Upcoming Events

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• Class - Intro to Genealogy Pt. 4

  • When
    28 Jun 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Virtual Only

  Register

  

  9am Class

  
  

  

  Topic:  Introduction to Genealogy Pt. 4 - More Search Techniques, Evaluating Evidence

  
  

  Speaker:  Doug Shaw
  

  This is the fourth of a five part series aimed at beginners with little or no background in genealogical research.  Topics include:

  • Basic Principles of Genealogical Research
  • Essential Tools for Beginners

  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 Decembers.  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 public is welcome to register and attend.

  Show details
• Ask A Genealogist

  • When
    28 Jun 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only

  Register

       

  

  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: 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.

  Show details
• CANCELLED - Publications, Communications and Writers Group

  • When
    28 Jun 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only

  

   Publications, Communications and Writers Group

  

  Topic: June Meeting Cancelled

  
  

  Show details
• Reunion Users Group-Virtual Meeting

  • When
    01 Jul 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only

  Register

  

  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.
  

  The public is always welcome!
  

  Show details
• DNA SIG - No Mtg.

  • When
    05 Jul 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only
  • Spaces left
    300

  

  
  

  DNA Special Interest Group

  

  No Meeting This Month.

  
  

   

  For questions contact Colin Whitney

  at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

  
  

  Show details
• Class - Freedmen's Bureau

  • When
    12 Jul 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Virtual Only

  Register

  

  9am Class

  
  

  

  Topic:  Freedmen's Bureau - What was it?  What records are there?  Why might my ancestor(s) appear in them?

  Speaker:  Doug Shaw

  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 Decembers.  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.

  Show details
• Monthly Program

  • When
    12 Jul 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom Webinar

  

  
  

  Monthly Program

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  Join us for a presentation by

  Dr. Kimberly Nagy, MD, AG® AGLTM

  
  

  
  

  Session 1:  Dropsy, Quinsy, or Consumption: Just exactly what did my ancestor have?

  Have you ever wondered what some of the medical terms found on old documents really mean? What is the modern term for those diseases? Was it treatable? Was it contagious? Was this an epidemic? This lecture discusses several commonly used terms for medical ailments.

  Session 2:  The National Road - America's First Highway 

  The National Road extended from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. It was built in the early 19th century to aid settlers in their westward migration. Many of our midwestern ancestors traveled on, and settled near, the national road.

  
  

  Presenter Bio:    

  Kimberly Ormsby Nagy, MD AG AGL has been an avid genealogist for over 45 years.  Since retiring from a career as a trauma surgeon and educator, she has been able to devote herself full-time to her genealogy passion.

  She has roots in 10 of the 13 original colonies with a more recent focus on Great Lakes states.

  She is a self-proclaimed Lineage Group “junkie”, holding memberships in several lineage groups where she serves on several boards.  Her favorite position is that of Registrar – preparing and approving applications for membership.

  She uses her skills in genealogy, medicine, and speaking to help others find their ancestors, join lineage societies, and to learn about various aspects of genealogical research.

  PRESENTER WEBSITE:   What's My Lineage 

  
  

  Click here to register on Zoom and receive your Zoom log in information.

  Register here

  For questions or if you don't receive your registration confirmation email, contact Regina at webmaster@casdgs.org

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

  Show details
• German Interest Group - Hybrid Meeting

  • When
    16 Jul 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom & SD FamilySearch Center

  Register

  

  
  

  German Interest Group

  

  Topic:  Review of IGGP 2025 Conference

  Speaker:  Barbara Stanculescu, Allene Aubertina and Amy Chidester

  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.

  Show details
• RootsMagic - Virtual Meeting

  • When
    16 Jul 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual via Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  
  

  RootsMagic User Group          

  

  Topic: RootsMagic 10

  Speaker: Larry Klaasen

  RootsMagic is a comprehensive software tool which helps you research, organize and share your genealogical information. It is appropriate for all levels from beginner to professional. In this Group we will discuss RootsMagic's many features and show you  how to obtain maximum benefit from them.

  If you have a question you wish to be answered, email Larry Klaasen at lklaasen@sbcglobal.net at least two days prior to the meeting.

