Friday, December 30, 2011

Follow Friday - GeneaWebinars

This blog bills itself as "a calendar and blog devoted exclusively to coordinating online genealogy seminars." And it delivers what it promises. If you are interested in picking up more information about genealogy, you should follow this blog. Go to http://blog.geneawebinars.com/ to sign up for that very valuable information.

GeneaWebinars
News about upcoming genealogy webinars offered throughout the online genealogy community.
An example from their calendar :
Free Webinar: Introduction to the 1940 Federal Census
When: Monday, January 9th, 2012
Time: 7:00 pm Eastern
Presenter: Constance Potter, archivist and genealogist
Topic: Introduction of the 1940 Federal Census
Sponsor: Friends of the National Archives Southeast Region, Inc.
You won't want to miss this timely presentation by Connie Potter. Connie is a reference archivist at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, DC, and specializes in federal records of interest to genealogists. She has a particular interest in, and affection for, federal census records. Potter has worked on the openings of the 1920, 1930, and, now, the 1940 census.
Although the webinar is free of charge, registration is required. Please join us!

or maybe this will interest you:
10 Ways to Jump Start Your Genealogy in 2012
On January 10, 2012, ISGS presents 10 Ways to Jump Start Your Genealogy in 2012 presented by Thomas MacEntee.
Whether you've been stuck in a rut with your genealogy research for the past year or you just want to expand the ways in which you pursue your family history, join ISGS for this fun and informative FREE webinar. Presented by nationally-known genealogist, educator and author Thomas MacEntee, you'll find out how to energize your research and hit the ground running in 2012.
Title: 10 Ways to Jump Start Your Genealogy in 2012
Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Time: 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM CST
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/889377446

or this:
Ten Brick Wall Tips for Beginners by Marian Pierre-Louis
When: Wed, February 15, 2012, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/webinars.asp
Description: Marian Pierre-Louis, the genealogist who cracked the case of Nathan Brown's parents, is at it again. Once again she's tackling the topic of brick walls. Everyone needs a little help and encouragement to jump-start the research, especially on hard-to-solve cases. In this webinar, Marian will present 10 brick wall tips that will help every genealogist look at their research challenges in a fresh way. This webinar will bring you the momentum you need to get your family history research back on track.
Time zones: 2 PM Eastern U.S., 1 PM Central, 12 PM Mountain, 11 AM Pacific.
Register (free) at http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/webinars.asp

Posted by Ron Setzer

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Root Cellar Meeting Reminder

Mark your calendars for our next meeting!
On Wednesday, January 11, 2012, Root Cellar will have its membership meeting. Visitors are always welcome, so come, one come all. The program will be "Using Newspapers in Genealogical Research" by Janice Sellers. The meeting goes from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the following location: Citrus Heights Community Clubhouse, 6921 Sylvan Way, Citrus Heights.
Contact Sandi Benward (916) 412-3511 if you have any questions.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Truckee, California Dog Sled Race
Old Highway 40 that went through the town
ca. 1920s


Posted by Ron Setzer

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Tombstone Tuesday – Merit BABCOCK (13 September 1838-24 April 1863)



In the Register of Enlistments, United States Army, it states my Great Great Granduncle Merit Babcock enlisted on 20 December 1862, soon after one of his older brothers, Orange Babcock. It further added that he had hazel eyes, black hair, ruddy complexion, and was 5’7” tall. He died at Murfreesboro, Tennessee of typhoid fever on 24 April 1863.  He served as a private in Independent Infantry Company C, Pennsylvania Volunteers (The Warren Rifles).

