Exploring Resources for California Genealogy

The library is open on Thursdays through Saturdays (10-2).SeeDirections and Parkingfor info on Saturday visits, which have different procedures than weekdays. See ourEvents and Educationfor online and in-person sessions.________________________________________Connecting people to their diverse family heritageWhether 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) in Oakland. The society offers research services, online indexes and databases, and a research library housing over 38,000 reference materials from California, the United States, and around the world. CGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The library is conveniently located in Uptown Oakland, one block north of the Paramount Theatre, at 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2. We are three blocks from the 19th Street BART Station.Phone: (510) 663-1358Non-Discrimination StatementThe 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.Courtesy RequestIn order to maintain a welcoming and healthy environment, please refrain from using scented products at CGS events or in the library.Photography NoticeCalifornia Genealogical Society (CGS) may take photographs, audio recordings, and video footage in our library, classrooms or events for historical records or publicity purposes.  If you do not want to be photographed or filmed, it is the individual’s responsibility to 'opt out' by notifying the event leader or photographer at the event.

California Genealogical Society

Joanna Shear shares examples and techniques that are specific to California research

Online & at California Genealogical Library

<h3>Exploring Resources for California Genealogy</h3> <h3>Saturday, July 11, 2026</h3><h4>1 -2:30 PM, PDT</h4><h4> </h4><h3>Presented by Joanna Shear</h3><h4>IN PERSON and ONLINE</h4><h4>** NOW IN OUR NEW BERKELEY LIBRARY ** and Live online via Zoom</h4><h4>CGS members who log into the CGS Website can find Zoom, handout and survey links directly on the website (no registration required). Find out more <a href="https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/" title="https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</h4>Non-members should register from this page for $5.

Basic information on our ancestors can often be found through straightforward searches in public and subscription databases. However, sometimes the standard sources fall short, and even when we have some data at hand, painting a nuanced and full picture of historical lives requires us to dig deeper. Luckily, a broad collection of resources are available to explore to provide those details and context.In this class we’ll cover examples and techniques for using the following:<ul><li>California-specific resources on the major platforms like Ancestry, FamilySearch and MyHeritage</li><li>Lesser-known sources such as university special collections and oral histories</li><li>Federal and state publications</li><li>Court and land records</li><li>Maps and drawings</li><li>County resources</li><li>Effective use of online indexes to guide in-person research</li></ul>

For those attending online: The event will take place via Zoom. If you join, please sign in early to make sure you are able to see the program. We will send you instructions the night before, and a reminder shortly before the event, which will give you access. Our remote events now have live closed captioning. When registering, use an email address you will be checking. Please note all times are Pacific Time.For those attending in person: We have RELOCATED to 1841 Berkeley Way Berkeley behind the Trader Joes on University Ave. We are a 10 minute walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. There is limited parking at our building and street parking west of the Berkeley Way bollards. Further instructions will be included with your registration confirmation. If you have trouble entering, call the library at (510) 663-1358.You do not have to have a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting. You will be prompted to download the software, once you have clicked on the link that you have been provided. You may also wish to create an account, but that is not required to participate in a Zoom meeting.This event is presented live. Some events may be recorded for CGS use only.See you in person or online!

Joanna Shear was first drawn to genealogy by an unknown name on a mysterious engraved silver chalice, which led to a reunion for a family separated by the Holocaust. Today, she works on family history for herself and others, including use of DNA to go beyond the documentation and trace new family connections. In addition to Jewish genealogy, Joanna focus on African American research, as well as state research in California and the Midwest.Born in Boston, Joanna grew up in Missouri and landed in the San Francisco Bay Area. She’s completed Boston University's Certificate Program in Genealogical Research as well as the Progen study group and numerous genealogical institute courses. Joanna is a lifetime member of the California Genealogical Society, and enjoys helping others find their joy in genealogy!

<h3>REGISTRATION INFORMATION:</h3> CGS Members enjoy free access.Non-Members pay a nominal $5 fee.You can purchase a $45 one-year CGS Basic membership when you check out. To sign up for other membership options go to our web page: <a href="https://www.californiaancestors.org/join-cgs-application/" title="https://www.californiaancestors.org/join-cgs-application/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CGS Membership application</a>PAYMENT OPTIONS:Credit card payments will be processed by 91����. *Event fee is non-refundable.

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Exploring Resources for California Genealogy

Exploring Resources for California Genealogy

Saturday, July 11, 2026

1 -2:30 PM, PDT

Presented by Joanna Shear

IN PERSON and ONLINE

NOW IN OUR NEW BERKELEY LIBRARY and Live online via Zoom

CGS members who log into the CGS Website can find Zoom, handout and survey links directly on the website (no registration required). Find out more .

Good to know

Location

Online & at California Genealogical Library

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Exploring Resources for California Genealogy

Exploring Resources for California Genealogy

Saturday, July 11, 2026

1 -2:30 PM, PDT

Presented by Joanna Shear

IN PERSON and ONLINE

** NOW IN OUR NEW BERKELEY LIBRARY ** and Live online via Zoom

CGS members who log into the CGS Website can find Zoom, handout and survey links directly on the website (no registration required). Find out more .

Good to know

Location

Online & at California Genealogical Library

How do you want to get there?

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NOW IN OUR NEW BERKELEY LIBRARY and Live online via Zoom