Sacramento Regional Genealogical Council

You will learn methods of identifying German ancestors who immigrated to America in different time periods. Two major immigration waves are discussed, (1) the early wave from 1693 to the mid-1800s, and (2) the much larger wave from 1850 to the early 1900s.

This program will take place on Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting by clicking here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you have any questions, please email contact@saclibrary.org

Saturday, June 27

SacPubLib: Using Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Genealogy (Calendar)

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Virtual via Zoom

Sacramento Public Library presents Using Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, with speaker Stephanie K. West

Explore the history of Sanborn fire insurance maps that were developed in the late 19th century. Today these maps offer a glimpse into communities of the past. Learn where to access these maps and how these maps can be useful in genealogical research.

Saturday, July 25

SacPubLib: Overview of DNA Tests & Applications in Genealogical Research (Calendar)

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Virtual via Zoom

Sacramento Public Library presents Overview of DNA Tests & Applications in Genealogical Research, with speaker Mark McLaren

The talk will provide a general overview of the 3 types of DNA tests (Autosomal, Mitochondrial, and Y chromosome). It will cover the basic properties, glossary of terms, as well as a discussion of the inheritance patterns for each one. The strategic use, limitations and misconceptions, in genealogical research will also be explored. The majority of the time will focus on strategies in using autosomal which is the most common and popular for most people.

Saturday, August 22

SacPubLib: A Rose by Any Other Name: Using Nicknames to Find Your Ancestor (Calendar)

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Virtual via Zoom

Sacramento Public Library presents A Rose by Any Other Name: Using Nicknames to Find Your Ancestor, with speaker Madeline Yanov

So, do you think you know who your ancestor was? What happens if you find out that your great-great-grandfather was married to a woman named Nancy but your great-great- grandmother’s name was Ann? Was he married before to a different woman? Explore how abbreviations can turn one name into another - Josh can mean Josuah or Josiah depending upon the punctuation. Why do people have the nicknames they have? Why was John Wayne called the “Duke.” In this interactive talk, we will explore the wonderful topic of names including nicknames, naming patterns, abbreviations, pet names and given names. Be prepared to learn something new about your ancestor’s name and have some fun along the way!

Saturday, September 19

SacPubLib: Genealogy Research at the Sutro Library in San Francisco (Calendar)

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Virtual via Zoom

Sacramento Public Library presents Genealogy Research at the Sutro Library in San Francisco, with speaker Steenalisa Tilcock

The Sutro Library (the California State Library’s San Francisco branch) holds one of the largest genealogy collections in the U.S. Learn what they have and how to use it!

Saturday, October 24

SacPubLib: The California State Library: Genealogy Research in Their California History Section (Calendar)

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Virtual via Zoom

Sacramento Public Library presents The California State Library: Genealogy Research in Their California History Section, with speaker Kristi Powell

Learn how to do genealogy research in the California State Library’s California History Section! Don't ignore this important Sacramento resource!

Saturday, November 21

SacPubLib: Til the Cows Come Home: Ranchers, Rustlers, and Rodeo (Calendar)

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Virtual via Zoom

Sacramento Public Library presents Til the Cows Come Home: Ranchers, Rustlers, and Rodeo, with speaker Cindy Brennan

There are farmers and there are ranchers. If you learned a thing or two by watching the hit series Yellowstone, you may be interested in the unique records that exist if your families were attached to ranching. From land records to criminal records to cattle branding records, saddle up and learn more about your ancestors whose lives had a connection to ranching.

Saturday, December 19

SacPubLib: Tips for Breaking Brick Walls (Calendar)

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Virtual via Zoom

Sacramento Public Library presents Tips for Breaking Brick Walls, with speaker Lisa Gorrell

Every genealogist at some time while researching runs up against brick walls. Brick walls are when a research question such as finding the parents of an ancestor cannot be answered. There are simple techniques to help break through these walls. Come learn about those techniques!