National Cemetery in Murfreesboro. Tennessee
On a trip to Tennessee and Alabama this past summer I was able to visit his gravesite in the National Cemetery. Note that his first name on the gravestone is misspelled. All Army records list him correctly as "Merit," while his marker says "Merritt."
Posted by Ron Setzer

Monday, December 26, 2011

Gian Guido Fiorini


I was looking through a large trunk filled with Fiorini family photos and memorabilia. I came upon a photo of a man wearing what appeared to be some kind of military uniform. The man in the photo looked Gian Guido Fiorini, my father-in-law.  Gian Guido was born in Traona, Italy in 1897, immigrated to the United States in 1914, and became a U.S. citizen in 1928. I had been told that he never served in the military.
I began to ask questions of the family hoping to discover information about the photo that I had found. I contacted Zia Ebe Fiorini, the oldest living member of our family to find out what information she might have concerning the picture. She confirmed that the photo was in fact Gian Guido and he was wearing an Italian military uniform. When she was a young girl, she remembers seeing Gian Guido and his new bride, Rosa Tavelli, in Traona shortly after they had married. She didn’t know the details, but somehow Gian Guido was conscripted into Italian military service shortly after his marriage.
I continued to wonder about this photo and its story. While on a trip to Italy in 1998, I met with Enrico, who is my mother-in-law Rosa’s youngest brother to ask what he knew about the picture.  Enrico related this story: One of his sister Rosa’s suitors was angry that Gian Guido had come back to Italy and married Rosa. This man alerted the Italian government that Gian Guido had returned to Italy and had not yet served the mandatory two years of military service. Italians do not automatically lose their citizenship when they become a citizen of another country, so Gian Guido was immediately put into the Italian military service. Enrico told me that it took a few months, with the help of the United States Government, for Gian Guido to be released. He and Rosa were then able to sail to America.
Submitted by Nancy Fiorini
Posted by Ron Setzer

Sunday, December 25, 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May you and yours have a very enjoyable holiday season and may the New Year bring you happiness and joy. And may all of your brick walls come tumbling down. May you discover so many new ancestors to chase. May genealogy become one of the most rewarding portions of your life (and of your children's and grandchildren's). Happy Holidays to one and all!!
from your Blog Administrators Denise, Ron and Sandi

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Traveling App for iPhones, iPads, & Androids

In my spare time, while looking through all (well alot of them) the "apps" available at the App Store for my iPhone - free and to pay for ones, I came across "It Happened Here" $2.99  Yes, an app  for the iPhones, iPads and the Android phones for traveling. I thought  how exciting, this could be a very helpful tool.

Anyway I began to read about it before I downloaded it...............

"It Happened Here" is THE must have app for locals and visitors alike! The app reveals the hidden secrets of a city by detecting a user's location and highlighting fascinating events that have occuerred nearby. Historical events, memorable movie scenes, famous crimes, and pop culture happenings. Users receive photos and brief, orginal  summaries of hundreds of events.

It Happened Here comes with one city, which you'll choose from among the following:

Boston, MA,
Los Angeles, CA,
New York,  NY,
Philadelphia,  PA,
San Francisco,  CA,
Washington,  DC 

When you travel you can easily purchase a new It Happened Here city from within the app."

And I think it will be very useful if I visit any of these large cities, but the rub is that they only offer 6 city's in the United States and then you only can choose one of the six cities to download. Yes, you have the options later to download at an additional cost another city......... unfortunately for me Sacramento, CA or any of my hometown places in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Connecticut are not offered. Maybe in the future. I downloaded it anyway but have not activated it yet,  I will keep this information in the back of my mind in case I travel to one of these places.

Just thought you would like to know............. 

Have you run across any good apps that would be helpful in traveling and researching? Please share!













.....

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Memories




Our thanks to Root Cellar member Lois Fullerton Shumaker for sharing these photo treasures.  Matilda P. Murray was Lois's grandmother.  Lois's mother was born about five years after this photo was taken. 
posted by Ron Setzer

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Party Time for Root Cellar Members

Root Cellar's December Meeting was a holiday celebration. Tables decorated, goodies, coffee & water ready for all to enjoy......... and Santa visited (well, he was one of Santa's many helpers) and lots of helpful elves were on hand.

Glenda Gardner Lloyd gave a good presentation on the importance of a research log with a twist. The twist is keeping track of your many website that you check on all the time. Are you keeping a log of where and when you've been on the web. Time is important, so why not track your websites as well. She handed out a simple tracking form that had a lot of the usual website that we all might haunt (ie: Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, Google.com and more) and then you add those other websites that you check out regularly that pertain to just your research searches (ie: Ohio Genealogical Society). Glenda, great advice as usual.

