Speaker Biography: Mr. Baker has been an active genealogist for the past 15 years, has volunteered at the Sacramento Family History Center for 10 years, and has been a Certified Genealogist since 2011. He specializes in DNA, German, and Midwest American genealogy. He has given over 200 presentations to over 30 genealogy groups in the past four years. Recently, he presented eight different webinars for Legacy, the Southern California Jamboree, and the Board for Certification of Genealogists. He has written articles for the NGS Magazine, the NGS Quarterly, and Der Blumenbaum.
Research Methodology
Finding the Hardest Ones, Part One: Seven Strategies
Case studies illustrate seven strategies to find the most challenging data: (1) collaborating with other genealogists; (2) search engine research; (3) digging in giant tomes; (4) checking property/tax records; (5) broadening the search; (6) performing on-site research; and (7) analyzing DNA evidence.
Finding the Hardest Ones, Part Two
Elementary, My Dear Watson! Solving your Genealogy Puzzles with Clues You Have.Case studies show problem solving methods where key data are missing – without embarking on new research – by analyzing data such as naming patterns, birth/marriage witness data, inheritance data, sibling data, timelines, family migrations, and other data already in your database.
Solving the Most Common Family History Mysteries Online
This presentation discusses the best methods of handling four common family history mysteries that are major research problems: (1) strategies for finding correct given and surnames while dealing with nicknames, "Americanized" and shortened names and other naming problems; (2) getting correct birth/marriage/death data when dealing with questionable data, (3) working with conflicting evidence, and (4) proving or disproving family myths.
Strategies for Finding Ancestors in Historic Online Newspapers
This “how-to” presentation describes the most efficient methods to find people among online (and offline) newspaper collections. Case studies emphasize Family Search Wikis, Linkpendium and Google. Finding methods focus on the ancestor's exact location and time period.
Finding Ancestors in Digitized Books
This class covers each major eBook repository: Google, Internet Archive, Hathi Trust, Family Search, and Ancestry.com. Examples are presented for the best finding strategies and sites: Google Books, Mocavo, Linkpendium, World Cat, and US Gen Web. Emphasis is on
the use of free sites.
I Thought He Was My Ancestor:Avoiding the Six Most Common Genealogy Mistakes
This class uses case studies to show how to avoid the most common mistakes: trusting the “long-time proven” data; believing family myths; connecting improper “same-name” people; failing the reasonableness test; trusting genealogy “snake-oil” salesmen; and believing all original records.
Genealogy Unplugged: When Offline Records Are the Best
Class members will learn, through case studies, methods of using the best offline records to give a more effective balance to their research. Offline records may include newspapers, books, property, church, government, and other records.
Putting Meat on the Bones: Deriving Family Stories from Old Genealogy Records
Class members will learn how to derive interesting family stories by looking at a variety of records, including newspapers, books, diaries and family records, and church records.
Come Fly with Me! Having a Great Trip to Your Ancestral Town
Class members will learn strategies to maximize the success of their genealogical visits to their ancestral towns. Case studies illustrate the use of internet planning, personal visits to previously unknown kin, and treasures that may be found in an ancestral town.
DNA Research
Introduction to DNA Research
This presentation offers a non-technical description of the basic DNA tests and their most effective genealogy uses. Case studies are used to show the genealogical value of each of the three major types of tests (Y male line, mitochondrial female line test, and autosomal test).
Smashing Brick Walls with DNA Results: Finding Early Colonial Pennsylvania People
This presentation uses DNA results to solve genealogy puzzles for 5th and 6th generation ancestors. Case studies offer a “how-to” approach to merge FTDNA, Ancestry DNA, and GEDMATCH results effectively. Emphasis is placed on the merging of the genealogy paper trail with DNA data.
Autosomal Tests: So Good You Can Hardly Believe It!
Class members will learn, through Ancestry DNA case studies, how newly identified ancestors can be found as far back as the 7th generation. Examples make major use of early New England ancestors..
Finding the Hardest Ones with DNA
Case studies are used to illustrate the best strategies to find ancestors you need to fill in gaps in your family tree back in the 6th and 7th generations. The discussion shows how to blend data from Ancestry, FTDNA, and GEDMATCH.
Opening Pandora’s Box: When DNA Finds Unexpected, Improper Ancestors
This class offers strategies to show how DNA results can be used to identify adoptions and Non-Paternity Events. These events may cause surprises and disruptions in our family trees.
Americana Research
Mayflower to Minutemen: Finding Colonial Records (1610-1790)
Class members will learn about the composition of the immigrants of the 13 original colonies, and the variety of available records and genealogy data.
Finding Ancestors in American Revolutionary War Records
Class members will learn, through case studies, how to use online data to find 1776-era patriots. Service records, DAR/SAR data, and pension records are emphasized.
Finding Online Resources for Early 1800’s US Data
Case studies are used to show how to trace early families, using newspapers, books, property/tax records, marriage records, military data, city directories, maps, church records, and family records.
Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier: Civil War Records – Prolific and Powerful
Class members will learn the best sources to use to find both Union and Confederate Civil War era ancestors. Pension records are emphasized.
No 1890 Census? No Problem!
Case studies are used to show strategies to use to compensate for the loss of the 1890 census data. Record types include: state censuses; city/county directories; voting registration lists; marriage, death, and probate records; and historic newspapers and books.
California Genealogy
California’s Golden Genealogy Records
Class members will learn the distinctive features of California genealogy, with emphasis on the Gold Rush and following period.
German Genealogy
Getting Started with German Genealogy
This presentation focuses on the dominant features of doing German genealogy research, stressing the differences from working in US genealogy. Emphasis is given to the major types of records used in the US and in Germany, along with the most vital internet sites, books and libraries.
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Help with the Most Important German Words, and the Old Script
Class members will learn the basic genealogy vocabulary required to work with German records. Also, French and Latin terms are covered.
Where’s Siegfried? Finding Your Ancestor’s German Town and Its Records
This presentation focuses on strategies to overcome the two major German research problems: (a) finding an unknown ancestral town, and (b) finding the town’s key records. Several strategies are defined for dealing with each of these problems; and case studies are presented to show their effectiveness.
Online and On-Site German Genealogy Sources
Participants will learn the most useful internet sites for finding German church, civic, and property records. Data on German genealogy forums is included.
German Genealogy Sources for Areas No Longer in Germany
Participants will learn strategies and online sources to deal with the problems of researching traditional German areas now located in France, Poland, Russia, and the Czech Republic.
The Peripatetic Germans: German Emigration and Immigration (1693-1914)
Participants will learn methods of identifying German ancestors who immigrated to America in different time periods. Two major immigration waves are discussed.
German Genealogy Gems: Going Beyond the German Church Records
Class members will learn strategies for finding German ancestors in secular records, including: civic records, property records, town anniversary books, court records, tax records, Sippenbuchs, and Familienbuchs.
Welsh Genealogy
Here There Be Dragons: Introduction to Welsh Genealogy
Class members will learn unique aspects of Welsh genealogy, including Welsh language characteristics, Welsh immigration to America, non-conformist churches, and family naming patterns
Denise Beeson developed and teaches in the Genealogy Program at Santa Rosa Jr. College, Santa Rosa, Ca for over 7 years in person and virtually. She has a MA in Communications and BA in Communications/French. She lectures online and in person for various genealogical societies including Pebble Creek Genealogy Club and LifeLong Learning Program, City of Litchfield Park and Goodyear Libraries, Sonoma County Genealogical Society, Family Search Center, Santa Rosa, CA et al. Denise has also contributed articles and reviews in genealogy.
Presentations:
Basic Genealogy tips and techniquesColonial America- who came and WhyRailroads establishing the West using the PEST AnalysisManifest Destiny-go west!Finding Women in genealogy researchOrphan Trains in the US and AbroadHow To Develop a Research Question?-Research Like a ProGravestones, what do they say?Ranchers and Cowboys in the Ole West
Nick earned both an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor’s in Accountancy at California State University, Sacramento, and he has worked both as an auditor and comptroller. Nick enjoys history, and he has been doing family genealogy for over 30 years. Nick is involved in the community to include the Italian Culture Society and the Sacramento Family Search Library; where he has given several lectures. Nick has authored books on both his Italian and Latvian family genealogy, and he sells those books and others through his genealogy business; Victorious Sales. Nick serves as the Executive Director of the Italian Genealogical Society of Sacramento.
Italian Genealogy Fundamentals
Elementary Basics to Italian Genealogy
Italian Immigration
History of Italian Immigration to the United States
Reading Italian Civil Records
Reading basic Italian civil records -- birth, marriage, death
Speaker Biography: Cindy Brennan has been an avid family history researcher for more than 20 years after finding a photograph of her husband’s family from 1899. He had no clue who the people were and so down the rabbit hole she went! Cindy has been the Newsletter Editor of Sonoma County Genealogy Society’s Monthly Newsletter since 2009. The many articles she continues to research and publish led to a desire to share this information through presentations with other genealogists and family historians.
Programs Offered
Finding Your Railroad Ties: There are only a few things that are as significantly entwined with American history as The Train. For many of our ancestors, trains represented the most profound change in their lifetime. New careers, travel, food, medicine and products that were never available before, were now a possibility. The nostalgia surrounding train travel in days gone by still captivates us today. Learn how your family may have been connected to the magic of the train. You might be surprised!
It’s Academic: Finding Your Ancestors in Records of Higher Learning: Not only do college and university libraries contain a plethora of information on faculty and students, but the academic library is usually the storehouse for the surrounding community. You may discover your ancestors’ records there, even if they did not attend the university.
Finding Your Family Stars and Performers: How many of you have found evidence that you had family members who performed or entertained? And, when I say “Performed or Entertained” I am not just including those who made it to the Big Leagues. What about those High School Plays or Church Choirs? Join me in finding those shining stars in your family.
Minding Your Own Business: How many of you had relatives who owned some type of business? Before large retail stores and services, towns had their own, small local businesses They sold merchandise, food, clothing, provided services, and so much more. Today, we see a lot of entrepreneurial spirit in our country, but our ancestors often created businesses out of sheer necessity.
Till The Cows Come Home: Ranchers, Rustlers and Rodeo: 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.