  

  
  

  
  

  For questions contact Larry Klaasen 

  at lklaasen@sbcglobal.net
  

  
  

  This meeting will be a virtual meeting conducted via Zoom.
  

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

  The public is welcome to register and attend.

  
  

  Show details
• British Isles SIG - No Meeting

  • When
    19 Jul 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

  

  
  

    British Isles Special Interest Group

  

  No Meeting This Month.

  
  

   

  For questions contact Colin Whitney

  at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

  

  
  

  Show details
• North America SIG

  • When
    19 Jul 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only

  Register

  

   

     North America Special Interest Group

  

  Topic: Research of the United States and Canada

  Speaker: Dona Ritchie

  Topics of Interest to Researchers of the United States and Canada

  

  
  

  
  

  For questions contact Dona Ritchie

  at donagenes@att.net

  

  This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.  

  Registration will open about a month in advance.
  

  The public is welcome to register and attend.

  Show details
• California Pioneer Programs Workshop

  • When
    22 Jul 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

   

  
  

  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.

  Show details
• Class - Intro to Genealogy Pt. 5

  • When
    26 Jul 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Virtual Only

  Register

  

  9am Class

  
  

  

  Topic:  Introduction to Genealogy Pt. 5 - Next Steps

  Speaker:  Doug Shaw
  

  This is the fifth of a five part series aimed at beginners with little or no background in genealogical research.  Topics include:

  • Basic Principles of Genealogical Research
  • Essential Tools for Beginners

  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 Decembers.  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.

  Show details
• Ask A Genealogist

  • When
    26 Jul 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only

  Register

       

  

  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.

  
  

  Registration will open about a month ahead of the meeting.
  

  The public is welcome! to register and attend.

  Show details
• Publications, Communications and Writers Group

  • When
    26 Jul 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only

  Register

  

   Publications, Communications and Writers Group

  

  Topic: Techniques for Communicating your Genealogy

  Speaker: Dona Ritchie

  We spend many hours researching our ancestors to discover what their lives were like. This Group will focus on how to effectively communicate their stories to family, friends and fellow genealogists.

  

  
  

  
  

  For questions contact Dona Ritchie

  at donagenes@att.net

  This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.  

  Registration will open about a month in advance of the meeting.
  

  The public is welcome to register and attend.

  Show details
• DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting

  • When
    02 Aug 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only
  • Spaces left
    300

  

  
  

  DNA Special Interest Group

  

  Topic:  DNAPainter Part 2
  

  
  

  Speaker:  Colin Whitney

  
  

   

  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.

  Show details
• Monthly Program

  • When
    09 Aug 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom Webinar

  

  
  

  Monthly Program

  
  

  
  

  Join us for a presentation by Elizabeth O'Neal, CG®

  
  

  Session 1:  10 Places to Search for a Death Date...Without a Death Certificate

  Not every ancestor left a death certificate, even after death registrations were required by the states. But don’t give up hope! You may be able to find an ancestor’s death date using these 10 great resources. 

  Session 2:  Research at the Library… Without Leaving Home!

  Are you looking for books about your family history? You may be able to find them without leaving the comfort of your home! Millions of books have already been digitized and are free to use as well as download to your personal library. Learn where to find the best digital book collections, how to strategically search them, and how to save your finds to your computer or cloud storage for later reference. 

  
  

  Presenter Bio:   

  Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal, Certified Genealogist ® , is a researcher, writer, educator, and

  national genealogical speaker. Her specialties include methodology, technology, and

  online research resources. Since 1987, Elizabeth has made it her goal to research,

  share, and preserve her family stories. She is the author of the family history lifestyle

  website Heart of the Family™ (www.thefamilyheart.com), where her mission is to

  help others make the past part of their present.

  PRESENTER Website:  Heart of the Family™

  
  

  Registration will open early summer.

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

  Show details
• British Isles SIG-Hybrid Meeting

  • When
    16 Aug 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    4195 Camino del Rio S San Diego CA 92108

  

  
  

    British Isles Special Interest Group

  

  Topic: Tracing Your Ancestors Back to the British Isles Part 2

  
  

  Speaker:  Colin Whitney

  
  

   

  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.
  

