The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 1 March - April, 2017

MARCH GENERAL MEETING

Saturday, March 25, 2017 10:30am

Grace Lutheran Church Hall 2825 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA

Case Study: A complete genealogy from nothing

Speaker: Stephen Morse

Using One-Step Webpages and other sites, Stephen will create a family

history of Renee Kaufman. He will illustrate how, with minimal

information, an entire genealogy can be obtained, while showing how

to obtain records in spite of name misspellings, and how to avoid

accepting wrong information.

Stephen Morse created the award-winning One-Step Website. He is a

computer professional with a doctorate in electrical engineering, best

known as architect of the Intel 8086 (the granddaddy of today’s

Pentium processor), which sparked the PC revolution 35+ years ago.

Please join us for cookies and coffee at 10 am.

APRIL GENERAL MEETING Saturday, April 22, 2017 10:30am

British Genealogy on the Internet

Speaker: Christine Bell Green PLCGS

This presentation will focus on discovering your British ancestors on

English and Welsh Internet research sites that complement

Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org and thegenealogist.com, the three

commercial websites for British and Welsh genealogy. We will explore

records and information available on free or pay-as-you-go sites.

Christine Bell Green PLCGS is a professional genealogy researcher and

educator. Genealogy education is her passion. She teaches beginning to

advanced genealogy in Mountain View/Los Altos and Palo Alto adult

schools, is immediate past president of SMCGS, and is the current

seminar chair for the society.

Please join us for cookies and coffee at 10 am.

Click here to learn more about this and other upcoming meetings.

The

SMCGS

Newsletter

Mar – Apr 2017

Established 1982

Vol. 35 – No. 2

San Mateo County

Genealogical Society P.O. Box 5569

Redwood City, CA 94063-5569 -----------------------------------------------------------

SMCGS Library located at:

Cañada College Library, Bldg. 9 4200 Farm Hill Boulevard Redwood City, 94061

650- 306-3423

SMCGS Volunteers available:

Tues & Thurs 1-4 pm

And by special appointment (Call Library to request appointment)

- Library has WiFi access-

Visit our website at

http://www.smcgs.org

Or find us on:

Inside this Issue

President's Message ............................................................... Pg 2

Writing Event 2017 : Sharing Stories ................................ Pg 3

Spring Seminar : Amy Johnson Crow ............................... Pg 4

Thomas MacEntee: Cluster & Collateral Searching .............. Pg 6

Upcoming Events .................................................................. Pg 9

Recently on the SMCGS Blog ............................................. Pg 10

SMCGS Calendar .............................................................. Pg 11

Local Genealogy Classes .................................................... Pg 12

The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 2 March - April, 2017

President’s Message

March 2017

I can’t believe it’s March already! I hope you all are

working hard on your stories to submit for our

Sharing Stories event. I have a draft of a story about

my great grandmother that I plan to get back to as

soon as work settles back into a routine (after tax

season!).

I love being able to tell our family’s stories but I

have a great passion for telling the stories of the

females in our families as their stories often go

untold and become overshadowed in all of the

information we find on the men in their lives. Don’t

get me wrong – I love telling the stories of my male

ancestors too but the women always seem to be the

bigger challenge … and I do love a challenge!

Need ideas to tease out more details of the lives of

your females ancestors? Check out the webinar

Ladies First: Finding Your Female Ancestors Mini

Boot Camp, by Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A. You can find

it on our website under the Members Only section.

Our Spring Seminar speaker, Amy Johnson Crow,

will also speak on finding your females in one of

her sessions: Desperately Seeking Susan: Finding

Females. Registration for the seminar is open – you

can register online or by sending in the registration

form found on the flyer in this newsletter.

Please also join us on Saturday, March 25th to hear

Stephen Morse present his case study: A complete

genealogy starting from nothing. And on Saturday,

April 22nd when our speaker will be Christine Bell

Green. Her topic will be finding British Genealogy

on the Internet.

Warm Regards, Joyce Morey SMCGS President

Registration is OPEN!

Spring Seminar – May 6

Amy Johnson Crow CG, is our speaker this year for our Spring Seminar and we are in luck.

SMCGS member Susan Cohen is just back from the RootsTech conference in Salt Lake City where

she saw Amy speak. Susan says we are in for a great talk as Amy delivers her presentation in an

energetic and entertaining manner that is full of insight and valuable resources.

