California

Calendar of Genealogy Events in California:

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Saturday, October 19, 2024, 8:30 am-4:00 pm PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
2024 Annual Seminar
“From Murder to Methods: Using Genealogical Records”

Online with Zoom

General registration fee (Sep 1st to Oct 18th): $40
ZOOM WEBINAR | DOOR PRIZES & MORE

“From Murder to Methods:
Using Genealogical Records”
with The Legal Genealogist® JUDY G. RUSSELL, JD, CG, CGL

Includes four great topics
• “Death by Undue Means” Coroner’s Records
• NARA Mythbusters: Your Family IS in the Archives
• Putting Those Records to Work
• When Worlds Collide: Resolving Conflicts in Genealogical Records

SEE THE WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS
https://venturacogensoc.org/2024-annual-seminar

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Jennifer Zinck
“Connecting with Cousins: Using Tools & Technology for Genealogical Collaboration”
Many resources are available online for genealogists building family trees or seeking information about DNA matches. During this session, we will delve into the unique challenges of working with living people and learn practical tips for using people finder websites, databases, searches, and social media to identify and locate individuals. Attendees will explore ideas to optimize communication and facilitate successful collaboration.
Jennifer Zinck is a Certified Genealogist® with over twenty years of research experience. Jennifer is a researcher, writer, and speaker specializing in Connecticut resources and DNA evidence for genealogy. She frequently speaks and presents workshops at libraries and senior centers on beginner and intermediate genealogy, online resources, genetic genealogy, and technology for genealogy.

Second presentation:

Presenter: Kenneth R. Marks
“How to Develop Critical Online Newspaper Research Skills”
This webinar is intended to build newspaper research skills for genealogy and history researchers. Online newspaper research can be a frustrating endeavor for several reasons. The goal is for the audience to understand why it can be difficult and learn skills to improve search results drastically. There are four sections in the webinar:
• Why search old newspapers?
• The challenges in searching old newspapers online.
• Seven critical skills and techniques to successfully search newspapers online.
• A demonstration of these skills and techniques.
Kenneth R. Marks began his genealogy journey in 2002 after retiring as a software executive. At the beginning of his search, he knew little about his ancestors. Kenneth learned who his ancestors were and, more importantly, how they lived. He became an expert in newspaper research, which helped to uncover the stories of his ancestors’ lives. Kenneth developed a popular website, The Ancestor Hunt, and is the author of Finding Your Ancestors For Free—Your Guide to the Best Online Genealogy Archives, Collections, and Websites and Finding Your Ancestors’ Obituaries: The Complete Genealogy Guide to Obituaries.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here: https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/. Please note that we cannot respond to same-day requests.

Saturday, August 17, 2024, 1:00-3:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentation
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Sara Cochran
“What's in a Name?”
How much does spelling matter when we're dealing with historical records? Why are there so many variations, anyway? Have you ever wondered if that record for Abraham Miller is really for your Abram Meuller or why you can't find an ancestor in the Springfield marriage records? This presentation takes a deeper look at how relying too much on spelling has the potential to trip up our research.

Speaker Bio
Sara is a full-time professional genealogist with over twenty-five years of experience. She holds a Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate, a Bachelor's Degree in Library Science, and is an alumnus of the ProGen Study Group. She especially enjoys breaking down brick walls for her clients, discovering the stories of black sheep ancestors, and helping individuals preserve their photographic legacy.

Saturday, July 20, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Tina Beaird
“Maps and Trails: Common Migration Paths from the 17th Through 19th Centuries”
Our ancestors traveled as much, if not more, than we do today. Explore what types of transportation and trails your ancestors might have used to help you trace their whereabouts across the United States.

Tina Beaird owns Tamarack Genealogy and is also a Genealogy/Local History Librarian at the Plainfield Public Library in Plainfield, IL. Tina lectures extensively on genealogical methodology, military research, and archival preservation. She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists, the First V.P. of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, and the Board Secretary/Director for the Oswego Heritage Association.

Second presentation:

Presenter: David Flint
“Marriage Records in England”
This presentation provides an overview of research in marriage records of England and Wales—from church records to civil records—from 1538 to the present and includes a review of English marriage law from the Reformation to the 20th century. A printed handout with a selected bibliography for additional reading is provided.

David Flint has been doing English genealogy research for over 15 years. He was born in England and lived until age ten when his family moved to Canada and the United States. He and his wife currently live in Irvine, California.

David devotes time to genealogy research, attending lectures and seminars, teaching genealogy classes, and occasional speaking engagements. He previously served as president, vice president, and treasurer of the South Orange County California Genealogical Society (SOCCGS) and continues serving on the society’s executive board.

Saturday, June 15, 2024, 1:00-3:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentation
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Steve Little
“AI Genealogy: The Basics and a Bit Beyond!”
Join Steve Little for a comprehensive and forward-looking discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence in genealogy. In this insightful talk, Steve will not only explore how AI tools change genealogical research and analysis, but also highlight their practical applications. Expect to gain insights into the triumphs and challenges of integrating AI into genealogy, and be inspired by the potential of these tools in your own research. Steve will also delve into the ethical considerations and the ongoing journey of mitigating AI's limitations.

Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or new to the field, this talk promises to provide a rich understanding of AI's role in genealogy, equipping you with knowledge and inspiration to harness these tools in your research journey. Get ready to explore how we got here and where we're headed in the dynamic world of AI genealogy.

Speaker Bio
Steve Little, the AI Program Director for the National Genealogical Society, is a seasoned expert with a lifelong passion for language, technology, and genealogy. His deep roots in one Appalachian county, where all 32 of his 3rd-great-grandparents had settled by 1820, fuel his passion for AI & genetic genealogy. His keen interest in endogamy, pedigree collapse, deciphering multiple relationships, and his insatiable curiosity to explore beneficial uses and current limits of artificial intelligence in genealogy make him a trusted source in the field. Beyond genealogy, Steve is a husband and a dad, a Methodist pastor, and a Virginian.

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Pam Vestal
“How to Write Ancestral Stories Your Relatives Will Want to Read”
With good research, thoughtful planning, and a dash of ingenuity, we can create engaging stories designed to entice even the most reluctant readers. Topics include how to breathe life into dry genealogical facts, choosing a compelling story structure, making decisions that enhance the quality of the writing, and presenting what you’ve written appealingly. Creating a captivating ancestral story from our ancestors’ names, dates, and places is like turning fish eggs into caviar: the facts don’t change, but how we describe them makes all the difference.

Pam Vestal is a professional genealogist and speaker who turned her focus to her longtime love of genealogy after a 20-year writing career. Pam specializes in conducting genealogical research and transforming that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.
Second presentation:

Presenter: Moises Garza
“Record Types for Mexican and Spanish Colonial Genealogy Research”
You can expect to learn about the most widely used record types for Mexican and Spanish colonial genealogy research in this presentation. You will also learn the kind of information you can expect to find in each one and where to access these records online.

Moises Garza is a professional genealogist and author specializing in Mexican genealogy. He has helped countless others in their quest to find their ancestors. Today, he continues with this passion by publishing and creating resources to help you in your search.

Saturday, April 20, 2024, 1:00-3:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentation
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Debra Dudek
“Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations”
Widen your search for birth dates, locations, and naturalizations from various underutilized resources such as military rosters, consulate applications, voter registrations, canceled passports, frakturs, and much more. This lecture focuses on digital and physical resources, so bring your research checklist and see if these resources can help you fill in the gaps in your family tree.

Speaker Bio
Debra M. Dudek is Head of Adult and Teen Services at the Fountaindale Public Library District in Bolingbrook, IL. She holds a postgraduate certificate in Genealogical, Paleographic & Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Ms. Dudek is the Book Review Editor of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, an executive board member of the Illinois State Historical Society, and a website coordinator for the Chicago Chapter NSDAR. She authorizes the World War I Research Guide: Tracing American Military and Non-Combatant Ancestors.

Saturday, March 16, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
Saturday, March 16, 2024, 1:00-4:00 pm PT
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Paula Stuart-Warren
“Railroad Records and Railroad History: Methods for Tracking”
Did great-grandpa or another family member traverse this nation as he worked for the railroad? For which railroad did they work? Where did it run? Are there railroad records that may provide personal details? Visuals and references demonstrate the wealth of historical materials available across the U.S. The railroads helped to develop places and other businesses. When this lecture is over, you will know where to turn to learn more about the railroad, its records, and where to find them. An extensive handout accompanies the presentation.

Paula is an internationally recognized genealogical educator, researcher, and consultant focusing on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology, and analyzing records. She specializes in Native American research, the WPA, and railroad records. She spends extensive research time at libraries, courthouses, state archives, historical societies, and various locations of the National Archives.

Second presentation:

Presenter: Stephanie O’Connell
“Reconstructing the Lives of Female Irish Ancestors”
Researching our Irish ancestors can be challenging; our female Irish ancestors can be even more so. Creative research methods can aid in our search by revealing sources and historical context that allow us to discover their stories. This presentation reviews the strategies for searching for a Dublin-born mother and daughter in the nineteenth century. Using social history resources specific to these women brings them out of the shadows and into their rightful place in history or herstory.

Stephanie O’Connell is a professional genealogist with the credential Certified Genealogist from the Board for Certification of Genealogists. She specializes in Irish research, with a profound passion for uncovering the unique social history of our ancestors. Stephanie has been a ProGen Mentor and SLIG Instructor, regularly speaking at genealogy conferences, including RootsTech and the National Genealogical Society Conference.

Saturday, February 17, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Cynthia K. Patton
“10 Steps for Organizing for the Busy Genealogist”

As a genealogist who hasn’t felt overwhelmed with volumes of paper, a steady flood of daily emails, and projects that have been started but never finished? This presentation will tackle dealing with these issues.
• Setting up daily routines
• Discover ways to set up filing systems that work across digital and conventional platforms.
• Step-by-step approach to GET ORGANIZED and a “Tool Kit” of good ideas to take back and implement.

Cynthia K. Patton is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and former owner of Patton Leadership Consulting. Cynthia has a bachelor’s in journalism and a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. She now lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and is a professional genealogist part-time. She is a BU Certification Program graduate and a local DAR Chapter Registrar in Parkville, Missouri. She is a member of APG (Heartland Chapter), NGS, and numerous local historical and genealogical societies. She has written two Pro Tip articles for the APG eNews on Work-Life Balance and Time Management and has presented for multiple historical, genealogical, and other organizations.

