of those men, women and children by preserving old landmarks, marking historical places and collecting artifacts and histories.  Our headquarters is located at the Pioneer Memorial Museum, 300 North Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.  The website address is www.dupinternational.org. 

The State of Deseret covered much more than the present-day state of Utah and, in fact, covered much of southern California. Some of these Mormon pioneers first settled in California before relocating to Utah.  Locally, the Slough House Pioneer Cemetery is the burial spot for many of the Sacramento pioneers with tombstones dating from the 1850‘s.  It is owned by the ISDUP and maintained by the many companies and camps in the Sacramento area.  Members meet monthly in camps to learn more about and share pioneer histories and artifacts.  Camps and Companies are organized in geographical areas. 

Visit our exhibit at the Family History Day to see pictures and newspaper articles about the Slough House Cemetery and other local DUP historical markers.  We plan to have internet access available for visitors to search the indexes listed below.  (The actual photos and histories are not available for viewing online, only the indexes.)  We will also have a book display of other DUP publications that can be purchased online.
  • Photo index - The photo department houses, maintains and preserves a collection of over 25,000 images of pioneers, their homes, communities, organizations and artifacts.  Copies of photo prints or CD images can be ordered and purchased online.
  • History Card Index - The history department presently has over 100,000 pioneer histories on file of pioneers who came to the geographic area covered by the Utah Territory/ State of Deseret.  It also includes those who died crossing the plains and those born in the Utah Territory before May 10, 1869 and some locality histories.
  • Pioneer Pathways Index - Volumes 1 through 11 consolidated index - Each year DUP sponsors the publication of historical material which has been used as lesson material in the camps.  At the present time, there have been 5 multi-volume sets of books published.  Pioneer Pathways is the latest of them.
We look forward to meeting others interested in pioneer legacy at this great event.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

John K. Jay, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome John K. Jay as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

John K. Jay has been a member of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society for the past decade.  He has been actively involved in genealogy for about 12 years.  He is a retired banker having served 40 years with Crocker Bank/Wells Fargo Bank.

Currently, John is the facilitator of the monthly workshops sponsored by Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society.  These workshops provide an interactive forum for members to help each other with "brick walls" and other research questions and challenges.

John K. Jay will be presenting VERY Basic DNA.  The class is an introduction to DNA presented at a very fundamental level and hopefully will help you begin to understand how DNA might become an important part of your genealogy tool bag.  Attend this class if you know very little about DNA and how it applies to genealogy. 

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Jessica M. Herrick, Speaker at Family History Day


Please welcome Jessica M. Herrick as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives, fruit optional.

Jessica M. Herrick is an archivist at the California State Archives.  She joined this repository in 2006 after spending more than five years as a historian for a private historical consulting firm.  While working in the private sector, Jessica traveled throughout California researching in a wide variety of archives, libraries, historical societies, county and city offices, and state facilities.  This extensive experience has served Jessica well as an archivist, giving her a unique perspective while assisting the public with their research needs.  Jessica’s love of history was instilled in her first by parents fascinated with the American West, and subsequently during her schooling at California State University, Chico, where she received her B.A. and M.A. in History.

Wells Fargo Reward Photo (1876),
courtesy of the California State Archives
Jessica will be presenting The Wonderful World of Archives: A Primer.  Getting started with historical research can often seem daunting and overwhelming.  Drawing upon her years as a professional researcher, Jessica will give valuable tips and tricks to make visits to any archival facility easier and more efficient.  How to get started, what to expect in general at an archive, and how to best use your time are topics that can benefit budding family historians and seasoned genealogists alike.  Your future research at the California State Archives will be very "rewarding" after this class!

Friday, September 9, 2011

California State Genealogical Alliance, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the California State Genealogical Alliance as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The California State Genealogical Alliance (CSGA) was founded in 1982 as a non-profit organization and serves as a statewide alliance of independent genealogical and historical societies, archives, libraries, individuals and organizations. The Alliance was formed to address the need for statewide coordination of efforts to accomplish goals of benefit to all genealogists.

Alliance projects are designed to strengthen local societies, increase record preservation and access and foster quality genealogical research. The Alliance respects the autonomy of each local society and functions as a link between societies for exchange of ideas and information.

Like other all-volunteer organizations, the Alliance depends on strong individual members who are active participants in local societies around the state and who extend their enthusiastic support so that major statewide projects can move forward. Members have access to information and resources to aid in their research, and Alliance membership is open to all interested genealogical and historical societies, libraries archives and researchers.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Glenda Gardner Lloyd, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome Glenda Gardner Lloyd as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Glenda Gardner Lloyd has taught beginner and intermediate level genealogy classes through the San Juan Adult Education Center in Citrus Heights, California. She participates in local seminars for the California State Archives, Sacramento Regional Family History Center, Sacramento Public Library, and does workshops for many local genealogical societies. She has also lectured for the Salt Lake Institute for Genealogy.

Glenda is a founding member and Past President of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society. She is currently the Society's Parlimentarian and contributor to its quarterly periodical, The Preserves. Genealogy is her hobby and her passion which she hopes to share with all of you.

Glenda Gardner Lloyd will be presenting two topics:

Genealogy 101 - How to Begin.  Tracing your family tree is one of life’s pleasures! Having the tools and know-how makes it much more successful. This class will teach you how to record the data and suggest strategies to make your journey into family history more enjoyable.