Fishing For Your Seafaring Ancestors: Many of our coastal ancestors spent their lives on the water in a seafaring career. Lucky for us, with several laws passed in the United States PLUS a host of excellent online resources, you have a good chance of finding your family sailing out in the open sea.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?: Using Emigrant Guides: Delve into the "Whys" and 'Hows" of your own family's migration to their new home. Have you wondered what pushed them to leave where they were, and what pulled them to that new place? Emigrant Guides are one of those truly underutilized, and readily available resources, that can add rich details to you family's migration stories.
William has a master’s degree in Public History, CSUS. He is the former president of the Sacramento County Historical Society. He is the author of Sacramento’s Streetcars, Sacramento’s Southside Park, Then and Now: Sacramento by Arcadia Publishing. He is also the author of several dozen articles on Sacramento history.
Sacramento’s Streetcars and Interurban Railroads
Sacramento’s Steam Railroad History
Ethnic/Cultural History of Sacramento’s Immigrant Communities
(Italian, Portuguese, Chicano, African-American, Chinese, Japanese), especially in the Southside Park neighborhood.
Architectural History, Including Housing Styles Common in the Sacramento Area
Architectural identification and some of Sacramento’s architectural landmarks.
Sacramento’s “Rock and Roll” HistorySacramento’s Midtown
[Located in Category: William Burg]
Karen Burney
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, Equipment
P.O. BOX 216326
Sacramento, CA 95821
916 588-8283
Email: KarenBurney@ hotmail.com
Fee: Negotiable
Any Additional Charges: none
Distance: 100 miles
Availability: Weekends, Evenings, Zoom
Equipment Needed: Projector, Mic
Speaker Biography:
Karen Burney is a national speaker and lecturer who has spent over 30 years doing genealogy research. She teaches classes on a variety of topics including Beginning Genealogy, DNA, Civil War, African-American research, Texas, Louisiana, Carolina and Virginia Research.
Combining Traditional and Genetic Genealogy to Grow Your Family Tree
Attendees will learn to how to combine DNA with traditional genealogy research to get further back in their ancestral pasts.
Planning a Genealogy Research Trip
Attendees will be given tips and suggestions on how to plan and prepare for a genealogy research trip.
Beginning Genealogy
Start out right and learn how and where to research and document your family history.
Tracing Your African American Roots
Learn unique and new methods for reconnecting with your African American Roots.
Other topics available, see bio.
[Located in Category: Karen Burney]
Nancy Calhoun
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, Equipment
P.O. Box 1182
Muskogee, OK 74402-1182
(405) 201-0024
Email: ninnnac@yahoo.com
Fee: $50
Any Additional Charges: none
Distance: Virtual Only
Availability: Weekends, Weekdays, Evenings, Zoom
Equipment Needed: Virtual Platform
Speaker Biography:
Nancy has been doing genealogy for 45 years and worked as a genealogy librarian for 15 years. Has attended many national conferences, received scholarships, and won writing awards. Presented for societies in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. Received her BA, BS, MS. Member of several societies, DAR, 1812, Mayflower, UDC, Oklahoma Genealogical Society Board, and First Families of the Twin Territories.
Runnin’ Down Grandma
Tips on researching females
Shakin’ Out the Smiths
Researching common surnames, using personal research and experience.
Way Down Yonder in the Indian Nations
Researching the Five Tribes of Oklahoma (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, Choctaw, and Seminole)
Oklahoma OK!
Tips for doing Oklahoma research
Seeking the Vital Vitals, Civil War Research in Oklahoma
I am a long-time member of the Whittier Area Genealogical Society (WAGS). I’m also a member of the El Redondo Chapter of the DAR, the Society of Daughters of Holland Dames and APG.
My interest in genealogy began in 1977 with the airing of the TV mini-series “Roots” and was piqued when I found a typed pedigree chart of my Dutch heritage from the New Netherlands in the 1660’s. I am a native Californian, a graduate of UCLA in Political Science and have recently retired to pursue my genealogy interest full time.
Mysterious Codes: Passenger Manifests Letters and Numbers
What do those letters, numbers, stamps, and pencil marks mean on Immigration Passenger Manifests? Does your ancestor have the letter "D" or "X" next to their name? Do you know what V/L, # 404, USB, Transit, CL, N.O.B, C/A, LPC, SI, NQIV, BSI, PV or C-XXXXX mean? We will learn if and when to contact the US National Archives or USCIS to get more genealogical information from these codes. Plus, what insight we can learn about your ancestor's immigration experience based on these notations.
Grand Army of The Republic - Researching Your Union Civil War Veterans
Do you have a Union Civil War Veteran? Did you know that in 1890 there were over 400,000 Veterans who belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R)? This organization existed from 1866 to 1956. It generated records noting Civil War service, birth, marriage, death, residences, occupations, detailed biographies and even photographs. I will show you where and how to find these hidden gems.
Your Ancestor the Inventor
Did your ancestor have a great idea and apply for a patent? It could give you insight into the mind and creative process of the inventor. I will show how the information contained in applying for and acquiring patents, can add interesting details to your ancestors’ lives and assist you with your research. Find details about Citizenship status, Maiden names, Legal Name changes, Death date, Heirs, and Employers. Plus, how popular the invention was in catalogs, newspapers, and city directories.
The Why, Where, When, What and How of Lineage & Hereditary Societies
Have you ever thought of joining a Lineage or Hereditary Society? What is the purpose of the society? Who are they composed of? Where do you find them? How do you join them? Why would you join them? What activities or events do they perform? Do you need professional assistance to join them? Do you need an invitation? What free or member benefits are available? Are DNA test results a membership option or requirement?
[Located in Category: Christine Cohen]
William E. "Bill" Cole, MA
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, quipment
No photo provided
Mailing Address:
1872 Coarse Gold Place,
Gold River, CA 95670
Phone: (916) 524-8136
Email: billcole@absinc.org
Website: www.passionategenealogist.org
Virtual Presentations: $250 virtual presentation fee up to 75 mins including Q&A, handout provided in pdf format for members only postings.
In Person Presentations: $250 within 30 miles of Gold River, CA; handout copies produced by organization or reimbursed as an expense to Bill Cole; expenses for mileage in California 31-99 miles from Gold River, CA = $50 reimbursement; 100+ miles from Gold River, CA = $100 reimbursement; lodging and meals reimbursed if overnight stay is required.
Travel: Northern California primary; elsewhere with travel expenses reimbursed.
Equipment Needed Virtual: Zoom access for up to 100 participants if initiated by presenter or comparable online platform if hosted by organization.
Equipment Need In-Person: Projector & appropriate-sized screen for venue provided with normal laptop connections, plus microphone depending on room size and number of participants.
Speaker Biography:
Passionate Genealogist Bill Cole, M.A., started vigorously pursuing his family history in 1980. His genealogy exploits include being the first person to document the English parents of his immigrant 8th great grandparents. He has authored three books, numerous articles, and is known as a master storyteller. Bill has uncovered ancestors born at sea, one shipwrecked passenger who survived Jamestown, two Mayflower ancestors, one Mayflower investor, multiple Revolutionary War patriots on both sides, plus other fascinating characters – including one relative involved in a California stagecoach robbery.
Bill served six years as vice president of the Sacramento German Genealogy Society and co-chaired the 2017 and 2019 International German Genealogy Conferences in Minneapolis, MN and Sacramento, CA.
Presentations:
A Winning Formula for Short Genealogy Stories
Ancestors Great and Small: Researching England’s Underutilized Treasure Troves (multi-part program)
Breathe Life Into Your Genealogy with the Power of Story
Breathe More Life Into Your Genealogy with Storytelling Tips & Techniques
Bullion Bend: Stagecoach Robbers, Murder, and the California Supreme Court - Oh My!
[Located in Category: William Cole]
Amy Johnson Crow
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, Equipment
PO Box 1394
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Email: ajc@amyjohnsoncrow.com
Website: AmyJohnsonCrow.com
Fee: $150 for webinar, contact for all day seminar
Any additional fees: None
Distance: Only scheduling virtual presentations at this time.
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends, and via Zoom (Virtual is preferred)
Equipment Needed: None
Speaker Biography:
Amy Johnson Crow is the founder and lead educator at Generations Connection and is the host of the popular Generations Café podcast. She is the author of 31 Days to Better Genealogy, a resource guide filled with practical tips you can put into practice right away, as well as more than 40 articles in various genealogical publications. Amy has presented at genealogy’s top events. Amy also created the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks writing challenge. Amy has never turned down an offer to go visit a cemetery. You can find more genealogy tips on her website AmyJohnsonCrow.com.
The Genealogy Research Process
5 Search Strategies Every Genealogist Should Know
Sometimes records like to hide. That’s when you need to use a good search strategy. Here are 5 that every genealogist needs to know — including one that doesn’t even use a name!
Citing Sources Without Stressing Out
Citing sources is one of those things in genealogy research that tends to make us kind of kind of twitchy. We know we should be doing it and we want to do them right… so we tend to stress out about it. But there is a key to thinking about citing sources—and it won’t raise our blood pressure.
How Do I Know That's My Ancestor?
You don’t want just anyone in your family tree — you want the right person. Learn how the concept of identity will help you keep from adding someone with the same name.
Pamela has enjoyed conducting personal and client research for more than 30 years using a wide variety of repositories and record sources. She has presented genealogy lectures at national conferences, regional conferences and one day seminars as well as local society meetings. Pamela’s genealogical focus is Midwest research, methodology and unique record sources. She is a member of the Placer County Genealogical Society, Roseville Genealogical Society, National Genealogical Society, Genealogical Speaker’s Guild, and the Association of Professional Genealogists.
Scaling the Brick Wall
The focus of this presentation is on strategies, methodology and examples to progress research beyond “brick wall” challenges. Good research habits are discussed as well as workable research plans.
Carved in Stone: Cemetery Research
Gain more from your cemetery research. Learn to prepare for your visit to the cemetery, accomplish more during your visit and glean valuable information from related research. *This presentation can be paired with A Visit to the Cemetery, and include demonstrations of gravestone rubbings.
A Visit to the Cemetery
This presentation provides step-by-step plans for a visit to the cemetery including different ways to read the tombstone and “how to” for gravestone rubbings.