Saturday, January 20, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Thomas McEntee
“10 Must-Haves for Genealogy and Family History Success”

Whether you’re just “dabbling” in genealogy and researching your roots, or you’ve become a “hardcore lifer” obsessed with “the hunt,” there are basic skills that family historians of all levels have in common. We’ll review those skills that can help you find success researching online or in person.

Thomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community.

Saturday, December 16, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentation
Online with Zoom
Saturday, December 16, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PST
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Aimee Cross
“U.S. Family History in the 1700s and early 1800s – Finding Those Elusive Fathers”
Learn initial steps and strategies to identify the fathers of those born around the beginning of the 19th century. How do you find a father when you have no census or other record to indicate a relationship? What record groups can provide the answers you seek? Discover the answers to these questions and more. You can find those elusive fathers!

Aimee is a professional genealogist based in California who focuses on research in the United States. She has been researching for three decades. Aimee’s love of genealogy, instilled by both grandmothers, has been a lifelong gift she strives to share with others, most recently through her YouTube channel. With the opportunity to help clients overcome brick walls, handle inherited genealogy, or build their family tree, she is grateful for a rewarding profession. Assisting others in learning about their ancestors is FUN; she loves what she does!

The meeting will be hybrid. The in-person meeting will be held at the United Methodist Church at 291 Anacapa Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010. It will include a potluck lunch starting at noon, followed by the general meeting. The general meeting will begin at 1:00 pm and will be streamed live via a Zoom meeting. Our speaker, Aimee Cross, will be at the in-person meeting.

Saturday, November 18, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Judy Russell
“Colonial Lands: From the Crown to Private Hands”
Land records are among the earliest, most complete, and most valuable genealogical records, often among the most puzzling. Learn more about how a colonial-era ancestor could have acquired land.

Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist®, is a genealogist with a law degree who provides expert guidance through the murky territory where law and family history intersect. An internationally known lecturer and award-winning writer, she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist® and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠ from the Board for Certification of Genealogists®. Her blog is at https://www.legalgenealogist.com.

Second presentation:

Presenter: Judy Janes
“SURPRISE! You may have a California gold rush ancestor hiding in your family tree.”
During the first year of the California Gold Rush, approximately 100,000 men came west to seek their fortunes. Some struck it rich, some returned home during the winter of 1849-50, some stayed, and some died in their quest. Judy Janes will discuss ways to determine whether you have a Gold Rush ancestor in your family tree.

Judy Janes is a past President of the Ventura County Genealogical Society and serves on the Executive Board. Judy is a third-generation Californian doing genealogical research for 27 years. She has successfully tracked several of her 17th-century immigrant ancestors back to their roots in France, Holland, England, and Germany.

Saturday, October 21, 2023, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents

Become a Better Genealogist by Understanding Your Ancestors

Please join us for our 2023 Annual Seminar

Featuring:
Michael D. Lacopo, D.V.M.

Zoom Webinar

Seminar Topics:

INCORPORATING SOCIAL HISTORY INTO YOUR RESEARCH

THE GENEALOGIST’S QUADFECTA

DECONSTRUCTING YOUR FAMILY TREE: RE-EVALUATING THE “EVIDENCE”

“SHE CAME FROM NOWHERE…” - A CASE STUDY APPROACH TO A DIFFICULT GENEALOGICAL PROBLEM

Connect with us for this year’s annual seminar, featuring one of the most sought-after speakers in genealogy. This is a strong program with a good mix of topics that are relevant to all researchers.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Registration fee: $35.
https://venturacogensoc.org/2023-annual-seminar/

Videos of the presentations will be available for a limited time after the seminar to everyone who registered.
We have an online auction and multiple prizes to award throughout the day!
You do not need to be present to win.

About Michael Lacopo
Dr. Lacopo is a life-long resident of northern Indiana. He began his genealogical research in 1980. His first published work appeared in 1985 with several books, journal articles and published contributions following. He appeared in USA Today in 2000 and has lectured locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Dr. Lacopo has a varied and interesting ancestry and is self-described “all-American mutt.”

Dr. Lacopo has research experience in numerous fields with particular strengths in research involving Mennonite families, Pennsylvania Germans and Midwest/Middle Atlantic research (IN, OH, IL, MI and PA), and genetic genealogy. He is proficient in reading German script and has a particular interest in immigrant ancestry.

Saturday, September 16, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Cari Taplin
“The Power of Family Legends"
In this program, Cari Taplin discusses family legends and takes the audience through a brief outline of the life of Roy Rogers (Leonard Slye). Then, through census research, she illustrates her family’s legend of being related to Roy Rogers. She also shows a short documentary, “Searching for Roy,” by her cousin, Betsy Greer, further demonstrating the importance of family legends.

Cari A. Taplin is related to Roy Rogers. Or at least that’s what her family told her. Cari holds the Certified Genealogist® credential and has served in various volunteer and leadership positions for state, local, and national societies. As the owner of GenealogyPANTS, she provides speaking services. she also lends help and shares her expertise as an administrator on the highly popular Facebook Group “The Genealogy Squad.” Cari currently works for Ancestry ProGenealogists. Cari’s research focuses on midwestern and Great Lakes states.

