SBCGS

Here comes the 1940 Census!

2012-01-29T14:25:00.000-08:00

The 1940 Census was featured at the S.B. Genealogical Society monthly meeting, Saturday January 28.

Joel Weintraub is an emeritus biology professor at California State University, Fullerton, and has won awards for his science teaching. He became interested in genealogy about 12 years ago, and volunteered for nine years at the National Archives and Records Administration in southern California. Joel started transcribing streets within census districts in 2001 to help researchers search the 1930 U.S. Census and has, along with David Kehs and Stephen Morse produced a number of online census searching utilities for both the federal and the New York State censuses on the Morse One Step Website. Joel has been working on finder aids for the 1940 census since 2005.

Joel presented 2 talks, the first explaining what we can expect to learn from the 1940 census and the second on how to use SteveMorse.org One Step process.

Join SBCGS members on April 2, 2012 at the Sahyun to be the first to view the release of the 1940 census.

2012-01-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

To all our subscribers and followers a Very
Happy New Year.

Speaking of the New Year, Mike Spathaky has an article on Old Style and New Style Dates and the Change to the Gregorian Calendar: A Summary for Genealogists. He explains the change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar and the history of when the first day of the year began in various areas of Europe, some as early as 1522. Before 1752, not all areas considered January 1 the first day of the year, in fact it could have been on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, as the first day of the new year in. Read more at http://www.cree.name/genuki/dates.htm for a very thorough explanation. See you at the Sahyun!

Steve Morse has devised a way for you to find your people on the 1940 Census. Obtaining EDs for the 1940 Census in One Step (large cities and some smaller ones): http://stevemorse.org/census/ .

Cemetery Clean Up

2011-10-31T22:16:00.000-07:00

Genealogists love cemeteries! We love to walk around them and read the inscriptions. We love to find our ancestors. We enjoy taking photos of markers for people out of town. We even like to clean up old cemeteries.

Recently a couple of us spent several hours doing just that. We pulled weeds; we raked leaves and generally made a small, little known burial area clean and presentable.

The burial ground is the Santa Barbara County Hospital Cemetery; sometimes know as Potter's Field. You can read more about it on our website and click on County Hospital Cemetery Register.

There is also a book compiled by one of our society members, Michel Nellis, detailing the history and genealogy of the 100 or so souls buried there. Visit the Sahyun Library to view the book.

Family History Month Open House at the Sahyun

2011-10-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Sahyun Open House

Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23, the Sahyun Library was open to the public. Several classes were held attracting non-members as well as members. There were beginner classes on Saturday and Sunday with Cari Thomas, and a class on Sunday called, "The Road Less Traveled," taught by Bonnie Raskin, on finding those elusive ancestors.

The scanning booth was open for the public to bring their documents and photos to be scanned by Rosa Avolio and Dorothy Oksner. Flash drives were available for purchase to store those photos on to take home.

The next classes during the month of October will be conducted on:
1. October 25, 10-12 noon. Ancestry's MyCanvas. Learn how to produce a genealogy book using MyCanvas. Bring a laptop and try it. Instructor - Diane Sylvester. Prior registration is required to determine classroom set up. events@sbgen.org

2. October 26 2-3 PM. Castle Garden: History and Research. Predecessor to Ellis Island. Learn about the history and how to research your family using the Castle Garden website. Instructor - Bob Lynn. Prior registration is required to determine classroom set up and handouts. events@sbgen.org

3. October 27, 1-3 PM. Introduction to the New Computer Lab with Emphasis on Ancestry Library Edition (no longer available at the Public Library). Learn to navigate the Library Edition where answers await everyone inside more than 7000 available databases like censuses, vital records, immigration records, military records, court and legal documents, photos, maps, and much more. Instructor - Rosa Avolio. events@sbgen.org

Contact events@sbgen.org for more information on classes and events.

Grand Opening of Sahyun Library October 2, 2011 on KEYT TV

2011-10-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

Lompoc Valley Historical Society to Digitize Old Newspapers

2011-10-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

As reported in the Santa Barbara News Press by Nora K. Wallace

October 6, 2011 on Page A5:

The Lompoc Valley Historical Society wants to make sure future generations have access to newspapers of the city's past. The society is now trying to raise $7,200 to microfilm and digitize some 9,400 pages of century-old newspapers -- some published only 20 years after the city incorporated in 1888.

One newspaper was known as The Lompoc Journal, or People's Journal, and was published 1908-18, according to Karen Paaske, the society's president. The other paper is the Lompoc Review, published 1919-21.

Microfilming will make them available to patrons of the library before they disintegrate, Ms. Paaske said.

"They are the only ones in existence, so far as we know, and are deteriorating with use and age," said Myra Manfrina, a Lompoc historian. "If they were microfilmed, the public could be free to use them for research, while the original papers could be put aside to be preserved."

The microfilm cost is $4,500. The society would also like to raise $2,700 to digitize the volumes of papers.

Once that is done, the California Digital Newspaper Collection, based at the University of California at Riverside, will add the papers -- free of charge -- to its searchable online collection. That collection is searchable through the collection's website, http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc, and the Library of Congress.

