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. 

 

Genetic Networks and Cluster Research

Recently released tools have made simpler sorting and associating your autosomal DNA matches. Join Jim Russell for a presentation covering intermediate topics including triangulation, in-common groups, Ancestry.com's DNA Circles, and using networking software for clustering.

This course requires a good understanding of applying autosomal DNA evidence to genealogical research. A solid understanding of Chapter 5, 5 “Genealogical Applications for atDNA” in Genetic Genealogy in Practice (Blaine T. Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne, Arlington, Va.: National Genealogical Society, 2016) is recommended.

Saturday, September 28, 1:00-3:00 PM

Details and Registration
Chinese Exclusion Act Casefiles
CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT CASE FILES:
A TREASURE TROVE OF ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
 
The purpose of the Chinese Exclusion Act was to limit the number of Chinese entering the United States, exclude laborers, and prevent the Chinese already here from becoming naturalized citizens. Any time the Chinese, even those born in the U.S., wanted to leave the country, whether to Canada or China, they needed to obtain proper documentation to assure their re-entry into the country. The National Archives-Seattle has over 50,000 case files. Most files contain photos and biographical information on the applicant who was frequently questioned in great detail about his family, home and village in China. Note that many of the Seattle files are for Chinese who had a connection to California.

Thursday, October 10, 6:30-8:00 PM at the Oakland FamilySearch Library

Details and Registration

Saturday, October 12, 1:00-3:00 PM at the CGS Library

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.

 
DNA Stories Discovered and Resolved Saturday, 21 September 1:00-3:00PM Oakland FamilySearch Library Details and Registration
 
Genetic Networks and Cluster Research Saturday, September 28 1:00-3:00PM 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.

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.