Genealogy 201 - Vital Records.  Documentation is a key to successful genealogy. Birth, death and marriage certificates provide basic data for all researchers. This class will suggest strategies for finding this information.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Genealogical Association of Sacramento, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the Genealogical Association of Sacramento as an exhibitor at Family History Day 2011 at the California State Archives.

The Genealogical Association of Sacramento (GAS) was founded in 1976, our Nation’s 200th birthday, with a nucleus of 13 dedicated members. Its objectives are to encourage the research, publication, and preservation of genealogical and historical material; and to instruct and lend assistance to the membership and the public in modern methods of research.  These objectives are accomplished at regular meetings and association-sponsored workshops, lectures, field trips and other educational activities.

The Association offers many educational opportunities to attend seminars and classes in genealogy-related subjects.  There is usually something for everyone at our meetings, from the beginner to the more experienced genealogist.

JUST SCHEDULED
The Sutro Bus trip sponsord by GAS is set for Wednesday, January 25, 2012. The Sutro Branch of the California State Library will be transferring their collection to a new building on the San Francisco State University campus sometime in the Spring 2012 so they could not have us visit in March, the usual month for this field trip. For reservations, contact Melanie Howard, President, at melnesia@comcast.net.

Highlights of our activities include:
  • Meetings held on the third Wednesday of each month except July, August and December at 1:00 pm in the Belle Cooledge Library located at 5600 South Land Park Drive, Sacramento
  • A monthly newsletter, The Lamplighter, which is available on our website to members
  • Maintaining a genealogical book collection at the Sacramento Public Library Central Branch, 4th Floor, located at 828 "I" Street.  See the library catalog for the collection holdings.
We look forward to talking with you at Family History Day.

Pat Johnson, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome Pat Johnson as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Pat Johnson is Senior Archivist at The Center for Sacramento History. She has served at the Center since 1995. A native Californian, she received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in history from California State University, Sacramento where she focused her studies on western history and particularly California history. She received her archival training at both the California State Archives and at the Center for Sacramento History. She did her master's thesis on former Sacramento Mayor Anne Rudin’s papers held at the California State Archives.

At the Center, Ms. Johnson's duties include reference services, supervising student interns and volunteers, processing collections, conducting research in the collections, giving tours, doing outreach including workshops and seminars, preserving collections, and many other activities. She is a past president of the Society of California Archivists and remains actively involved with the society. Most recently, Ms. Johnson taught the graduate level class in archives and manuscripts for the history department at California State University, Sacramento.

Pat Johnson will be presenting Discover the Rich Resources of the Sacramento Archives. This class will focus on how to use the resources of both the public records and the private manuscripts held by the Center for Sacramento History to tell the stories of Sacramento's past generations. 

Center for Sacramento History
551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Janice M. Sellers, Speaker at Family History Day

Please welcome Janice M. Sellers as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Janice M. Sellers is a professional genealogist who specializes in newspaper and Jewish research and has experience researching many other ethnic groups. She is the editor of The Galitzianer, the journal focused on Jewish research in the former Austrian province of Galicia, and of ZichronNote, the newsletter of the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society (SFBAJGS). She is also the publicity director for SFBAJGS.

Janice is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogical Speakers Guild, California Genealogical Society, California State Genealogical Alliance, and Gesher Galicia. She has been on the staff of the Oakland Regional Family History Center for eleven years. Her genealogy blog can be found at http://ancestraldiscoveries.blogspot.com/.

Janice M. Sellars will be presenting Using Online Newspapers for Genealogy Research.  Newspapers are valuable in genealogical research because you can find information about births, deaths, marriages, moves, business, naturalizations, court cases, and more. Millions of pages of the world's newspapers are now accessible online, but there is no one place to find them all. This class will give an overview of what is available and how to find it, and teach you some techniques to help you find your ancestors in the paper.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento, Exhibitor at Family History Day

Please welcome the Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento (JGSS) as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The JGSS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the study of Jewish family history so that our rich heritage is preserved for future generations.

Meetings are held every month and we also sponsor lectures by leading genealogy experts. Our members have access to our outstanding library of historical and genealogical books, and we facilitate opportunities to share our collective skills and personal experience, including classes and forums.

Meetings are held at the Albert Einstein Residence Center at
1935 Wright Street, Sacramento
Please visit our website for a listing of upcoming events. We welcome you to join us.

It is a pleasure to return to Family History Day at the California State Archives.  Come by our exhibit where we will have a sampling of instructional books available for your perusal.  Our volunteers will do free Ellis Island and census look-ups. We’re delighted to be able to point you in the right direction on your way to discovering your own family history.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento
c/o Einstein Center
1935 Wright St.
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: 916-486-0906 ext. 361
Email: jgs_sacramento@yahoo.com

Friday, September 2, 2011

Family History On Display Now At The Sacramento Public Library - Downtown Branch

The Family History Day publicity committee is pleased to have the opportunity to introduce the joy of genealogy to the patrons of the Sacramento Public Library - Central Branch.

Now until September 17th, the display case in the lobby is all about family history, the resources available locally, resource books and examples of records where our ancestors names are recorded.

The library is located at 828 I Street between 8th and 9th Streets.  If you are in the neighborhood, please come in to take a close-up look.  In the meantime, enjoy some photos of the exhibit. Click on photos to enlarge.

The committee wishes to thank Beth Daugherty, Genealogy Services Librarian at the Sacramento Public Library - Central Branch for her participation in and support of Family History Day and its community outreach efforts.