Donations are tax deductible and may be sent to the Lompoc Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 88, Lompoc 93438. For more information, email reference@lompochistory.org or call 735-4626.

Back to School!

2011-09-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

Summer’s Over – Back to School!

Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer. Now that Labor Day has passed, it’s time to think about the new “school year" – known to those whose schooldays have passed as the season we get back into genealogy classes and workshops.

Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society has put together over 25 workshops in October, to celebrate Family History Month and the completion of the renovated and expanded Sahyun Genealogical Research Library.

Check out the sessions and register soon...class sizes are limited.

Sample workshops beginning October 1 include:

Researching in New York City
Get more data from US and Canadian Census Records
Delving Deeper into Germanic Databases
Lineage Societies: Panel Group
Brick Wall Problem Solving
Locating Irish Records on the Internet,

and featuring: The Road Less Traveled, a different approach for finding European ancestors

Free to SBCGS members; non-members pay a nominal $10 fee.

Registration is necessary as class sizes are limited.

Visit http://www.sbgen.org/ or download below PDF:

http://www.sbgen.org/upload/events/InsertClassesFamily_HistoryMonth2011.pdf

Also Santa Barbara City College Continuing Education (also known as SBCC Adult Ed) classes begin next week. This session is rumoured to be the last chance to take these popular and very educational genealogical workshops at no tuition cost (i.e., "free").

Family History Research: Beginning/Intermediate
Tuesdays (10 weeks), starting 9/13, 5:15 - 7:15 p.m.
Instructor: Louise Matz

Family History Research: Intermediate/Advanced (Problem Solving)

Wednesdays (10 weeks), starting 9/14, 10:00 a.m. - noon

Instructor: Janice Cloud

Both classes are highly recommended and each has something for everyone.

Louise Matz takes the Beginning/Intermediate class through the basics of genealogical research techniques and, also, uses the latest databases and resources to help those who have been doing genealogy for awhile, but maybe not recently.

Jan Cloud deploys not only her extensive skills and experience in genealogy research, but also those of the class to help with methodology and brick wall problem solving. Jan Cloud is legendary for her breadth of genealogical knowledge and experience-based storytelling. You never know what you'll learn from Jan and "the Wednesday class" and who might have a hint for solving a longstanding family history mystery.

Don't miss what could be your last chance to take these classes at a real bargain price: $0!

http://sbcc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassListing.ClassListingDisplay

Members go to Salt Lake City

2011-07-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ready for dinner at the Olive Garden

In May 2011, 12 society members traveled to Salt Lake City's Family History Library to spend a week researching family history. The arrangements were made by Jim and Marj, which they do every year in May. Here we are gathered to walk to dinner at Olive Garden, a few blocks away, in the rain. Luckily, the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel's van offered a ride back after dinner as by then it was raining harder than before.

Edie

Here Edie is finding films that she has located on the library's catalog.

Patsy

Patsy browses the Internet for sites relating to her current research project. They are probably Swedish record sites, don't you think?


Edie

Edie gets help from the expert at the desk.

Gretchen looking for those elusive ancestors

Edie getting help again.

B Jo joins us this year again from N.C.

B Jo gets help

Marj is cranking away at the film reader

Diane is enjoying the hunt

Rosa loves this place!

Dorothy posing in front of a dark screen, it appears

Jim still searching for Marj's ancestors

Kathie cranking away too.

View showing how large this floor is

Phyllis browsing the Web

April 9, 2011: One Incredible Genealogy Seminar

2011-04-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

One Incredible Seminar was planned and co-chaired by Diane and Cari. They along with many volunteer helpers are to be commended for a successful event attended by over 210 genealogists eagerly looking to further their research options and education. They were not disappointed. Two highly acclaimed speakers, Lloyd deWitt Bockstruck and Dr. Roger P. Minert presented a full day of lectures on Saturday.

On the evening before, Lloyd Bockstruck answered many questions about U.S. and German research. Dr. Minert's flight was delayed in San Francisco, so he was not able to participate in the Q & A. Forum.

Pizza and salad were served to registered attendees and volunteers Friday night

On Friday night Cari spoke about Saturday's seminar with three Utah travelers, Terry, Susan and Marilyn. They drove over 11 hours, four of that though snow in Utah, in order to arrive Friday night.

Dr. Minert's four lectures were given in the sanctuary of the Goleta Presbyterian Church. Topics were German church records in the U.S., marriage and courtship in Germany 1500 to 1800, church records in Germany and conducting family research in Europe.

German church records are very difficult to read if you are not familiar with German script. Fortunately, most church records have the surname underlined. Cari Thomas teaches a lesson on writing and reading German script in her Adult Ed Germanic Genealogy class, which begins at the Wake Center on on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lloyd Bockstruck gave his lectures in the conference room of the church. They included the Revolutionary War--Patriots and Tories, early U.S. migrations from Trans-Appalachia to the west bank of the Mississippi - 1763 to 1850, probate records and deeds, and Huguenots and Quakers in America.

It was a long day but well worth the time spent.