Double Dating: Understanding the Calendar Change
Understanding the details of the change from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar is essential for sound genealogical research.
Let Your Fingers Do the Walking Through the City Directories
Learn to fully utilize city directories to gather all available information plus clues for further research.
Siblings, Friends & Enemies: Collateral Research
Effective collateral research may mean the difference between successful or unsuccessful research. This class explores the importance and techniques of collateral research.
Develop a Research Plan and Make it Work
Are you researching or just gathering information? Using a sound research plan makes all the difference for successful genealogical research.
Evaluating Evidence
Determining the strength and value of the evidence we use in our research is imperative for sound genealogical research. Properly evaluating your evidence is essential for successful research and steers us forward toward the next steps.
Remember the Ladies: Find Your Female Ancestors
Are you struggling to find elusive female ancestors? This presentation offers strategies and methodology for finding more information about your female ancestors.
Grand Army of the Republic
The Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army, Navy, Marines and the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service who served in the American Civil War generated numerous records. Discover how to find these records and how they may benefit your research.
Court is in Session: Find Your Ancestors in the Law Library
Law libraries are not just for lawyers. Law libraries hold a treasure trove of information about our ancestors and collateral family. Learn what information is available and where to find it.
Extra! Extra! Your Ancestors Are in the Newspapers
There is more to newspaper research than obituaries. Discover the variety of information available in newspapers and where to find historic newspapers.
The Northwest Territory
The Northwest Territory (The Territory Northwest of the River Ohio) was an organized, incorporated territory of the United States that existed from 13 July 1787 until 1 March 1803. Discover the plentiful records created by the inhabitants of the NW Territory.
WPA: A Good Program for Genealogists
The Works Progress Administration / Work Projects Administration (WPA) - The largest and most ambitious American New Deal Agency. Millions of records were created and most contain genealogically pertinent information.
Burned Counties
Are you stuck in a Burned County? All the records are not lost! This presentation covers strategies and examples for finding existing, replacement and supplemental records.
Digging Deeper, Little Known Records and Repositories
Once you have saturated the best known and easily found records and repositories it is time to dig deeper. This presentation examines little known repositories and records you may never have considered.
NUCMC – A Gold Mine for Genealogists!
The National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections is a key resource for genealogists. This index helps researchers find all types of records, especially those records that migrated away from their original location. Find records in little-known and well-known repositories alike. Learn how to navigate the website and locate the records. A wonderful genealogical treasure!
American State Papers
The American State Papers contain the legislative and executive documents of Congress during the period of 1789 to 1838. Some of these early documents offer information about land records, marriage records, migration and military history relating to early settlers and residents of the new country.
Reconstruct the Neighborhood
Would you like to set foot in your ancestors’ neighborhood? This presentation discusses researching and mapping your ancestors’ neighborhood.
Jeremy Frankel and Victoria Fisch are a professional team who enjoy sharing their investigative skills. They’ve developed methods for overcoming research obstacles and teach on using creative thinking to break through “brick walls.” Their projects have included investigations for the television series “Who Do You Think You Are” and “Finding Your Roots,” and their clientele in the U.S. and overseas has included academics, authors, museums, and police and fire departments. Jeremy is the long-time president of the SF Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society, and Victoria is the president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento. They are members of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
Presentations:
We are able to tailor lectures to your specific needs and audience. Please call and ask.
[Located in Category: Victoria Fisch-Jeremy Frankel]
Ronald Gilmore
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, Equipment
81801 Camino Montevideo
Indio, CA 92203
760 636-1507
Email: Rvg3@shaw.ca
Fee: No
Any additional fees: N/A
Distance: 100 Miles
Equipment Needed: Overhead Projector
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends, and via Zoom
Speaker Biography:
With a strong technical background (a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Mathematics), Ron pursued a career as a management consultant in IT with major assignments in Canada, USA and Europe. Retiring in 2010, Ron and Wendy bought a golf community home in Sun City Shadow Hills in Indio, CA. With generous amounts of spare time now available, Ron turned to genealogy for family investigations in Ireland, UK, France/Germany and Canada. Ron has presented to a variety of genealogical societies including the Sun City Shadow Hills Genealogy Club, the Palm Desert Genealogy Club, the Moreno Valley GS and the Hemet-San Jacinto GS on his favorite topic: Ireland.
Hands-On Ireland
A one-hour presentation aimed at the beginner level of Irish interest. This session catalogs an 18-day trip to Ireland with deep dives into the archives, first in Dublin and then in Belfast. Included are Dublin side visits to Trinity College, the Guinness Brewery and the new high-tech Epic museum dedicated to the Great Famine. In Belfast, we also toured PRONI and then the nearby Titanic Museum. We visited a country church and had the warden open the church safe to capture pages and pages of family records. We were invited for tea at the country home where my grandmother and my father were born. Finally, we became tourists for a few days with a trip to Connemara on the west coast before returning to Dublin, stopping at four castles on the way.
Ireland’s Griffith’s Valuation
A one-hour “How To” presentation aimed at the intermediate Irish researcher. This session catalogs three specific examples of how to access these online land tax records which cover the period from 1847 to 1864 where no census records exist (due to the catastrophic fire in Dublin during the civil war of 1922). How to attack the much tangled Irish land jurisdictions will help anyone interested in Ireland. A one-hour “How To” presentation aimed at the intermediate Irish researcher. This session catalogs three specific examples of how to access these online land tax records which cover the period from 1847 to 1864 where no census records exist (due to the catastrophic fire in Dublin during the civil war of 1922Attendees should be able to search on their own at the end of this session which includes a live search example.
Ireland’s Tithe Applotments
A 45 minute “How To” presentation aimed at the intermediate researcher. This session provides examples of how to access these highly contentious land tax records which were intended to provide funding for the Church of Ireland. Everyone was taxed! Even if they supported another church! The records cover the period from 1823 to 1837, prior to the Great Famine where no census records exist.
Murder and Consequences – A Family Story
A one-hour presentation of a family tragedy wherein two female family members were found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. Details of the initial research into this saga is presented as we follow the life of one of the women who is transported to Van Diemen’s Land – a British penal colony. The story collides with some major world history events and personalities that resonate up to the present day. Alert: Not a “How To” and not intended for anyone who might be squeamish or sensitive.
Fee: $125 plus mileage if distance is greaterthan 50 miles.
Any Additional Charges:none
Distance: Negotiable
Availability: Weekends, Weekdays, Evenings, Zoom
Equipment Needed: Computer projector, screen, and microphone
Speaker Biography:
Lisa Gorrell has been seriously researching her family for more than twenty-five years. Besides U.S. Southern and Mid-western states, she researches German, Irish, English, and Swedish families. She volunteers with the Contra Costa County Historical Society archives in Martinez, and writes about her family on two blogs:
Cemeteries represent the final resting place of our ancestors. They may be privately owned or run by a religious group, municipality such as a town, village, or city, by the county, or federally run such as the National Cemetery. Each of these entities may have records. Funeral homes, which are private businesses, may also have records.
Did Your Ancestor Attend Church? Researching in Religious Records
Church records can provide names, dates, and relationships about your ancestors. Many of the records from churches and religious organizations predate civil records which makes these records a rich source of information about our families. Give these records a try, even if you think your ancestor did not attend church.
Finding Records to Help Document Your Farming Ancestor
Up to about 1870, farming was the number one occupation. You probably have a large number of farmers in your family. There are types of records that document our farming ancestors such as land, tax, and probate records. Newspapers and many agricultural records can add context to their story.
Fleshing Out Your Family Using City Directories
City Directories are a wonderful source to help fill in details of your ancestor’s life between the census years. City Directories give information about a resident’s address and occupation but the directories also have lots of other information. Come learn how to use the directories to aid in your research and where to find them in person or online. Remember, even small towns often had published directories.
Focused Research: Using Research Plans
Do you feel like your research just goes in circles, that you keep finding the same information, or you have brick walls you cannot solve? Being focused on your research will bring better results. This can be done by using research plans. I will explain how to create and use a research plan to help keep you focused on your research and get better results.
German Research: Let’s Get Started!
Nearly 50 million Americans have German ancestry. The earliest Germans came in colonial times. It was land and religious freedom that brought Germans to America. Yet, it was not until 1871 that there was a united Germany. Come learn how to get started in your German research by learning about sources here in the U.S. to help bridge you to the German states of your ancestors.
Researching Offline: Using Archives, Libraries, and Courthouses
Not everything is found online! Using online sources, you can find which offline resources might have the information to help your family research. Then you can take a road trip or perhaps order the documents directly from them.
Tips for Breaking Brick Walls
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!
What’s the News? Your Ancestors in Newspapers
Newspapers are an excellent source of genealogical, social, and historical information about our families and their communities. Newspapers reveal what was happening in a time and place—something other records might not tell us. This presentation will cover newspapers found on free sites and subscription sites.
General Land Office: Get the Most Out of the BLM-GLO Website
Did your answer obtain land from the Federal Government in the Public Land States? The General Land Office website has the answers but the website can be confusing to use. This presentation will dip deep into the website and offer tips for future research in other records. Even if your ancestor did not get land from the Federal Government, information from the site can be useful for your land-owning ancestors in the Public Land States.
Researching School-Related Records of Our Ancestors
Locating school records of our ancestors can give us a glimpse into their early life. Records can be located in family papers, archives, and online. This presentation will consider both public and religious schools, as well as vocational and colleges.
How to Leave Your Genealogy
Do you have a plan for what will happen to your genealogy research? This presentation will discuss tasks you can do now so you will leave your genealogy in good shape for your heirs.
[Located in Category: Lisa S. Gorrell]
Richard Hanson
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, Equipment
Contact Information:
4780 Peace Lilly Lane, Roseville CA 95747-5892, UNITED STATES
Handouts: I will provide a PDF file. Paper handout copies to be provided by the society.
Any additional fees: Negotiable
Distance: Greater Sacramento area
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends, and via Zoom
Equipment Needed: Video projector and screen. Speaker can bring his own video projector if necessary.
Rick was a career computer programmer/analyst, now retired. He has been working with other family members on genealogy since 1983. He authored and self-published seven books (working on the eighth). He created a database of almost 4,000 scanned family photos and source documents.
