San Diego Genealogical Society upcoming events

British Isles Interest Group- Hybrid Meeting (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 17:30:00 GMT

British Isles Special Interest Group

Topic: The American Revolution- A British Perspective

Speaker: Colin Whitney

Many of you have learned about the American Revolution in high school. You know the battles and the American heroes. In this talk I will cover how the British viewed this uprising against colonial rule. We will examine key figures in the British Government, the state of Britain entering the war, and how miscalculation and misunderstanding led to the defeat of the well trained British Army at the hands of colonials using unorthodox tactics. Many British Loyalist fled to Canada after the war. We will show you how to obtain those records.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center in Mission Valley, 4195 Camino del Rio S San Diego CA 92108

The public is welcome to register and attend.

AI for Genealogy SIG (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Topic: Simple Prompts & Steve Little's Genealogical Research Assistant

Have you used any of the many Artificial Intelligence tools (chat bots, image creators, research assistants, etc.) in your genealogy research? If so, share the tools, prompts, and procedures that have worked well for you. What didn't work? If you haven't used AI tools yet, learn about how you can use them in your research.

This SIG will include presentations on topics of interest and opportunities to share your experiences and questions.

Host: Doug Shaw

For questions email education@casdgs.org.

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants a few days before the meeting.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

German Interest Group (20 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

German Interest Group

Topic: FamilySearch's Full Text Search: What it Is and Why it Matters

Speaker: Kay Little

Host: Amy Chidester

For questions contact Amy Chidester

at gig.sdgs@gmail.com

This meeting will be a hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center, 4195 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, California 92108

Zoom information will be sent in the week prior to the meeting to those that register.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

Class - DAR Application (23 May 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

9am Class

Topic: DAR Application

Speaker: Linnea Peltola

Classes on genealogy, family history, media/technology, and computer skills are held at 9 am (PT) on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of most months except January, September, and December. Classes are designed for a variety of interests and ability levels and are often used as a refresher.

For questions email education@casdgs.org.

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants a few days before the meeting.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS Ask A Genealogist (23 May 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Ask a Genealogist Special Interest Group

This session is a forum where your genealogical questions can be answered by our panel. You may also talk about any genealogical successes you have had, problems you are encountering, or share with the group some of your current research. It is a chance for you to interact with your fellow genealogists so that we can all learn from each other. I invite you to come and have some fun with us.

Panel members: Colin Whitney (host), Christy Dolan and Barbara Stanculescu

We encourage you to send your questions, two days prior to the session, to cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

For questions contact Colin Whitney at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

The public is welcome! to register and attend.

California Pioneer Programs Virtual Workshop (26 May 2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 02:00:00 GMT

California Pioneer

Programs Workshop

Topic: This workshop is designed to assist any individuals researching their early California ancestors. Its primary focus is to address their specific genealogical questions and assign qualified researchers when required. An additional purpose is to provide education on early California history and its records. We will cover archives in California, Mexico and the United States at the state, county, local, library and university levels.

Workshop Host: Colin Whitney

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month ahead of the meeting.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS Reunion Users Group (02 Jun 2026)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Reunion Users Group

Topic: TBD

Speaker: Anne Alves

For questions contact Anne Alves at fansvsdgs@gmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting (06 Jun 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:30:00 GMT

DNA Special Interest Group

Topic: DNA Painter Workshop

Speaker: Colin Whitney

One of the main features of DNA Painter is its chromosome mapping capability. It is a chromosome browser on steroids with much more capability and additional tools to help you analyze your DNA results. This session is a workshop in which you will obtain hands on experience in the use of DNA Painter. You will need to bring your computer with you and be prepared to enter the segment information of your matches. This requires access to a website such as MyHeritage, Family Tree DNA and Gedmatch which provides that information. If you do not have a DNAPainter account, we will go through the steps necessary to sign up for a free account. As time permits, we will address features such as ancestral trees and tools.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

Monthly Program - Hybrid (13 Jun 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Monthly Program

Join us for a Hybrid presentation.

Christine Cohen will present to us in person, and we will be virtual on Zoom.

Session 1: Alienation of Affection - Divorce in the US.

Divorce is not just a 20th Century phenomenon. At first, granted by the State Legislature and then by the Courts, these are public records. The case files can include marriage date and place, names and ages of children, current and former residences, and affidavits by the spouses about their marriage and reason for divorce. Clues are in the Census, City Directories, Military Pensions, County Histories, County Courthouses & especially in Newspapers. This could be the reason for a "lost spouse".

