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Tech Talk 2-Minute Survey
Webinars for genealogy education | |
SCGS is developing new programs for our society's members and friends. Because these new programs will take advantage of today's technology, we want to find the best way to deliver the programs. This month's "Tech Talk 2-Minute" survey asks about using Internet webinars for genealogy training. Please click this link to take the survey. Your responses will be anonymous, and you will be able to see the combined results once you are finished. In September, we asked about your use of mobile phones, including smart-phones. The web-based survey was open to SCGS members and non-members. Results showed that: 336 people completed the survey. All but 15 respondents had a cell phone, although several indicated they had it only for emergencies. Cell phones were used for many purposes in addition to telephone calls: Answer PercentTalk on the phone 84.99%Take photos 48.16%Text messaging 46.74%Social networking 17.56%Go to the Web 26.35%Use apps 22.10%Maps or GPS 23.80%Listen to podcasts 10.48%Listen to music 15.86%Watch videos 11.33%Play games 16.15%Read / send email 26.06%Genealogy research 13.88%Emergencies only 11.61%Other 7.08%Age to 39 5.59%40 to 49 8.84%50 to 59 23.59%60 to 69 34.22%70 or older 27.12% |
Featured SCGS Program:
Challenge 3141
We are very excited to announce the launch of a challenge program that is designed to expand the collection at the SCGS Family History Library. Ladies and gentlemen, please meet Challenge 3141.
What Is Challenge 3141? The Census Bureau lists 3141 counties (including county equivalent territory such as independent cities) in the United States. We want to make significant progress toward our goal of having at least one resource for every county in the United States, thus the "Challenge 3141" name. We are turning to our members to help us expand our collection and asking each member to Adopt A County.How can you participate? You can participate in this challenge by contributing materials for one or more of the counties that you are researching.1. You may have acquired publications or reference guides in the course of your own research and no longer need to keep them handy. Why not donate them to the SCGS Library? You can regain some shelf space at home and help the Library at the same time. Best of all, you can still have access to the resource if needed.2. Do you have publications on your wish list for counties you are researching. Purchase these materials and have them sent to you. Use them to do your lookup, and then pass them along to the SCGS Library.3. If several publications are available for a particular county, you could send the list or order form to the Library, along with a donation to cover the publications you suggest be purchased. Our Book Committee will make the purchase on your behalf.4. Finally, we will be glad to accept a financial donation targeted toward the Challenge 3141 project. On your check, you can indicate the county or counties you would like to support.5. If you are inspired to donate more than one resource, you can either send them all from a single county, or you can select materials from several counties.6. You may also donate $20 toward the Society's LDS film collection. Indicate the film number and the county covered in the film.What kinds of publications and resources do we want?We are most interested in materials that are not easily accessible on the Internet. County level indexes for a US Census, for example, do not add much value to the collection because of the ease of obtaining the information with our Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest online subscriptions. However, special state-level censuses that have been indexed at the county or town could be very beneficial.
Of particular interest are county or state newsletters, vital records indexes -- birth, marriage, death -- cemetery listings, immigration or naturalization, probate or other legal index, newspaper indexes, city directories, church or military records. Vital records are highly desirable, as are genealogy society or historical society indexes or publications. Please do not send general historical volumes and other non-indexed (or non-searchable digital) materials. No newspapers, please.Although family histories are not included in this challenge, we will gladly accept donations of printed family histories or genealogies at any time, pursuant to the Society's donation policy. The material can be in hardcover, soft-cover, or spiral-bound print format, or it can be on CD or microfilm.
Read more about the Challenge 3141 here.
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Volunteer Corner
SCGS Needs You!
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 We often get questions about volunteer opportunities through SCGS. Learn what's available - Join our webinar on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. PST. Click on the link below to attend: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/495362576Call in using your telephone. Dial +1 626-521-0011 Access Code: 495-362-576 Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting Meeting Password: SCGSneedsYou Meeting ID: 495-362-576 World Archives Project | 
SCGS has been a supporter of the Ancestry World Archives Project (WAP) since it began nearly three years ago. Volunteers with PCs can transcribe records in the comfort of their own homes.
The project announced a special challenge that can earn large grants for genealogical societies. Prizes will be awarded to the five individuals who transcribe the most records between now and the end of December, as follows:
1st place $2500
2nd place $1500
3rd place $ 500
4th place $ 250
5th place $ 250
Individuals can also earn points that can be spent for gifts, including a one-year World Deluxe subscription to Ancestry. Read all about it on the World Archives Project website.
SCGS's participation in WAP has earned the rights for its members to use, free of cost, several of Ancestry's immigration and naturalization records for Southern California. These records will be available on the SCGS website in the near future.
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SCGS and the
Family Research Library |  |
Southern California Genealogical Society
Hours of Operation:
10:00am - 4:00pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
10:00am - 9:00pm Tuesdays
10:00am - 4:00pm 3rd and 4th Saturdays
10:00am - 4:00pm 1st and 2nd Sundays
Closed MondaysLibrary open to the public; donations gratefully accepted.
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SCGS News
 Lunch and Learn
Saturday, November 13.
