Family History Day at the California State Archives

Tuesday's Tip - NARA Video: Intro to Census Records

2011-12-20T00:48:00.000-08:00

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is on YouTube with a variety of channels that highlight its extensive holdings and provide instructive videos on how to find and use various records and record collections.

A new video of interest to beginner genealogists was recently added to the line-up. "Genealogy Introduction: Census Records at the National Archives" is presented by Constance Potter, an archivist at the National Archives in Washington, DC, specializing in federal records of interest to genealogists. She is an expert on the U.S. census records. In this YouTube video, Connie delivered a talk on the intricacies of the U.S. Federal Census records from 1790 to 1930 and how they can be used for genealogical research.

Watch the video here.

I learned about this video from my free subscription to Dick Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter (EOGN).

Tuesday's Tip is one of several blogging themes suggested on Geneabloggers. If you have a tip for beginning genealogists, please send it to fhdmailbox@gmail.com and I will post it here.

Family History Day 2012

2011-12-02T21:18:00.001-08:00

It's official!

The date for the next Family History Day at the California State Archives has been set.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Mark your new 2012 calendars now and please pass it on!

Genealogy for Beginners and More

2011-12-01T16:45:00.001-08:00

It's been awhile since some 400+ attendees came to Family History Day 2011 at the California State Archives. Hopefully, many of you have had an opportunity to start (or jump-start) your family history research based on what you learned in the 20 some classes.

In keeping with the theme of Family History Day - focus on beginners - I thought the following classes may be of interest to you, especially if you live in or near Sacramento, California.

Location: All of these offerings will be held at the Sacramento Public Library Central, 828 I Street, Sacramento, 916-264-2920.

January 2012

Sunday, January 8
Common Surname Search Strategies with Lisa Louise Cooke
1:30 - 3pm West Meeting Room
Discover tips and tricks to find your ancestors with common surnames. Lisa is a nationally known author and host of the Genealogy Gems Podcast. Her books and CDs will be available for purchase at the program. Registration not required

Sunday, January 15
Getting Ready for the 1940 Census with Stephen Morse
1:30 - 3pm West Meeting Room
The 1940 census will be released online on April 2, 2012. Find out what you need to know in this presentation by genealogist and One-Step Website creator Stephen Morse. Registration not required

Sunday, January 22
Naturalization: Rules & Records with Barbara Leak
1:30 - 3pm West Meeting Room
Learn about naturalization laws and see examples of the documents that were created by those who became Americans. Presented by genealogist and lecturer Barbara Leak. Registration not required

"Book a Genealogist"
The Sacramento Public Library Central has changed the times for this service. Starting in January 2012, the genealogy volunteers will be available to help you with your research on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday afternoons. These are 45-minute appointments. Appointment times on Tuesdays are 1:00, 1:45, 2:30 and 3:15 pm. Appointment times on Thursdays are 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm. To meet with one of the genealogy volunteers, please make an appointment by calling the library at 916-264-2920, visiting one of the library branches in person, or by going to the library's website at www.saclibrary.org and clicking on the "Events" link. Please note that the Book a Genealogist service is only available at the Central Library - not at any other branch of the Sacramento Public Library system.

February 2012

Saturday, February 4, 2012
Beginning Genealogy - Using Records to Tell Your Ancestors' Stories with Karen Burney
1:00 - 2:30 pm, West Meeting Room
Registration required

Saturday, February 18, 2012
Introduction to Online Genealogy (Computer Class)
10:15 -11:45 am, 3rd floor Technology Lab
Registration required

Sunday, February 26, 2012
Beginning Genealogy with Janice Sellers
1:30 - 3:00 pm, West Meeting Room
Registration required

These are wonderful, free services of the Sacramento Public Library. I hope you're able to take advantage of them.

Last Book of Photo Memories for Family History Day 2011

2011-10-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the last series of pictures taken at Family History Day. Like the previous pictures posted, they truly capture the essence of the Day through the many examples of genealogical kindness. Attendees received genealogical education in various forms - from speakers during and after classes to exhibitors in between classes. The photos of John Jay and Melinda Kashuba in their classrooms reflect scenes that were repeated throughout the day. Verna Hazelbaker, directly below in period attire, was one of many representatives of genealogical, lineage and archival organizations who searched the internet for beginning genealogists. The juxtaposition of Ms. Hazelbaker in period attire using a computer was a phenomenal addition to the scenery!

Thank you to Charlene Eberwine, Lois Shumaker and Rick Hanson from Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society for providing some of these pictures.

Verna Hazelbaker, President, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Sacramento Company,
shown helping an attendee with an internet search

Ed Lucky, Sacramento Regional Family History Center, helping an attendee

Pamela Dallas presenting her class on cemetery research.
Pamela also presented a class about finding female ancestors.

Glenda Lloyd presenting at her class on using vital records. \
Glenda also prented a class about how to begin your genealogy.

Cath Madden Trindle presented a class about researching California
using the csga.com website and about researching with Google

Pardon my embarrassment - I don't know the names of each of these
Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society members...help!

From the left, Pat Hutchings (Sacramento Historic City Cemetery); Nancy Lenoil, State Archivist;
Verna Hazelbaker and Roberta Tanner (Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Sacramento Company)

Katherine Weedman Cox (Cox Black and White Lab)
helping an attendee with photographic preservation questions

This good-natured "Genealogist's Mate" came with his wife and sat in back while she attended class.
Denise Richmond "deputized" him once to guard the coveted handouts until ready for dispersing.
By the way, 'thanks again'!

John Jay (center) (Workshop Facilitator, Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society)
answers questions after his presentation about the very basics of DNA testing for genealogy.

Sebastian Nelson (r) and another archivist at the State Archives caught in the act of helping an attendee.
Sebastian also presented a class on heraldry and led a tour of the State Archives.

Contact the Paradise Genealogical Society (pargenso.org) for copies of this comic book,
a fun tool for introducing youth to genealogy

Barbara Leak presented a class about getting and keeping genealogical research organized.
Barbara also presented a class was about evidence, ensuring your facts are proven.

Melinda Kashuba, shown here with an attendee, presented a class about using maps in genealogical research.
Melinda also presented a class about Civil War genealogy.

Katherine Borges beginning her two-part presentation about DNA

Katherine Borges is showing DNA results

Members of the Genealogical Association of Sacramento (GAS)

Pat Johnson (r) (Center for Sacramento History) enjoying a visit
from Bob (Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento)

Members of the California Genealogical Society

More Photo Memories of Family History Day

2011-10-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

Enjoy...and remember to send me an email with the identity of un-named people in the photos.