Dr. Minert gave the keynote address on the Top 12 Self-Defeating Behaviors in Germanic Family History Research (from the perspective of a professional researcher). These behaviors can be applied to most any other research areas besides Germanic. Here are a couple: Relying principally on the work of other researchers, clinging tenaciously to family legends, and disregarding possible changes in religious affiliation.

March 19, 2011 General Meeting

2011-03-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

In spite of impending rain, the March general meeting is well attended as the program by military researcher William Beigel is of great interest to members.

Mr. Beigel conducts professional and personalized WWII historical research. See his website at: ww2usakilledmissingpow.com.
He can be contacted at BeigelWD@aol.com beigelwd@aol.com

Before the program begins, members attend the single interest groups. Above is the Computer SIG led by Merna.

On the right, Arlene leads the Beginning Genealogy Help SIG, while members behind are stocking up on treats and beverages. Every month refreshments are furnished by different members. A $1 donation is appreciated by the society on behalf of their efforts.

Mr. Beigel is listening to Gwen's research problem while others are awaiting their turn to ask him their military research questions.

Bill Beigel describes the various record groups that can be searched such as the '201' files, the '293' file, Veteran Administration Claim files, Missing Air Crew Reports (MACR), Aircraft Accident Reports, and records held by the 36 state archives where the state made bonus payments to its servicemen and women.

Kristin manages the sales table. She also serves on the board as Secretary of the Society.

Rosa helps Kristin at the sales table at monthly meetings.

Kathy has set up the pre-seminar (on April 9) raffle display. She sold a lot of tickets at the meeting today. Prizes include a 12-marker DNA test kit from Family Tree DNA, a $20 gift certificate from a local deli, several new genealogy computer programs, and one hour of genealogy research consultation from several of our members.

President Mary makes an announcement about the April 9 ONE INCREDIBLE GENEALOGY SEMINAR, featuring Lloyd D. Bockstruck and Roger P. Minert. See the program and schedule here. You can register by mail at that site, or you can register and pay online here.

Bockstruck will be lecturing on U.S. records and topics, while Minert will lecture on German sources and records.

New and used book sales, raffle prizes, and pre-reserved lunch at the Ratskeller am Shirrell will be available at the ONE INCREDIBLE GENEALOGY SEMINAR.

President Mary and Vice President Marie Sue are conferring before the meeting begins.

A lot of time goes into the preparation of every meeting. A PowerPoint program is used by each portion of the business meeting, whether it is for new books at the Sales Table by Kristin in the "Book Nook"; the Half-and-Half book buy announcement by Louise, and the building construction updates by Jim.

Merna is trying to choose a prize bag to put her tickets in.

Members are putting their names on their tickets before putting them in the various prize bags.

We are all getting settled down for a great program.

Society Meeting February 19, 2011

2011-02-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a great meeting today, excellent turnout in spite of the weather.

Check out the new look of the "Book Nook." Kristin has been very busy finding new and interesting books and items for the sales table. She's branched out into little items, and they were a hit.

Travel coffee mugs, key chains, mouse pads and other fun little genealogical items, and, of course, our society logo tote bags-- great for carrying your books and notes to the library. Many thanks to all our members who generously support the "Book Nook."

Today's special interest groups included the Germanic Genealogy study group led by Cari Thomas. This is always a full group of at least 8 members. There was also a DNA study group led by Paul Cochet. Sorry, no photo of this active group. We'll get one next time.

Merna's Computer Group learned about indexing on FamilySearch.org. Click on "Give Back" at the top of its page to begin indexing to "pay it forward."

Our speaker, Terry Marks, a recently retired public school teacher at Adams Elementary and now a volunteer at the local Family History Center, presented the hour-long program introducing the redesigned FamilySearch.org website and all the new features, including our own society-sponsored WIKI at Santa Barbara's Family Search Wiki where you can add pages of information about Santa Barbara.

SBCGS April 9 Seminar with a Germanic and US Records Focus

2011-01-29T19:03:00.000-08:00

http://sbgen.org for registration form

Holiday Treats at the December 18 meeting

2011-01-02T17:53:00.000-08:00

Our December 18th meeting got off to a great start with music by keyboardist Konrad Kono.


Members' treasure display

DNA SIG group (what are alleles again?)

Jeff showing photos of his new son

President Mary and VP Marie Sue setting up for the program


Ready to go!

Jim Wilson shared "Unexpected Tidbits," another example of serendipitous finds that often follow family historians.

George showed us a "German Village Welcome" his family experienced when visiting his mother's ancestral home.

Kristin recalled a few treasures - rocks, miniature porcelain shoes, husbands - collected by her grandmother.

Dixie shared stories from her grandfather to remind us it's the "Little Things Mean a Lot."

Brian offered insight into his ancestor, "Loyalist Moses Dunbar: A Tragedy meant for a Poet's Pen."

What's Happening at the Sahyun Library?

2010-11-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

Fall is bustin' out all over! Come down, have a look, and smell the roses! The library is open as usual, even during construction, which you will want to inspect, too.