Second presentation:

Presenter: David Flint
“England Census Records (1841-1921)” (British SIG)
England Census Records are one of the three main record groups you will likely use to research your ancestors in England. This presentation provides an overview of census records in England and Wales from 1841 up to the recently released 1921 Census. It includes a discussion of details in the census returns and the evolution of the census forms and content for those years. A brief overview of pre-1841 population lists that can be used for pre-census research is also covered.

David retired after working for the County of Los Angeles for 40 years, ending his career as Assistant Director of the Los Angeles County Public Library. He began his interest in genealogy at a library conference in Phoenix, Arizona 2002, where he met two British Isles research specialists from FamilySearch. He likes to say that genealogy found him because he wasn’t looking for it then. David is developing a specialized collection of British Isles reference books in his home library.

David devotes time to genealogy research, attending lectures and seminars, teaching genealogy classes, and occasional speaking engagements. He previously served as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer of the South Orange County California Genealogical Society (SOCCGS), where he continues serving on the society’s executive board.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/. Please note that we cannot respond to same-day requests.

Saturday, August 19, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom and at the
Camarillo Library, 4101 Las Posas Rd, Camarillo 93010

https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Hal Bookbinder
“A Murder in Boston’s West End”
Hal used various resources to uncover the story of a relative who he was surprised to find to be an inmate in the Massachusetts State Prison in the 1910 census. The newspaper coverage of Louis Tennis’ murder trial, subsequent divorce, and eventual pardon were extensive and revealing. Additionally, he obtained the actual court records from 1907 to 1909. The supporting documents for his successful pardon included a 14-page, typewritten plea from the prison chaplain… fascinating reading! Old newspapers and court records, along with census, birth, marriage, and death, allowed him to piece together lost (or hidden) family history.

Hal Bookbinder is a retired information system professional who continues to instruct business courses at the university level. He has been actively researching his genealogy for over three decades, identifying over 4,000 relatives and tracing two lines to the mid-1700s in modern Ukraine. Hal has written and spoken on border changes, migration, citizenship, safe computing, and unique research techniques. He has served as president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Los Angeles and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. He also publishes monthly articles on safe computing, which are freely available at https://www.tinyurl.com/SafeComputingArticles. He and his wife, Marci, were raised in the Catskills of New York State and now live in the Los Angeles area.

Second presentation:

“Practice Safe Computing” (Tech SIG)
In today’s challenging technical environment, learn to stay safe from hackers while using your computer and smartphone. The impact of the rise of AI on privacy will also be discussed.

Saturday, July 15, 2023, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 PM PST

LIVE YouTube event!

Genealogy Garage: Ukraine Genealogy

Online, via the
Los Angeles Public Library
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Join us as Laura Gold, president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Los Angeles, will cover the basics of Ukraine genealogy research. She'll touch on ways to find the town of your ancestors and the best resources you can access from afar. She will also discuss hiring local Ukrainian researchers and traveling there once peace is restored (she has traveled extensively in Ukraine!).

No RSVP required: all are welcome. On the day and time of the event, just go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5VOPaaVwq4. This session will be recorded, so if you can't make it "live," you can come back later to view.

Genealogy Garage is co-sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society and the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America-SoCal Chapter. It takes place the third Saturday of each month (except for August and December), live via the Los Angeles Public Library.

Saturday, July 15, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
Saturday, July 15, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PDT
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Nancy Loe
“Beyond Ancestry: Essential Portals for Genealogy Research”

A whole wide world of free resources awaits the genealogist who knows to look beyond Ancestry, FamilySearch, and other significant sites. Discover online research portals with newspapers, maps, books, and more for your family history research.

After a long professional career in academic archives and genealogy libraries, Nancy Loe, MA, MLS, launched her website, SassyJaneGenealogy.com. Her site features a blog, monthly newsletter, and genealogy e-books on U.S. and European research.

Nancy also provides expert guidance on information management to help genealogists search smartly and find more primary sources. She has presented at genealogy gatherings in the US, Canada, and Australia, including NGS, RootsTech, and Legacy Family Tree.

Second presentation:

Presenter: Chris Pederson
“Benefits of Using DNA for Adoption Cases” (Mexican American SIG)

Learn about the benefits of genetic genealogy in solving adoption cases.

Chris Pederson has been a teacher and public speaker for over 50 years and a genealogy researcher for almost 20 years. He was introduced to genealogy by an uncle who had done some work on his family history. Later, he was asked by a boss who knew Chris’ interest in genealogy to answer a few questions about searching for his birth parents. Chris found information for this person relatively quickly, which sparked his interest in turning genealogy into a business. Chris turned to DNA to solve other adoptees’ brick wall problems. That started his journey in using genetic genealogy to solve brick wall problems.

Saturday, June 17, 2023, 1:00-3:00 pm PDT

The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents a
Free Family History Program
Online with Zoom
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 1:00-3:00 pm PDT
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Curt Witcher
“Using Periodicals and PERSI to Take Your Research to the Next Level”
Learn about the various types of genealogy and local history periodicals and how PERSI can help one find articles to further one’s research.

