Family History Day 2013

The Family History Day 2013 committee lead by Victoria Fisch, President of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento,  is ready for you with another spectacular day at the California State Archives. 

Saturday, October 12, 2013

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posted by Denise H. Richmond

Family History Day 2012 - Thanks!

Wow!  What a day with upwards of 450 attendees at Family History Day 2012.  I hope all of you had an enjoyable day and learned more about researching your ancestors.

The FHD Bloggers are taking a short vacation and will return with pictures of the day soon.

posted by Denise H. Richmond

What to Expect at Family History Day

Only hours away now, Family History Day (FHD) at the California State Archives is about to begin.  Some of you may be conference veterans and already have a 'strategy'.  For others, FHD may be your first all-day genealogy event.  Everyone can use some additional information about what to expect throughout the day.  This information is in addition to the FAQs already listed. 

• 8:00 a.m. - State Archives doors open to the public.  Syllabus distribution begins. Current version of Class Schedule handed out.
• 8:30 a.m. - Doors open to the Auditorium for the Opening Session in the Secretary of State building, access through State Archives lobby.  Also, elevators open to the Archives 4th floor Exhibitor area.
• Strategy Tip: Tours fill up fast; limit of 20 people per tour.  Sign up early in the day for your preferred time.  Sign up list at Archives 4th floor Reception Desk. 
• 8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. - Syllabus Distribution:  Go to the "Reserved" or "Non-Reserved" tables as appropriate.  If you reserved a syllabus, get in the line according to the first letter of your surname. Please have $5 exact cash available for the syllabus.
• 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Opening session, welcome and keynote. 
• 9:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. -  Syllabus distribution continues at Archives 4th floor Reference Desk. 
• 10:00 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. - Genealogy classes, tours, Root Cellar Genealogy Library open, The California Museum open. 
• Strategy Tip:  select a 1st and 2nd choice class.  If 1st choice is full, go to 2nd choice.  When all chairs in a classroom are full, the Room Monitor will close the doors.  Remember the exhibitor area, Genealogy Library and Museum are open also.
• 1:30 p.m. - drawing for 3 free door prizes, Archives 4th floor exhibit area.  Must be present to win.  Form will be in your syllabus packet.  Place completed form in container at Archives 4th floor Reference Desk before 1:30. 
• 12:15 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. - lunch period.  Please visit La Boa Cafe at 11th and O Streets.  Seating available.  Plan ahead, it will be busy.
• Strategy Tip:  many Exhibitors will have laptop computers to perform look-ups or demos for you.  Bring a Pedigree Chart or Family Group Sheet!
• Evaluation form:  the green form will be in your syllabus packet.  Please complete it thoughtfully.  We want your feedback!  Many new features are available this year so your 'review' will matter a lot.  Place completed forms in the container at the Archives 4th floor Reference Desk or the table in the Archives Lobby (starting in the afternoon).
• Strategy Tip:  Plan ahead for getting to classes timely.  Elevators in the Archives will be busy as attendees shuttle between the State Archives 4th floor classrooms and the Auditorium and the Multipurpose Room in the Secretary of State building through the 1st floor Courtyard. 
• Bonus Strategy Tip:  talk to each other!  Network!  Genealogists are a friendly people.  You'd be amazed at how many others are researching the same surnames or locales you are.
• Need help during the day?  Volunteers wearing "Ask Me" buttons are available to help.
• State Archivist Nancy Lenoil will be roaming around to visit with everyone.  Take this opportunity to meet her personally and ask her about the Archives. 

See you on October 13th and contact me at fhdmailbox@gmail.com if you have any questions.

posted by Denise H. Richmond

Schedule Updates

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lisa B. Lee of GotGenealogy.com has withdrawn from Family History Day at the California State Archives.  We apologize for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause.

But we are excited to announce that Glenda G. Lloyd will present the keynote address "Genealogy is a Journey - Knowing where you have been will guide you in moving forward".  A lifelong teacher in elementary and adult education, Glenda brings a wealth of experience, expertise and passion in the field of genealogy to share with you. Read more about Glenda.

We are happy to announce that Cat Nielsen will present "Using Your Digital Camera as a Genealogy Tool" in place of "Finding Your Black Ancestors, an Introduction".  Everyone can snap a photo with a smart phone, tablet or digital camera,  but then what?  Come learn some effective techniques to document your genealogy research in archives, cemeteries and libraries while out and about.  Then learn how to organize and store them when you return home.  Cat is an experienced genealogist with extensive expertise in using technology to enhance family history research.  Read more about Cat.

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Want a Class Syllabus?  Send a reservation to fhdmailbox@gmail.com.  
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posted by Denise H. Richmond

Speaker Profile - Sheri Fenley

It's a pleasure to introduce Sheri Fenley as a speaker at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Sheri Fenley is a professional genealogist and historical researcher from Stockton, California who specializes in North Central California research.  She is a member of APG, NGS, ISFHWE, NSDAR, California State Genealogical Alliance, Global Alliance of Genealogy Professionals, and the San Joaquin County Genealogical Society (SJGS). 

Sheri is an alumni of ProGen 1 completing the course in 2009, 2 years of coursework at the Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research at Samford University and is "on the clock" with the Board for Certification of Genealogists.  She is the editor of the SJGS newsletter and author of the popular blog "The Educated Genealogist" which was voted as one of Family Tree Magazine's Top 40 Blogs.

Sheri will be a panelist for the class "Online Resources", a panel discussion.  Read more about this class.

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Reserve a Class Syllabus by sending an email to fhdmailbox@gmail.com.
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posted by Denise H. Richmond

Fair Oaks Public Library Display Features Family History

In an effort to introduce the joy of genealogy to the community and in celebration of National Family History Month, the Fair Oaks (California) Public Library display case now features books, photos and ephemera that depict family history research, resources and results.  Throughout October, onlookers will also be able to read about Family History Day at the California State Archives and a large-print scroll listing the free genealogy classes being offered at this annual event.  This display is available for viewing through the end of October.

If your travels take you to the neighborhood, stop in to view the displays in person.  In the meantime, take a peek at the display below.

The Fair Oaks Public Library is located at 11601 Fair Oaks Blvd at Madison Avenue, Fair Oaks, CA.

 

This display was designed by Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society members Diane Maltase and Suzanne Latimer with her daughter-in-law Maria Latimer.

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Send Class Syllabus reservations to fhdmailbox@gmail.com.
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posted by Denise H. Richmond

California Originals Newsletter Returns

State Archivist, Nancy Lenoil announced that the California State Archives' newsletter, California Originals, has returned after a long hiatus!  The newsletter will be published quarterly in electronic format only. Read the informative newsletter on the Archives' website at www.sos.ca.gov/archives/vol-1-no-1.pdf.

Here's a peek at the spiffy-looking newsletter:

Happy Archives Month!

Submitted by Nancy Lenoil
Posted by Denise H. Richmond