Exploring Resources for California Genealogy

Exploring Resources for California Genealogy

Saturday, November 14, 2026

1 -2:30 PM, PST

Presented by Joanna Shear

IN PERSON and ONLINE

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

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

Non-members should register from this page for $5.

Basic information on our ancestors can often be found through straightforward searches in public and subscription databases. However, sometimes the standard sources fall short, and even when we have some data at hand, painting a nuanced and full picture of historical lives requires us to dig deeper. Luckily, a broad collection of resources are available to explore to provide those details and context.

In this class we’ll cover examples and techniques for using the following:

• California-specific resources on the major platforms like Ancestry, FamilySearch and MyHeritage
• Lesser-known sources such as university special collections and oral histories
• Federal and state publications
• Court and land records
• Maps and drawings
• County resources
• Effective use of online indexes to guide in-person research

For those attending online: The event will take place via Zoom. If you join, please sign in early to make sure you are able to see the program. We will send you instructions the night before, and a reminder shortly before the event, which will give you access. Our remote events now have live closed captioning. When registering, use an email address you will be checking. Please note all times are Pacific Time.

For those attending in person: We have RELOCATED to 1841 Berkeley Way
Berkeley behind the Trader Joes on University Ave. We are a 10 minute walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. There is limited parking at our building and street parking west of the Berkeley Way bollards. Further instructions will be included with your registration confirmation. If you have trouble entering, call the library at (510) 663-1358.

You do not have to have a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting. You will be prompted to download the software, once you have clicked on the link that you have been provided. You may also wish to create an account, but that is not required to participate in a Zoom meeting.

This event is presented live. Some events may be recorded for CGS use only.

See you in person or online!

Joanna Shear was first drawn to genealogy by an unknown name on a mysterious engraved silver chalice, which led to a reunion for a family separated by the Holocaust. Today, she works on family history for herself and others, including use of DNA to go beyond the documentation and trace new family connections. In addition to Jewish genealogy, Joanna focus on African American research, as well as state research in California and the Midwest.

Born in Boston, Joanna grew up in Missouri and landed in the San Francisco Bay Area. She’s completed Boston University's Certificate Program in Genealogical Research as well as the Progen study group and numerous genealogical institute courses. Joanna is a lifetime member of the California Genealogical Society, and enjoys helping others find their joy in genealogy!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

CGS Members enjoy free access.

Non-Members pay a nominal $5 fee.

You can purchase a $45 one-year CGS Basic membership when you check out. To sign up for other membership options go to our web page: CGS Membership application

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Credit card payments will be processed by Eventbrite.

*Event fee is non-refundable.