August Update to Construction

2010-08-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

With the beginning of construction looming in a few weeks, small groups of members have been working at the Sahyun Library to clear the Fireside, Family History, and Librarian rooms that will be renovated, and to consolidate patron services in the back of the stack room. And we’ve been having more fun than a member has the right to have!

John Fritsche was the big lifter in the first of these work sessions, all coordinated by Jim Friestad. While Louise Matz and Cari Thomas made boxes, Gary Matz, Art Sylvester, and Jim filled those boxes with periodicals.

John dollied the boxes out to a storage room where he offloaded the dolly and stacked the boxes – about 280 of them! Jan Cloud and Louise supervised what went into the boxes in the first place.

In the second session, Bob Lynn was the big lifter, being everywhere to wield a screwdriver, a crowbar, a screwdriver, and then truck disassembled bookcases and tables out to the lath house for storage. Gary Matz, Art Sylvester, and Jim were also ever present to help him by lifting on the other ends of furniture. Meanwhile, Cari Thomas, Marj Friestad, Kathie Morgan, and Joan Treloar moved the small stuff, such as drawers, pictures, and the paper cutter, but including the copy machine. Meanwhile, three rapt patrons were oblivious of this beehive of activity and were busily looking for ancestors on the computers.

What’s next? Demolition! as soon as the demolisher returns from his honeymoon in early September.

Jamboree 2010

2010-06-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

This year's Southern California Genealogical Society's Jamboree was great fun.

Our own Louise, Cheryl, Paul and Jan represented our society in the vendor booth selling used books and Hawaiian shirts. Sunday was Hawaiian Day, so a lot of us wore Hawaiian shirts and leis to honor the occasion.

Great speakers, great topics, so well organized, amazing, at last count there were 1700 participants!

Love the ribbons, great idea.

Photos by Rosa

Researching at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City

2010-05-25T23:46:00.000-07:00

The Society's annual trek this year to Salt Lake City was from May 12 to May 19. There were 16 of us this year traveling by various means; some came by car, but most of us by plane. It's only a two-hour flight direct from Santa Barbara on Delta, but it's a two-day drive by car. Plan your trip now for next year's trek, which will be from May 25 returning on June 1, 2011. The following photos were taken by Rosa Avolio and Dorothy Oksner.

Long corridors of microfilm in drawers are on the second floor for US and Canada, the film numbers for which are on the hundreds of computers on each floor.

Images from the films can be saved to a thumb or flash drive saving printing costs. But printed copies are only 5 cents each. A $3 card can last for several days and you can review the printed hard copies at night more easily than from your thumb drive using your laptop in your hotel room (if you brought your laptop to SLC, that is).

The Sorensen DNA class was among several classes offered. Christie, Marj, Jim and Dorothy learned a little more about DNA. Patsy attended the Swedish Research classes. Classes on Wales and Scotland research were offered as well.

Of course, we had to eat occasionally to maintain stamina, so at lunch time we all walked over to the Office Building cafeteria where we could get a variety of meal selections at half the cost. On Thursdays they served prime rib, mashed potatoes and gravy with one side dish for $7. Joanne, Patsy and Mae are enjoying prime rib.

Walking back to the Library from lunch, Helen got her photo snapped to send to her husband and son.

On Sundays the Library is closed, so in the morning some of us went to the Tabernacle to hear The Spoken Word and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing. In the afternoon we went shopping in the Gateway Mall several blocks away and near the Union Pacific train station, a well-preserved but empty station.

Since the mall wasn't open until noon, we settled for drinks at Starbucks. Christie, Joanne, Mae and Marj are resting in the shade, and they hadn't even begun to shop!

The fountain in the mall danced up and down to the music, and later children enjoyed playing in the spouting water.

Our hosts and caretakers, Marj and Jim. We are all looking forward to the next research trip in May 2011. Contact Jim for particulars at ronjim@cox.net.

Relaxing in the hotel before the trip home are Christie, Rosa and Kathy.

Leaving for home on the last day. Mary looks too happy. It's been quite a week.

Ground Breaking at the Sahyun on April 11, 2010

2010-04-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

Over 60 members and guests attended the Ground-Breaking event at the Sahyun Library on Sunday, April 11, 2010. Joining in the breaking of ground in preparation for the construction of a new wing for the genealogical library, they took golden shovels in hand and had fun in turning over the dirt. A lot of dirt was shoveled! It was even reported in Eastman's newsletter and on edhat.com.

President Art Sylvester and Campaign Co-Chairs Michol Colgan and Jan Cloud turned over the first shovelfuls.

Then our new contractor, Tony Shurer, and our architect, Gary Jensen joined in.

And even more members joined in including major benefactors. The yellow safety helmets made the event even more fun. Oh, watch out.. . . A falling avocado!

A toast was made to the impending construction of the new wing.

Art Sylvester and and First District Supervisor Salud Carbahal are going to work on Salud's family history. Salud joined us in this ground-breaking event.

Cari, Ken Pat and Christie enjoy snacks and champagne.

Cheryl, Richard and Liz may be expecting rain..

Jim and Michol may be planning a wine tasting event. . . . don't know.