Curt Witcher is the Director of Special Collections at the Allen County Public Library, managing the widely acclaimed Genealogy Center, the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, and the institution’s Fine Books Collection. He is a former president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society and the founding president of the Indiana Genealogical Society.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/
Please note that we cannot respond to same-day requests.

Saturday, July 29, 2023, 9:00am - 3:30pm Pacific Time

The Genealogical Society o North Orange County CA
Virtual (Zoom) Seminar
Saturday, July 29, 2023, 9:00am - 3:30pm Pacific Time
https://www.gsnocc.org/seminar.html
Presenter: Lisa Louise Cooke

Session Titles:
How to Reopen and Work a Genealogical Cold Case
Google Earth Pro or Genealogy
Seeing Family History Through Google Lens
Tap Into Your Inner Private Eye: 9 Strategies for Finding Living Relatives

Saturday, May 20, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PDT

The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Programs
Online with Zoom
Saturday, May 20, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PDT
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Lyn Gesch
“Acquiring a Sense of Place: Using Maps to Help Tell Family Stories”
Have you ever wondered how your ancestors ended up in a particular place? Whether they chose to settle there or other factors drove them to that location, we rely on document research to help us find answers—public records, letters, diaries, local histories, etc. In this hour, we will investigate the added value of using maps and gazetteers to help us in that quest to understand how our ancestors navigated those spaces that were “home” and built a life there. We will look at resources for urban and rural research, focusing on what is available online, and consider how maps and gazetteers help us tell a story.

Marilyn Gesch, Ph.D., is a longtime Ventura County Genealogical Society member. She has served on the Executive Board and has been a frequent presenter in the educational programs. Her background in sociology has led her to lean heavily on using social history in understanding family stories and focus on quality research practices. Recent publications inspired by family histories looked at German immigrants in American wars and appeared in the Kansas History Journal (2018; WW1) and the Missouri Historical Review (2015; Civil War). In addition, she is working on a manuscript following her father-in-law’s WW2 experiences through his letters and scrapbooks.

Second presentation:

Presenter: Sara Cochran
“Irish Eyes Are Smiling: Finding Vital Records in the Land of Saints and Scholars“
Get to know the Irish Civil Registration records! These Birth, Marriage, and Death records began country-wide in 1864 and contain a wealth of information about our ancestors. Learn how to access these records from your home through multiple websites.

Sara is a full-time professional genealogist with over twenty-five years of experience. She holds a Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate, a bachelor’s degree in library science, and is an alumnus of the ProGen Study Group. She is currently the Treasurer of the Southern California Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Registrar for the Aurantia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Secretary for the Amanda Stokes Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and volunteers at the National Archives, Riverside office.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/
Please note that we cannot respond to same-day requests.

Saturday, April 15, 2023, 1:00-3:00 pm PDT

Ventura County Genealogical Society
presents an In-Person
Free Genealogy Fair
at the
Camarillo Public Library
4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA

The Ventura County Genealogical Society (VCGS) and the Camarillo Public Library invite you to our free Genealogy Fair. It's open to everyone. You don't need to be a member of the society, and guests are encouraged to attend. All levels, from those just starting (or thinking about starting) to research their ancestors to those looking for help to break down the last "Brick Wall," are welcome.

When: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 1:00-3:00 pm PDT
Where: The Community Room at the Camarillo Public Library

The Genealogy Fair is open to everyone. You don't need to be a member of the society, and guests are encouraged to attend. All levels, from those just starting (or thinking about starting) to research their ancestors to those looking for help to break down the last "Brick Wall," are welcome.
• Volunteers will be there to answer your questions.
• You will be able to browse our Special Interest Group Tables.
• In addition, you can ask for volunteers' help to search records.
• You can browse our Sales Table for genealogy books and supplies.
• Computer stations will be set up to show you how to access various helpful websites.
Spend the afternoon reconnecting with genealogy friends and learning what the Ventura County Genealogy Society can do to help you with your family history.

https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Saturday, March 18, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PST

The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Programs
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Peggy Lauritzen
“Migration Trails Across America”
America has been a nation on the move since the first landings in the colonies. From buffalo traces and Native American trails to rivers and canals, Americans kept pushing “west.” This presentation concentrates on the most common means of travel in the New World. Migrations trails and patterns will be discussed, as well as the many rivers and canals interconnecting us as a nation. A case study will be demonstrated showing a “lost” ancestor.”

Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, was involved in genealogy before birth. The daughter of avid genealogists was spending time in courthouses and cemeteries while other children were playing on swings and going to the beach. However, the love of her family’s history has never left her. Peggy is an instructor at Ancestry Academy and Family Tree University served as an Ambassador for RootsTech 2016-2017, and was honored as a 2018 Fellow of the Ohio Genealogical Society.
Second presentation:

Presenter: Daniel Horowitz
“MyHeritage Photo Features: A Whole New Way to Tell Your Family’s Story”
MyHeritage has become the #1 platform for uploading, enhancing, and sharing old family photos. In this lecture, Daniel will give you a detailed tour of all the photo features MyHeritage offers. Learn to animate your photos with Deep Nostalgia™, colorize and restore colors with MyHeritage In Color™, bring faces into sharp focus with the Photo Enhancer, record the stories behind your photos with the Photo Storyteller™, make your photos speak with DeepStory, and much more. Daniel will show you how MyHeritage can breathe new life into old photos and revive your family’s favorite memories.