The November 13 Lunch & Learn session features our own Jay Holladay, board member and leader of the Society's IT team, who will be speaking on "Kentucky Research." SCGS Library, 417 Irving Drive, Burbank. 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m. Lunch on your own from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Bring a brown bag or choose something tasty from Subway, Starbucks or California Pizza House, all located within a block of SCGS. The library is closed for research. For additional information, contact Charlotte Bocage at [email protected]. This is the last Lunch 'n' Learn session for 2010. Stay tuned for announcements about next year's sessions. Annual Meeting, Potluck and Silent Auction
Saturday, December 11Make plans today to attend the SCGS Annual Meeting on Saturday, December 11, 2010, at the SCGS headquarters at 417 Irving Drive in Burbank. Bring your favorite item to the potluck and bid on silent auction items to round out your gift list. During the annual meeting, you'll hear a recap of 2010 and projections for 2011 and beyond. We'll have drawings for several excellent door prizes, including: - a copy of RootsMagic - a copy of Legacy Family Tree and tutorial book and DVD - certificate for free registration for a Family Tree Magazine webinar - "Create a Family History" DVD and instruction manual - "Heritage Collector Pro" DVD software and instructions - "Crash Course in Family History" book, autographed by Paul Larsen, and - a three-day basic registration to the 2011 Genealogy Jamboree Please let us know if you will be attending. Just click here to respond. Newly elected members of the Board of Directors will be introduced at the Annual Meeting. Speaking of which ... Have You Voted?The political ads have ended but you have another chance to voice your opinion. Have you voted for the 2011 SCGS Board of Directors? Members should have received their ballots within the past week or so. If you are a member in good standing and haven't yet received your ballot, please contact secretary Heidi Ziegler at [email protected]. Ballots must be received by Wednesday, December 8.
Holiday Hours at the SCGS Library
The SCGS Library will follow a special holiday schedule, as follows:
Closed November 24-25 for Thanksgiving. Open November 26.
Closed December 23-27 for Christmas. Open December 28.
Closed December 31-January 1 for New Year's. Open January 2.
Help SCGS by Shopping at Ralphs or Food4Less
In our last newsletter, we announced the instructions to participate in the Ralphs Community Contribution program. If you haven't registered yet, here's another painless, easy way to participate and earn a contribution for SCGS.
Just download this letter, print it out, and present it, along with your Ralphs Rewards Card, at the Ralphs or Food4Less checkout. You can share this letter with your friends who are not online or who do not have access to a computer. Let's see if we can get 500 SCGS members enrolled in the program!
Final Issue of The News & Notes Available for Download
Thanks to Pam Wiedenbeck, Louise Calaway, Janie Graef, and the myriad others who have worked to produce the Society's newsletter, The News & Notes over the past eight years. The final issue has been posted online on the SCGS website. The monthly e-newsletter will replace The News & Notes. Feel free to pass this along to your friends, cousins, or members of your genealogical society. Subscription is free - follow the links at the bottom of this email.
SCGS at the Pleasanton, California, Family History Expo
 SCGS hosted an information booth at the Pleasanton, California, Family History Expo on October 8 and 9 which was held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Paula Hinkel, Pieter Breitner, Michelle Chavez and Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, CG, staffed the booth at the Family History Expo in Pleasanton, California, on October 8-9.
We loved meeting so many Northern California members of SCGS, as well as several past and future Jamboree attendees. We literally had hundreds pass through the booth over the two days in Pleasanton. We welcome the new members who joined SCGS that weekend. By signing up at our booth, two lucky attendees won full registrations to Jamboree: Tom Tippets from Valencia and Karen Morey from Long Beach. Extra-loud cheers go to Michelle Chavez from Sacramento, who traveled nearly 2 hours each way to staff the booth on behalf of the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America - Southern California Chapter. And when she wasn't speaking, Jean Hibben joined us in the booth to greet guests, assist with research questions, and spread the word about SCGS and Jamboree. Michelle and Jean, we couldn't have done it without you! Thanks again for your help.
SCGS at the LA as Subject Archives Bazaar
 It was a pleasure to participate in the 5th Annual Archives Bazaar, which was held at Doheny Library at USC on Saturday, October 23. The event, hosted by LA as Subject, showcases the many archives located throughout Southern California. SCGS board members Heidi Ziegler, Donie Nelson, Cathy Romero and volunteers Denny Ertsman and others staffed the tables shared by SCGS and the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America-SoCal chapter ( GSHA-SC) table. It's Gift-Giving Time Again
 | SALE!
Limited Time Only.
$10 + tax/handling |
We can help you with gift ideas for any genealogist on your shopping list. SCGS gift certificates can be purchased in $10 increments. They do not expire and can be used for Jamboree registration, membership dues, research team assistance, or any of the excellent vital record or cemetery indexes published by SCGS. And don't be shy if your family asks what you want for your gift. Suggest an SCGS gift certificate and treat yourself to a genealogical gift.Here's a great idea: Keep a couple of copies of Megan Smolenyak's wonderful book, "Who Do You Think You Are" on hand to give to a novice family historian. They'll thank you every time they refer to the volume for assistance in finding their own ancestors. While quantities last, you can purchase this book for only $10 (plus tax and handling) through SCGS. Order online or place your order by phone using a credit card. Of course, you can always shop in person when you come into the Library.Online shoppers can flex their bargain-hunting muscles on Amazon.com or the hundreds of companies on the iGive.com website. Be sure to click through the SCGS affiliate links on the SCGS website before you begin shopping. That will ensure that your purchase earns a donation for SCGS.