Significant activities:
Secretary & Senior Techie for Sac. German Genealogy Society
Treasurer & Senior Techie for Root Cellar - Sacramento Genealogical Society
Technology Advisor & Website Editor for Sac. Regional Genealogical Council
Reunion Software SIG Co-leader
He is the Webmaster for Sierra County CAGenWeb, part of The USGenWeb Project. He’s an active volunteer in several local genealogy society groups and the International German Genealogy Partnership.
Life on the Geiger Dairy in Rio Linda (1943-54)
The Dry Creek Parkway in Rio Linda is currently managed by the Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society. The two-story farmhouse along Dry Creek Road is their museum. This presentation rolls the clock back sixty years to a time when that property was a working dairy run by Rick’s grandparents. The presentation will discuss the buildings and tell stories of what life was like on that dairy. A four-page handout is included depicting historical building layout and a floor plan of the main house.
Publishing Using Lulu.com
Lulu.com is one of the best- known online publishing web sites. The presentation will discuss how to get a publication produced using Lulu.com, cost and various technical issues. Includes a two-page handout.
Writing and Publishing Your Family History
This presentation provides an overview of the entire publishing effort – types of publications, why bother, writing, content, copyright, ISBNs, classification systems, other registrations, printing, binding and revisions. Includes a two-page handout.
Genealogist’s Guide to Photo Scanning
This presentation is a briefing on today’s image scanning technology. It is intended to give the beginning genealogist some understanding of that technology, its limits, options and what to look for when purchasing a scanner. Includes a two-page handout.
Genealogist’s Guide to Digital Cameras
This presentation addresses today’s digital camera technology. It is intended to give the beginning genealogist an understanding of how a digital camera works, technology options, how to photograph various types of objects under various light conditions, connecting with the computer, getting prints made and what to look for when purchasing a digital camera. Includes a handout.
Fee charged: $35 - $45
Travel: 20 – 40 miles
Equipment: Screen for computer interface
ZOOM sessions OK
Speaker Biography:
I have done research for many years for people all over the world. Contacted by people in Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, etc. I have been able to find out information that helps them understand their families. I have presented the topics listed below previously to many groups and try to update them periodically to take advantage of changing trends and resources.
For example, I have had a membership with Ancestry.com for many years and have used that to create family trees for people trying to link their trees with others. When the pandemic struck access to the California Room was gone and consequently, even though it is now open I have not continued to go there for research.
Power Point Presentations:
How to Discover When a Photograph was Taken by Examining Props, Clothing, Poses, etc.
How Copying and Restoring Old Photographs Can Be Done to Provide Interesting Images of Your Ancestors
[Located in Category: Sandra Harris]
Kim Hayden
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, Equipment
551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd
Sacramento CA 95820
916 808-7074
Email: khayden@cityofsacramento.org
Center for Sacramento History
Fee: None
Distance: 25 Miles
Equipment Needed: N/A
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, and via Zoom
Speaker Biography:
Kim Hayden is the senior archivist at the Center for Sacramento History, where she has worked for the last four years helping the public with genealogical and other history research focused on the Sacramento region.
Genealogical Resources at the Center for Sacramento History
As the official historical archives of both the city and county of Sacramento, the Center for Sacramento History holds a number of government records and other collections dating back to 1849 that are particularly useful to genealogists, including naturalization records, court case files, property records, and city and regional directories. In this talk, senior archivist Kim Hayden will discuss the Center’s genealogical resources and how to conduct research at the Center.
Equipment needed: laptop w/Powerpoint and projector. A flash drive with the presentation will be provided.
Speaker Biography:
Glen holds a PhD from U.C. Davis and is retired from a career as a consulting landscape ecologist. While his professional career primarily concerned the geography of plants and animals, Glen also has a strong interest in patterns of human movements across landscapes, which is the geography of genealogy.
The Geography of American Genealogy
Many of our ancestors were part of groups that left homelands at particular times and moved together to specific regions in America. For example, many people left Ireland during a blight that destroyed their potato crop and then moved to American places where they could make a living without growing potatoes. About the same time political upheavals caused many Germans to settle in quite different American regions. Such migrations are just two of many that will be discussed. Together, they are the geography of genealogy. Your ancestors are part of this geography.
(Please note, there are no handouts for this presentation. The talk includes a large number of map slides. A bibliography of the books from which the maps and content of the presentation were procured will be provided).
[Located in Category: Glen Holstein, PhD]
Robert Jackson
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, Equipment
1597 Le Roy Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94708
510-486-0846
Email: robert@sophocles.com
www.sophocles.com
Fee: None
Any additional fees: Out of Pocket Expenses
Distance: 60 Miles
Equipment Needed: Overhead Projector
Availability: Weekdays, Weekends, and Evenings
Speaker Biography:
Ph.D. in History, Harvard University. Twenty-five years full-time research in family history. Specialist in family reconstitution methodology. Emphasis on the social and economic environments and experiences of our ancestors.
The Great Migration -- German family history: Part 1
Discovering where your ancestors were born in Germany.
The Great Migration -- German family history: Part 2
Locating, accessing, reading, and interpreting German documents.
French-Canadian family history
[Located in Category: Robert Jackson]
Melinda Kashuba, Ph.D
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, Equipment
P.O. Box 992647
Redding, CA 96099-2647
530-440-5584
Email: mekashuba@gmail.com
Fee: minimum $135 for an hour presentation
Any additional fees:
Additional mileage cost may apply if over 50
miles from Redding.
Distance: As far south as the Northern San Francisco Bay Area within California without making additional arrangements such as a hotel room. Further south, the option for accommodations will need to be made.
For speaking engagements in Oregon and Nevada, additional arrangements will have to be made.
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends, and via Zoom (Virtual is preferred)
Equipment Needed: Microphone and computer
projector.
Melinda holds a PhD in Geography from UCLA. She is a popular lecturer on a variety of genealogical topics statewide and nationally. Her popular book, Walking with Your Ancestors: a Genealogist’s Guide to Using Maps and Geography (Family Tree Books, 2005) joins a long list of articles in numerous genealogical magazines and other publications. Melinda’s specialties include California genealogical records including maps. She is the owner and principal researcher of Kashuba Research Services, a historical and genealogical research company.
Genealogy 911: Protecting Your Genealogical Work from Disaster
Millions of Members: Finding Your Ancestor in Fraternal Organization Records
American Migration Trails: Eastern United States
American Migration Trails: Western United States
Using Maps in Genealogical Research (1 or 2 hour segments)
Genealogical Resources of Northern California: Libraries & Archives
Researching Railroads & Their Records
Replacing Lost Courthouse Records
Civil War Research: Union Records
Civil War Research: Records of the Confederacy
Using Fire Insurance Maps and City Directories in Urban Genealogical Research (can be paired with a hands-on workshop session)
Confederate Civil War Genealogical Resources
California Genealogical Research
Locating Living Relatives Using 21st Century Techniques
Locating Your Mining Ancestor’s Claim in Federal, State and Local Records
Internet Map and Gazetteer Resources for Genealogists
Tracing California Emigrant Patterns Using the U.S. Census, 1850-1930
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends, and via Zoom (Virtual is preferred)
Equipment Needed: Mic, overhead projector.
Speaker Biography:
Karen took her first genealogy classes in the early 1980s. After a 16-year break to raise two children, she resumed her research in 2006. She began researching her husband’s Italian ancestry, learn how to navigate Italian civil records in the process. She has spent the past 8 years doing research in Italian records, indexing and volunteering at her local Family History Center. She is a member of six different Facebook groups focused on genealogy in Italy and has helped many learn how to research their ancestors from Italy through these groups. Karen holds a BS in Education/Math, with a French minor and an MS in Education.
Ciao to Your Ancestors in Italian Civil Records
An introduction to genealogy research in Italy using available online civil records
Fee: depends on the group; Gratuity appreciated especially if out of area
Any additional fees: None
Distance: Depends on the time of year, but generally 20 miles. Open to discussion.
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends, and via Zoom (Virtual is preferred)
Equipment Needed: Screen, lectern, stand for projector, and PA system if group is larger than 25. Speaker generally brings own laptop and LCD projector, but a “backup” projector is always appreciated.
Speaker Biography:
Bob has been involved in Sacramento Area. He started a committee to restore the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery, and was on the Board of the Sacramento Historical Society for over 30 years. He currently chairs or co-chairs several historical groups, including a consortium of over 30 historical organizations in a 7 county area. Dr. Bob is also on the boards of numerous other organizations, including the Sacramento History Alliance, and he curates the SSVMS Museum of Medical History, which opened in November of 2001.
Gold Rush Medicine
Medical care and challenges during the Gold Rush
History of Death and Burials
Women’s Issues on the Overland Trail
Unique problems/concerns for women on the trail
Sacramento County Cemeteries
Review of key Sacramento County cemeteries, including district cemeteries and Sacramento Historic City Cemetery
Sacramento Area Cemeteries
Includes the Sacramento historic City Cemetery, with information on history of burial practices
Virtual Tour of Physicians Burial Sites at Sacramento City Cemetery
Betty Lemley has loved family history since her grandmother introduced her to it when she was a young teenager. Her favorite thing about family history is collecting stories and memories and sharing them with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoys teaching classes to share what she has learned. She also enjoys learning, reading, attending plays and storytelling events, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband volunteered full-time at the Sacramento FamilySearch Center for 18 months. They are the parents of eight children and think their 19 grandchildren are the icing on the cake.
Family History and Social Media and Some Websites You want to Know About
Family History and Social Media: Learn how to use social media (and some great websites) to learn more about your family's history and where they came from, meet family, reconnect with family, share stories and memories, and find resources where you can learn more!
Finding Elusive Records
Having trouble finding your ancestors records? This class will give you ideas of where to look off the beaten path as well as explain how to find the 70% of records on FamilySearch which are not digitized.
All about Sources and attaching them in Family Search and Ancestry
Learn why all sources are not created equal and how and why you should attach them to your ancestor.
What do I Do with all this STUFF I Inherited?
Are you the collector or keeper (willing or unwilling) of all your family’s treasure? Get some ideas of how to sort through, organize, preserve, and maybe (gasp) dispose of all that STUFF.