Thelma and Gloria share their interest in family history.

Elaine and Lydie are discussing the intricacies of flower arranging (I'm sure) as Lydie is our expert for our society.

Laura, Marsha and Jim are discussing Jim's Family Tree Maker class. When is he going to teach another one?

Emily, Kathie and Rosa are nursing their champagne.

Inside, Susan greets members and accepts pledges. Good for you, Susan.

Back in the kitchen, Cari cleans up with Marj. Way to go, gals. Is that bottle empty? Need some help with that?

That's a Wrap! HOW-TO Seminar with 'The Genealogy Guys'

2010-03-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

A grand time was had by all at the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society's annual Seminar on Saturday, March 6!

Over 165 attendees enjoyed a variety of topics ranging from "The Genealogist as 'CSI'" to "Where's the Book with My Family in It?", as well as Census Research expert techniques and understanding the family history that resides in our DNA.

Our Keynote Speaker, esteemed Santa Barbara City College History Professor Emeritus, Dr. Curtis Solberg, started the day off on a touching & personal note as he described his search for Norwegian roots and showed us a film he produced highlighting these Norwegian immigrants to the Midwest.

And did we learn to "Social Network"!

The Podcast Parlour Cafe was abuzz with polka music and images of our ancestors, both on the walls and in a running digital display.

The Seminar Raffle was a big hit, with the Grand Prize of an Ancestry.com World Deluxe annual subscription won by lucky Claudia C and several other attendees winning prizes such as a Godfrey Library subscription, World Vital Records subscription, discount for Family Tree DNA testing and 1 Hour Consulting with 3 local genealogy experts.

Last minute Book & Sales shopping was greatly enhanced by the live & lively sounds from the jazzy "Newcats" band, from the Santa Barbara Youth Music Academy.

The day ended with the podcast recording of Episode #199 of "The Genealogy Guys" semi-regular weekly radio program.

The Genealogy Guys Podcast
Episode #198 even gives a preview of the day and a wonderful review of our Sahyun Library by two professionals genealogists who know a great research facility when they see one.

Santa Barbara Genealogy Society Sahyun Library

Thanks to the more than 40 volunteers that made this event such a successful, educational, and fun for all (Flowers by Lydie)!

(And special thanks to those whose efforts held the rain at bay until the seminar was over. Whew!)

In the Public Interest with Peter Bie

2010-02-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

Listen to Peter Bie's interview with Art Sylvester, Jan Cloud and Mary Hall on "In the Public Interest" this weekend on the following radio stations and times:

Saturday (Feb 27):
1:00 pm, KIST-AM 1490

Sunday (Feb 28):
6:30 am, K-LITE 101.7FM
8:30 am, KIST-AM 1490
5:00 pm, KTMS-AM 990
11:30 pm, KTYD 99.9FM

Feb 24th: Black (and Family) History Film at UCSB MCC Theatre: Free and Open to Public

2010-02-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

Traces of Trade: A Story From the Deep North

Do you think the institution of African slavery was concentrated in the southern states of America? Katrina Browne thought so, until she dug a little deeper into her Bristol, Rhode Island "DeWolf" roots. Browne discovered that not only were her early New England ancestors the largest slave trading family in U.S. history, but the DeWolf's peculiar occupation was not an aberration in that part of the country.

The results of her family roots digging is a film that takes her and 9 DeWolf cousins (from the 200 she contacted) on a journey from Rhode Island, Ghana, Cuba and back.

Check out the compelling video clip, from PBS:
http://www.pbs.org/pov/tracesofthetrade

Since the DeWolfs are a prominent early New England family, their ancestry has been documented and widely published. But this particular role in American history was not recounted. Most intriguing for family historians is the evidence of the early DeWolf family occupation was hiding in plain sight.

UCSB presents a special film screening of the 2008 Documentary "Traces of Trade: A Story From the Deep North" at 6:00p.m. at the Multiculture Center Theatre. There will be a panel discussion afterwards.

For more information see: http://mcc.sa.ucsb.edu/Calendar/index.aspx

Faces of America on PBS Television - Episode #2

2010-02-20T15:35:00.000-08:00

Watch the 2nd episode (February 17) in full here Faces of America.

Faces of America on PBS Television - Episode #1

2010-02-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

Watch the most recent full-length episode of "Faces of America" on this blog. The next episode will be aired on February 17, 2010 and will be posted here.

SLO Genealogical Seminar Deadline - January 30!

2010-01-27T13:57:00.000-08:00

Our friends to the north -- San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society -- have pulled out the stops for their bi-annual Seminar on Saturday, February 6th called Genealogy NOW! The seminar features Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak, one of genealogy's most influential and "public" figures. Just check out her website!

http://www.megansmolenyak.com/

Besides Megan, Legacy Family Tree's Geoff Rasmussen, a dynamic and informative presenter is returning to SLO (and bringing a new laptop loaded with Legacy Family Tree software to raffle off!). Also "The Photo Detective", Maureen Taylor will help identify attendees' mystery photos when she's not presenting a program. And of course Megan Smolenyk Smolenyk, Ancestry.com's Chief Family Historian, noted "forensic genealogist", will also be presenting several topics. The seminar offers 3 (three!) tracks of programs, books, a raffle and lots of opportunity to mingle with other Central Coast genealogists.