Besides hearing Amy, we will have a terrific Silent Auction and Book Sale this year. Already we

have two U.S. Ancestry.com subscriptions and Ancestry DNA kits, annual subscriptions to My

Heritage.com and GenealogyBank.com, two antique picture frames, and more to come.

We have received some wonderful donations recently of genealogy books from private libraries,

so be sure to come early and find the gems.

Hope to see you on May 6! Registration is now open at smcgs.org.

Save the Date for our Spring Seminar

Not Your Usual Records with Amy Johnson Crow, CG

May 6, 2017, 9 am-3 pm

We Invite You to Write a Story AND SUBMIT IT TO

THE SMCGS STORY WRITING EVENT OF 2017

Join the fun and write a family history or local San Mateo County story. Submit your story to SMCGS to be entered into a drawing for prizes, publication,

and/or reading aloud at a monthly meeting. Each entry receives a small gift.

SCHEDULE March 15 - Submissions OPEN, watch for announcements April 30 - Submissions DEADLINE May 20, 10:30 am-1 pm - Event! Story readings, prizes drawn, gifts given, & POTLUCK LUNCH

PRIZES

• All entries receive a small gift on day of the event, May 20 • All entries entered into the drawing for 3- $25 cash prizes • Additional drawing for entries taking place in San Mateo County for 3 SMCGS tote bag prizes

EVENT GUIDELINES

• Open to all SMCGS members & non-members • Non-fiction family or San Mateo Co. stories • 1,000 words or less • Up to three entries per person • Sample story topics: A person, family,

incident, birth/marriage/death, immigration, place (house, business, church, etc.)

• Photos, maps or other graphics encouraged • Online submissions only via website • Writers must agree to have their stories printed

in the SMCGS newsletter, blog, or Facebook page • Questions? Contact SharingStories@smcgs.org

FORMATTING GUIDELINES

for SUBMISSIONS • 1,000 words or less • Font/Size: Times New Roman, 11-point • Single spaced; space between paragraphs • Save document in MS Word (doc or docx)

or Rich Text Format (rtf), or PDF.

• Photo credit: Include photo source (personal file, website URL, permission to use, etc.)

• Questions? Contact SharingStories@smcgs.org

WRITE YOUR FAMILY STORIES, YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL THANK YOU

Not Your Usual Records with

Amy Johnson Crow, CGSM

on

• Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker: Using Occupational Records

• After Mustering Out: Researching Civil War Vets

• Finding Ancestors Before 1850

• Desperately Seeking Susan: Finding Females

Saturday, 6 May 2017, 9 am – 3 pm

Step off the beaten path with Amy & discover unexpected resources. She is a Certified Genealogist, a regular speaker at FGS, RootsTech, and state and regional events, has a master’s degree in

Library & Information Science, blogs, and helps clients with research. Ohio is a specialty.

San Mateo County Genealogical Society - Spring Seminar 2017

Menlo Park LDS Church - 1105 Valparaiso, Menlo Park Doors open at 8 am - Registration, Book Sales & Silent Auction

Family History Center will be open during breaks, lunch and after the seminar

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NAME:____________________________PHONE:________________EMAIL:__________________________________

REGISTRATION*:Members:___@$45.00eachNon-Members:___@$50.00eachLUNCH:___@$10.00each*IncludesSYLLABUS

Lunchsandwichchoice(select1):Turkey&Mozzarella___RoastBeef___Ham&Swiss___Vegetarian___

RegistrationDeadlineFriday,April28,2017.AfterApril28&WalkIns$55.00.

Becomeanewmember___@$30,andsignupforthisseminaratthememberrateandsave$5.

