California Genealogical Society

11/01/2026

It's Native American Heritage Month. Visit California State Parks to learn more about the indigenous peoples of California. The National Archives, National Genealogical Society, and other genealogical websites offer resources for research into Native history and genealogy. (See links in comments.)

California State Parks

10/30/2026

Deadline for submission is November 15.

This is exciting - Art + RootsTech: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Roots & Branches: A Juried Art Exhibition. A Collaboration Between The Compass Gallery and FamilySearch International. Details on entering as well as the exhibition at RootsTech 2027 at
https://www.thecompassgallery.com/rootsandbranches

10/30/2026

November Round Table - This month, we'll share stories about our adopted ancestors and discuss the research techniques we used.

Members and Friends: Join us for our monthly round table! Monday, November 2 at 11:00 AM on Zoom.

Zoom ID: 841 6602 7006

10/15/2026

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-block-closure-san-francisco-national-archives

SAN BRUNO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit challenging the National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) abrupt decision to close the National Archives at San Francisco and transfer its holdings to other National Archives facilities across the country. The Sa...

10/08/2026

Very disappointing

UPDATE ON THE NATIONAL ARCHIVE LOCATION CLOSURES

In August, there was a bicameral bipartisan letter submitted to NARA voicing concern to these closures. It took a couple months, but a response has been sent back to these elected officials. You can read it at the link, along with the letter they submitted and the National Archives Protection Act, a bill put forth by Rep. Kevin Mullin.

The letter didn't even come from the new Archivist of the United States.

https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/10/07/national-archives-issues-dismissive-response-to-lawmakers-community-concerns/

10/07/2026

October 22 at Marin County Genealogical Society

10/05/2026

Join Us!

Upcoming Events:
Oct 10: Creating Research Plans with AI – 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Hybrid/CGS). Laura Grotz guides us through how she utilized AI tools during her ancestral research.

Oct 21: What’s Online at the National Archives – 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Online/OFSL). Marisa Louie Lee helps you start or expand your search through National Archives collections.

Oct 24: Los Californianos: Early California Population Project & Alta California Tips – 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Hybrid/CGS). CGS & Los Californianos present two sessions on uncovering gems in early records and genealogy tips.

Oct 24–25: Grand Opening and Open House for Members – Oct 24: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Oct 25: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (In Person/CGS Library). Celebrate CGS's new home at 1841 Berkeley Way! No registration needed.

Nov 12: Field Trip to the Oakland Family Search Center - 10:30 - 12:30 PM | Contact Jane Lindsey at [email protected]

Nov 14: Exploring Resources for California Genealogy – 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Hybrid/CGS Berkeley). Joanna Shear shares examples and techniques specific to California research.

More info at: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/

CGS Members are no longer required to register for most events. Members can log into the CGS website, and find Zoom, handout and survey links directly on this page before the event. If you prefer to register to receive the reminder emails, you may continue to do so (use the links below or email even...

10/05/2026

Members especially encouraged to come to our Open House the weekend of Oct. 24 & 25!

10/05/2026

Coming October 15!

Settlers’ guides were written to persuade and assist our ancestors who moved to new places, and they’re packed with details about work, costs, land, and daily life.