Session 2: Cemeteries - Who Lies Beneath?

We will review the awesome resources of deceased online, Interment.net, GraveStonePhotos.com, FindAGrave and BillionGraves and many others to advance your research. They have US and International information about your ancestor's final resting place. I’ll also detail how you can help fellow genealogists by volunteering to take photos of gravestones, transcribe headstones or create memorials for posting online and connecting with long lost cousins.

Presenter Bio

Christine’s interest in genealogy began in 1977 with the airing of the TV mini-series “Roots”. Her enthusiasm was piqued when she was given a typed pedigree chart, commissioned by her maternal grandfather, of their Dutch heritage from the New Netherlands in the 1650’s. Christine is a native Californian, and a graduate of UCLA in Political Science. She has moved to Oregon for retirement and pursues her genealogy journey full time.

Christine is a long-time member of the Whittier Area Genealogical Society (WAGS) and currently is the Program Director. She is a member of the Tualatin Chapter of the DAR, the Society of Daughters of Holland Dames, APG and the Society Delegate for NGS.

PRESENTERS WEBSITE

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This program will be recorded and placed in the "Members Only" section.

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After this meeting we will have an Ice Cream Social, so please stay afterwards to enjoy some ice cream with us. During the Ice Cream Social, we will be recognizing our Volunteers.

Click here for more information on the ICS and register to join us.

The public is always welcome!

For questions contact webmaster@casdgs.org

German Interest Group (17 Jun 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT

German Interest Group

Topic: Germans on Both Sides of the Revolutionary War

Speaker: Michael Strauss

Host: Amy Chidester

For questions contact Amy Chidester

at gig.sdgs@gmail.com

This meeting will be a hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center, 4195 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, California 92108

Zoom information will be sent in the week prior to the meeting to those that register.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

No British Isles SIG this month (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT

British Isles Special Interest Group

NO MEETING TODAY

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

AI for Genealogy SIG (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Topic: AI for Genealogy Special Interest Group

This SIG will include presentations on topics of interest and opportunities to share your experiences and questions.

Host: Doug Shaw

For questions email education@casdgs.org.

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants a few days before the meeting.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

California Pioneer Programs Virtual Workshop (23 Jun 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT

California Pioneer

Programs Workshop

Workshop Host: Colin Whitney

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month ahead of the meeting.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

Class - Patriot Ancestor (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

9am Class

Topic: Patriot Ancestor

Speaker: Anne Alves

For questions email education@casdgs.org.

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants a few days before the meeting.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS Ask A Genealogist (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Ask a Genealogist Special Interest Group

Panel members: Anne Alves (host), Debby Warner Anderson and Diane Gould Hall

We encourage you to send your questions, at least two days prior to the session, to fansvsdgs@gmail.com

For questions contact Anne Alves at fansvsdgs@gmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to attend.

No DNA SIG this month (04 Jul 2026)

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 18:30:00 GMT

DNA Special Interest Group

NO MEETING TODAY

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

Monthly Program (11 Jul 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Monthly Program

Save the date

Presenter: Kelley Barrett, PhD

Session 1 and 2: Key Lessons for Genealogists Taken From Years of Conducting Employee Investigations

What can modern workplace investigations teach us about the lives and choices of our ancestors? More than you might expect. In this insightful and engaging presentation, an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist and former Human Resources leader shares surprising lessons from years of conducting employee investigations—stories that reveal just how complex, contradictory, and wonderfully human people can be. Designed specifically for genealogists, this session draws parallels between today’s workplace behaviors and the mysteries we uncover in family research. You’ll explore why people make the choices they do, why motives can be elusive across any era, and how “truth is often stranger than fiction” applies just as much to our ancestors as to modern-day employees. Walk away with a deeper understanding of human behavior, sharper interpretive skills, and a refreshing reminder that whether in the workplace or in the family tree, people are people—and their stories are endlessly fascinating.

Presenter Bio: A professional researcher, writer and certified Master Trainer, Kelley Barrett's genealogy journey began in childhood. Family stories of suspicious name changes, disappearances, cattle rustling, and other mysteries sparked her imagination and a lifelong passion for family history. Following a successful career in Human Resources, she turned her skills in investigation, analysis, and documentation toward finding 'lost' relatives, solving family mysteries, and breaking through brick walls. Follow Kelley's genealogy adventures in her blog "Jaunts and Junkets" and learn more by visiting her website www.ancestor-hunter.com.