RegisterviaPayPalatwww.smcgs.orgORRegisterbymail;makeyourregistration/lunchcheckpayabletoSMCGSSeminar,andmailto:

PatrickGilbride,153OccidentalAvenue,BurlingameCA94010-5219

www.smcgs.org•smcgs.blogspot.com/•facebook

Not Your Usual Records - Schedule

Amy Johnson Crow, CGSM Saturday, 6 May 2017

Amyisaregularspeakerattheindustry’stopevents,includingtheFederationofGenealogicalSocieties,RootsTech,stateandregionalevents.ShepreviouslyservedasserieseditorfortheNationalGenealogicalSocietyGuides,publishedbyRutledgeHillPressandhasservedonnationalandstateboards.Amyholdsamaster’sdegreeinLibrary&InformationScience,blogsregularly,andhelpsclientswithresearch.Ohioisaspecialty.8:00–9:00 REGISTRATION&TimetoBrowseourSilentAuction&BookSale9:00–9:15 INTRODUCTIONS9:15–10:15LECTUREONE AfterMusteringOut:ResearchingCivilWarVeterans

Fromveterangroupstosoldiers’homerecords,thepost-warperiodhascountlessresourcesforustoexplore.ExaminethemanytypesofsourcescreatedbyandaboutCivilWarveterans.

10:15-10:40 BREAK10:40–11:40LECTURETWO FindingAncestorsBefore1850

Whatdoyoudowhenthecensusonlyliststheheadofhouseholdbynameandabunchoftickmarks?Allisnotlost.Learnhowtojumpthehurdleandmoveyourancestorsbackbefore1850.

11:40–12:45 LUNCH–TimetocheckouttheSilentAuctionItems,BookSalesandtheFamilyHistoryCenter

12:45–1:45LECTURETHREE Butcher,Baker,CandlestickMaker:UsingOccupationalRecordsNomatterwhatlineofworktheyfollowed,ourancestors'occupationsrecordscanbegoldminesofinformation.Learnhowtofindanduseemploymentrecords,businesshistories,andgovernmentrecordsthatrelatetooccupations.

1:45–2:00 BREAK 2:00-3:00LECTUREFOUR DesperatelySeekingSusan:FindingFemales

Howdoyoufindfemaleancestorswhentheylivedinaworldwheremencreatedmostoftherecords?Exploresomesourcesandresearchstrategiesforfillinginthefemalehalfofthefamilytree.

SanMateoCountyGenealogicalSociety–SpringSeminar2017

DirectionstoMenloParkLDSChurch1105ValparaisoAve.,MenloParkFrom101NorthorSouth:Exit101atWoodsideRd,proceedwesttotheElCamino.

TurnleftontotheElCamino,proceedsouththroughRedwoodCity&AthertontoMenloPark,turnrightatValparaiso.Proceedfor5leftturnonlyblocks.JustpastArborRd.ontheleftistheLDSChurch.

From280NorthorSouth:Exit280atSandHillRdeast,proceedeasttotheEl

Camino.TurnleftontotheElCamino,proceedthroughMenloPark,andturnleftatValparaiso.Proceedfor5leftturnonlyblocks.JustpastArborRd.ontheleftistheLDSChurch.

The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 6 March - April, 2017

Successful Cluster and Collateral Searches Thomas MacEntee

Have you encountered stopping points or “brick walls”

in your genealogy research? One method that has

proven effective for genealogists and family historians

is the use of cluster and collateral searches to help you

break through those research barriers.

Collateral vs. Cluster Search

Collateral Search: When researching the collateral

lines connected to your direct-line ancestors: Most times

this would mean focusing on the relatives of someone

who married into the family – the wife’s or husband’s

parents, siblings, etc. It also can mean distant cousins

along your direct line. Also, don’t forget those second

and third marriages and stepchildren.

Cluster Search: When researching the friends,

associates and neighbors (aka F.A.N. club) who were

part of the community of your direct-line ancestors:

Most times this means focusing on the geographical area

where your ancestors lived or the locales from and to

which they migrated.

Your Ancestors Had a Network

The saying “No man is an island” holds true when it

comes to the daily lives of our ancestors and probably

more so than daily life in the 21st century.

Understand that when a person or a family arrived in a

new country, city or town it was likely that they already

knew someone there. This may have been a relative or a

friend of a relative. They may have been connected to

the same hometown or same ethnic group in the Old

Country. Our ancestors didn’t just pick up and leave on

a whim to settle down in a place that was unfamiliar.

When arriving in a strange place it was comforting to

have some connection, something that was familiar be it

language, religious belief or occupation. This made the

transition easier and helped the person build a network

upon which they could rely and a network to which they

would contribute to help build the community.

Finally, if someone strange did arrive in a small town or

even a city neighborhood, it was likely the townsfolk or

neighbors wanted to know the following:

Who are they?