Registration deadline is January 30th and is $50 for non-Members of SLOCGS. After January 30, it will be $60.

Seminar information and registration forms can be found at: http://kcbx.net/~slogen/ or call 805-489-5457

Several of us from Santa Barbara will be carpooling to SLO(we leave ~ 6:30 AM!). Contact Mary E Hall mehall2@cox.net if you are interested in riding with or driving fellow SBCGSers.

At the risk of shamelessly plugging SBCGS own "HOW-TO Genealogy Seminar, Something for Everyone!" taking place on Saturday, March 6th, you can listen to (or download) the June 2007 podcast recording of Megan Smolenyak by Drew Smith of "The Genealogy Guys", who will be one of our fabulous guest speakers.

http://genealogyguys.com/index.php?post_id=225386

Registration for the SBCGS "HOW-TO" Genealogy Seminar can be found at our website: http://www.sbgen.org/

New Year & Exciting News!

2010-01-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

As announced at our December meeting, The Genealogy Guys -- George G Morgan & Drew Smith -- will be SBCGS's featured speakers for the "HOW-TO Genealogy Seminar: Something for Everyone"!

Individually, George & Drew are both long-time avid genealogists, with solid library backgrounds, active participation in genealogy societies, published authors and popular family history lecturers. But they are also on the cutting edge of genealogical related topics as they host a weekly podcast of Genealogy news, subscribed to by thousands, around the world.

In fact, 'The Genealogy Guys' podcast is the longest running, regularly produced Genealogy podcast in the world.

Fielding questions from the genealogical community requires not only in-depth knowledge of genealogy research topics and comprehensive skills, but also the LATEST information on websites, blogs, published records and resources that have come online.

This all-day Saturday seminar will feature 2 tracks of family history research topics to delight genealogists from beginners (just starting to compile their family data) to seasoned veterans. And it will conclude with a live podcast of that week's The Genealogy Guys show. Attendees will not only be the audience, but will supply the questions for that week's radio show.

Stay tuned and check the SBCGS website www.sbgen.org for more details...but mark your calendars now for Saturday, March 6. You won't want to miss this one!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

TO and FROM the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Community!

SBCC Adult Ed Winter Genealogy Classes

2009-12-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

Registration began Dec 10 for the Winter Session of Genealogy Classes thru Santa Barbara City College's Adult Education program. Actual Classes begin January 19th but don't wait! Classes fill up quickly for these popular courses, co-sponsored by Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society.

New for the Winter Session is "Researching Your English Family Roots", taught by popular Santa Barbara genealogy maven, Janice G. Cloud on Mondays, from 10 a.m. to Noon, at the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society's Sahyun Library (316 Castillo St. Santa Barbara).

Over 10 weeks, Jan will show us how to begin our search for English roots with records that can be found here in the US. Then we'll cross the pond (virtually) to learn how to use civil registrations, censuses, parish registers, and probate records to bring those British ancestors back to life.

Returning from the Fall schedule is Beginning to Intermediate Family History Research, taught by Louise Matz. These popular evening classes are held on Tuesday's from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. at the Wake Center, Rm. 26.

This "hands on" class is great for those just starting their research or those returning to their roots tracing. Louise will cover the records that help you find your ancestors and will also show how to use internet resources, and advanced strategies in your searches.

Also returning in the Winter is "The Wednesday Class", Jan Cloud's ever popular Intermediate/Advanced Family History Research class. As always, emphasis is on problem solving and methodology, and you'll always learn something due to the variety of problems brought to the class and the collective knowledge of experienced classmates in attendance. This informative session meets from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at the Wake Center, Rm. 26th. Class size is limited to 70 and as you know if you've attended ...it fills up quickly.

Registration must be done "online" at www.sbcc.edu/AdultEd.

See SBCGS's website for detailed information about the classes.
http://www.sbgen.org/AdultEd.php

Mystery, History, Ancestry

2009-11-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

Mystery, History, Ancestry
Winter Reading Possibilities

I like mysteries and historical fiction — especially ones where the settings are in a country where I’ve traveled — or plan to visit.

Recently I read two books that were so good I’m still thinking about them. Both were historical fiction; both had some elements of mystery; and — frosting on the cake — both had genealogy elements woven into the plot.

The first book is Tracy Chevalier’s The Virgin Blue. It is the story of Ella, an American woman who moves to rural France and becomes obsessed with uncovering her family’s French past; and Ella’s ancestor, Isabelle, a woman living in 16th century France during the persecution of the Huguenots. The two intertwined strands eventually converge as Ella discovers the truth about Isabelle’s fate. It combines vivid historical fiction with a genealogical detective story which uses an old Bible, civil records, church records, and lots of serendipity (far-fetched?) to pull the stories together. Chavalier also includes amazing descriptions of both France and Switzerland. She is the author of The Lady and the Unicorn and Girl with a Pearl Earring.