Pat Johnson, Senior Archivist at the Center for Sacramento History, helping a researcher

Jeremy Frankel, President, San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society,
helping a researcher with a lookup

Lois Dove (r) from the Sacramento City Historic Cemetery with attendees

Just Published - "Raking the Ashes" - a book about researching San Francisco
pre-1906 earthquake from the California Genealogical Society

An attendee gets help from a Sacramento German Genealogical Society member
Please email her name!

The Society of California Archivists provides education about preservation techniques

Stephanie Hamashin, an Archivist at the State Archives,
cheerfully provides assistance to a caller

Researchers getting assistance from Jerry Unruh,
President of the Placer County Genealogical Society and Audrey Meyers

Denise Richmond (l) from Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society,
with Lois Bakar, President, Fresno County Genealogical Society

From the left: Verna Hazelbaker, Roberta Tanner, Denise Richmond,
Esther McAllister and Lois Bakar

(l-r) Lois Bakar, Karen Hillman, Nad Bakar, David Hillman

Aerial cam lookups - (r-l) Marilyn Parker and husband Ron,
Denise Richmond and Bev Colgin (seated)

Another aerial cam lookup - Denise Richmond* and Ron Setzer, editor of Preserves,
a publication of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society

Pat Johnson's lookup caught by the aerial cam

More lookups - members of the Genealogical Association of Sacramento;
Bev Colgin, Elisha and Marilyn Ulbricht (far right)
Please email names!

Great lookups from John Jay and Marilyn Ulbricht (foreground) with
Jerry Haag and Sammie Hudgens referring attendees to the Root Cellar Library (background)

Looking good Darleen (middle background)
assisting attendees signing up for the Archives tour

Jessica Herrick, Archivist at the State Archives, presenting
tips for using archives and other repositories

Janice Sellers (above and below) presenting an overview about
using newspapers as a genealogical resource

A happy Carolee Jones from Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society
shows her latest discovery found in the Root Cellar Library

Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society emporium

*I wore a prairie dress and straw hat rented from Capital Costumes, Inc., 8121 Madison Avenue, F-1 (at Fair Oaks), Fair Oaks, California, Phone (916) 961-2769. I highly recommend this family owned business for your costume needs. They have a variety of period costumes for rental and sales with accessories. Thank you Capital Costumes for your assistance in selecting a comfortable costume.

Photo Memories of Family History Day 2011

2011-10-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Below are pictures taken at Family History Day 2011. Thanks to Rick Hanson from Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society and the Sacramento German Genealogical Society for providing some of these pictures. Click on photo to enlarge. Email blog subscribers may want to view photos from the blog - click on the title of the article to go to the blog.

Signage facing P Street at 10th in downtown Sacramento

Reconfiguring the Archives Research Room for Family History Day

Bev Colgin, President of the Paradise Genealogical Society arranging the exhibit table

Steve Harris, President of the California Genealogical Society, unpacks boxes of materials

David Drake and Marcy Goldstein from NARA San Bruno assist a researcher

Jerry Unruh, President of the Placer County Genealogical Society with
Barbara Leak, President of the Genealogical and Historical Council Sacramento Valley talk to a researcher

Sammie Hudgens, Librarian for the Root Cellar Genealogical Society Library (background)
with member Jerry Haag

Paradise Genealogical Society member Alicia with exhibit visitor Denise Richmond

Don Littlefield (r), President, Sons of the American Revolution Sacramento Chapter,
with member ready to assist atttendees

Three chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution
generously shared an exhibit table. Note classroom in background.

Joy Huskey and a member from the United Daughters of the Confederacy chapter

Joy Fisher (l) with volunteers from the USGenWeb Project
ready to do lookups for attendees

Full classroom wth eager students

Beth Daugherty, Librarian for the Genealogy Section at the
Sacramento Public Library Central Branch, with an attendee

Barbara Leak, President of the Genealogical Council of Sacramento Valley and
Kathy Burrow, member of the California State Genealogical Alliance, help an attendee

Marilyn Parker and her Ron with the California Pioneer Hertage Foundation, and Glenda Lloyd

Busy exhibit hall between classes; Beth Daugherty in foreground

Dan Burrow demonstrated the FlipPal portable scanning device

The Yolo County Archives welcomes researchers to its local historical treasure trove

Karen and David Hillman (foreground) with Nad and Lois Bakar.
Lois is the President of the Fresno County Genealogical Society

Verna Hazekbaker (l), President of the Sacramento Company,
Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, with Barbara Leak

Send me an email if you can add names to the photos.

Sharing the Family History Day Experience

2011-10-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Marilyn Peters from the El Dorado Hills Genealogical Society for submitting the following review of Family History Day 2011 and the first annual Sacramento Archives Crawl.

At the October 19th genealogy meeting of the El Dorado Hills Genealogical Society members and guests were entertained by seven members who attended the Family History Day on Saturday, October 15th at the California State Archives. The seven attendees enthusiastically reported about the fun they had and gave short talks about 14 of the 26 classes offered. Questions and short discussions followed each presentation. Handouts from the classes were copied in different colored paper and arranged in a booklet which was handed to each member as they arrived.

For the last ten minutes, another member shared his experience at the Archives Crawl which was held on October 1st in Sacramento.

Members and guests were impressed with all the information they learned in one and a half hours. They went home with many new ideas to try as they continue their genealogy research and with the thoughts that they want to attend Family History Day next year.

The El Dorado Hills Genealogical Library meets at 6:15pm on the third Wednesday of the month at the El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway, El Dorado Hills, CA. Questions? Contact us!.

Do you have a review or comment about Family History Day or the Sacramento Archives Crawl? Submit it here or add a comment below.

Thanks a bunch - Family History Day 2011

2011-10-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you...

...to everyone for participating in another successful Family History Day. The people who attended the beginning genealogy classes, the speakers and exhibitors and the dedicated staff of the California States Archives - each and every one of you made this day an exciting learning experience and full of discoveries.

Below is the first of a couple slideshows of the many pictures that were taken during the day. Attendees can relive the day and for those of you who could not attend, see what you missed and plan on coming next year. Click to view, then maybe click again to enlarge.

In the News - Family History Day

2011-10-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

Family History Day has been spotted in the media:

Sacramento History Happenings blog
Via, the AAA magazine, current Northern California Issue, calendar
Sacramento Bee Ticket, September 30, 2011
GeneaBloggers, genealogy conferences and expos

Tell us where you have seen Family History Day articles. Send an email to fhdmailbox@gmail.com.

Root Cellar Genealogical Society Library, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-10-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

Root Cellar Library remodeled with added shelving
for an expanded collection

It is a pleasure to introduce the Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society Library and Sammie Hudgens, Root Cellar Librarian. The Library will be open for browsing and research at Family History Day at the California State Archives. Sammie and library docents will be on-hand to orient and assist visitors.