Where did they come from?

Why are they here?

What do they intend to do here?

What are they bringing with them?

What are they leaving behind?

In many places, in order for a town to survive, it was

vital to know this information to determine if this new

person or family was a good fit.

Types of Networks

The concept of a network for our ancestors had many

variations depending upon the time period, the location

and the ethnic background. Many networks had these

components all with their respective sets of records that

were generated:

Occupational

Religious

Education

Business

Fraternal and civic groups

Women’s groups

Collateral Searching: The Indirect Approach

A basic definition of Collateral Searching: A search for

those persons not directly related to your ancestors, but

who are considered part of the same family, usually

through marriage. Example: Take time to look at the

siblings of a woman’s husband or her husband’s parents

and who they married, as well as their children.

Start out with a direct-line ancestor.

Spend time researching that person’s spouse,

including parents and siblings.

Record as much information as possible, no

matter how insignificant it may seem. Include

occupation, address and other details.

If needed, branch out with research on siblings

and other non-direct relatives.

Cluster Searching: It’s All In Who They Knew

Begin by understanding the history and the time

period of the community where your ancestor

settled.

Use census records, newspapers and other

records sets to note interactions.

Record the information in your research log.

Cemetery – plot map – who is nearby?

The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 7 March - April, 2017

Record Sets for Cluster and Collateral Searching

For both cluster and collateral searches, records are

often the same, but used differently. Here are some

record types to look for:

Census Population Schedules

Newspapers

City and Business Directories

Land and Property Records

Vital Records

Passenger Lists and Manifests

Religious Records

Publications

Court Records

Occupational Records

Cemetery Records

Church Registers

Military Records

Passenger Lists

Tax Rolls

Research Tools

Genealogy Research Log (http://genealogyresearchlog.com)

Free spreadsheet template on Google Docs that

allows you to track all information you will find

in cluster and collateral searches.

Spelling Substitution Tables for the US and

Canada (http://bit.ly/genspelling)

Helpful when trying to decipher handwriting or

understand if an enumerator or recorder of

information misspelled or misunderstood

information presented to them.

Piecing Together the Evidence

What do you do once you’ve collected a substantial

amount of information from your cluster and collateral

searches? Do you analyze as you research or do you stop

and process the information? The choice is yours. Here

are some methods and tools for analyzing the data and

connecting the dots.

Using Spreadsheets and Databases

Microsoft Excel (http://excel.microsoft.com)

The standard among spreadsheets, Excel is not just for

tracking financial data–it can be used to track research.

Google Drive (http://drive.google.com)

Use the spreadsheet program to create your own

research tracking database. Also, don’t forget the

Forms option which allows you to create input forms.

Timelines

Timetoast (http://www.timetoast.com)

A free, easy-to-use method of documenting

information along a timeline. Also allows you to share

the timeline with other researchers and also incorporate

it into documents or websites.

Mapping

Google Maps (http://maps.google.com)

Have you thought of using Google Maps to map your

genealogy research data? Use the My Places feature and

insert “pins” at locations that appear in your research

including places of worship, residences, etc.

What Was There (http://www.whatwasthere.com)

Requires a photo in order to create a pin. Consider using

census sheets and images of other documents if you

don’t have a photo of the actual location.

uencounter.me (http://uencounter.me)

A new website, uencounter.me allows you to not only

pin data similar to Google Maps but has many features

including the ability to add images and text to each pin.

What’s even better is the ability to socialize the data

(meaning, post to social media sites including Facebook

and Twitter) and connect with others.

Wikis

WikiSpaces (http://www.wikispaces.com)

Free program that lets you create a site similar to

Wikipedia, but for your own use.

Referata (http://www.referata.com)

Allows you to create a “semantic” wiki online for free.

Semantic wikis are better at extracting related data, but

are a bit more complicated to set up and use.

Education and Articles

Elizabeth Shown Mills – Historic Pathways

(http://historicpathways.com/articles.html)

Articles dealing with collateral and cluster searching

with great case study examples of the methodology

employed and detailed results.

Dr. Tom Jones, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA

Inferential Genealogy

https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/inferenti

al-genealogy/251

An online video from FamilySearch that explains “how

family historians can accurately deduce ancestors’

identities and many aspects of their lives by digging

below ‘surface information’ in genealogical records and

combining information from several sources. Useful in

many situations, inferential methodology is especially

helpful where records do not state relationships.”