Dedicated to Genealogy since 1986, Daniel was the teacher and the study guide editor of the family history project “Searching for My Roots” in Venezuela for 15 years. In addition, he was a board member of The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) for ten years. He is now involved in several crowdsource digitization and transcription projects and holds a board-level position at The Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA). Since 2006 Daniel has been working at MyHeritage, liaising with genealogy societies, bloggers, and media, lecturing, and attending conferences worldwide.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/
Please note that we cannot respond to same-day requests.

Saturday, February 18, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PST

The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Programs
Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Cyndi Ingle
“Tracking Your Digital Bread Crumbs: Bookmarks, Toolbars, Notes, and Other Applications”

Cyndi Ingle, a genealogist for more than 42 years, is the creator and innovator behind the award-winning and globally recognized CyndisList.com. Cyndi is an expert in using technology for genealogy, research in the United States, and bringing together traditional methodology with organization, computers, software, and the Internet. She is an internationally known guest lecturer and has authored numerous articles and three books.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/
Please note that we cannot respond to same-day requests.

The DNA Special Interest Group meeting will precede the general meeting from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on Zoom. Contact the webmaster at gro.cosnegocarutnev|retsambew#gro.cosnegocarutnev|retsambew to be added to the invitation list.

Saturday, January 21, 2023, 1:00 - 4:00 pm PST

The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Programs
Online with Zoom

https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Diana Elder
“Getting Things Done and Family History:
Productivity Tips and Tools”
How do you stay productive when you have numerous genealogy projects? Learn a system to capture to-do items, prioritize projects, and erase overwhelm.

Diana is a professional genealogist, teacher, author, and speaker. She has eighteen years of research experience and holds a credential for genealogy research through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). Diana is Accredited in the United States Gulf South Region, which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Second presentation:
Presenter: Laura Hedgecock
“Practical Tools for Family History Writers”
Ready to explore software tools to help you write your stories? This session will show a range of software, smartphone apps, and websites that help writers find context, come up with and develop ideas for family and ancestor stories, and hone writing skills. Participants should be familiar with web browsers, word processing, and smartphone apps.
Laura Hedgecock is an author, speaker, freelance writer, and GeneaBlogger passionate about helping others tell stories that connect loved ones with their family and ancestry.
Laura serves as President of the 3400+ member GeneaBloggers organization and is a member of NGS, Genealogical Speakers Guild, Toastmasters, and Detroit Working Writers. She authored BLOGGING FOR FAMILY HISTORY, which provides a road map for launching a blog and making it successful.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/
Please note that we cannot respond to same-day requests.

Saturday, December 17, 2022, 1:00 - 4:00 pm PDT

The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Program
Online with Zoom
Saturday, December 17, 2022, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Lisa Alzo
“No Easy Button: Using Immersion Genealogy to Understand Your Ancestors”

Family history is so much more than just names, dates, places, or boxes, lines, and charts. For 21st-century genealogists, it is easy to limit our research to the documents or other facts we find online or to what others tell us to be true. Learn how to take your research a step further to understand your ancestors’ lives through “immersion genealogy”—the process of discovering where they lived, worked and worshipped and experiencing those customs and traditions they passed down through the generations. Essential resources, methodology, tips for reaching out to relatives and repositories, and how to make the most out of a trip to your ancestor’s hometown (whether in North America or across the pond) will be discussed.

An avid genealogist for 26 years, Lisa teaches online genealogy courses for Family Tree University and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She is the recipient of the 2002 Mary Zirin Prize given by the Association for Women in Slavic Studies to recognize the achievements of independent scholars and is a frequently invited speaker for national conferences and genealogical and historical societies.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request an invitation here: https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/

Saturday, November 19, 2022, 1:00 - 4:00 pm PDT

The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations

Online with Zoom
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

Presenter: Craig R. Scott
“Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestor”
Follow your Revolutionary War ancestor through available records from enlistment, service, pension, and bounty land.
Craig R. Scott, CG, FUGA, is President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc., a genealogical publishing firm with over 8,500 titles in print. A researcher for more than thirty years, he specializes in the National Archives records, problem-solving, genealogical skill building, and publishing. He has been lecturing steadily since the 1990 National Genealogical Society Conference in Crystal City at local, state, and national levels. He has coordinated lecture tracks at IGHR, SLIG, and GRIP. APG awarded him the Grahame T. Smallwood, Jr. Award in 2008 and the UGA Silver Tray Award in 2009. He has appeared in the Ancestry Show and the Neil Leherer News Hour as a nationally known lecturer and educator. He brings enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge to each engagement.

Second presentation:
Presenter: Baerbel Johnson
“Using Historical newspapers to learn more about your German Ancestor” (German SIG)
Historical newspapers are an excellent new resource for the family historian!

They may include notices of births, marriages, or deaths, property sales, patents given for new inventions, business licenses requested, intentions to emigrate, and much more. Your ancestor may even be mentioned in a news article. Historical information adds color to your family history. This presentation will discuss finding local and regional newspapers and give many examples of how they can be helpful in family history research.