Sammie Hudgens has devoted many years to the growth and development of the Root Cellar Library. Her efforts speak for themselves – the Library is a treasure trove for family history researchers, for Root Cellar members and visitors alike. The Library contains over 5,000 volumes from nearly every state and many countries. There are more than 150 books on California alone, including the 1890 Great Registers for the whole state. The CD collection is well-over 150 and counting. The collection recently expanded as a result of two generous donations.

Below is a sampling of the research materials available to you at the Library:

Revolutionary War Books
Lists of Passengers, Emigration and Immigration for Germany, Ireland, Italy and Russia
Periodicals from over 100 genealogical societies across the United States
Root Cellar member-submitted materials such as Surname Cards, Pedigree Charts and Pioneer Certificates
Publications containing data that Root Cellar volunteers have extracted from local records on subjects including state militia, coroner’s office, divorces, state prison convicts, and cemeteries. These extractions are also available for sale by Root Cellar.

The Library is maintained by Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society and is housed at the California State Archives on the 4th floor, the same location where Family History Day will be held. Be sure to come into the Library and browse awhile!

Root Cellar Genealogical Library

1020 “O” Street, 4th Floor

Inside the California State Archives Building

Sacramento, CA 95814

Open 9:30am – 4pm Monday - Friday

and the first Saturday of each month

(except holidays)

Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society, Exhibitor at and Co-Sponsor of Family History Day

2011-10-13T00:17:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society as an exhibitor at and a co-sponsor of Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society was established in 1978 when its members found a common interest in the gathering and sharing of genealogical information. Since that time, the goal has been to help our members with genealogical research through education, the publication of information, and the preservation of records. Everyone sharing an interest in genealogy is welcome.

Stan Gilliam of the Sacramento Bee coined the name "Root Cellar" in his column in 1979, and with his permission, it became the official name of the organization.

Educational programs and activities abound for our members and visitors. Here's a peek at just a few:

Monthly membership meetings and informal workshops for genealogical education
The Preserves, a quarterly publication and Geni-Gram, an online monthly newsletter
Genealogical Library housed on the 4th floor of the California State Archives
Extraction Committee that transcribes local records held at the Center for Sacramento History
Online presence with a website, blog, and Facebook page
Annual seminar (see below) featuring a nationally-known genealogical expert

Save the Date! Our Annual Spring Seminar featuring George G. Morgan will be on Saturday, March 31, 2012. George is the author of nine books and literally hundreds of articles published in every genealogical magazine in North America and at websites including Ancestry.com. He will be presenting four sessions:

Bring Them Back to Life: Building an Ancestor Profile
Push and Pull: The Reasons for Migration
Sidestep Genealogy
The Genealogist as CSI

Registration details will be posted on the Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society blog and website in 2012. Please subscribe to the blog to receive the latest news.

The welcome mat is always out so check us out by attending a meeting or workshop. Of course, be sure to stop by our exhibit at Family History Day and let us help you with your research.

Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society

P.O. Box 265

Citrus Heights, CA 95611-0265

Email: rootcellarsgs@gmail.com

Website: www.rootcellar.org/

Blog: http://rootcellarramblings.blogspot.com

FAQs for Family History Day

2011-10-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

The State Archives staff and the organizing committee for Family History Day receive many questions about what to expect on the day of the event. Below is a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Will the speakers have handouts? Yes. Family History Day speakers have submitted handouts to accompany their presentations. These handouts will be available before classes begin at 9am.
I cannot attend Family History Day. Can I still get a copy of the handouts? Every effort will be made to make the handouts available on this blog, with the speaker's permission.
How will I know if there are any changes to the class schedule posted on this blog? The class schedule will be handed out before classes begin at 9am. This version will reflect any last minute changes.
Can I bring my beverage and food to the 4th floor of the State Archives? No. All beverages and food must be consumed on the first floor of the State Archives or outside. Beverages include water, coffee, tea, soda pop, etc. Food includes candy. A drinking fountain is located on the 4th floor of the State Archives.
Where can I get something to eat or drink? A coffee cart is expected to be available in the lobby of the State Archives from 7am-9am. For lunch, La Bou Bakery and Cafe will be open especially for Family History Day attendees. We encourage you to patronize them. Located at 11th and "O" Streets, La Bou will be open from 9am to 2pm on Saturday. They serve pastries, sandwiches, soups and beverages. There is indoor and outdoor seating available. There are tables and chairs in the lobby of the State Archives where you can eat your La Bou lunch or bring a brown bag lunch instead. Remember that no food or beverages can go beyond the first floor of the State Archives.
Will any materials be available for purchase? Yes. Some exhibitors may have books or indexes available for purchase.
Do I need to register for Family History Day? No. There is no registration required or an admission fee. Bring your note-taking supplies and enjoy the day.
Can I bring information I have about an ancestor? Definitely. It may be helpful to refer to when you talk to the exhibitors and the speakers. Some exhibitors will have laptops for internet lookups.
Will The California Museum be open on the 15th? Yes. Admission to The California Museum will be free to the public on October 15th. The museum is located on the first floor of the State Archives building. The museum gift store will be open also. Both will open at 10am.

Hopefully these FAQs and answers will help make your Family History Day enjoyable. If you have a question not listed here, please drop us an email.

California Pioneer Heritage Foundation, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-10-12T00:33:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the California Pioneer Heritage Foundation as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The mission of the California Pioneer Heritage Foundation is to promote recognition of the contribution made by the men and women who came to California prior to 1869, with particular emphasis on the contributions of pioneers who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Our organization is involved in any historical and research activities including:

Sponsoring a pioneer heritage art competition
Supporting the Bancroft Library's California Mormon Collection at the University of California at Berkeley
Conducting reenactments with demonstrations in rope making, rag doll making and spinning yarn

Stop by our exhibit to learn more about our historical and educational pursuits.

National Archives at San Francisco, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-10-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the National Archives at San Francisco as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the Californi State Archives.

The National Archives at San Francisco, located in our San Bruno facility, has more than 55,000 cubic feet of archival holdings dating from 1850 to the 1980s, including:

Textual documents
Photographs
Maps
Architectural drawings

These archival holdings were created or received by the Federal courts and more than 100 Federal agencies in northern California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada (except Clark County), American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Federal law requires that agencies transfer permanently valuable, noncurrent records to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Among the subjects covered are Chinese exclusion and immigration, the development of Pearl Harbor and mainland coastal fortifications, former World War II defense sites, public land use, national forests, migrant labor camps, and tribal history.

The National Archives at San Francisco has many resources for genealogists including:

Getting Started
Genealogy Guides
Genealogy Tools
Tools for Genealogists
Free online websites

Stop by the National Archives exhibit at Family History Day and learn more about their holdings and services. Maybe you can grow your family tree in San Bruno.