The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 8 March - April, 2017

Best Practices for Cluster and Collateral Searching

Always use a research log. Make sure you enter your

finds in a research log, no matter how insignificant they

may seem at the time. Remember, you are looking for

data that will indirectly provide clues to your direct

lines.

Formulate theories and write them down. How often

have you contemplated certain theories about your

research, only to forget them later? Make sure there is a

“Possible theories” or “Notes” section in your research

log. You’ll find it easier to recall those ideas later on if

you enter them right away.

Spelling counts, but not in the way you expect. Make

sure you are employing spelling variations when

conducting each search. Surnames changed over time.

Stop relying on records that are indexed. The

indexing process is not perfect and if you rely solely on

your ability to find information through a search, you

can’t conduct an effective collateral or cluster search.

Try swapping given and middle names. For many

reasons, individuals may have used different names at

different times in their life. Search based on both given

and middle names and search using different orders.

Search by address. You might be surprised at who

lived at a particular address before or after your ancestor

was there.

Leave no stone unturned. Be dedicated in your search

efforts to perform a “reasonably exhaustive search.” If

you don’t, you’re only shortchanging yourself.

Search without boundaries. Make sure you are

searching over that county or state line if an ancestor

lived in an area close to a border.

©2017, copyright Thomas MacEntee. All rights

reserved. For more information, please visit High-

Definition Genealogy at http://hidefgen.com

We Need YOU! Volunteer. There’s no better way to get to know your genealogist community than by working on a project together.

SMCGS offers many volunteer opportunities for helping our society support genealogists and preserve local records for

the greater good.

Please consider joining the many members who already find that giving their time and talent to support SMCGS a

rewarding experience. There are many opportunities to volunteer from active, ongoing commitments to short or one

time activities but always they are opportunities to work with others who share your passion for genealogy.

Two of the positions we really need to fill:

VP of Programs: This person would coordinate the monthly speakers and field trips. You would have plenty of

support! We have most of the speakers already lined up for 2017 but we still need someone to coordinate everything

and follow up with the speakers to make sure that contracts are signed/returned; bios, topics summaries and handouts

have been received from the speaker; check to see what needs the speaker may have; greet them at the meetings etc.

You won’t be on your own to line up future speakers the board is happy to help with ideas and speakers.

Senior Newsletter Editor: We have a great editor but we need someone to oversee the process, be in charge of the

final review, and make sure the digital copies are sent out. We already have someone who sends out the paper copies.

You would not have to write articles. This position is to edit the information and send out the newsletter. It does require

strong Word skills. The newsletter goes out every other month and all of the work can be done from home.

How about “Job Sharing”?? If you are interested but aren’t sure you want to commit to taking on

a volunteer position on your own – volunteer with a friend – or let us know and we can look for

someone to share the position with you!

The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 9 March - April, 2017

Exciting SMCGS Events Coming Up This Spring—

Connect with fellow genealogists and have some fun!

MAR 15 Sharing Stories opens for submissions

Look into your family history and write a story to submit to our Sharing Stories event.

Check our website smcgs.org for submission instructions.

MAR 25 Stephen Morse, in person, with a view into using his rich One-Step website.

APR 22 Our own Christine Bell Green, SMCGS past president brings her expertise on the

topics of British and Welsh records.

APR 30 Sharing Stories submissions close. Write your stories for your descendants.

MAY 6 SMCGS Spring Seminar with Amy Johnson Crow on Not Your Usual Records,

a creative look at finding records not usually searched for. Silent Auction and Book Sale.

MAY 20 Sharing Stories event! Story readings, prizes drawn, a gift for every submission,

and a POT LUCK lunch

Other Genealogy Events of Interest….

Sacramento German Genealogy Society Spring Seminar, “Tools Galore for Finding Your German Ancestors” with Dr. Michael Lacopo

Sat. April 8, 2017, 8:45 am - 3:45 pm. SGGS, 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA

Using DNA and overcoming brick walls in German research from long-time genealogist Dr. Lacopo.