Finding Your Way Around FamilySearch.org (or any other FamilySearch topic)
Learn the basics of FamilySearch and 10 Things you Need to Know about FamilySearch.org
Hidden Treasures of Previous Generations - Letters, Books, Magazines
Learning about your ancestors through letters, books, and magazines.
“What does that say?” - Beginning Paleography (old handwriting) Tips
Learn some tips for deciphering that beautiful but often frustrating old script.
Family Fun with Family History
Studies show that knowing their family history builds resilience in children. Learn ideas of how to share your family history in fun ways with your children and grandchildren.
Sharing your Family Story without Publishing a Thick Book
Learn ways to share your family story without writing and publishing a thick book they might not ever read!
Family History Décor and Gift Ideas
Having items related to your family history displayed in your home will help generate conversations and help your family to know their family stories. This class will present ideas for home decor and gift ideas related to family history.
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, and via Zoom (Virtual is preferred)
Equipment Needed: none
Speaker Biography:
Laurie Markham has volunteered at the Sacramento FamilySearch Library for 12 years. She is currently Associate Director of Learning and Education at the library. She has also served as president of the Sacramento Regional Genealogical Council for the past 5 years. She loves to teach and is passionate about FamilySearch.org. She began doing family history research as a young girl helping her mother search and record facts about ancestors, but her desire to continue with family history was a direct result of the stories her mother and grandmother shared about beloved ancestors. Because of her interest at a young age, many family heirlooms were passed down to her. Laurie is also an expert at validating ‘expense trips’ under the guise of family history research.
Introduction to FamilySearch.org
An overview of the website and the functions FamilySearch.org offers
Finding and Merging Duplicates on FamilySearch.org
Duplication is a big problem for genealogists. FamilySearch’s goal is to make merging record sources and duplicate family easy to see and correct. This will minimize mistakes and help everyone create and follow correct family lines.
Finding Elusive Records on FamilySearch.org
How to use more complex search methods in FamilySearch’s vast record collections to find elusive ancestors. In this class we will use Filtering, the Catalog, Genealogies, and the FamilySearch wiki to find answers.
What’s New/ What’s Coming to FamilySearch.org
Find out the latest and greatest options that FamilySearch is offering to help your research.
Irish Research Parts 1 & 2- Description
Part 1 is all about using US records to pinpoint the place your ancestors came from in Ireland. Part 2 is all about jumping across the pond and researching in Ireland. There are so many fabulous resources now for Irish research and I share many of them in this class, plus some unexpected places to get information.
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, and via Zoom (Virtual is preferred)
Equipment Needed: computer overhead
Speaker Biography:
Mark McLaren is originally from the Philadelphia area. Mark attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he graduated with a B.S. in Business. He is recently retired from a career in the medical supply distribution business where he held a number of executive level positions.
His interest in genealogy began in the early 2000s and has expanded over the years. His current areas of focus are genetic genealogy and Scottish research. He is currently a member of the National Genealogical Society, California Genealogical Society (CGS), and the San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS). In SRVGS, he is a board member and treasurer. He is a Fellow in the Society of Scottish Antiquities (FSA) and a member of the Caledonian Club of San Francisco. He is also a member of several Scottish Clan societies; Clan MacLaren Society of North America (CMSNA), Clan MacLaren Society of Scotland, Clan Douglas Society of North America, and Clan Ross America. In CMSNA, he served as treasurer for 12 years and currently as its President. In 2017, he developed an “introduction to genetic genealogy” class and has taught it for numerous genealogical societies in the Bay Area including SRVGS, CGS, Mt. Diablo Genealogical Society and Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society. He also established and leads a DNA SIG (Special Interest Group) at SRVGS and CGS. He currently is an administrator for three projects at FamilyTree DNA, including the MacLaren surname project with over 1,400 participants. Additionally, he manages or supports over 35 individual DNA kits for both family, friends, and clients.
Scottish/Northern Ireland Genealogy Research
Review of ancestors of Scottish heritage involving both research resources and a review of the Scottish and Northern Ireland diaspora.
Overview of DNA tests and terms
Review of the principles behind the autosomal, Y, and mtDNA tests, basic DNA terms and strategies.
Overview of the major DNA testing company tools
A walk through each of the four major DNA testing companies, their pros and cons and how to use the tools provided by each.
Distance: as many miles as organization is willing to pay for
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends
Equipment Needed: computer overhead, mic
Speaker Biography:
Stephen Morse is the creator of the One-Step Website for which he's received both the Lifetime Achievement and the Outstanding Contribution Award from the IAJGS, Award of Merit from the National Genealogical Society, first-ever Excellence Award from the Association of Professional Genealogists, and two awards that he cannot pronounce from Polish genealogical societies.
Morse is a computer professional with a doctorate in electrical engineering. He's held various research, development, and teaching positions, authored numerous technical papers, written four textbooks, and holds four patents. He's best known as the architect of the Intel 8086, which sparked the PC revolution 35 years ago.
Kathy Nielsen, MA, MLS, is a reference librarian and an educator. She is a popular speaker on the Monterey Peninsula. She has hosted a virtual series, All Things Relative, at the Monterey Public Library and has taught classes at the popular OLLI program at Cal State Monterey Bay. Kathy has been featured on Lisa Louse Cooke’s weekly YouTube program, Elevenses. She is a co-founder of the Monterey County Genealogy Society’s special interest writing group, Off the Charts. Kathy incorporates her skills as a historian, storyteller, and librarian in her search for her family’s history.
Share Your Family’s Stories…Just Jump in and Do It
Join Kathy Nielsen as she demonstrates ways to share your family’s stories. Self-publish a book, create a video, interview a relative. Family stories may be lost in just three generations. Don’t let your family’s stories end up in the cardboard box in the garage or worse yet in the trash. Create a legacy for your family now. Pass on your stories and those of your ancestors.
A New Life for Old Photos
With so much of our lives now spent at home, this offering could not be timelier. We look forward to Kathy sharing her expertise on identifying, organizing, and restoring old photos. She will also introduce us to some easy-to-use photo editing applications.
Every Home Has a Story: Researching Yours and Your Ancestors’ Homes
Ever wondered about the history of the houses where your ancestors lived? Curious about the history of your own home? Each one has a story to tell. Every family has left their mark on their homes, just as these homes have left their mark on those who lived there. The census, maps, deeds, wills, photos, directories, and newspapers help us discover insights into our family's homes.
Fee: $200 in person, $300 recorded; $100/hr research
Any additional fees: Travel
Distance: Up to 75 Miles
Equipment Needed: Screen or monitor
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends, and via Zoom
Other: Contract required for all sessions; limits on how long recordings held; additional lectures upon request.
Speaker Biography
Linda Harms Okazaki is a fourth-generation Californian who is passionate about teaching people of all ages to research, document, and share their family histories. Her areas of interest include the westernU.S., upstate New York, England, Australia, Japanese Americans, and the use of DNA in genealogy. Linda has been researching her husband’s ancestry since 2012, documenting his family in the internment camps and in Japan. A charter member of the Nikkei Genealogical Society, and a consultant for Ancestry’sProgenealogists and Densho, she is also a featured columnist for the Nichi BeiNews. Her column, "Finding Your Nikkei Roots," is published bimonthly. Her guide to "Finding Your Japanese Roots" was updated in2023. Ms. Okazaki is the author of numerous articles, including the National Genealogical Society’s "Paper Sons and Picture Brides," which was co-authored by Grant Din, and "Japanese American Research," published in the New York Researcher. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speaker’s Guild, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Linda is a past president of the California Genealogical Society,a former board member of the Nichi Bei Foundation, and thecurrent president of the Northern California Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
Previous Speaking Engagements Colonial Dames,Densho,Federation of Genealogical Societies, Jamboree,Japanese American Citizens League, Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, Legacy Family Tree Webinars, National Genealogical Society,New York Genealogical and Biographical Society,Nichi Bei Foundation,Sakura Foundation,as well as numerous libraries and genealogical societies.
Angel Island: A History of the Island and the Records Generated
At roughly 740 acres, Angel Island is the largest natural island in San Francisco Bay. Today, the island is a place to hike, bike, camp, and picnic. Its history as an immigration station from 1910-1940 is also well-known, but the history of Angel Island is long and rich. Explore the history of the area as well as the diverse records available, including vital, census, land, military, and immigration. Repositories such as the National Archives and local libraries will be discussed, along with lesser known facilities such as the Society of California Pioneers and the California State Parks Archives. Suitable for all levels.
A Japanese American Family from 1902-1992: Finding Records to Recreate the Hirai Family Story
The experience of Japanese immigrants to the U.S. and their descendants is a part of American history. This case study examines the abundance of both conventional and ethnic-specific federal and local records, and pieces together the story of a Japanese American family from immigration through World War II and beyond. Suitable for intermediate researchers.
Piecing together the lives of an Immigrant Family in pre-1906 San Francisco
San Francisco suffered profound record loss following the 1906 earthquake and fire. Despite this loss, various resources will be examined, analyzed, and correlated in order to document an immigrant family who arrived in “The City” around 1855, just a few years after statehood. Newspapers, maps, city directories, and use of the FAN club will provide sufficient data to tell the story of this family. Suitable for intermediate and advanced researchers.
20th Century Immigration to the West Coast and Hawai‘i
20th century immigrants to the west arrived by ship through Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawai'i, and overland through Canada, Mexico and the continental U.S. This lecture will examine the ports of entry, historical events, laws which impacted those immigrants, and the records generated. Suitable for all levels.
What’s All the Fuss about DNA?
Are you thinking about purchasing a DNA kit? Not sure which brand to buy? Wondering how the results can help you with your genealogy? Overwhelmed with the data? This introductory presentation about genetic genealogy is designed for those who are new to DNA. Attendees will learn about the most common brands of test, the types of tests available, interpreting the results, and connecting with potential relatives. Additionally, ethics and privacy concerns will be discussed. We will briefly touch upon third party sites, but these will not be the focus of this introductory lecture. Suitable for individuals who are curious, but have little to no experience using DNA for family history.
Who’s in Your Neighborhood? Meeting the Research Needs of Your Diverse Community
Genealogists utilize the F.A.N. principle, broadening their research to include entire communities. But what about genealogical society F.A.N clubs? Is your organization inclusive? Does your membership reflect the diversity of your community? This lecture examines ways to identify and embrace those ethnic groups which are underserved by many genealogical societies. Suitable for all levels.