National Archives at San Francisco

Leo J. Ryan Federal Building

1000 Commodore Drive

San Bruno, California 94066-2350
(650) 238-3500

California State Archives, Host and Exhibitor for Family History Day

2011-10-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure to introduce the California State Archives as the co-sponsor and host for the 13th annual Family History Day.

The California State Archives, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, collects, catalogs, preserves, and provides access to the historic records of state government and some local governments. The Archives collection is primarily composed of records from California state agencies, the governor's office, the state legislature, and the State Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal. The records are organized under the name of the agency or office that transferred the records to the Archives.

The collection also includes:

Spanish and Mexican Land Grants
Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Investigation Records
Local Government Records
Supreme and Appellate Court Records
Elections and Political Campaigns Records
Oral Histories; and Photograph Collections

Public education and outreach are also important elements of the State Archives' mission. On October 1, 2011, the State Archives will begin the celebration of National Archives Month by participating as one of the venues for the first annual Explore History: Sacramento Archives Crawl (link to post) on Saturday, October 1, 2011. In addition, the State Archives hosts Family History Day each October. With Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society and the Genealogical and Historical Council of Sacramento Valley, the State Archives hosts Family History Day to introduce the public to the exciting world of genealogical research.

We look forward to seeing you!

California State Archives

1020 "O" Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

Reference Desk: (916) 653–2246

General Information: (916) 653–7715

Fax: (916) 653–7363

Email: Stephanie.Hamashin@sos.ca.gov

LUNCH break - La Bou Bakery and Cafe or Brown Bag

2011-09-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-30T00:24:00.000-07:00

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

Seminar Information

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

Tea Gowns and Knickers at Family History Day

2011-09-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-29T00:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Joy Fisher, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-09-27T00:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Placer County Genealogical Society, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-09-26T01:48:00.000-07:00

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

placertrails@pcgs.pcgenes.com

Old Sacramento Schoolhouse, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-09-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

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

E-mail: info@oldsacschoolhouse.org

Linda R. Lucky, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-09-24T00:08:00.000-07:00

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.

NOW AVAILABLE - Class Schedule and more!

2011-09-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-23T00:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Melinda Kashuba, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-09-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

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.

California Genealogical Society, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-09-21T00:28:00.000-07:00

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

Paradise Genealogical Society, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-09-20T00:57:00.000-07:00

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

Rhian Harris, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-09-19T00:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Kathy Burrow, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-09-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Barbara Leak, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-09-17T00:53:00.000-07:00

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?

USGenWeb, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-09-16T00:54:00.000-07:00

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).

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

2011-09-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Lisa B. Lee, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-09-14T00:49:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-09-13T00:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-09-12T00:13:00.000-07:00

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.

John K. Jay, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-09-11T00:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Jessica M. Herrick, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-09-10T00:28:00.000-07:00

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!

California State Genealogical Alliance, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-09-09T00:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Glenda Gardner Lloyd, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-09-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Genealogical Association of Sacramento, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-09-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

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

Sacramento, CA 9581
TEL (916) 808-7074
pjohnson@cityofsacramento.org
www.centerforsacramentohistory.org

Janice M. Sellers, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-09-06T00:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-09-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

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

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

2011-09-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Explore History: Sacramento Archives Crawl

2011-09-01T00:26:00.000-07:00

Crawling in Sacramento? What's going on here?

On October 1, 2011, come enjoy Sacramento's first annual “Explore History: Sacramento Archives Crawl”. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., nineteen archives and special collections libraries from the Sacramento area and beyond will be celebrating National Archives Month by exhibiting rarely-seen historic treasures from their collections at four host locations in the downtown area.

Start off at any of the host locations --

California State Archives (1020 O Street)
California State Library (900 N Street)
Center for Sacramento History (551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd.)
Sacramento Public Library (828 I Street)

-- then "crawl" to the others using the map provided in your Archives Crawl passport. At each location, you can view archival collections on display and take behind-the-scenes tours. Representatives from other archives and special collections libraries will be on hand to discuss their archival collections - historic photographs, rare books, historic artifacts - and answer your questions about how to connect with local history resources. Those who have their passports stamped by at least three of the host locations will receive a set of limited-edition collectible coasters with images from Sacramento's former Buffalo Brewing Company.

Self-promotion: Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society, a sponsor of Family History Day, will have an exhibit at the California State Archives location. Our Librarian, Sammie Hudgens, will be available to describe the extensive reference collections in our genealogical library housed at the State Archives.

Hope to see you there! Knee-pads optional!

Pamela Dallas, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-08-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Pamela Dallas as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Pamela Dallas lectures nationally and locally on a wide range of topics, speaking frequently at genealogical society meetings, conferences and presenting full-day workshops. She is a professional researcher and a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Bureau and several local societies. Pamela has served on the board of many societies. She played a key role in the success of the National Genealogical Society Conference held in Sacramento in 2004. Pamela has appeared on local television and radio talk shows to discuss genealogy and has written and appeared in several genealogy instructional videos aired on local TV. She believes the best part of genealogy is the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people.

Pamela Dallas will be presenting two classes:

Carved In Stone: Cemetery Research For Genealogy: Cemeteries are one of the most valuable resources in family history research. We will explore methods of locating cemeteries, preparing for the research trip, and ways of recording the information you find. Learn about burial registers, headstone inscriptions & symbols, plus much more during this fascinating presentation.

Remember the Ladies: Finding Your Female Ancestors: Uncover the clues that will help you find your elusive female ancestors! Discovering the maiden name of your female ancestors can be frustrating and difficult. In this class, you will identify new ways to not only find her maiden name but learn about her as an individual.

Priscilla Alden Chapter Colonial Dames XVII Century, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-08-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the Priscilla Alden Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The Priscilla Alden Chapter Colonial Dames XVII Century was organized in Sacramento in October 11, 1964 and chartered on March 6, 1965. The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century Headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.

The Objectives of the National Society are to:

Aid in the preservation of the records and of the historic sites of our country
Foster interest in historical colonial research
Aid in the education of the youth of our country
Commemorate the noble and heroic deeds of our ancestors, the founders of our great republic
Maintain zealously those high principles of virtue, courage and patriotism which led to the independence of the Colonies and the foundation and establishment of the United States of America
Aid in the establishment of a Library of Heraldry, working with various genealogical societies
Develop a library specializing in seventeenth century American colonial data

Membership eligibility is open to any woman of good moral character, eighteen years of age or over, provided she has been invited by the Society and is the lineal descendant of an ancestor who lived and served prior to 1701 in one of the Original Colonies in the geographical area of the present United States of America. Documentary proof of an ancestor's service prior to 1701 is required.