  The public is welcome to register and attend.

  Show details
• DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting

  • When
    06 Sep 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only
  • Spaces left
    300

  

  
  

  DNA Special Interest Group

  

  Topic:  Ancestry

  
  

  Speaker:  Colin Whitney

  
  

   

  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.

  Show details
• Save the date for our Fall Seminar

  • When
    13 Sep 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Hybrid meeting: Virtual on Zoom and In person at San Diego Oasis, at 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
  • Spaces left
    500

  

  
  

  
  

  Save the date for our Fall Seminar!

  We are pleased to welcome speaker Janice M Sellers to present at our Fall Seminar.  This Fall Seminar will be in person locally and Janice will be presenting virtually via Zoom.  We will project Janice on the screen at the location

  
  

  Session 1:  Jewish Genealogy: How Is This Research Different from All Other Research? 

  This class provides an overview of the unique aspects of Jewish culture and history that affect family history research. Topics include history, geography, naming patterns, languages and alphabets, rabbinical genealogies, kehillah records, yizkor books, cemeteries, and other resources.

  Session 2:  Researching Historic LGBT Relatives

  You may have rumors in your family that an aunt was a lesbian or an uncle was bisexual. Perhaps you identify as LGBT and want to know whether any of the relatives who came before you were also. This is valid family history research, but ethical concerns about the past and the present must be considered, and understanding gay history is critical to finding and understanding information.

  Session 3:  Introduction to Black American Genealogy

  Researching Black American ancestry is in many respects like researching any other family history, but the unique aspects of the Black American experience affect that research.  Topics include methods, record types (particularly related to the institution of slavery), history, DNA, and genealogy sites.

  Session 4:  They Died in San Francisco: A Little-Known Source of Pre-1906 Deaths and How to Use It

  The 19th century was a boom era for San Francisco. People came from all over the world; many of those who came lost their lives there. The Great Earthquake of 1906, and the fires that followed, destroyed almost all city vital records created up to that date, but some hapless souls — murder victims, suicides, suspicious or unexpected deaths — passed through the city’s Coroner’s Office. An unusual resource can help you find those whose lives ended in the City by the Bay.

  
  

  Presenter bio: 

  Janice M. Sellers is related to actor Peter Sellers and to John of Gaunt, son of a king and father of a king. At least that’s what her grandparents told her. Unfortunately, they were wrong, but that’s why she has researched her family for 50 years and now helps others find the right pieces to fit their genealogy puzzles. She specializes in Jewish, Black, forensic, and newspaper research and has taught at local to international levels. Her site is ancestraldiscoveries.com. 

  ==========================================

  
  

  This will be a Hybrid Webinar where you can locally join in person or via Zoom. The speaker will be presenting virtually via Zoom. 

  Location: Virtual on Zoom and In-person at San Diego Oasis, at 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
  

  Members can watch live and view the recording for free. 

  Non-members: $50 to attend with no access to recordings.

  Registration will open in July. 

  This program will be recorded and placed in the "Members Only" section for a limited time.

  For questions about membership contact Margie Geiser at membership@casdgs.org.

  For questions about this program contact Janet Cooper at programs@casdgs.org.

  For questions about registration contact Regina Gigl at webmaster@casdgs.org.

  ===============

  Volunteering:

  If you would like to help at this event, please contact us at admin@casdgs.org.

  
  

  Show details
• British Isles SIG-Hybrid Meeting

  • When
    20 Sep 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    4195 Camino del Rio S San Diego CA 92108

  

  
  

    British Isles Special Interest Group

  

  Topic:  Using the Virtual Treasury of Ireland
  

  
  

  Speaker:  Colin Whitney
  

  
  

   

  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.
  

  The public is welcome to register and attend.

  Show details
• DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting

  • When
    04 Oct 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only
  • Spaces left
    300

  

  
  

  DNA Special Interest Group

  

  Topic:  MyHeritage

  
  

  Speaker:  Colin Whitney

  
  

   

  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.