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This program will be recorded and placed in the "Members Only" section.

The public is always welcome!

British Isles Interest Group- Hybrid Meeting (18 Jul 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT

British Isles Special Interest Group

Topic: Researching England and Wales Before the 19C

Speaker: Colin Whitney

In this presentation we will examine records available for England and Wales before the nineteenth century and focus on research strategies applicable to this time period.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center in Mission Valley, 4195 Camino del Rio S San Diego CA 92108

The public is welcome to register and attend.

California Pioneer Programs Virtual Workshop (28 Jul 2026)

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 02:00:00 GMT

California Pioneer

Programs Workshop

Workshop Host: Colin Whitney

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month ahead of the meeting.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting (01 Aug 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:30:00 GMT

DNA Special Interest Group

Topic: Ancestry

Speaker: Colin Whitney

Ancestry is the premier DNA website with over 28 million DNA testers, 140 million trees and 65 billion genealogical records. It is the place where you are likely to find the most matches. To help you, Ancestry adds new tools and features each year. We will dive into the capabilities of this website and show you this years new features.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

British Isles Interest Group- Hybrid Meeting (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT

British Isles Special Interest Group

Topic: Newspapers

Speaker: Colin Whitney

Newspapers are a source of information which should be part of very genealogist's research. They often provide information about our ancestors which cannot be found in other types of records. We can discover facts from the mundane to the effect of world events upon their life. Using AI and OCR, newspapers are being digitized and placed online at a rapid rate. We will examine some of the major newspaper sites, familiarize you with their use, and show you which papers are available for different regions of the British isles.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center in Mission Valley, 4195 Camino del Rio S San Diego CA 92108

The public is welcome to register and attend.

California Pioneer Programs Virtual Workshop (25 Aug 2026)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 02:00:00 GMT

California Pioneer

Programs Workshop

Workshop Host: Colin Whitney

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month ahead of the meeting.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting (05 Sep 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 18:30:00 GMT

DNA Special Interest Group

Topic: Genetic Communities and Ethnicity

Speaker: Colin Whitney

Ethnicity is a part of our ancestry and provides a sense of identity. We will examine what we can learn from our DNA results and show you how to interpret them. Ethnicity can be an important tool in understanding your relationships to your matches.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

British Isles Interest Group- Hybrid Meeting (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:30:00 GMT

British Isles Special Interest Group

Topic: Directories and Electoral Rolls

Speaker: Colin Whitney

There are a number of business and government record types which provide information about your ancestors apart from vital and census documents. We will examine directories, Electoral rolls and Tax lists, find where they can be accessed, and what information they contain. Some of these list living people and so are important when privacy laws hinder our research.

and what information they contain.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center in Mission Valley, 4195 Camino del Rio S San Diego CA 92108

The public is welcome to register and attend.

California Pioneer Programs Virtual Workshop (22 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT

California Pioneer

Programs Workshop

Workshop Host: Colin Whitney

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month ahead of the meeting.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting (03 Oct 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 18:30:00 GMT

DNA Special Interest Group

Topic: Show and Tell

Speaker: Group Members

This is your opportunity to discuss the DNA researching you have been doing. You may address your successes, the brick wall problems you are having or other topics of interest to the group. Throughout the year I will be soliciting presentations.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

California Pioneer Programs Virtual Workshop (27 Oct 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

California Pioneer

Programs Workshop

Workshop Host: Colin Whitney

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month ahead of the meeting.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting (07 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 19:30:00 GMT

DNA Special Interest Group

Topic: What's in a Picture

Speaker: Kathleen Fernandes

This presentation describes the questions to ask when evaluating a visualization and then reviews the various approaches to displaying information about family relationships, DNA inheritance, matches in a family tree, and shared segments and matches.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

California Pioneer Programs Virtual Workshop (24 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 03:00:00 GMT

California Pioneer

Programs Workshop

Workshop Host: Colin Whitney

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month ahead of the meeting.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting (05 Dec 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 19:30:00 GMT

DNA Special Interest Group

Topic: MyHeritage

Speaker: Colin Whitney

Myheritage is a website which has been growing rapidly over the last few years. Each year it adds numerous tools and features to help us analyze our DNA results. It has now added a low cost whole genome sequencing test for autosomal DNA. With a database of close to 10 million which also supplies segment information, it is a must use site.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.