Some related URLs and a few books from the SBCGS Sahyun Library:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huguenot
http://wiki-en.genealogy.net/Alsace/History
https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/France_Genealogy

History of the Huguenot Emigration to America, Vol. I, II Baird, Charles W. 929 W2 BAI v. 1-2
Huguenot Ancestry Currer-Briggs, Noel 929 H2 CUR
Huguenot refugees in the settling of colonial America / Gannon, Peter Steven 973.2 H2 GAN

The second book is The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent. Kent is herself a tenth-generation descendant of Martha Carrier, one of the first women to be tried and hanged in Salem in 1692. This book is a fantastic and very personal perspective of what happened at the Salem Witch Trials. Kent weaves dramatic secrets throughout the mesmerizing family saga which is told through the eyes of Martha’s nine-year-old daughter, Sarah.

In Kent’s own words: “I'll never forget the moment I discovered that the stories my mother and grandmother had been telling me about an ancestor who had been hanged for being a witch were true. I first heard about Martha Carrier, one of the first women to be tried and hanged in Salem in 1692, when I was a child of about eight or nine. I grew up with stories of my mother's family, the Carriers, and their involvement in the witch hysteria: the trials, the imprisonment, and, in Martha's case, the hanging.”

This book might motivate some of us to take an incident from our historical past and create a best-selling novel out of it! Maybe I should return to Salem and do some on-the-spot research — for my great-uncle proclaimed that we were descendants of Sarah Morey, another young woman questioned for witchcraft.

In the appendix, Kathleen Kent suggests books for further reading. One of them was already on my shelf, unread: In the Devil’s Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692 by Mary Beth Norton. It’s a scholarly look at the causes of the Salem witch trials. I’m reading it now — although much slower because, although fascinating, it makes me want to take notes for the upcoming exam. (For the author’s genealogical connections to the Salem Witch Trials, refer to the Acknowledgments on page 427.)

Some URLs for more information:
http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/ (NEH funded; outstanding site!)
http://www.salemwitchmuseum.com/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/salem/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials

Submitted by Diane Sylvester

Family History Month Kick-off Event

2009-10-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

It's Family History Month in Santa Barbara County!

America, A Nation of Immigrants

Newly arrived immigrants, Cari and Lydie - with official Ellis Island Health Inspection documents - welcomed members and guests of the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society to a Family History Month Open House at the Sahyun Library, on Wednesday, September 30.

And, what an afternoon it was! The official City of Santa Barbara proclamation was read by Mayor Marty Blum and presented to President Art Sylvester.

Joining Mayor Marty Blum in congratulating SBCGS was Eric Friedman, Supervisor Salud Carbajal’s aide.

Members and guests had the opportunity to look up ancestral information using the Society’s research resources, enter the name of their immigrant on the Wall of Honor, and listen and enjoy Irish music and stories by the musicians of Foggy Dew: Gary Jensen, Willie Quinn, and Aoife Quinn.

Guests enjoyed platters full of heritage cookies and
pitchers full of homemade lemonade.

We especially recognize and honor our hard working volunteers who made the event a huge success.

Fall Clean up Day 2009 at Sahyun-A Success!

2009-09-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

Twenty good natured workers picked up brooms, dust rags, squeegies, and ladders to get ready for the Fall season of family history research and workshops at the Sahyun Library.

Jim Friestad, Fall Clean up Day Organizer, reports all the items on his "to do" list were fulfilled, and most before noon (good thing, as it was really warm...at least for Santa Barbara).

Thanks to all who joined in the fun (and donuts) and for those of you who missed it...you can look forward to Spring Clean up Day 2010!!!

Back to "School" Clean Up Day!

2009-08-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

Our ancestors were often called upon to pitch in and perform a little community maintenance on the "one room" school or civic center or library.

This coming Saturday, August 29th, is your chance to experience that worthwhile endeavor at the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society's Sahyun Library at 316 Castillo St.

The doldroms of summer are over and the new "Academic Year" of research is upon us. Time to clean windows, replace light bulbs, re-affix fallen signs, identify items for a garage sale (or E-bay) and generally get ready for a new season of research and new visitors.

Jim Friestad, our major domo of the Library's facilities, will be the leader for the day's work details. Rumor has it that Marj Friestad, who knows that a happy belly and caffeine makes for a productive worker, will ensure we're be supplied with....something yummy.

Lots of hands will produce quick, yet satisfying, results! Contact Jim (ronjim@cox.net) if you have an area of expertise; otherwise just show up at 9:00 a.m. this next Saturday (August 29th) at the Sahyun Library (316 Castillo St) and experience the joy -- and sugar rush -- of a community cleansing...there may even be tunes!

Simi Valley Ladies Research in the Sahyun Library

2009-08-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Five researchers, members of the Genealogy Group of Simi Valley Senior Center, spent the day on Friday, August 13, 2009, researching in our Sahyun Library. Ethel brought her handy portable scanner to scan pages of books rather than photocopying them. Regina, a member of the SBCGS, researched on our computers using the Internet. Sondra, Kathy and Judy pulled many books off the shelves. They promised to return soon to put in some more time in the stacks.

