Sharing the Family History Day Experience

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

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

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



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

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

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):

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. 
6. Will any materials be available for purchase?  Yes.  Some exhibitors may have books or indexes available for purchase.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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

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.