We took a break, got a plate of goodies, a cup of hot coffee, or cold flavored water, purchased your raffle tickets AND THEN SANTA BURST IN THE ROOM .......  HO! HO! HO! candy canes for everyone. Now the fun is really beginning and members are anxious to it the raffle going.........  dozens and dozens of large and small wrapped gifts waiting to be won.

Santa and his elves began pulling numbers and giving out gifts to all the winners. Congratulations to everyone. You are all winners....... some brought goodies, some brought gifts and alot bought tickets for the raffle. Thanks to everyone for your support. Like I said you are all winners.









Society Saturday - New Coroner's Volume Released


This post has been updated to include a sample page from Book 13.

Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society is pleased to announce that Book 13 of the 20 books in the Sacramento County Coroner's Records Collection has now been published as Volume 6. When completed, the entire collection will cover 1887 - 1969.


Sample page from Book 13, click to enlarge

Book 13 is titled Coroner's Register - Indexed and covers January 1935 through December 1940.  Information extracted consists of Surname, Given Name, Date of Death, Place of Death, Sex, Nativity, Age, Marital Status, Cause of Death, Inquest Date, and Remarks. This information provides valuable clues for the family history researcher.

Root Cellar volunteers extracted and indexed these records from original books of the Coroner's Office of Sacramento County held at the Center for Sacramento History and acquired through the efforts of the Sacramento Old City Cemetery Committee.
Book Description:
  • Alphabetical Index of  2,714 names and extractions
  • 8½" x 11" soft cover
  • 240 pages
  • $20.00 plus tax, shipping and handling
Orders may be placed by using the Publications Order Form on the Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society website at www.rootcellar.org.   Inquiries may be sent to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

Society Saturday is just one of the blogging themes suggested on Geneabloggers.  You can show-off your ancestors here by sending a short story and photo to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com

posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Friday, December 16, 2011

Follow Friday - The New England House Historian

Today's article is a follow-up to Cath Madden Trindle's guest blog article about House Histories posted yesterday.  I forgot to mention that Cath is a wonderful and knowledgeable speaker.  Be sure to attend one of her lectures when the opportunity presents itself. 

Cath mentioned websites in her article and I want to recommend one for you to follow.  It's actually a blog by Marian Pierre-Louis titled The New England House Historian.  According to the blog, Marian is a House Historian and Genealogical Lecturer who specializes in southern New England research which includes the states of Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Her particular research interests include early (1700-1850) African Americans in New England.  She is a frequent presenter on Legacy Family Tree Webinars and at conferences, societies and libraries.

Leland Stanford House,
Sacramento, California
Built 1857
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The New England House Historian blog is for everyone, not just those with New England ancestors.  The guidance she provides has broad application.  Here's a sampling of Marian's article titles that could help in creating a house history for, say, the Leland Stanford House (pictured):
Using General Land Indexes
  • How Long Does it Take to Do Deed Research?
  • What Can You Find in Assessors Tax Records?
  • 19th Century Panoramic Maps
Marian authors two other blogs: Marian's Roots and Rambles and The Symbolic Past.  She will be the featured presenter for Legacy Family Tree Webinars in January and February 2013.

Have you created a house history for one of your ancestors?  Tell us about it by leaving a comment on our blog or send an email to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

Follow Friday is just one  of several blog themes suggested by Geneabloggers.  Let the thousands of blog readers know about your ancestor's stories.  Send a short story and photo to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com

posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Those Places Thursday - House Histories

I am pleased to introduce Cath Madden Trindle as my Guest Blogger for the following article. Cath has considerable experience in researching house histories.  Thanks Cath!

Building a House History

Do you know who lived in your house?  Have you found all the information on the houses your ancestors lived in?  If not, you might be in for some wonderful surprises.
My first house history was done for a friend.  She paid for the records and I put in the time, with the understanding that I could use the results to put together a class.  Over the years, the class has been quite popular.  That house was in San Francisco and was built before 1906.  If you have ever looked at the age of a house in San Francisco, those built before 1900 generally say 1899.  The deeds and many other records were lost.  Even so, we managed to pinpoint the birth of this house to a small period of time. 