There were several librarians on staff that day to assist the visitors------ Jan and Mary, Dorothy, Ruth, and Marnie in the morning, and Connie and Dorcas in the afternoon.

Friday August 14 ~ 6 - 10pm "Sleepless at the Sahyun"

2009-08-10T20:23:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun last month, we're doing it again!

No "Amazing Chase" this time (it is August, after all) but we will have Pizza, munchies, soft drinks, tea, and best of all....collegial fellow genealogical enthusiasts to offer a hint or two, and celebrate your breakthroughs with you!

Bring someone who is just beginning in their roots quest and we'll help them get started on those pedigree charts, family group sheets, or a tutorial on Internet genealogy.

Or for you experienced -- but stymied -- researchers bring a few GWs (or maybe a Benjamin!) and enter the raffle for a chance to win a dedicated one hour of Research Assistance with our own Janice G. Cloud, a renowned genealogist that we are so lucky to have in our midst.

Given our cramped space and the dearth of computers, we're limiting space this time. (Good thing we're expanding our library!) So, you'll need to RSVP to Diane Sylvester as spaces are limited: fjordhest@cox.net.

Or call 967-1742.

See you this Friday for another "Sleepless at the Sahyun"!

Vines, Wines & Family Lines - #2 in Series

2009-07-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Fearless Food & Wine Pairing

Speaker: Fred Brander & Bob Dickey

Price: $10 SBCGS members and guests
$20 for non-SBCGS members

Sunday, Jul 26th 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Sahyun Library 316 Castillo Street, Patio

News Flash: Fred Brander, early Pioneer of Santa Barbara Wine Industry, joins VW&FL tour guide Bob Dickey, Sunday July 26th 3 5:00 p.m. at the Sahyun Library Patio.

C. Frederick "Fred" Brander was born in Argentina, but moved to Santa Barbara at a young age, just in time to help establish the "modern" Santa Barbara wine industry. The family owned Brander Winery was founded in 1975, produced its first Bordeaux varietal wine (Sauvignon Blanc) in 1977, and captured the first Santa Barbara Gold medal for a wine in 1978. Winemaker Fred Brander is as knowledgeable about the world of wines, and the history of the Santa Barbara wine industry, as anyone in the entire county. With a degree in chemistry and an early member of Santa Barbara chapter American Institute of Food & Wine (founded in 1981 by part-time local resident, the late Julia Child) Brander has successfully made wine, that is always enjoyable with food, for over 30 years.

Bob Dickey has, with zeal & curiosity, participated in practically every aspect of wine growing and making, and has augmented his enthusiasm by attending viticulture and enology classes at Alan Hancock College and UC Davis. For five years, Bob co-hosted - with Gabe Saglie - "The Grapevine Show," a very popular radio talk show. He is chief photographer for Wine & Dine SB, teaches classes and leads tours on wine, and writes on wine for Noozhawk.com. He photographs all the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association events, is the Central Coast Photographer for The Tasting Panel; supplies wine photos to about two dozen publications and paints wine-related subjects.

RSVP by July 23 to Dorothy Oksner ox@silcom.com
Send your check to Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society
(put "VW&FL#2" in the memo)
P.O. Box 1303
Goleta, CA 93116-1303

Moving the Cherry of the Rio Grande

2009-07-15T23:11:00.000-07:00

Have you actually seen our Cherry of the Rio Grande? (That's not the Rio Grande in Texas, but in Brazil, and the Latin name is Eugenia agregata.) If not, you can now view our beautiful tree on a video made June 30, 2009 by the News Press . In addition to shots of the tree, you'll also see footage about the plans for the new addition to our prestigious library.

The tree had been boxed and over the past six months had become acclimated to the box. On July 15, the 65,000 pounds of tree with box was lifted by crane and transported to its new home closer to Castillo Street. The photo was taken on July 16. It was quite an undertaking. A video of the move is posted on YouTube. Read more about the move, the history of the tree, and the reason for the move on edhat in an article written by President Arthur Sylvester.

Sleepless in the Sahyun, July 10, 2009

2009-07-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

About 24 of us were sleepless and researching in the Sahyun from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Pizza, coffee and cake gave us the energy to work into the night.

A challenging research game offered prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. A raffle drawing for an hour of research time with Professor Jan was awarded.

1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners at the finish line.

Mabel Doris O'Dell Floyd 1922-2009

2009-06-29T22:35:00.000-07:00

Today a few of us said goodbye to our quilting and genealogy friend, Doris Floyd. Doris lived the good life as attested to by her children and the friends who also came to say goodbye. Some of the quilts Doris made were hung on the railings around the rotunda at the cemetery. It felt like Doris was surrounding us.
Doris was a member of Daughters of the Revolution [DAR], Daughters of Union Veterans in Iowa [and in Santa Barbara she was President of Tent #22 in 1992], United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society, and a host of other organizations. Doris was a 5th and 6th grade teacher having earned her teaching certificate in Missouri where she was born. She taught Adult Education classes in sewing and quilting in Santa Barbara. Here are some of the really beautiful quilts she made.