Welcome! Whether you have Gold Rush ancestors or have no family connection to California, you will find extensive support for your genealogy research at the California Genealogical Society (CGS).

The goal of the California Genealogical Society is to connect people to their family heritage and to promote a spirit of diversity and inclusivity for our members and patrons. The California Genealogical Society does not tolerate discrimination in any form. 

Californianos: Early California Settlers

Pamela Meeds Williams, an 8th generation California native whose 5th great grandfathers arrived in 1776, will present information and resources for researching families in California's first century of European settlement.

Thursday, April 18 at 6:00PM. Details and Registration
Intermediate Records Series - Land, Church, Court and Immigration for Genealogy

This intermediate class will focus on four specific record groups and demonstrate how to find these record types both on and off line.

  • Court Records: Probate, Guardianship, Wills, Other
  • Church Records: Sacramental, Membership, Business
  • Emigration, Immigration, & Naturalization
  • Land & Property Records: Federal, State, & Local land records, & Tax Records
  • Off-line Research: Using Online Sources to Find Off-line Records

Presented by Lisa Gorell at the Oakland FamilySearch Library each Wednesday 6:00-8:30PM from May 29 through June 26. Preregistration is mandatory, no walk-ins. Class size is limited so please register early.

Details and Registration
 

The California Nugget – The journal of the California Genealogical Society is published twice a year. Have you read our recent issue? Would you like to publish an article? See the contribution guidelines.
 

Tip of the Iceberg Poster – Support the library and help spread this important message. Buy three, get one free! Order now.
 

California Names Index includes pre-1905 deaths in San Francisco. Search for your surnames to see if we have records for your ancestor. Learn more.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Board of Directors Meeting: Second Saturday Monthly at 10:00 AM.

Mountain View Cemetery Tour (meet at the cemetery) Tuesday, April 23 10:AM-!:00PM. Details and Registration

Find Living People on the Internet Saturday, April 27 1:00-3:00PM Details and Registration

Californianos: Early California Settlers Saturday, May 11 1:00-3:00PM Details and Registration

Field Trip to the San Francisco Public Library Thursday, May 16 11:00AM-1:00PM Details and Registration

Read our blog to keep up with the latest news and coming events.

Visit Eventbrite to see and register for CGS events.

Occasionally CGS will partner with the Oakland FamilySearch Library to present events. Visit this Eventbrite page to see the list of upcoming joint events.

Visit Calendar of Events to see future events.

Looking for something genealogical to do this week? The Sutro Library's Genealogy Section maintains a Bay Area Genealogy Calendar with events at many local societies, libraries, and museums.