Using Sanborn maps (they show the footprint of the building), water tap records (the date the water line was hooked up to the property), newspapers (sales notices), the few existing Deed Registers (there are no deeds, but a few registers survived), block books (owner's names written in property outlines) and much more, it was possible to find the original owners of the land, the builders, the first owner of the house, all subsequent owners and many tenants.  The civil sword found in the wall was explained by the first owner having served in the Vermont infantry. The house was sold three times within a few months in the early 1920s.  Apartments were added during the depression. It is a wonderful house with a lot of history.

Patrick Geraghty
(Photo owned by Cath Madden Trindle)

More recently, I decided to learn more about the houses that my mother’s family lived in in St. Paul, Minnesota. My great-great grandfather Patrick Geraghty was a big burly Irishman who had trouble finding a place to rent when he arrived from County Mayo in 1884.  Silly landlords, he was the only teetotaling member of my extended Irish family.  In 1885 Patrick decided to build his own house.  It must have taken every family member working many hours to cover that expense.  He built a 16x24 brick and bracket house with a peaked roof for $500.  Just two years later in 1887 they tore the house down, added a basement and rebuilt the house 5 feet higher.  He added a new kitchen on the side and spent another $500.  All this information came from building permits that are housed in the Ramsey County Historical Society.

House on Topping Street
(Photo owned by Cath Madden Trindle)


 Unfortunately, Patrick did not have clear title to the land.  The courts stepped in and Patrick and three other homeowners on the block finally received their deeds in 1888 when it is recorded that he had paid $450 for the land.  I knew the family had lived in this house on Topping Street.  It was here that my grandmother remembers living while her widowed mother was off working in the Ryan Hotel to support the family.  It was here that she, at the age of four, would watch her two year old sister for the day.  Their Aunt was just below in the basement apartment, but they were on their own.  Patrick in the meantime moved on to a bigger and better house.....but 465 Topping stayed in the family until the 1940s. 
 
This is just one of many stories I’ve uncovered working on house histories.  Among the others is the shuffling address on Litchfield Street, which was confusing  enough to baffle the building department.  These two houses with three addresses were lost by bankruptcy and redeemed by family members.   Then there is the tiny lake house, down payment loaned by the Doctor who wanted my grandmother out of the city during the Spanish Influenza. From the records, the stories emerge, so much more than births, marriages and deaths.
 
Looking for a place to start?  There are some websites* and blogs that are devoted to house histories.  Look on the websites of libraries in the area, many are adding information on researching local houses.  Trace the deeds.  Who paid the taxes?  When was the property originally subdivided?  What was it before?  What type of architecture is it?  Most of all have fun and gather those stories about those places your ancestors and about the house that you live in!
 
About Cath Madden Trindle
Cath is a Certified Genealogist, serves as Special Projects Committee Chairperson for the California State Genealogical Alliance and writes for its blog, and is Treasurer for the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS).  She is the former Publications Chairperson for the San Mateo County (California) Genealogical Society, and frequently lectures for genealogical societies in northern California, the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree, the Salt Lake Institute and FGS. 

*Watch for Follow Friday tomorrow!

posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas 1956

Denise Hibsch Richmond -- Christmas 1956


Wordless Wednesday is just one of the themes suggested on Geneabloggers, a website of over 2,000 bloggers and gazillions of readers.  Get your brickwall noticed by them - send your story to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

posted by the little girl with her new doll only a few decades later

Monday, December 12, 2011

Motivation Monday -- 2012 Conference Planning


 About now your only motivation may be to just get through the holidays. Let me distract you from that hustle and bustle for a minute. Go get your 2012 calendar.  If you don't have one yet (YIKES!), make note of this article.  My 2012 calendar is already filling up.  Oh, I don't mean the birthdays, anniversaries, society meetings and pesky annual exams.  I'm talking about the fun stuff -- the genealogical research vacations and conferences! 

Consider the conferences below, just to name a few.      
  1. Roots Tech in Salt Lake City, 2-4 February 2012
  2. *National Genealogical Society Conference in Cincinnati, 9-12 May 2012 (see previous blog article)
  3. Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree in Burbank, 8-10 June 2012
  4. *Federation of Genealogical Societies in Birmingham, 29 Aug - 1 Sep 2012
Have you attended a large genealogical conference?  I think every researcher should at least once. 