The Priscilla Alden Chapter meets at 11 a.m. on the second Thursday of September, December, February and April at Timbers at the Lodge Restaurant, 7050 Del Web Blvd., Sun City, Roseville, California. We have 54 members.

Please contact Mary Beth Watson, President, at mbwatson@bruceandnancy.net or (916) 624-3089.

Come by our exhibit at Family History Day and let us tell you more about our group.

Sacramento Historic City Cemetery, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-08-28T00:22:00.000-07:00

The beauty in the cemetery

Please welcome the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The Sacramento Historic City Cemetery Archive is the repository of current and historical records of the cemetery and offers a wealth of information regarding those buried in the cemetery since 1849. It serves as the research center for cemetery tour guides, genealogists, cemeteryhistorians, and families members seeking lost ancestors.

In addition to the Old City Cemetery maps, plot books, and burial index, the archive also includes burial indexes from other Sacramento County cemeteries, and a small but broad library of material pertaining to the early days of Sacramento and its residents. See the website for archive hours.

The Old City Cemetery is the final resting place of people from all over the United States and the world, not just Sacramento natives. The variety of names and places listed in the Archive burial index tells the story of the westward expansion, the Gold Rush, and even the California dream so many sought in the early to mid 1900's.

So if you are looking for an ancestor who disappeared from the family in Illinois, or Maine, or even Germany, drop by the Cemetery Archives. You never know who you might find!

The Old City Cemetery Committee also hosts many events throughout the year. Coming in October, join the "residents" of the Old City Cemetery as they share stories of their untimely death by murder, mayhem or the unusual. You may even be greeted by some lost souls. Bring your imaginations and a flashlight.

October 21, 2011: 7:00 pm; 7:45 pm; 8:30 pm; 9:15 pm
October 22, 2011: 7:00 pm; 7:45 pm; 8:30 pm; 9:15 pm
October 28, 2011: 7:00 pm; 7:45 pm; 8:30 pm; 9:15 pm
October 29, 2011: 7:00 pm; 7:45 pm; 8:30 pm; 9:15 pm

Let us tell you more about the valuable resourcers at the Old City Cemetery.

Come see us at our Family History Day exhibit!

Sacramento Historic City Cemetery

1000 Broadway

Sacramento, CA 95818

(916) 448-0811

Sons of the American Revolution, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-08-27T00:26:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the Sons of the American Revolution as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) are direct descendants of those patriots that achieved the independence of the American people. The objectives of our organization are intended to perpetuate a more profound reverence for the principles of the government founded by our forefathers.

The SAR is a historical, educational, and patriotic United States 501(c)3 non-profit organization that seeks to maintain and extend:

the institutions of American freedom
an appreciation for true patriotism
a respect for our national symbols
the value of American citizenship and
the unifying force of e pluribus unum that has created, from the people of many nations, one nation and one people

As a general rule, we meet the Third Friday evening of every month, September through June, at the Buggy Whip Restaurant Banquet Facilities, 2737 Fulton Avenue. The Sacramento Chapter has 150 members. Please contact Don Littlefield, President, Sacramento Chapter, at don.littlefield@sarsac.org for more information.

Could you be a direct descendant of a patriot of the American Revolution?

Come by our exhibit at Family History Day and let us explain the verification process.

Yolo County Archives, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-08-26T00:28:00.000-07:00

Official map of the County of Yolo, 1908

Please welcome the Yolo County Archives as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The Yolo County Archives in Woodland, is the official repository for Yolo County government records since 1850. Research at the Archives is by appointment only (schedule below). Reference requests can be made over the phone or by email too!

Genealogy research resources available at the Yolo County Archives include over 32,000 alphabetized obituaries from Yolo County newspapers, Probates and Wills (beginning in 1850), Naturalizations, and City/County directories. We also have a local history and genealogy reference book collection in the Archives, and more are available at the branches of the Yolo County Library. Other collections include photographs, property records, court cases and Board of Supervisor minutes.

In coordination with the Yolo County Library and the Friends of the Yolo County Archives, we also offer programs and exhibits about local history or genealogy. Mark you calendar for these upcoming events in October hosted by the Yolo County Library system and of interest to genealogists.

October 12 - Archivist Moira Conlan will present a program on “Preserving Your Family’s Treasures” at the Davis Public Library
Other events in collaboration with the Davis Public Library in October include Beginning Genealogy and Yolo County History

For more information on these programs,

come by our exhibit table at Family History Day

We’d love to help you with your research!

Yolo County Archives

226 Buckeye Street

Woodland, California

Research at the Archives by appointment only:

Tuesdays 9:00am-1:00pm

Thursdays 12:00pm-4:00pm.

Telephone: (530) 666-8010

Email: archives@yolocounty.org

National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-08-24T01:18:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure to welcome the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

When you join the DAR, you enter a network of more than 168,000 women in 3,000 chapters across the United States and internationally, who form lifelong bonds, honor their revolutionary ancestors and promote historic preservation, education and patriotism in their communities. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership.

DAR members volunteer more than 60,000 hours annually to Veteran patients, award over $150,000 in scholarships and financial aid each year to students, and support schools for the underprivileged with annual donations exceeding one million dollars. The DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's organization which is one of the most inclusive genealogical societies in the country. DAR National Headquarters encompasses an entire downtown city block in Washington, DC, which houses one of the nation's premier genealogical libraries, Washington's largest concert hall, and an extensive collection of early American manuscripts and imprints.

Representatives of several DAR chapters will be present at Family History Day to provide additional information on the national organization and membership:

Gold Trail Chapter (Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay): contact Betty Wilson at bettywilson1@att.net
Sacramento Chapter: contact Marjorie Green at G19thGreen@aol.com
General John A. Sutter Chapter, Sacramento area, Saturday meetings, contact Joy Huskey at joyhuskey@comcast.net

If these chapters are not in your neighborhood, others can be located using the national website and entering your zip code. We look forward to helping you at Family History Day.

Society of California Archivists, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-08-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the Society of California Archivists (SCA) as an exhibitor at Family History Day 2011 at the California State Archives.

Formed in 1971, SCA is a professional association devoted to the support and development of individuals and institutions that collect, care for, and provide access to the documentary heritage of California.
The Society's membership includes archivists, manuscript curators, records managers, conservators, historians, librarians, genealogists, museum curators, students, and volunteers. Members are affiliated with colleges and universities; federal, state and local government archives and records centers; historical societies; museums; libraries; corporations; educational, religious, and medical institutions; and private collections.

Visit our exhibit to see the “Preserving Your History” Brochure Series. Learn all about doing oral histories or neighborhood histories, and preserving family papers and photographs. “Preserving Your History” guides are available in English, Spanish and Chinese. Text-only PDF versions are available on our website, or you can order multiple copies by mail.