For more information: http://www.sggs.us./

Jamboree 2017! The Southern California Genealogical Society is proud to present the 48th Annual Genealogical Jamboree and the

Genetic Genealogy 2017 conferences, as well as our very popular

JamboFree and Jamboree Extension Webinars.

This is the only national-level conference that comes to the West

Coast.

Four Days, Three Conferences, One Venue

48th Annual Southern California Genealogy Jamboree

When: Friday, June 9 thru Sunday, June 11, 2017

Where: Los Angeles Burbank Airport Marriott

What: 120+ courses by 60+ top speakers for Advanced to Beginner topics

Ethnic tracks: British Isles & Ireland, Armenia & the Caucuses and African-American

Genetic Genealogy Conference

When: Thursday, June 8, 2017

Where: Los Angeles Burbank Airport Marriott

What: 25+ courses by 15+ speakers on Genetic Genealogy topics, Beginners to Advanced

Special events: Genetic Genealogy Luncheon, Reception including test kit purchasing

JamboFree

When: Friday, June 9, 2017 from 8am to 12 pm

Where: Los Angeles Burbank Airport Marriott

What: A morning genealogical outreach - classes and research help free and open to the public

The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 10 March - April, 2017

We would like to welcome our new members!

Daniel Kennedy Linda Toy Clyde O’Neill

Cheryl Schoenstein Janet Hargadon Kim Borick

Karen Watson

Recently on the SMCGS Blog …

San Mateo County Cemeteries: Harrington (Belmont) It was noted in 1931 that this pioneer cemetery had not changed since the days of the early settlers. A clump

of oak trees stood guard over four graves that lay on a little knoll about four miles west of Belmont. King's

Mountain stood beyond the Spring Valley lakes obscuring the view of the Pacific Ocean.

Early Families: Northern County Families, cont. Russ Brabec has contributed another installment of Early Settlers of Northern San Mateo County. This

collection now includes 45 biographical treatises and Russ says there is one more coming. Compiled from

San Mateo County records, old newspapers, maps, pictures and more, each of these papers provides an in-

depth look at one of the early families in the northernmost part of the county.

SMCGS Databases Online: Coroner's Records II The long-term project to index SMC coroner's records has been completed. The majority of the 40,000-plus

files were indexed by Russ Brabec. The index goes through 1984. An earlier post on this blog, SMCGS

Databases Online: Coroner's Records, discusses the index and the digital images that are available on

FamilySearch.

Barry's Bits Culled from the San Francisco Examiner by Barry Goyette. Politics as usual, but let’s not worry too much.

SMCGS Obit: Maxine Driscoll SMCGS member and longtime Daly City resident, Maxine Driscoll, died 23 Nov 2016 surrounded by family

members. Maxine Claire Books was born 11 Sep 1929 in Modesto, CA, the second of three daughters

of Olive Crist and Samuel Books. She was a librarian, employed by the San Francisco School District for 46

years.

Sharing Stories We invite you to write a story and submit it to the SMCGS story writing event of 2017, Sharing Stories. Join

the fun and write a family history or local San Mateo County story. Submit your story to SMCGS to be

entered into a drawing for prizes; and/or for publication; or reading aloud at a monthly meeting. Each entry

receives a small gift.

Find these articles and more at www.smcgs.blogspot.com

The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 11 March - April, 2017

SMCGS Calendar Find our calendar online at: http://www.smcgs.org/calendar

March 2017

Thursday, March 2, 11 am: DISCOVER YOUR ROOTS AT THE LIBRARY. The first Thursday of the month, 11

am to 1 pm. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton. Learn about your family history. Sign up or drop

in to a casual one-on-one genealogy instruction with a SMCGS volunteer.

Tuesday, March 14, 9:30 am: GERMAN INTEREST GROUP. This group meets the second Tuesday of every

month 9:30 to 11 am in the Family History Center at the LDS Church in Menlo Park. There is no charge for the group,

just bring your knowledge and questions to share with others. For more info contact: news@smcgs.org

Thursday, March 16, 2:15 pm: DNA INTEREST GROUP meets the third Thursday of each month from 2:15 to

3:45 pm in the Cañada College Library. For more information contact: news@smcgs.org

Tuesday, March 28, 10:00 am: BRITISH INTEREST GROUP meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 10 to

11 am in the first floor meeting room at Redwood City Main Library. For information contact: news@smcgs.org

Tuesday, March 28, 11:00 am: **NEW** IRISH INTEREST GROUP meets the fourth Tuesday of every month

at 11 am to noon in the first floor meeting room at Redwood City Main Library following the British Interest

Group. For more information contact: news@smcgs.org

Saturday, March 25, 10:30 am: GENERAL MEETING Topic: Case Study: A complete genealogy starting from

nothing. Speaker: Stephen Morse. We invite you to come early at 10 am to visit and enjoy refreshments! Location:

Grace Lutheran Church Hall 2825 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo.