Why?
  1. Lectures: dozens to choose from on a variety of topics and themes by presented by subject matter experts. Many sessions are taped so you can purchase the one you missed.
  2. Luncheons and banquets: keynote speakers often have major announcements or provide an insiders view; meet other researchers from all over the world sitting right there at your table.  (Tip: great opportunity to pass out your business cards with your surname list)
  3. Exhibit Hall:  talk directly to a wide variety of vendors including local/regional societies and repositories. (Tip:  lots of great freebies in the exhibit hall too)
  4. Location: will the location of the conference entice you?  I mapped the proximity of Cincinnati to the three counties where my Ohio ancestors lived and it's only 60 miles!  All I need is my research plan and the hours and locations of the libraries and archives, etc. and I'm good to go.  Maybe you won't have a car so look for research sites within walking distance or by taxi.
  5. Networking: the opportunities to talk to attendees, lecturers and vendors abound.  Don't be shy about attending solo - conference attendees are very gregarious and you'll make friends right away.
  6. Sightseeing: don't leave your mate or kids behind.  While you're at the conference they can tour the local and regional sites and many private tours are arranged by the host society/organization.
Additional conferences are listed on:
If you have half a notion of attending one of the conferences listed above, I highly recommend you make your hotel reservations now. Host hotels fill up fast.  Several Root Cellar members will be attending Roots Tech and the Jamboree.  My husband and I will be attending the NGS Conference.  What about you - which conference will you be attending?  Post a comment below.

Reminder:  calendar the Root Cellar Spring Seminar with George G. Morgan, 31 March 2012.

* Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society is a member

Motivation Monday is just one of several blog themes suggested by Geneabloggers.  Get your ancestors noticed by thousands of blog readers.  Send a story and picture to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

Icon Source:  deleket
posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Genealogy Education the Easy Way - Legacy Family Tree Webinars

If you have not heard of the webinars that Legacy Family Tree posts online for your education, you need to be brought up to date. This link: http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/webinars.asp, will take you to their webinar page. While, as might be expected, the slant is toward Legacy Family Tree software, the webinars that are produced are of benefit for all levels of genealogists. You can register to be part of a live webinar, or listen to an archived webinar. It is generally the practice of Legacy to post the archived version for usually 10 days. After that, the webinar is available for purchase on a CD for personal or society use.
Some of the upcoming webinars are "Is My Pet Frog Part of My Family", Children and Genealogy in the Classroom (December 14), Digital Books and Sites for Genealogists (January 4), Pilgrims and Patriots: Discovering Your Massachusetts Ancestors (January 18), Ten Brick Wall Tips for Beginners (February 15) and Are You Ready for the 1940 U. S. Census Images? (March 7). Plenty to entice many genealogists to listen online.
Keeping with the theme of "Sorting Saturday," one in particular might be of interest for those of us who are burden with stacks and stacks of research information. The webinar was originally produced on November 4, 2011 and entitled "FamilyRoots Organizer System." The presenter was Mary Hill who declared the system "easy to understand, simple to set up, and simple to use." The presentation lasted for roughly an hour and a half, and presents a variety of methods for a paper filing system. So if you are searching for a system, be sure to check out these suggestions, one might work for you.
Posted by Ron Setzer

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Father and Son






Virgil Chester Jones with son, 
Virgil Sheldon Jones, in mid–1930s.