World War II Internment Camps and Mass Incarceration in the U.S. Enemy aliens along with American citizens were incarcerated in the U.S. during WWII. The sites of confinement and the records created will be examined.
A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words The Gentlemen’s Agreement of 1907 was an agreement between the U.S. and Japan that restricted the immigration of Japanese laborers. Wives and children of laborers were permitted to immigrate. This led rise to what is informally called “The Picture Bride Era.” Learn about the history leading up to this policy, how the agreement impacted immigrants, what records were created, and why the policy expired in 1924.
Family History for Young Children: A Developmental Approach(20-30 minutesto a series; good for community events) Children are intrigued by their families. This hands-on approach can be tailored to the specific age-group of the children and may include story-telling, drawing family trees, and vocabulary for the younger children (2-8), simple pedigree charts for elementary school students, and computer activities with homework for teenagers.
Find Your Family, Leave a Legacy(an introduction to genealogy for non-genealogy groups, 30-45 min; suitable for banquets and non-genealogy events) Family history is a gift to your family and your community. Learn how to get started and leave your family with the gift of history
Finding Your Japanese Roots: In the U.S. and in Japan(can be one, two, or three lectures, or up to atwo-dayseminar; titlecan be adjusted) Seminar for those researching Japanese Americans, including laws, political climate, the incarcerationexperience,and more.60–90-minutesession suitablefor beginners or those who are not familiar with the Japanese experience.Advanced sessions for experienced researchersor for the Japanese American community. Classes will be tailored to the specific group. Depending on the group, records in Japan can be included. (For records exclusively in the U.S., see Japanese American Genealogy below).
Introducing the 1950 Census The 1950 Census was publicly released on 1 April 2022, 72 years after it was enumerated. Genealogist Linda Harms Okazaki will show you how to find the 1950 census, help you tounderstand the nuances of data, and share strategies for locating your relatives.
Introduction to Genealogy, Part I and Part II Get your feet wet with this introduction to genealogy. These 60-minutesessionscan be consecutive or stand-alone.NavigatingAncestryandFamilySearch,plus an introduction to basic record types will be covered.
Japanese American Genealogy Japanese began immigrating to the U.S. in large numbers after the implementation of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. In this lecture, we will explore both conventional and ethnic-specific U.S. records as they pertain to those of Japanese ancestry. This lecture begins with a brief overview of history in Japan and is followed by a chronological review of U.S. laws and historical eventsthatimpacted both the immigrants and their descendants. The plethora of documents generated (census, court, immigration, land, military, vital, etc.) will be discussed. After the lecture, attendees will feel confident researching Japanese immigrants to the U.S.
Organize Your Genealogy Researching your family history is a labor of love. But do you sometimes feel like you are drowning under a pile of paper, have no idea what to do withallyour findings, or worse, can’t find those records on your hard drive? There are as many ways to organize your data as there are researchers. The only “right” way to organize your genealogy is to do it in a way that you will consistently follow!Genealogist Linda Harms Okazaki will help you tackle that growing mountain of data.She will share strategies to help you start your research, keep track of your findings, andestablish naming conventions for both digital and paper files.
A Tale of Two Ancestors: The Angel Island Experience (20-30 minutes, good for luncheons). The Immigration Station on Angel Island operated from 1910-1940. This presentation compares the different experiences of an Asian immigrant and a British employee who were “on” the island at the same time.
Volunteers: Recruitment, Training, and Retention(20-30 minutes; for boards and non-profits) Is your organization suffering from volunteer fatigue? Are your older volunteers feeling under-appreciated? Do you need to recruit new volunteers? Learn about simple techniques you can use to recruit, train, and retainyourvolunteer pool.
Who was Gus Barrango?(readySpring2024)
Gus Barrangoleft his name carved in the cliffs above Raton, Colfax, New Mexico. But who was he? This case study follows the documents to recreate his family, from Sicily to New York, to the coal mines of Colorado and New Mexico, to the city of San Francisco. Unexpected twists and turns include a murder, a suicide, and a questionable death.
The A, P, C’s of 20thCentury Immigrantsto the U.S. (Under construction) Do you have a20th-centuryimmigrant? Do you wonder what records there are, besides manifests? Do you know what an A-file is,whetheryour ancestor had one, or where to find it? Do you know what records are held by the United States Citizenship Immigration Services versus the National Archives? Did your ancestor naturalize? Why or why not? When and how? This lecture will examineallthese issues. Suitable for beginners.
AnIntroduction to 20thCentury Immigrants to the U.S. (Under Construction) Learn about the laws and events that impacted20th-centuryimmigration to the U.S. from the Pacific,andthe Atlantic, through Canada, andMexico. Basic records will be reviewed in addition to the laws and events.
[Located in Category: Linda Harms Okazaki]
Richard Rands
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, Equipment
No photo provided
Pending
Fees: Mileage over 25 miles or for copies.
Distance willing to travel: 250 miles.
Equipment needed:
Projection screen; microphone for large groups.
Speaker Biography:
Richard Rands is past president of the Silicon Valley Computer Genealogy Group and is the past director of the Los Altos Family History Center. He is past president of the San Francisco chapter of the American Marketing Association, the Northern California/Pacific Northwest chapter of the Marketing Research Association, and the Pacific Chapter of the American Association of Political and Opinion Research. Richard earned BS and MBA degrees from the University of California Berkeley, and an Advanced Certificate in English Genealogy Research from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies at the University of Toronto, Canada. He worked in computer hardware and software for several decades and was president and CEO of a research software company before focusing full-time on family history. Richard was the primary author of the genealogy source documentation manual Family History Documentation Guidelines, published in multiple editions by the Silicon Valley Computer Genealogy Group; he considers himself a documentation evangelist. He has written a book, The Last Organization System You’ll Ever Need, about an effective way to manage genealogical research material. He regularly teaches classes throughout Northern California in all levels of genealogy software, methodology, documentation, problem-solving, and document organization. Richard is married to Dr. Janet Brigham and has five daughters. Richard and Janet are heavily active in their own family history research in addition to conducting professional research for clients.
Presentations:
American Military Records
Documenting Unusual Sources
DNA and Genealogy
Getting the Most from FamilySearch
Introduction to Danish Research
Intro to English-Welsh Research
Introduction to French Research
Introduction to German Research
Introduction to Italian Research
Introduction to Norwegian Research
Introduction to Research in Georgia
Introduction to Research in Iowa
Introduction to Research in Ireland
Introduction to Research in Virginia
Introduction to Scottish and Irish Research
Introduction to Scottish Research
Introduction to Southeastern U.S. Research
Introduction to Swedish Research
Reading Old Handwriting
Revolutionary War Pensions
** For more presentation topics, please contact the speaker
Ms. Mary J. Sayles has been a part-time genealogist for more than 45 years. Since she retired from full-time work, she enjoys spending time researching genealogy and local history, plus teaching genealogy classes and working with other genealogy researchers.
Mary has a certificate in Advanced Genealogical Skills from the National Genealogical Society, and has taught genealogy in the Sacramento region and in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and is a genealogy docent at several area libraries. She also has published multiple genealogy articles in the US and Canada, writes the “Did You Know” column in the PRESERVES, a Root Cellar – Sacramento Genealogical Society Journal, and shares genealogy information with family in an occasional “newsletter. In addition, she publishes the Roseville Genealogical Society newsletter and is the President of the Sacramento Regional Genealogical Council.
Mary co-coordinated the 2019 Family History Day in Sacramento, California and the 2024 Family History Week – Digging for Family Treasures in April 2024, in the Sacramento Region. Ms. Sayles earned a Masters Degree in Nursing and a Bachelors Degree in Nursing with a Second Major in Sociology.
Programs Offered
Asking the Correct Question Yields Better Results
Learn how to form indivuidualized research questions to help identify the correct person, place, time, and event for which you are searching.
Finding Genealogy Information Gaps to Complete Your Ancestor’s Story
Researching information about our ancestors and learning about the times in which they lived helps us understand who they were and what happened in their lives. Learn how using a Timeline provides a visual display of events in the person’s life, and helps researchers to find gaps to complete their family story.
Genealogy Odds and Ends 1
Tips and Tools to assist your family history research.
Genealogy Odds and Ends 2: Tidbits Plus?
Listen to a variety of genealogy hints about “filling in the blanks,” “finding tidbits on family life,” and “view documents not usually seen.” Plus?
Going on An Ancestor Hunt - Part 1
Learn how to search for ancestors using a research plan and determining where to best search.
Going on An Ancestor Hunt - Part 2
Learn important steps in examining research data and recording findings from your research project.
How to Begin Your Family History Research
On overview to how to begin your genealogy research and discussion of various resources available for use.
I am Going to the Genealogy Research Facility
Visiting the Genealogy Research Facility. What do I need to do to be prepared? Where do I start?
Introduction to and Beginning Genealogy
Four session class introducing genealogy and providing an overview of: forms, gathering family information, using software and websites, census records, analyzing evidence, and documenting genealogy findings.
Location, Location, Location
Learn how to navigate situations encountered when searching for the town where an ancestor lived.
Planning an International Trip
Tips to follow when traveling to another country to see where your ancestors lived.
Sharing Family HIstory Discoveries - Newsletter Format
Using a simple computer newsletter format to share genealogical findings.
Solving Town Location DilemmasThe town disappeared! Learn reasons a town may not be found today, and view examples of town location dilemmas.
Steps to Break Down Genealogy Brick Walls
Learn waysto enhance or improve the possibility of finding family history information when tried and true sources appear to run dry.
Using City Directories for Genealogical Research
Who lived where and what did they do? Finding family information in city directories.
Using the FamilySearch Catalogue
Not all records on FamilySearch are indexed. Learn how to use the FamilySearch catalogue so you can read those non-indexed records for yourself.
Ways to Share Your Genealogy with Others
An overview of ways to share genealogy findings with others, including written and electronic formats such as an article or book, a newsletter, or on-line information of area in which the ancestors lived (genealogical or historical society, or local newspaper website).