Throughout the year, the SCA Education Committee coordinates workshops on a wide variety of topics intended for the professional development of archivists; the workshops are located throughout the state. Information about past workshop topics is available on our website.

In addition to workshops, SCA co-sponsors the Western Archives Institute, an intensive, two-week program that provides integrated instruction in basic archival practices to individuals with a variety of goals, including those who(se):

jobs require a fundamental understanding of archival skills, but have little or no previous archives education;
have expanding responsibility for archival materials;
are practicing archivists but have not received formal instruction;and
demonstrate a commitment to an archival career.

The Institute also features site visits to historical records repositories and a diverse curriculum that includes history and development of the profession, theory and terminology, records management, appraisal, arrangement, description, manuscripts acquisition, archives and the law, photographs, preservation administration, reference and access, outreach programs, and managing archival programs and institutions.

The 2012 Western Archives Institute will be held from July 8-July 20 at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Visit our Website

Mailing Address:

Society of California Archivists
c/o California State Archives
1020 “O” Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Via Magazine and Family History Day

2011-08-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

Family History Day at the California State Archives appears in the events section on the California State Automobile Association's (CSAA) website and in the current print issue of Via Magazine, northern California edition. Take a look and tell a friend. Thank you CSAA!

Cox Black and White Lab, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-08-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Cox Black and White (B&W) Lab, Inc. as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Cox Black and White Lab, Inc. was founded in 1990 by Jeff Cox and Katherine Weedman-Cox of Kansas City, Missouri. In Kansas City, Jeff worked for a large photo lab and was known as one of the best printers in town. Katherine was a corporate and fine art photographer. Jeff used to print Katherine’s large photo murals for exhibition. This is how they met and developed their business relationship. The couple ventured west in 1989 to create a custom black and white photo lab in Sacramento, California.

Their first large job was duplicating 5, 211 glass plate negatives for the California State Library. The project was the gateway for Cox B&W Lab to work with thousands of California historical images. Since that glass negative project, Cox B&W Lab has become Northern California’s custom lab for fine art printing and film developing. They specialize in printing archival photos from wallets to murals, duplicating glass and nitrate negatives, copying and restoring old photos, developing traditional black and white film and printing color digital images. (See special offer below)

Cox B&W Lab is the weekly vendor for the California State Library, California State Railroad Museum, Center for Sacramento History, California State Archives, Caltrans and Sacramento Public Library - Sacramento Room. Their customers are also throughout the United States, calling for fine art printing and historical reproductions.

Jeff and Katherine never tire of listening to family history stories and looking at family pictures. They stress the importance of copying old photographs and keeping a written history.

You might say Cox B&W Lab is passionate about preservation!

SPECIAL OFFER!

During Family History Day, Cox B&W Lab invites attendees to bring their family photographs for a free evaluation on needed repairs. We’d love to hear your stories and meet your relatives too!

Contact Information
COX BLACK AND WHITE LAB, INC.
(Cox B&W Lab)
2933 Gold Pan Ct. Suite C
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
www.coxblackandwhitelab.com
916-631-7275

Sebastian Nelson, Speaker at Family History Day

2011-08-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure to welcome Sebastian Nelson as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Sebastian Nelson is an Archivist at the California State Archives and a member of the Academy of Certified Archivists. He has a Master’s degree in history from the University of Oxford and a Master’s degree in library science from San Jose State University. Sebastian enjoys the bizarre creatures, fanciful monsters and cunning puns that are found in heraldry, and he studied coats of arms as a graduate student in Great Britain.

Sebastian will be presenting Coats of Arms: Heraldry for Genealogists. Heraldry is an art and a science that has used colors, shapes and symbols for over eight hundred years to visually encode genealogical information. Join Sebastian for an entertaining introduction to the basic techniques and resources available to decode Coats of Arms and unlock the genealogical stories behind them.

Fresno County Genealogical Society, Exhibitor at Family History Day

2011-08-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the Fresno County Genealogical Society (FCGS) as an exhibitor at Family History Day 2011.

Established in 1965, the FCGS is located in Fresno, Fresno County, California, in the center of the San Joaquin Valley. The Society website provides general information plus details about our Annual Seminar titled "Ancestral Journey" featuring Beverly Rice, Certified Genealogist from Coos Bay, Oregon. Our 2011 seminar will be on October 29th and everyone is welcome. Please register in advance.

FCGS has the most extensive Genealogical Library between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and resources are not limited to Fresno County material. We have so much more!

Housed in the California History and Genealogy Room of the Fresno County Central Library at 2420 Mariposa Street, are more than 19,500 books and periodicals, including the entire California State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Library which was donated in 2009. The State DAR Library books number about 3,000 and are appropriately cataloged and shelved amongst the other genealogy books according to State, Military, and/or autobiographical/biographical Name. One will find personal recollections and pictures of certain individuals, as well as geographical and historical information. Some of the books have personal handwritten notes in them, and even old family recipes; some pertain to California, while others are based on other states.

Our FCGS Library also has DAR Lineage books and magazines. We have "Mayflower Families" volumes 1-23, and plenty of other Mayflower information; and "The Mayflower Descendant" 1899-1924, 1931, 1934, plus incomplete years of 1935 and 1937 are there.

Those interested in American Indian lineage will also find many useful resources in our California Room. The Sherman Institute at Riverside, California published the "The Sherman Bulletin" which we have on microfilm. This weekly newspaper is not only interesting to read, but of great value to anyone researching teachers, other employees, or students associated with the school. Additional Sherman Institute records on microfilm which we have are Yearbooks, Registers of Students, the Employee Registers, and Sherman Graduates. We also have special censuses of California Indians for 1907-1915, 1928, and 1933.

The Society is looking forward to meeting you at Family History Day at the California State Archives, so please stop by our table to get acquainted. We hope you will consider attending our Genealogy Seminar in Fresno October 29th, and we invite you to visit our Genealogy Library anytime. Phoning ahead (559) 600-6230 will help ensure a rewarding research experience.

Fresno County Genealogical Society

California History and Genealogy Room, 2nd floor
Fresno County Central Library
2420 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721

Phone: (559) 600-6230
Hours:

M,T,W 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri., Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 12 noon – 5 p.m.

Linda Johnson, Speaker at Family History Day 2011

2011-08-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

What's Minerva OC?
Ask Linda at Family History Day

It is a pleasure to welcome Linda Johnson as a speaker at Family History Day 2011 at the California State Archives.

Linda Johnson began her own family history search in 1988 when enrolled in an undergraduate class at CSU, Sacramento. She went on to receive her Master of Arts degree in Public History in 1993. As a graduate student, she interned at the California State Archives for three years and at the San Joaquin County Historical Society for 6 months. After graduation, she worked as assistant archivist at the Center for Sacramento History followed by collections manager for the manuscript and archival collections at Shields Library, UC Davis.