Posted by Ron Setzer

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Root Cellar Memories – Glenda Lloyd Gardner

Last year one of our charter members and first president, Glenda Lloyd Gardner, recalled the founding of our organization. The following was purloined from the first Preserves issue I edited:
Root Cellar is celebrating its 32nd birthday this October. It seems like only yesterday that this fledgling organization was bringing its library in apple boxes to each society meeting. Librarian, Jack Bank, faithfully arrived at each meeting with his load of apple boxes filled with the growing collection on books.
In 1978 several people who took a genealogy class from Helen Campbell-Lucas at American River College wanted to see if there would be enough interest to start a genealogy society that would meet in the evening for those who worked during the day. Helen, Glenda Lloyd, Joyce Hoffman, Muriel Sather and Sue O’Dell attended that class; Helen, Glenda and Sue are still members of Root Cellar today. The organizational meeting was held in June at the Fair Oaks Library with about 40 people expressing interest in forming a society. Glenda served as the first president and has continued to serve on the Board. October was set as the birthday month.
Root Cellar started a library with a few “how-to” books. Evelyn Mumma was the first Librarian. After Evelyn, Mary Pitts became Librarian and continued until her death in 1993. During her tenure the library was housed at Casa Roble High School and later moved to Carmichael Public Library. Jan Riggs was Librarian for a short time. When more space was needed, the Library moved to the California State Archives, Secretary of State’s building in downtown Sacramento where it is currently housed. Bob Wilson and Sammie Hudgens then took over this gigantic commitment and have continued to manage the acquisition, housing and management of approximately 500 periodicals and 5,000 volumes.

Root Cellar continues to thrive and is always seeking new ways to serve the Sacramento genealogical community. Join us for this adventure of chasing our ancestors.


Posted by Ron Setzer

Monday, December 5, 2011

Mobile Monday – Wolfram Genealogy & History App

If you have a smart phone (iPhone or Android), iPad, or Nook, you may want to purchase this app. It is Wolfram Genealogy & History. This company makes many many apps, but this one is handy for genealogists. If for no other reason than the "Family Relations" feature, this is worth the $4.99. While any genealogy software worth its salt will have a relationship calculator, but that may be at home and this is on your phone that you can tell someone they are your second cousin, twice removed immediately.
I am not so sure that the "Historical Weather" section is of much value. I enjoyed the "Demographics" feature when it informed me that in the year 2010, Ireland had not recovered the population it had prior to the Potato Famine. And the "Historical Life Expectancy" is a help in trying to estimate the possible death date of an ancestor.

This is just a small sample of the many questions you can investigate about your ancestors:

  • Were their names common at that time?
  • What happened on their birthdays?
  • What was the weather like on your grandparents' wedding day?
  • What were the towns they lived in like, including demographics, and how far are they from where you live?
  • What was 20 dollars worth the year your great-grandmother was born?
  • What is the technical relationship between you and your grandfather's sister?

Some of the key features are: Family Relations, Names History, Notable Historical People, Historical Events, Date Calculators, Astrology, Weather…, Geographic Information, Financial Data, and Research Extras. Even the family tree created by "Family Relations," is helpful.

This is a screenshot of the usage of first names over time and a map of the path of a hurricane.
It is a fun app for family history people, give it try.

Posted by Ron Setzer

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Sharing Sunday - REMINDER: Trip to Sutro Library, San Francisco


Genealogical Association of Sacramento (GAS) is again sponsoring their annual Sutro Library Bus Trip on 25 January 2012 - Wednesday

Checks are made out to Genealogical Association of Sacramento (GAS) and mailed to 

Melanie Howard
7345 Pritchard Rd
Sacramento CA 95828 Cost: $40.00 (non members of GAS) or $35.00 for GAS Members
Melanie will not cash the checks until 2 weeks before the January 25th date for the bus trip.
There is room for more than 48 people but only 48 seats need to be filled in order for the trip to go on. Otherwise it will be canncelled. Don't let that happen. So act now and get your check in the mail. It is always a very worthwhile day with someone else doing the driving. Very relaxing - especially coming home.

A little more details ........... 
On Wednesday January 25th the bus will pick up people at 4 different locations.

First pick up is at 6:45AM (no later than 7 AM) on Massey Circle in front of the CHP office near the intersection of Mack Rd and Stockton Blvd.

The bus will then travel to the second pick up in front of the Doubletree Hotel on Point West Rd and Arden Way. The bus will arrive about 7:15 AM

We will then travel to West Sacramento and pick up people in the parking lot of La Bou on Jefferson Blvd. (Parking is more difficult at this site since they posted the no parking signs.) The bus will arrive about 7:30 AM

We will then proceed to the final pick up in Davis at the Mace Blvd Park and Ride about 7:45 AM

We will then proceed to the Sutro Library in San Francisco and spend the day.