Monday, March 27, 5 pm: SMCGS BOARD MEETING. Contact a board member for details.

April 2017

Thursday, April 6, 11 am: DISCOVER YOUR ROOTS AT THE LIBRARY. The first Thursday of the month, 11

am to 1 pm. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton.

Tuesday, April 11, 9:30 am: GERMAN INTEREST GROUP.

Thursday, April 20, 2:15 pm: DNA INTEREST GROUP

Saturday, April 22, 10:30 am: GENERAL MEETING Topic: British Genealogy on the Internet. Speaker:

Christine Bell Green PLCGS. We invite you to come early at 10 am to visit and enjoy refreshments! Location: Grace

Lutheran Church Hall 2825 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo.

Tuesday, April 25, 10:00 am: BRITISH INTEREST GROUP

Tuesday, April 25, 11:00 am: IRISH INTEREST GROUP

Cañada College Library Hours

Spring semester hours (January 17 – May 26):

Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday: Closed

The library will be closed on major holidays and April 2-8 for Spring Break.

The Cañada College Library schedule is subject to change. Be sure to check their website for updates.

For more information on scheduled hours - http://www.canadacollege.edu/library/closures.php

The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 12 March - April, 2017

Local Genealogy Classes – Spring 2017

Intermediate Genealogy: Palo Alto Adult School Wednesdays 12.30-3pm

Location: Greendell School Room P3 http://www.paadultschool.org

Instructor: Christine Bell Green PLCGS

This class focuses on advanced intermediate genealogy; building skills that break down brick walls, researching a

broad cross-section of genealogical records and extracting all the information from them. We learn to use a wide

range of Internet sites and become skilled at inferential genealogy. Students share their successes and useful tips.

Jump-Start Your Genealogy: Palo Alto Adult School Thursdays 6.30-9pm

Location: Palo Alto High School Room 204 http://www.paadultschool.org

Instructor: Christine Bell Green PLCGS

Discovering your roots is exciting — it teaches you about yourself as well as your family. This class is designed to

give family historians/genealogists a strong foundation. We learn to effectively use common genealogical record

types and important family history websites. Helping each other by sharing our journeys is an important part of the

class.

Advanced Genealogy: Mountain View-Los Altos Adult School Mondays 12.30-3pm

Location: Hillview Senior Center, Los Altos Room 18 http://www.mvla.net/MVLA_Adult_Education

Instructor: Christine Bell Green PLCGS (class formerly taught by Richard Rands)

This class focuses on advanced skills, breaking down brick walls and inferential genealogy along with record type

review. Students share their breakthroughs, useful tips, new information and books they have discovered

Beginning/Intermediate Genealogy: Mountain View-Los Altos Adult School Tuesdays 12.30-3pm

Location: Hillview Senior Center, Los Altos Room 18 http://www.mvla.net/MVLA_Adult_Education

Instructor: Christine Bell Green PLCGS (class formerly taught by Richard Rands)

This class will focus on genealogy fundamentals, a variety of commonly used genealogy record types (census, vital

records, cemetery records, probate, land, etc.) and national, state and local internet sites. The use of forms and

family history software will be included. Students help each other by sharing their journeys and it’s an important

part of the class.

Trinity Monday Genealogy Club (Intermediate/Advanced) Mondays 9:30 – 11:30 am

Trinity Church Menlo Park – Margaret Melaney - margaretmelaney@gmail.com

Family History – The Next Step (mainly intermediate level)

Thursday Mornings 8:45 am-11:15 am - Beginning April 27th – Fee $70 for 10 classes

Classes held at San Mateo Adult School/SMART Center, 789 East Poplar Avenue, San Mateo

Register in person, by mail or at the first class meeting.