  Show details
• British Isles SIG-Hybrid Meeting

  • When
    18 Oct 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    4195 Camino del Rio S San Diego CA 92108

  

  
  

    British Isles Special Interest Group

  

  Topic:  Probate Records

  
  

  Speaker:  Colin Whitney

  
  

   

  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.
  

  The public is welcome to register and attend.

  Show details
• DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting

  • When
    01 Nov 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only
  • Spaces left
    300

  

  
  

  DNA Special Interest Group

  

  Topic:  Show and Tell

  
  

  Speaker:  Group

  
  

   

  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.

  Show details
• Salt Lake City FamilySearch Library Research Trip

  • Start
    02 Nov 2025
  • End
    09 Nov 2025
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  Come with us to

  Salt Lake City

  for research at the

  FamilySearch Library

  November 2 - November 9, 2025

  
  

  

  We invite you to join us on our annual trip to the FamilySearch Library this Fall.

  This experienced director-led trip allows researchers an opportunity to access millions of records from all over the world, attend classes taught by FamilySearch experts and collaborate with fellow member researchers.

  Check out this video about

  the FamilySearch Library: 

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbHEp5B_SYk

  
  

  What is Included?

  • A special Pre-Trip Class “Preparing For A Research Trip”.
  •  Seven-night stay at the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, located right next door to the FamilySearch Library. Each room has its own refrigerator and microwave.
  •  Two group dinners at the hotel.
  •  Tour and Orientation to the Library’s many collections and resources. 
  •  Two classes taught by FamilySearch genealogists.
  •  Experienced trip Directors to assist you during your stay.
  •  Researcher Goody Bag containing fun and useful items.

  
  

  Member Registration Fees: This event is open to SDGS members only. However, non- members can register by paying a $30 SDGS membership fee. Become a member here

  To register you have to log in to your member profile first, so the registration button will appear.

  
  

  Prices 

  • Single Registration* – For those who would like their own room
  • Double Registration* – If two people are attending and would like to share a room, this is your best option (total registration, paid with one credit card, NOT per person)

  
  

  EARLY BIRD PRICE: Paid in full by July 31, 2025	REGULAR PRICE: Paid August 1 - August 17, 2025
  Single   -  $1195	Single   -  $1314
  Double -  $1650	Double -  $1815

  
  

  Group size is limited so register early!

  
  

  A $100 non-refundable deposit per room, paid at time of registration before July 17, 2025, will hold your space. 

  
  

  The remaining balance is due no later than August 17, 2025.  You will get the Early Bird Price if balance is paid in full by July 31, 2025.

  
  

  
  

  *The fee is by the room – doubles will pay with one credit card. One person registers and is in charge of collecting the room fees from their chosen roommate.
  *SDGS is not able to offer a non-researcher rate: all registrants will be able to attend the two dinners, Library tour and orientation, classes and receive a Goody Bag.
  

  * Airfare and local transportation are not included.

  * Refunds: $100 deposit is non-refundable. No refunds after October 2, 2025.

  Remember to log in to your member profile first, so the registration button will appear, if you like to register.
  

  If you have any questions, please contact Marjorie Geiser at membership@casdgs.org.

  
  

  Prior Trip Participant Quotes -- “Thank you so much for sponsoring the tour to the Family Search library. We learned so much, especially how to make our way through the library on our own.” “This trip was very well organized, the goodie bags were full of extremely useful items and the people who attended were lots of fun. It was so great meeting so many new people and getting to know them!” “The trip exceeded my expectations. The actual research was work, but there was lots of help. I felt totally comfortable in every aspect of the trip.”

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• British Isles SIG-Hybrid Meeting

  • When
    15 Nov 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    4195 Camino del Rio S San Diego CA 92108

  

  
  

    British Isles Special Interest Group

  

  Topic:  Genealogical Resources for London

  
  

  Speaker:  Colin Whitney

  
  

   

  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.
  

  The public is welcome to register and attend.

  Show details
• DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting

  • When
    06 Dec 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Only
  • Spaces left
    300

  

  
  

  DNA Special Interest Group

  

  Topic:  Tools to Enhance Your DNA Research

  
  

  Speaker:  Colin Whitney

  
  

   

  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.

  Show details