We should arrive around 10am. The bus driver will return to pick us up at 5 PM promptly and will return to Sacramento dropping you off in the reverse of the pick up.
We usually arrive in Sacramento around 7:30 PM

Of course there is no food or drink in the library. There are lockers to use for all your "stuff"....... if you have a laptop you will be allowed to bring that in but not the rolling carrier, bags etc. You can bring a brown bag lunch and snacks which can be eaten in the cozy lobby area where the lockers are also located. There is an indoor Shopping Mall about a block away with lots of eaterees.............


Thank you and hope to see you on the bus
Melanie Howard
G.A.S. President





Saturday, December 3, 2011

Top 10 Holiday Gifts that Support Root Cellar- Sacramento Genealogical Society

1.  Did you want to invite a friend to join? Why not gift them by paying for their membership! Memebers: Be sure to include your name on that form. When 3 new members join with your sponsorship(name on the form) and you will receive a free registration for the 31 March 2012 Spring Seminar with George Morgan

2. Root Cellar Logo Navy Blue T-Shirts in all sizes - feel apart of the society

3. Name Badge and Swingers with Root Cellar Logo - proudly display those ancestors surnames

4. Root Cellar has many dozens of Publications that we have transcribed/extracted for all to see and use

5. Strong and attractive totes with Root Cellar Logo Tote -  a place for everything

6. Participate in the Surname & Locality Card Project. Purchase your cards NOW.

7. Fancy Pedigree Charts....  one for the wall or for the shelf

8. Is there a Preserves Magazine that you would like to share with family or friends? You can purchase individual copies for gifts.

9. Something just to feel good is to use the 50-50 program and have Root Cellar order a research book that you really want and we don't have in our library already......  you pay half, we pay half and you get the use of the book first and then it goes into our library for everyone.

10. Simply making a financial donation to Root Cellar in your name or as a gift for someone else.. .





Friday, December 2, 2011

Friday Following to Sacramento Central Public Library

MARK YOUR CALENDARS- more help with our ongoing research
January 8: Common Surname Search Strategies with Lisa Louise Cooke

Discover tips and tricks to find your ancestors with common surnames.  Lisa is a nationally known author and host of the Genealogy Gems Podcast.  Her books and CDs will be available for purchase at the program.


January 15: Getting Ready for the 1940 Census with Stephen Morse

The 1940 census will be released online on April 2, 2012.  Find out what you need to know in this presentation by genealogist and One-Step Website creator Stephen Morse.


January 22: Naturalization: Rules & Records with Barbara Leak

Learn about naturalization laws and see examples of the documents that were created by those who became Americans.   Presented by genealogist and lecturer Barbara Leak .

There has also been a change in times for our Book a Genealogist service.  Starting in January, our genealogy volunteers will be available to help you with your research on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday afternoons.  These are 45-minute appointments.  Appointment times on Tuesdays are 1:00, 1:45, 2:30 and 3:15 pm.  Appointment times on Thursdays are 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm.  To meet with one of our genealogy volunteers, please make an appointment by calling the library at 916-264-2920, visiting one of the library branches in person, or by going to the library's website at Sacramento Central Public Library, and clicking on the "Events" link. 

Please note that the Book a Genealogist service is only available at the Central Library - not at any other branch of the Sacramento Public Library system.



There are a few other programs coming up in February- MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Saturday, February 4, 2012, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, West Meeting Room:
Beginning Genealogy - Using Records to Tell Your Ancestors' Stories, with Karen Burney


Saturday, February 18, 2012, 10:15 -11:45 am, 3rd floor Technology Lab Introduction to Online Genealogy (Computer Class)


Sunday, February 26, 2012, 1:30 - 3:00 pm, West Meeting Room:
Beginning Genealogy, with Janice Sellers



It would be preferable if you could register for the beginning genealogy programs and the computer class in February, as well as the Book a Genealogist appointments.  Registration is not necessary for the January series of presentations.

"Sacramento Central Library", 828 I Street, Sacramento in the first floor of the West meeting room on SUNDAYS 1:30-3pm