In October 1997, Linda accepted a position at the California State Archives, where she has worked in a variety of program areas. She is currently the Reference Coordinator and has responsibility for all activities related to the Reference Program. Linda has participated in the annual Family History Day since its inception in 1999. In addition to the Family History Day engagements, she has been a presenter at several local genealogical and historical societies.

Linda Johnson will be presenting Genealogical Resources at the California State Archives. Linda will describe the millions of paper documents, maps, photographs, three–dimensional artifacts, and records in other formats such as audiotape and videotape held at the Archives and thier value to genealogists.

Contact Information

California State Archives

1020 O Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

Reference Desk Phone: 916-653-2246

Reference Desk Fax: 916-653-7363

Reference E-Mail: ArchivesWeb@sos.ca.gov

Ancestry Day 2011 in San Francisco

2011-08-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

The following press release was received from the California Genealogical Society. The daylong event will feature genealogy experts, lectures and consultations. Family History Day fans who are beginner researchers may be interested in the lectures oriented toward the basics.

Oakland, CA – August 8, 2011 – Ancestry.com and the California Genealogical Society (CGS) are partnering to present Ancestry Day in San Francisco 2011 — Saturday, November 5, 2011, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, located at 5 Embarcadero Center on the waterfront near the historic Ferry Building.

This full-day event will help you start or hone your genealogical skills. Explore the world of genealogy, listen to engaging lectures, meet with expert staff and learn about the incredible resources available at Ancestry.com and at the California Genealogical Society Library.

The day will include
•More than a dozen family history lectures
•Ancestry.com experts on-hand to answer your questions
•One-on-one consultations with genealogists
•Beginner’s classes where your family and friends can learn the basics

Registration is open. The “early bird” price (through October 5, 2011) is $42 for the all-day event. To learn more about the classes and consultation offerings, visit Ancestry Day in San Francisco 2011 at http://ancestry.com/ancestryday-sanfrancisco.

About Ancestry.com
With more than five billion historical records and in excess of 20 million family trees, Ancestry.com is the world's largest genealogical database. Have you explored what Ancestry.com has to offer? Visit Ancestry.com.

About CGS:
The California Genealogical Society, founded in San Francisco in 1898, maintains a library in Oakland, gathers and preserves vital records, and offers research services and online databases. CGS disseminates information through publications, meetings, seminars, workshops and its website: CaliforniaAncestors.org.

Sacramento Public Library, Exhibitor at Family History Day 2011

2011-08-09T00:49:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure to welcome the Sacramento Public Library Central Branch as an exhibitor at Family History Day 2011 at the California State Archives.

The Central Library, located at 828 I Street in downtown Sacramento, is the main branch of the Sacramento Public Library system. Central library offers a variety of free programs for the public, including many that are of interest to genealogists. In addition, the various branches of the library system periodically offer genealogy programs. Central Library offers these services to the public:

Presentations by Genealogy Specialists: Three series of presentations are offered annually, during the months of January, May and September. Each series includes three lectures. Special classes on beginning genealogy are also offered throughout the year. All lectures are held at the Central Library in the West Meeting Room. The September 2011 presentations, on Sundays, 1:30-3:00 pm, include Civil War Research (Sept. 11th), Ancestry.com’s Border Crossing Database (Sept. 18th) and Using Google for your Genealogy (Sept. 25th). The class Beginning Genealogy - How to Trace Your Family History will be held on October 22, 2011, 1:00-2:30 pm.
The Book a Genealogist program: Central Library is fortunate to have the assistance of a volunteer genealogist, who meets individually with people needing help with their research. The volunteer is available at the library on Tuesday afternoons. Registration is required for these 45-minute appointments by calling 916-264-2920, or by visiting the library’s website at http://www.saclibrary.org/.
Genealogy Reference Books: A large collection of non-circulating genealogy books and periodicals is available for use by the public during library open hours. The majority of these books belong to the Genealogical Association of Sacramento. The collection is located on the 4th floor of Central Library.
Genealogy Databases: The library subscribes to two genealogy databases for the public’s use: Ancestry Library Edition and American Ancestors.org. Both of these databases can be used at any branch of the Sacramento Public Library system.
Genealogy computer classes: These free classes are taught at Central Library by library staff. Currently, classes being taught include Introduction to Online Genealogy, Social Networking for Genealogists and Introduction to Ancestry Library Edition.

For more information on any of these programs, come by our exhibit table at Family History Day. You may also call the library at 916-264-2920 or visit the website at http://www.saclibrary.org/. We hope that you’ll take advantage of all the genealogy services offered by the library!

Cath Madden Trindle, Speaker at Family History Day 2011

2011-08-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure to welcome Cath Madden Trindle as a speaker at Family History Day 2011 at the California State Archives.

Cath Madden Trindle is a certified genealogist (CG), earned a Certificate of British Research from BYU and a Certificate in Genealogical Studies-Librarianship from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. A retired financial system consultant, she is currently Treasurer of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). Cath, as Projects Chair for the California State Genealogical Alliance (CSGA), has helped design and implement the online California Research Aid, has coordinated projects with FamilySearch.com and Ancestry.com, and writes regular copyright and society strategy columns for the CSGA newsletter. As Publications Chair for the San Mateo County Genealogical Society, she has edited the San Mateo County Naturalization Index Series, the Schellens indexing project, and has coordinated the series of indexes that are online at http://www.smcgs.org/. A first generation Californian, Cath has limited her client research to Northern California, however, speaking engagements also focus on the records of Ireland and Scotland, Canada, probate and land records, house histories and genealogical storytelling. Speaking engagements include societies throughout Northern California, the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree, the Salt Lake Institute and FGS. She will be a speaker at the FGS Conference in Springfield, Il on September 7-10, 2011. Cath can be reached by email at Catht@aol.com.

Cath Madden Trindle will be presenting two classes at Family History Day:

Google Your Ancestors: A quick look at the many Google Tools, from Google Search to Google Earth that aid in gathering and compiling our genealogies.

CSGA Presents California Online: Start your California Research with the CSGA California Research Guide online. Links to the FamilySearch California Wiki and other major online resources will also be explored.

North Highlands-Antelope Public Library Display

2011-08-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

Family History Day is the theme of the display case at the North Highlands-Antelope Public Library for the month of August. It's just inside the main entrance to the library. When you are in the neighborhood, stop by and take a look. The library is located at 4235 Antelope Road, Antelope, CA. If you can't get there, enjoy the movie of the display - click on the right arrow below the photo. The display was created by Marilyn Ulbricht, Diane Maltase and Nancy Fiorini with contributions from Charlene Eberwine, Suzanne Latimer and Denise Richmond.