Workshops - Active group participation. Time: 60 minutes to 90 minutes
Creating a Genealogy Timeline
Join us for a fun time learning how to create a simple timeline for recording genealogical information on an ancestor using LibreOffice. Using boxes and words, the researcher is able to create an easy-to-read document displaying genealogy findings in one place, along with source information. The same process works for Microsoft and Apple products.
Using Basic Software Graphics to Create a Genealogy Presentation (PowerPoint)
Bring your ideas to begin creating a genealogy presentation. Learn basic steps to use text and graphics to create your own genealogy program.
[Located in Category: Mary J. Sayles]
Elena Smith
Contact Information
Fees, Travel, Equipment
900 N Street
Sacramento CA 95814
916 603-7167
Email: Elena.Smith@library.ca.gov
Website: https://www.library.ca.gov/ California State Library
Fees: None
Any additional fees: None
Distance: 50 Miles
Equipment Needed: Mic, Computer Overhead
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends, and via Zoom
Speaker Biography:
Elena Smith is a reference librarian in the California History Room at the California State Library. She has a strong background in local history and archival work, with master’s degrees in both Public History and Library Science, and a work history that includes a wide variety of local libraries and archives. Her favorite research topics include California genealogy, and anything related to the California History Room’s collection.
Materials at the California History Room
Get an overview of the materials the California History Section holds, along with a discussion of research strategies customized to audience interests, these can include topics as diverse as local history, environmental history, firefighting and more.
Genealogy at the California History Room
Learn how to research California ancestors via materials at the California History Room in this customizable talk highlighting sources of local interest or useful for researching specific cultural backgrounds.
Dresden is a consultant with Summit Solutions Consulting, focusing on education and internet safety strategies. Although not an active genealogist herself, Dresden’s interfaces regularly with the heartbeat of the ever-evolving community as she assists with the technological and internet aspects of family research.
Avoiding Sneaky Pete: Protecting Your Genealogical Privacy
While the advent of the internet has made connecting with far-flung relatives possible, it also opens up the possibilities for identity theft and other nefarious activities. The same tools that help researchers discover new family links and share history can open your family up to the Sneaky Petes of the world. Learn to make yourself less of a target without delaying or stopping your research.
When History Repeats Itself: Defending Genealogy from Extremist Influence
Genealogy is a fantastic tool to help individuals connect to their family’s past, but in the wrong hands, it can become a weapon designed to polarize communities. Today many supremacist movements use genealogy to rationalize their actions—and seek to disrupt others in their search to discover their family histories. This presentation explores the history of genealogy and supremacy movements, as well as provides tips and tricks to keep your society welcoming to individuals from all walks of life.
Availability: Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends, and via Zoom
Equipment Needed: Microphone
Other: In-person presentations subject to then-current pandemic restrictions.
Speaker Biography:
While Jacqi Stevens claims she was born wanting to know about her roots, it wasn’t until her college years when she actively began pursuing her family’s stories. She is a genealogical researcher, writer of over 3,000 articles on her blog, A Family Tapestry, and educator in beginning genealogy, genetic genealogy, and blogging at the Stockton Institute for Continued Learning and other organizations. With a Bachelor of Music in Therapy and a Master in Public Administration, she served local governmental agencies for many years. Currently a principal at Summit Solutions Consulting, she serves as President of the San Joaquin Genealogical Society.
Pinpointing Your Family in History
The details you’ve discovered on your ancestors’ timelines are important for genealogical reasons, but it takes something more than just those facts to fascinate others in your research. The key is to place your ancestors’ stories within the framework of the time period in which they lived. Equipped with the research resources discussed in this session, you can bring your family’s stories to life for others through techniques to frame their experiences within the broader context of key historical events.
Are You the Rest of Someone Else’s Story?
While we may see genealogical research as a solitary pursuit, it is actually better played as a team sport. Just as that other cousin became the one who got to keep grandma’s treasured keepsakes and photos, there are people out there who hold the key to fill in the blanks in your family’s story. Like Paul Harvey’s fabled “The Rest of the Story,” the details you know may turn out to break down another person’s brick wall. The key is sharing. This session will explore best practices, tools, and resources—as well as hazards to avoid—through examples gleaned from researchers just like you.
This is Your Brain on Story
Ever wonder why your listener’s eyes glaze over when you recite the BMD details about your latest ancestral discovery? There’s a reason why the most captivating approach to sharing your latest research conquests is, instead, to utilize the power of Story. Psychological studies have demonstrated how the brain lights up in fascination when following details woven into story form. Learn about the power of Story and how you can strengthen the sharing of your own family’s history through Story.
Weaving the Strands of Your Family Tapestry
There is an art to the process of telling your family’s history. There are so many details to research: names, dates, places, circumstances. Like crafting a tapestry, we insert the plain facts of our ancestors’ existence while taking care to blend in the color and texture that can only be found when we go beyond researching census records and certificates. By examining two case studies, we will see how the use of other resources—from public reports in newspapers to the more private and intimate accounts of letters, diaries, and oral histories—will enable us to find the threads of our ancestors’ story lines and weave them together into a compelling account of their lives.
Blogging: Installment Plan for Publishing Your Family’s Story
Many people have ancestors whose stories are worthy of retelling, yet the task of publishing a family history book seems daunting. If you want to tell your family’s stories, there is another, simpler route to sharing: creating a blog. Short for “weblog,” the term “blog” represents an online forum where you can share your research notes and stories. A blog is easy to set up, easy to use, and often can be done for free. Learn about the options for setting up a family history blog, and the ways in which blogging can inspire you in your research and connect you with fellow researchers—maybe even the proverbial cousin with all the photos and family mementos to share.
Genealogical Legacy of the California Gold Rush
People from around the world made their way to California in the mid-1800s, seeking gold. Many returned home as poor as they came; others stayed on, initiating a flow of letters and photographs from far-flung origins. Those mementos can still be found in antique shops in the foothills today. Through case studies of the stories behind several such photographs, learn how the same research techniques we use in genealogy can be applied to discovering the identity of the faces in hundred-year-old rescued photographs.
Bad Boys Make Headlines
Family history pursuits can sometimes lead us to the unexpected. Discover how researching through historic newspapers led to the story of how a great-great-grandson of America’s revered Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall ended up on an international crime spree. Crime may not pay, but in hot pursuit of this accidental discovery, our case study will lead us to free and low-cost resources for gleaning newspaper accounts, as well as the many other records generated in the course of pursuing the most-wanted.
Getting Social about Your Search for Ancestors
Genealogical pursuits may seem like the ideal solitary pursuit—with cup of hot coffee in hand, one can research the world over from the comfort of home—but in truth, the best way to play your genealogical hand is to consider it a team sport. There are others out there who have the answer to your research question, if only you knew how to connect. Social media has opened up the way for researchers to share resources, and the avalanche of online forums can become overwhelming. Learn what’s available on social media for family history and how you can connect and find answers to your research brick walls.
The Journey Home
Found in a dusty bin in the basement of an antique store: an entire photo album sent as a Christmas gift, nearly ninety years ago. Photos on black paper provided the visual representation of the captions written in white ink below them. But whose story was this? Learn how a set of basic genealogical research techniques, combined with a twist, helped deliver the album nearly five thousand miles away to the granddaughter of the woman who had once compiled it.
Irish Research: Online and On the Ground
Nearly thirty five million Americans can claim Irish roots—seven times more people than currently live in the country of Ireland, itself. While you may dream of returning to the ancestral homeland of your Irish forebears, it will take much more than the luck of the Irish to get you there. This presentation will discuss techniques and resources specific to tracing your Irish family—and provide tips on what to do, once your research takes you back to the Emerald Isle.
Presentations for Organizational Development of Genealogical Societies
In addition to the genealogical presentations listed above, Summit Solutions Consulting provides workshops in strategic planning and team building for local and regional nonprofit organizations.
Fee: $75-300 depending on whether it is 1 presentation, half day or full day
Any additional fees: mileage, see below
Distance: 50 miles or more if at least partial mileage is paid
Availability: Evenings, Weekends, and via Zoom
Equipment Needed: None
Other: Some weekdays, depending on my work schedule.
Speaker Biography:
Stephanie K. West is an educator and researcher with a focus on genealogy, genetics and science. Her love of genealogy began with a school project in elementary and high school. In 2017, she was the recipient of the American Society of Genealogists Scholar Award. Her research has approved lineage lines in the Mayflower Society and Colonial Dames of America, as well as new patriot lineages for the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her current research projects focus on New England, Pennsylvania, New York, migrations to the West Coast, and genetic genealogy. Follow her Facebook at Trails West Genealogy.
Utilizing Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Genealogy
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.
The Importance of Creating and Using a Research Plan
A genealogical research plan does not need to be overly complicated. It is your guide! Learn how to create and utilize an effective research plan. This tool can increase the likelihood of solving brick-walls and other genealogical problems.
Seventh-Day Adventist Church Records: Where to Begin
Often overlooked are the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the records available. Learn where to start if you are researching an Adventist. A brief overview of the church history and the records available will be presented to help you find your Adventist ancestor.
Family Health History: What is it? And How to Start
Your family’s medical history is important and learning about your family’s medical history could reveal a history of disease that is relevant in the present. Learn why you should create a family health history, where to find necessary records and how to organize this information. A brief discussion of health features from leading DNA testing companies will be presented.
DNA & Genetic Basics
Considering taking a DNA test? Or have you taken a DNA test, but are confused by the terms and results? An overview of the common terminology used and the background of DNA testing will be presented. Come prepared to jump start your DNA genealogical research.
Oral Stories: Fact or Fiction
Oral stories are valuable to genealogical research and can bring life to history and a family. Learn how to record and analyze an oral story. Examples of how to use a family story to further your genealogical research will also be presented.
California Voter Registers: Tips and Tricks
There’s ‘gold’ in voter registers, if you’re lucky enough to have California ancestors. An overview of voter registration and poll taxes, the records, and resources available as well as limitations. Learn strategies to trace your ancestors in the various voter registration record groups and what ‘gold’ may be hidden within.
Splitsville: Divorce Records and the Hidden Gold Within
Not all marriages have ended happily ever after. Don’t despair though! Searching for a divorce record should be part of your research plan. An overview of the records and examples of how to locate divorce records will be presented. Learn how to analyze the information and the importance of these records for genealogical research.