Baerbel K. Johnson, AG, is a professional genealogist and works at the Family History Library as International Research Consultant. She holds degrees in Family and Local History Studies and Sociology from BYU. She has more than twenty years of extensive experience in European family history research emphasizing Germany

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/
Please note that we cannot respond to same-day requests.

Saturday, October 15, 2022, 1:00 - 4:00 pm PDT

GENEALOGY FAIR

WHERE: Camarillo Library Community Room
4101 Las Posas Road
Camarillo

COST: Free
CONTACT: VCGS Webmaster Email at gro.cosnegocarutnev|retsambew#gro.cosnegocarutnev|retsambew
Event website: https://venturacogensoc.org/event/genealogy-fair/?instance_id=286

Genealogy Fair
Are you interested in learning more about your family? Here’s your chance to take a trip back in time to meet your ancestors! The Ventura County Genealogical Society will present a Genealogy Fair on Saturday, October 15, from 1-3 pm in the library’s Community Room.

Friendly VCGS volunteers will look up online records and answer your genealogical questions. Learn about resources to discover your family history and find out what life was like for your ancestors. There will be new and used books for beginners at the VCGS Sales Table.

We hope you’ll join us for this informal drop-in event.

This program is sponsored by the Camarillo Public Library.

Saturday, October 22, 2022, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm PDT

VENTURA COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
Please join us for our 2022 Annual Seminar

Presenting:
Making Sense of the Census:
An In-Depth Look at Census Records
by
Gena Philibert-Ortega

Zoom Webinar

Seminar Topics:
20th Century Censuses: What do they Say About Your Ancestors?
Searching the Census: Tips & Tricks
There’s More to the Census Than Names: Non-Population Schedules
The Other Censuses: State, Territorial, and More

Connect with us for this year’s annual seminar, featuring one of the most sought-after speakers in genealogy. Learn how to search census records more effectively.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Registration fee: $30.
https://venturacogensoc.org/2022-annual-seminar/

Videos of the presentations will be available for a limited time after the seminar to everyone who registered.
Door Prizes will be awarded throughout the day! You do not need to be present to win.

Saturday, September 17, 2022, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT

The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
Saturday, September 17, 2022, 1:00-4:00 pm PDT
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

1:00 pm Presenter: Chris Paton
"British & Irish Newspapers" (British Isles SIG)
Records of births, marriages, and deaths provide a fantastic starting point for identifying our ancestors' names and where they lived. Still, in terms of understanding how those ancestors once lived, there is no better resource to plunder than a good newspaper. Over the last two centuries, newspapers have recorded the daily events that have shaped our forebears' lives. In many cases, they have identified specific tales about them and notices and advertisements directly concerning them and their contemporary communities.

Originally from Northern Ireland, but with both Scottish and Irish roots, Chris holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Genealogical Studies from the University of Strathclyde and works as a professional genealogist, running Scotland's Greatest Story research service. Chris is, In addition, a published author of several book titles (see https://scottishgenes.blogspot.com/p/books.html), a regular monthly and bi-monthly contributor to several genealogy magazines, and his own daily genealogical news feed, the Scottish GENES blog.

Second presentation
Presenter: Karen Fortin
"Creating Google Earth Tours"
Google Earth tours can be fun to share your genealogy with your relatives. Tours can be created to visually illustrate one ancestor's life and travels or the family's migration over generations.

Karen Fortin received a bachelor’s degree in History and a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. She worked at the Barbara S. Ponce Public Library in Pinellas Park, FL, for 30 years before focusing on genealogical research.

Karen's passion for history and research led her to an interest in genealogy. She began volunteering with the Pinellas Genealogy Society in Largo, FL, in 2012 and was the society's president from 2014-2017. Karen started providing genealogy and history presentations in 2016 and has lectured at various genealogical societies, public libraries, and other interested organizations.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/
Please note that we cannot respond to same-day requests.

Saturday, August 20, 2022, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT

The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom
Saturday, August 20, 2022, 1:00-4:00 pm PDT
https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

1:00 pm Presenter: Larry W. Thomas
“The Tax Man Cometh”
Do not overlook the wealth of information found in the tax records. As Daniel Defoe is credited for saying in a book in 1726, “Things as certain as death and taxes…,” we simply cannot avoid them. Until the early 1900s, people were taxed on their land and other possessions, which can help in the research of your ancestors. We will examine several sets of records from around the U. S. and see what we can learn from them.

Larry is a retired US Army Captain with 23 years in the field of Aviation, Transportation & Logistics. Larry began his Genealogy Research 30 years ago with his own Thomas Family, Georgia residents since the 1750s. He added the rest of his and his late wife’s families before beginning to research for clients in 2008, operating at www.AtlantaGenealogy.com. A graduate of ProGen 38 and member of the National Genealogical Society, Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogy Speakers Guild, Gwinnett Historical Society, serves on the Board of the Georgia Genealogical Society and is past president of the Cobb County Genealogy Society.