Sacramento German Genealogical Society - Exhibitor

2011-07-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the Sacramento German Genealogy Society (SGGS) as an exhibitor at Family History Day 2011 at the California State Archives. The SGGS was founded in 1983 to promote the search for family histories of those who have a German heritage. It provides educational resources for those seeking to learn how to research their German ancestry and seeks to increase the public’s understanding of the cultural history of life in the German-speaking areas of Europe and the United States.

Stop by the SGGS table and receive “Bring a little German to your holidays”.

Benefits: SGGS holds week-day monthly lectures featuring local and out-of-town German genealogy experts. At those meetings attendees can purchase German genealogy research books, maps and tools. Attendees can also browse member pedigree charts, use the books in the SGGS library, discuss research problems with volunteers at the help desk and engage in a question/answer discussion with local experts or the featured speaker.

SGGS also runs a monthly workshop, weekly mentor sessions, an annual seminar and occasional special events. The monthly workshop is a small-group meeting where you can discuss your research problems with the experts leading the meeting and the other attendees. The mentor sessions occur every Thursday afternoon at the Sacramento Regional Family History Center where volunteer mentors will provide personal assistance in the use that research facility.

The annual seminar is an all-day Saturday event with lectures from one or two out-of-the-area speakers. SGGS occasionally hosts special events such as its 25th anniversary which local featured German folk dancers and singers. The monthly meetings are free and open to the public. The annual seminar and special events are fee-based.

In addition to meetings, SGGS also provides a number of services such as an informational website, a list of approved German translators (fee), surname queries and customized handshake packets. SGGS volunteers create useful publications that are subsequently sold to meeting attendees. These include a reference catalog to the German resources available at the Sacramento Regional Family History Center and a comprehensive index for all of the Der Blumenbaum journals (since 1984).

Program 2011
October 25th - Michael Mayer-Kielmann “Liedermatinee.” (The usual terminolgy is “Liederabend,” which means “an evening of songs”. This is a program of German folk songs and concert pieces, well known and loved in Germany. And it’s not a “just listening” program, but rather one with both video and sound. You are invited to join us. Guests are always welcome at our meetings. Check out our Website for the 2012 program and our Der Bote (monthly newsletter).

Seminar 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012: SGGS’ annual all-day seminar, featuring Warren Bittner, C.G. as our presenter. Stop by the SGGS table for a brochure and registration form.

Membership
The membership year is 1 July – 30 June. Dues: Domestic: Individual $30; Couple $35. Foreign: Individual $35; Couple $40.

Contact:
Mail: P.O. Box 660061, Sacramento, CA 95866-0061
Memberships: 210 San Carlos Way, Novato, California 94945-1628
Website: http://www.sacgergensoc.org/

Speakers Directory

2011-06-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

The following announcement was received from Gwen Myers of the Genealogical and Historical Council of Sacramento Valley:

The Genealogical and Historical Council of Sacramento Valley (GHCSV) is seeking speakers for their 2011 Speakers Directory. A number of you have already been contacted; however, we would like to open this to others as well.

The Speakers Directory is used by genealogical and historical societies throughout Northern California. The many societies who use the directory are most appreciative for the ability to contact speakers on a variety of topics for their meetings and seminars.It also provides you, the speaker, the opportunity to promote yourself and your topics, publications, etc. You can limit the areas where you are willing to speak, can charge what you wish, and can ask the society to provide certain audio-visual equipment, if they have it. There is no charge to be listed in the directory.

We expect to have the directory published by Family History Day, October 15, 2011. Societies are welcome to purchase a directory (cost of publishing). To be included in the directory or purchase one or for further questions, send an email to Gwen Myers at gg.myers@pobox.com.

5 Minute Genealogist

2011-06-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

Awhile back there was a post requesting readers to submit resources for beginner genealogists. Here's one: FamilySearch has a video series for beginning genealogy utilizing the records available at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, UT. One of the new videos is titled "Find a Record in Five Minutes". Watch the video here.

Please share this post and submit your own beginner resources to fhdmailbox@gmail.com.

Casefile Clues for Beginners

2011-05-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

As mentioned before, Family History Day (FHD) at the California State Archives is generally focused on the beginning researcher. Followers of FHD may be interested in a new how-to genealogical newsletter tentatively titled Casefile Clues for Beginners from Michael John Neill who also writes the weekly newsletter, Casefile Clues.

His press release states that this "new newsletter will be bi-weekly and feature beginning level material written by a variety of genealogists, not just me. It will have a question and answer section, interpret the handwriting section, one or two articles every issue, and more. This new periodical will be written in a down-to-earth, practical format. Casefile Clues for Beginners will concentrate on those who are starting or have just started their search for their ancestors."

The new subscription-based newsletter will start 8 June 2011; a trial subscription will be available. Click on Casefile Clues for Beginners for more details.

Resources Wanted!

2011-03-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

Helllooo out there! The FHDNews Blog has been pretty quiet. I asked around and found out that the Family History Day (FHD) organizers are still, well, organizing. So let's do something in the meantime.

Resources. Genealogists can't have too many. Lists abound about the top 50, 100, etc. Let's take it from a different angle, resources by level of researcher. Since FHD2011 is primarily focused on the novice or beginning genealogist, let's create the FHD2011 list of top resources for beginning genealogists.

HELP!

What resources would you suggest for

the beginning genealogist?

Think introductory and basic resources that promote a good foundation for beginners. Be creative, not all resources are online. Submit your suggestions by email to fhdmailbox@gmail.com.

There is no due date for submissions. Anyone at any level of experience can make suggestions. The list will only include resources, not the submitter's name. The initial list will be posted after several submissions are received then updated as other resources are received. I think the list you help create will make a great handout at FHD2011 also. Thanks for your participation!

FHD Blog Is Open for Business

2011-02-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new blog for Family History Day (FHD) 2011. Hard to believe it's been a tad over four months since the doors were closed on a successful FHD2010. Take a look back here.

And now.......planning is underway for the 13th annual Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, October 15, 2011. Next, take a look at the right sidebar of the screen for the blog update options under Subscribe to Updates and the information under Event Particulars.

This day is for you if you want to learn how to find out who's in your family tree. Maybe you've watched those family history research programs on television. In one-hour, the programs show viewers the fascinating types of documents and records about our ancestors that can be found and where but not the how of finding them and documenting and preserving the research.

Enter FHD2011 -- your opportunity to learn:

How to begin your search or refine your skills
What resources are available and how to use them
Why preservation of documents is important
Where California state government records are kept
Why it's important to work with others doing family history research.

Admission is FREE and open to the public.

Please share this event information with your family and friends.

Comments? Questions? Email fhdmailbox@gmail.com