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. 

Please donate to the 2018 Annual Appeal!

New Online Resource
CGS is pleased to provide a word-searchable PDF of The Colored Directory of Leading Cities in Northern California 1916-1917 thanks to the generous efforts of Lorna Jones and Electra Kimble Price. The directory lists nearly 10,000 African Americans in Northern California along with their churches, lodges, and organizations. The directory is free to all and resides on our Databases page. Note that it's a large file and may take some time to download, but it will be worth the wait.
Computer Basics for Everyone

Do you have some gaps in your computer skills? Thorough understanding of what your computer can help you with will help make your family history work more fun, more efficient, and more rewarding.

CGS's Ron Madsden will present an all-day session on basic computer use for both Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh on Saturday, January 26 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a 1-hour break for lunch.

See Eventbrite for Reservations and Details.
 

The California Nugget – The journal of the California Genealogical Society is published twice a year. Have you read our recent issue? Check out the summary of a recent issue.
 

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.

The library will be closed December 27-29 for the holidays.

The Annual General Meeting of the CGS membership will be held at the library on Saturday, January 12 at 1:00 PM following a pot-luck luncheon beginning at Noon.

Computer Basics for Everyone (Dummies Included) Saturday, January 26, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Reservations and Details.

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.