Second presentation
Presenter: Jeanette Sheliga
“Navigating FultonHistory.com”
FultonHistory.com, or Old Fulton NY Postcards, is a free, historical newspaper website that contains archives of over 50 million pages of microfilmed newspaper images (mostly New York State newspapers) and collections from other states and Canada). This presentation will give an overview of the content and a variety of search strategies.

Jeanette lives in Lockport, NY, and has been researching her family tree since 2002. She began genealogical lecturing at the North Tonawanda Public Library in 2011 and soon after formed the North Tonawanda Library Genealogy Club, which she managed for ten years. In 2013, Jeanette became a Board Member of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. She is also the vice president, NGS Delegate, and Program Chairperson. Jeanette became Chairman of the Board in March 2020 and held that position for over a year and a half.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/
Please note that we cannot respond to same-day requests.

Saturday, July 16, 2022, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. PDT

The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents
Free Family History Presentations
Online with Zoom

https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/

1:00 pm Presenter: Andrew Fairweather
“Tenement Housing in the Mid-19th Century”
Do you ever wonder who your ancestors’ neighbors were? Are you writing a historical novel and need some inspiration? Join Andrew Fairweather, Librarian at the New York Public Library’s Seward Park branch on the Lower East Side. We’ll be talking about the history of the neighborhood during its decades of peak immigration, as well as looking at a few tips and tricks on how to perform demographic and genealogical research in this area, and elsewhere. Using Land and Buildings records and photographs, we’ll see the streets where your ancestor lived and maybe even a photo of their building. We’ll learn about living conditions in tenements and how to find your family in census records.

Andrew Fairweather is a Librarian who works for the Seward Park branch of the New York Public Library on New York City’s Lower East Side. His professional focus has included spreading knowledge about tools that help researchers conduct genealogical and local history research, as well as giving lectures that give people entry points into classic works of literature.

Second presentation:
Presenter: Paul Milner
“Irish Immigrants to North America” (Irish SIG)
Before, During and After the Famine: Learn about the routes taken and the reasons for the emigration from Ireland to the U.S. and Canada before, during, and after the famine. Learn how this mass movement of people can affect your research, plus what tools and records are available to trace your Irish ancestor.

Paul is a professional genealogist and lecturer, with over 30 years of experience. Born and raised in northern England, settling in the U.S. in 1975. An internationally recognized speaker for British Isles research and migration. Author of Discover English Parish Records; Discover English Census Records; Buried Treasures – What’s in the English Parish Chest; Genealogy at a Glance: English Research and Co-author of A Genealogists Guide to Discovering Your English Ancestors and A Genealogists Guide to Discovering Your Scottish Ancestors. Coordinator for English and Scottish research tracks at Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, and coordinator of English Research tracks at Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and British Institute.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/

Saturday, July 30, 2022, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm PDT

GSNOCC Virtual Seminar featuring Rhonda R. McClure, Senior Genealogist, New England Historic Genealogical Society

VIRTUAL on Zoom
Genealogical Society of North Orange County, California (GSNOCC)
https://www.gsnocc.org/seminar.html

Join GSNOCC on Sat., July 30, 2022, from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (PDT) for our annual VIRTUAL (on Zoom) seminar! Featured speaker, Rhonda R. McClure (Senior Genealogist, New England Historic Genealogical Society), will present four fascinating topics throughout the day-long event:
• Using Major Genealogical Websites in Your Family History Research
• Using Your Computer for Genealogical Analysis
• Using Google in Family History Research
• Mining the Treasures in Newspapers
Plus, chances to win prizes, play genealogical games, and more! The first 25 people to register will be entered into an additional drawing for a gift worth $25!
To register, please visit https://www.gsnocc.org/seminar.html
($20 members/$30 non-members. Deadline to register is July 27, 2022.)

Calendar of Genealogy Events

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Calendar of Genealogy Events in California:

Saturday, October 19, 2024, 8:30 am-4:00 pm PDT

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Saturday, August 17, 2024, 1:00-3:00 PDT

Saturday, July 20, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Saturday, June 15, 2024, 1:00-3:00 PDT

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Saturday, April 20, 2024, 1:00-3:00 PDT

Saturday, March 16, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Saturday, February 17, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Saturday, January 20, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Saturday, December 16, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Saturday, November 18, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Saturday, October 21, 2023, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. PDT

Saturday, September 16, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PDT

Saturday, August 19, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PDT

Saturday, July 15, 2023, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 PM PST

Saturday, July 15, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PDT

Saturday, June 17, 2023, 1:00-3:00 pm PDT

Saturday, July 29, 2023, 9:00am - 3:30pm Pacific Time

Saturday, May 20, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PDT

Saturday, April 15, 2023, 1:00-3:00 pm PDT

Saturday, March 18, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PST

Saturday, February 18, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm PST

Saturday, January 21, 2023, 1:00 - 4:00 pm PST

Saturday, December 17, 2022, 1:00 - 4:00 pm PDT

Saturday, November 19, 2022, 1:00 - 4:00 pm PDT

Saturday, October 15, 2022, 1:00 - 4:00 pm PDT

Saturday, October 22, 2022, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm PDT

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Saturday, September 17, 2022, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT

Saturday, August 20, 2022, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT

Saturday, July 16, 2022, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. PDT

Saturday, July 30, 2022, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm PDT