California: Discovering Gold in Unfamiliar Resources
From Spanish missions, to Gold Rush claims, to Hollywood; there is a wealth of information available about your California ancestors. Discover what records are available online, in archives, and finding aids. Learn about the unique resources available and strategies to find and use these records.
Solving a Brick Wall - When the Name’s the same: A Case Study
Researching a common name or men of the same name is a constant challenge for any researcher. This case study will review the use of timelines, negative evidence, collateral lines, inferential genealogy and more. Learn how to connect and analyze various pieces of evidence to solve a research question.
Uncovering Female Ancestors and Finding their Maiden Names
Researching your female ancestors can be difficult as it is dependent on knowing that elusive maiden name. Move past her married name by understanding the records and resources available. Learn strategies to uncover the maiden name of your female ancestor to go from “unknown” to a “known” name and reclaim the other half of your family's stories.
State Census Records: An Overlooked Resource
The Federal census was taken every ten years. Did your ancestors move between these years? Are you looking for an alternative source for the lost 1890 census? An overview of the various state census records and resources available will be presented. Learn how to utilize these overlooked records to further your research.
Mortality Census Schedules: An Underutilized Resource
Death records or notices in the mid-1800s are sporadic as a result of lack of compliance with laws or no legislation mandating reporting. The mortality schedule can be a substitute for a death record. An overview of mortality schedules and the information recorded. Gain important strategies for searching these records and how these are useful for tracing our female ancestors, too.
Researching in the Evergreen State: Unfamiliar Resources
The nation’s 42nd state is rich with resources you might be missing in your research to find your Washington ancestors. An overview of the history of the Pacific Northwest from territory to statehood and the records created. Learn about the resources available and strategies to locate and use these records.
Planning a Family History Research Trip
Do you want to visit the church, cemetery or homestead of your ancestor? Let’s explore how to best plan and prepare for a Family History research trip. Learn how to maximize your time and how to conduct research. Many tips and examples will be presented to help you plan your own trip.
Which DNA Test is Right for You?
Thinking of taking a DNA test? This presentation will provide an overview of each of the five DNA testing companies. Learn about the features of each testing company and understand the benefits and differences.
An Overview of Online Genealogical Resources
The internet has a vast amount of information and resources available for your genealogical research. What are you missing? Learn about the many resources available, from digitized books to databases and more.
Fee: $75-100 depending on whether it is in person or on zoom
Any additional fees: mileage, standard IRS charge
Distance: 100 miles
Availability: Evenings, Weekends, Weekdays, and via Zoom
Equipment Needed: Mic, Computer Overhead
Other: None
Speaker Biography:
Madeline Yanov, the owner of Time Travel Genealogy has more than 30 years of genealogy experience; specializing in American research. Since most Americans are descendants of immigrants, she is familiar with European genealogy; specifically, Irish, British, the Slovak region, and Russian with a little German on the side. She also has been instrumental in locating and helping reunite adoptees with their birth parents. In her “other life,” prior to becoming a full-time genealogist, Madeline was a paralegal whose expertise included the “discovery” for cases. This experience helped her in genealogy in analyzing what to search for and how to find it. She has a degree in history and political science and uses those disciplines to tell the stories of her client’s ancestors. Madeline believes that genealogy is more than just names and dates; it is the story behind our ancestor’s lives that make them real to us.
She is a weekly volunteer at the Oakland, California Regional Family History Center. Since 2011, she has been an indexer with FamilySearch.org. In 2012, Madeline was elected to the Contra Costa County Genealogical Society, Board of Directors. In 2017 she was elected to the position of Co-President and later became President, serving until May 2021. She is currently the President Emeritus of the society. Madeline is a member of APG, the Association of Professional Genealogists.
Madeline loves traveling, meeting people, and hearing their family stories, and sharing her love of history and genealogy with anyone interested.
Finding Great-Grandpa: or Locating Lost Ancestors in 1890 Census Substitutes
Are you stymied by the 20 year gap in census records with the loss of the 1890 census?
Have you lost track of people who were born, married, moved away or died between 1880 and 1900. Did you even know they existed? Help is on the way! In this presentation you will learn what really happened to the 1890 census, why the loss was greater than first imagined and how you can get around the missing census. There are many substitutes for the missing 1890 census if you only know where to look. You will find information in the main substitutes like the state and territorial censuses and the surviving Veteran’s schedule. However, there are lesser known local sources like tax records, city directories, voter lists and school censuses. And did you ever hear of the 1885 Special census ordered by Congress or the 1890 New York City Police Census? How about the Oakland Tribune’s listing in 1890 of people who may have been missed by the census taker? You will learn about these and other sources in “Finding Great-Grandpa.”
But He Was Just a Farmer: How to Find and Add Context to the Story of Your Farmer Ancestor
Do you have ancestors who were farmers? Many of us have farmers in our family tree. Have you found them in records other than the census schedules? Madeline Yanov will guide us in finding what records for farmers are available. She will also show us other sources that will give information on where to find the Social History, Economics and Politics that affected our ancestors. They were influenced by more than just the weather. These people were MORE than just farmers!
A Rose by Any Other Name: Using Nicknames to Find Your Ancestor
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!
Finding Missing Ancestors in Institutional Records - Part I: Hospitals, Sanitariums and Asylums
Do you have any family members who mysteriously disappeared and were never seen again? Did you ever hear family rumors or whispers that Uncle Beau or Granny were institutionalized or committed to a “lunatic asylum?” Was there any ancestor who spent time in a sanitarium? Is it sanatorium or sanatorium? Madeline Yanov will help guide us through the maze of terms that may have meant something different in the past than today. We will learn how to use clues in census records, especially the 1880 census, to further investigate if our ancestor was institutionalized. She will give us tips on where to find these records and other sources that may give clues as to our ancestor’s whereabouts, court records, probate or surrogate records, newspapers, and death records. Your ancestors don’t have to be missing anymore!
Institutional Records – Part II: Poor Houses, Orphanages and Prisons
When you were younger, did your father ever claim you were sending him to the “poorhouse?” Do you have ancestors who seemed to have disappeared off the face of the earth and were later found in a "poorhouse?" What about orphanages? Did you know a child could be put in an orphanage even though the parents were still alive? Were any of your ancestors in the “big house” or had the jail house blues? You will find the answers to these questions and more in this presentation. Madeline will give you tips on what is found in those records and where to find them. Your ancestors are waiting for you to find them! Don’t let them down.
Coming to America: The Ellis Island Experience
Between 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island, New York processed over 12 million immigrants. Millions of Americans are descended from the people who landed at Ellis Island. Do we know what they experienced at that processing station? What was their first taste of America like? Did you know that some experiences at Ellis Island mirror what has happened in this country in the last few years? In this presentation, you will take a visit to the processing station and retrace each step our ancestors took to enter this country. You will also discover the services that Ellis Island offered immigrants and find out why not everyone was admitted to the U.S.
The Taxman Cometh: How not to be Frightened of Using Tax Records
Tax records hold a surprising amount of information about our ancestors. Because taxes are collected yearly, they are considered an “annual census.” They can help you find missing ancestors and fill in gaps in your ancestors' lives when censuses or vital records don’t exist. However, tax records are totally under-utilized by genealogists. This class will cover why tax records are important and what help you can obtain from using them. You will also find out what facts are found in them and what types of tax records exist. This talk will mainly focus on poll or “tithe”, land, and personal property tax records, however early income tax records will be mentioned. You will also learn where these records are found and receive tips for researching tax records. Don’t be afraid to use tax records! It doesn’t need to be a horror story. (This is a revision of a 2015 talk.)
Marriage by Blacksmith: Gretna Green Marriages
The original Gretna Green in Scotland is synonymous with elopements. Did you know that the United States also has such locations, and they are also called Gretna Greens? U.S. Gretna Greens are in multiple states. We are familiar with Reno or Las Vegas, Nevada as places for quickie marriages but did you ever hear of Elkton, Maryland or Tishomingo County, Mississippi? Did you know that New York City and Chicago were at one time considered Gretna Greens? This talk will cover the reason for the popularity of the original Gretna Green and why such locations popped up in the United States. Why would people go to another state far away to get married when they could have married closer to home? Are these marriages even legal? Where should you look to find records of these marriages? This presentation will give you information and resources to find those missing marriage records.
What Did Daddy Do? Locating Family Members in Old Business Records
It is estimated that we spend about 1/3 of our adult lives at work. That was also true for our ancestors who might have spent more time at their job. Whether your ancestor worked as a factory worker on a Ford assembly plant or a farmer, miner, or owned a store, there are documents recording that information. Did your family own their own business? Records exist for those businesses. This presentation will delve into the types of records available for many occupations. We will look at corporate, agricultural, and small business records; ranging from incorporation papers, licenses and permits, to newspaper articles, advertisements, directories, and personal papers. Tips will be given to how to go about finding information on corporations, professional certifications and where these records are kept. Business records can add another dimension to the story of your ancestors’ lives! (Available in February 2022)
Ancestral Road Trips, Part I: Locating U.S. Migration Routes, Trails and Waterways
This 2-part talk will focus on U.S. migration. As the American colonies grew, people migrated to the frontier in search for more space, land or job opportunities. Why did your ancestors settle in one place rather than another? How did they get there? Did they stop along the way and are there records in those places? This presentation will deal with the reasons people moved, records, including land, that reveal when they arrived, and the more common routes between the colonies, then states to new lands in the Northwest Territory or the Louisiana Purchase. Also discussed will the part that canals, waterways and early railroads played in aiding migration. Available March 1, 2022. (Part I covers U.S. migration along the Eastern seaboard south and out to the Midwest. Since routes to the West and Southwest originated in the Midwest, it is important to understand why and how people got the Midwest in the first place. It is advisable to view these presentations in order) Available March 1, 2022.
Ancestral Road Trips, Part II: Locating U.S. Migration Routes, Trails and Waterways
This is a continuation of Part I of the same talk. The routes and trails discussed here had their beginning in the Midwest, from the 1820s until the Civil War, and pushed west to the Pacific Coast and southwest to Texas and New Mexico. Also discussed will be the part the transcontinental railroad played in the settling of America. Available March 1, 2022.