Instructor: Inge Harding-Barlow 650-558-2100 Website http://www.smace.org

Description: Family History (Genealogy) is a journey into the Lives of our Ancestors – their joys, triumphs and problems.

These 10 classes will review basic genealogy and web sites. Then the class will discuss individually, more advance

information available for the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Germany and other countries, where the ancestors of the 2017 Summer class members originated from. The classes will consist of talks, individual discussions and work on class

member’s family trees with “instant” help being available from the teacher and classmates on problems and some “brick

walls”. Class members also set up at least one 90 minute individual consult on their genealogical “brick walls” with the

teacher at the specialized genealogical Family History Library in Menlo Park, on a Saturday morning. These classes will

also help participants understand what they can and cannot obtain via computers. Your instructor has taught International

Genealogy for over 20 years, visits overseas archives each year and actively researches international family history and

family trees. Class dates are April 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

If you are interested in any of these local genealogy classes, please check out the websites listed for

upcoming classes and schedules.

The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 13 March - April, 2017

SMCGS 2017 Board Members Executive Board Members:

President Joyce Morey

VP Programs OPEN

VP Operations Patrick Gilbride

Mike Davis

VP Membership Susan Hall Cohen

VP Marketing & Social Media Carolyn Williams

Recording Secretary Barbara Ebel

Corresponding Secretary Open

Treasurer Gayle Likens

Past President Christine Green

Committee Chairpersons:

First Families Program Joyce Morey

Historian Margaret Melaney

Hospitality Marcia Hardy

Library Committee Millie Clough,

Barry Hinman,

Lee Baker

Dennis Maness

Library- Periodicals Millie Clough

Library Manager Judy Darland

Newsletter Joyce Morey

Publications/Archives Cath Trindle

Research -Volunteers-

Seminar Coordinator Christine Green

Need to contact a Board Member?

1. Call and leave a message at the Library

2. Send us an email at news@smcgs.org

3. Visit our website for a list of officers with e-mail

Newsletter Staff: Editor Joyce Morey

Assistant Editor Sara Hayden

Mailing Gayle Likens

News from the Library Judy Darland

Armchair Research Cath Trindle

Please submit information for the newsletter to

newsletter@smcgs.org or mail to the Society PO

Box, care of Newsletter, or leave in the Library.

It is the Mission of the SMCGS Newsletter to provide:

A calendar of Society events

Information about upcoming programs

Notice of other genealogical events,

particularly those within the greater SF Bay

Area

Articles that will help in research, with

diversity to meet the needs of all members

Information about and/or indexes to records of

San Mateo County and places and people of its

past

Information on research facilities in the greater

SF Bay Area

Guidelines for Submitting Articles

Members and friends of SMCGS are encouraged to submit articles for publication in the SMCGS Newsletter.

It is published in January, March, May, July, September and November. Newsletter article contributions are

due the 5th of the month prior to publishing. Please email them to newsletter@smcgs.org.

Material should be on a topic of interest to SMCGS members. Subjects might include:

Upcoming genealogy events --- Research tips

News about Society members/Event pictures --- New book, software or website reviews

Information about repositories for San Mateo County or California researchers

Personal research case studies highlighting methodology or examination of evidence

Submissions should be in your own words. If you quote someone be sure to put their words in “quotes” and

cite the source. If you refer to a source, please include the full citation of that source. Please include pictures

if you have them! When submitting material for publication, please attach a written statement granting The

San Mateo County Genealogical Society publication rights. The copyright will remain with the author.

The SMCGS Newsletter Volume 35-2, Page 14 March - April, 2017

SAN MATEO COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY P.O. BOX 5569, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063-5569

Spring Seminar: May 6

Amy Johnson Crow

Not Your Usual Records

Registration is Open! (See flyer inside)

Has your e-mail or home address changed?

Please contact Susan Hall Cohen at membership@smcgs.org with your updates so that you can be sure to

receive Society news and meeting reminders.

Members will be notified of their renewal date (January 1st from now on) by e-mail and will be put on the

inactive list after January 31st if dues are not received.

Thank you, Susan Hall Cohen, VP Membership

Membership Renewals

Have You Renewed??

Memberships Renewed on January 1st

Don’t miss out! Renew today!

For more info:

http://www.smcgs.org/membership