Sign up for Notices from the
 | | Click to sign up for the SCGS online newsletter |
SCGS Online Newsletter
Get up-to-the-minute notice of SCGS activities, bargains from genealogy suppliers, and news from Los Angeles record repositories and searchers. Sign up to receive emails from the SCGS online newsletter. Enter your email address in the upper right hand side of the page at SCGS's online newsletter (aka "the blog") and be in the know!
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French-Canadian Heritage Society of California
Semi-Annual Meeting
November 21, 2010
11 a.m. - Noon "Beginning French-Canadian Research" by Pam Wiedenbeck
Noon - 1 p.m. Social hour with potluck lunch
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Discussion of the major resources in FCHSC's research collection - Panel: Doug Miller, Joan Phillips, & Raymonde Motil
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. "Hands-on" research assistance from our team of experts
Doors open at 10 a.m. The show starts at 11. Join us for one activity or stay the entire time.
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Jamboree
 It's coming soon. We will reveal the speakers and activities planned for the 2011 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree. Attend the Annual Meeting on Saturday, December 11, and be the first to see what to expect at the Society's largest event.
This year will feature a special all-day GENEii Family History Writers Conference on Thursday, June 9. Those of you who participated in our first Family History Writers Conference in 2007 know that this special event is a real treat, full of invaluable information for those who plan to write a book for the family.
The Jamboree website will be up and running by January 1, 2011. Check the website and the Jamboree Blog for all the up-to-the-minute news.
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November / December Calendar
06 Nov - The Master Genealogist User Group Meeting 06 Nov - DNA Interest Group Meeting 06 Nov - DNA Administrators' Meeting 08 Nov - Legacy Users Group Meeting 09 Nov - Writers Group 11 Nov - Long-Range Planning Committee 13 Nov - Jamboree Committee 13 Nov - Lunch 'n' Learn 15 Nov - Legacy User Group 16 Nov - Hispanic Tuesday 18 Nov - Board of Directors 20 Nov - German Interest Group 21 Nov - French-Canadian Heritage Society of CA 24-25 Nov - Library closed for Thanksgiving 28 Nov - RootsMagic User Group 28 Nov - Writers Group 04 Dec - GSHA-SC Annual Meeting and Holiday Gathering 07 Dec - Writers Group 09 Dec - Long-Range Planning Committee 11 Dec - Annual Meeting, Potluck and Silent Auction 19 Dec - Writers Group 19 Dec - RootsMagic User Group 23-27 Dec - Closed for Christmas holiday 31 Dec - Submission deadline for GENEii Writing Contest 31 Dec-1 Jan - closed for New Year's Second Tuesday - German Workgroup Every Wednesday - French-Canadian Research Team Every Thursday - German Research Team Every Friday - 1890 Project Proofreading Team
2011 Upcoming Events 08 Jan - San Diego Genealogical Society Annual Seminar and Luncheon29 Jan - WAGS Annual Seminar with Lisa Louise Cooke10-12 Feb - RootsTech Conference in Salt Lake City, UT19 Feb - West Valley AZ Genealogical Society Seminar with Arlene Eakle09 Jun - GENEii Family History Writers Conference in Burbank, CA 10-12 Jun - Southern California Genealogy Jamboree in Burbank, CA If you have events that you would like listed in the SCGS update, please send an email to phinkel@scgsgenealogy. Put "Area Event" in the subject line. |
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Resources and Blog Posts of Note
With over 1000 genealogy blogs, and more being added every day, news about new resources is available with just a few keystrokes. Here are just a few that were announced recently. Thanks to Dick Eastman, Randy Seaver, Ken Bicknell and the many other bloggers who provided the original posts linked below:
Ancestry.com purchases Footnote.com
What's Missing from the National Archives?
Family Tree Maker 2010 for Mac Now Available
FamilySearch Indexing Update
Delaware Vital Records online, free
Parish Registers of Wales to go Online
McDuffie County, Georgia, Confederate Records Found
Library and Archives Canada Guide Published
New Canadian Naturalization Database Released
French Genealogy Records Online
Allen County Public Library Launches new Website
Worcester, Massachusetts, Vital Records CD Available
Pennsylvania Historical Society Research Room Closed Until February 2011
Creative, new Family Tree Charts Available
Upper Canada Land Petitions 1763-1865
Current and Future Developments at FamilySearch
Ancestry Labs and Person View
Have you Tried Linkpendium Lately?
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Donation: From: ____________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________________________________________
Purpose: [ ] unrestricted [ ] directed for: ________________________________ Amount: $____________
SCGS is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations may be deductible as allowed by law.
Send to: Century Club, Southern California Genealogical Society, 417 Irving Drive, Burbank, CA 91504
October-November 2010 Monthly Update
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