Southern California Genealogical Society and Family Research Library

08/21/2026

Spread the word: share with a friend!
https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/call-for-proposals-2027

08/21/2026

Escape the heat! Visit the SCGS Library on Saturday, Aug. 22, to receive help with your DAR application and get your questions answered by SCGS Board member and longtime DAR member Kathy Holland. She'll be at our library in Burbank from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Restaurants nearby!

https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/dar-application-assistance-2026-08-22-11-00

08/17/2026

We'll see you at the free Jean Wilcox Hibben online Webinar on Wednesday, August 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. PT. Jean will discuss "Conflation: Is that a Single Story or a Combination?"
Register now: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5180932227201061975

08/15/2026

SCGS is hosting two events this weekend:
On Saturday, August 15, at 1 p.m., the German Interest Group is hosting genealogist Milan Pohontsch, who will present "Living in East Germany as a Deeply Rooted Christian” in a hybrid format.
More information: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/german-group-milan-pohontsch-2

On Sunday, August 16, at 1 p.m., the Roots Magic User Group meets virtually at 2 p.m. PT.
Info: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/roots-magic-software-user-group-2026-08-16-14-00

SCGS's German Interest Group hosts genealogist Milan Pohontsch, who will present "Living in East Germany as a Deeply Rooted Christian" on Saturday, August 15, at 1 p.m. in a hybrid format.

08/10/2026

🌳 NEW at SCGS: WikiTreers! 🌳

Tuesday, August 11 | 10 a.m. to noon

Join us at the SCGS Family Research Library in Burbank for the launch of SCGS’s new WikiTreers user group!

Whether you're brand new to WikiTree or a longtime user, come learn, share ideas, solve research problems, and connect with fellow genealogists. Led by longtime Germanic genealogist and WikiTree user Gordon Seyffert, the group is designed for all experience levels. No formal lecture—just conversation, collaboration, and plenty of WikiTree know-how.

📍 SCGS Family Research Library
411 Irving Drive, Burbank

👋 Beginners are especially welcome!

Come be part of the very first WikiTreers meeting at SCGS!

08/07/2026

Calling all local volunteers -- We need help packing books!

Beginning in a week or so, we will be putting all of our discarded library books into big boxes that will be shipped away and NOT end up in a landfill. Can you spare an hour or two to help? Many hands make light work! Please email us at [email protected] if you are willing and able to lend a hand. We will notify everyone of the schedule when we know it. Many many thanks!

08/06/2026

This Weekend & Monday at SCGS

Spend the weekend expanding your genealogy knowledge with four engaging online programs from SCGS. From forensic genetic genealogy and collaborative problem-solving to family history writing and genealogy software tips, there's something for every researcher.

Saturday, August 8 | 1 p.m. PT
Lunch & Learn: Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick
SCGS's free Lunch & Learn welcomes renowned forensic genealogist Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick, who will present "That Was Then, This Is Now: How Genetic Genealogy Connected with Forensics." Discover how advances in genetic genealogy have transformed forensic investigations and learn how these two disciplines have become increasingly intertwined in solving complex cases. Registration is required.

Reserve your spot by registering: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1469983726146967133
Learn more: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/lunch-learn-colleen-fitzpatrick-phd

Saturday, August 8 | 3 p.m. PT
African American Interest Group & Brick Walls
Bring your toughest research questions and collaborate with fellow genealogists during this interactive session devoted to African American family history. Whether you're tackling a long-standing brick wall or sharing your expertise, everyone is welcome.

Learn more: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/african-american-interest-group-and-brick-walls-problems-time-2026-08-08-15-00

Sunday, August 9 | 1 p.m. PT
Writers Group Online
Turn names and dates into compelling family stories. The SCGS Writers Group welcomes genealogists of all experience levels to discuss writing techniques, share work, and learn how to preserve family history through engaging storytelling.

More info: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/writers-group-online-2026-08-09-13-00

Monday, August 10 | 6 p.m. PT
Legacy Family Tree User Group
Whether you're new to Legacy Family Tree or an experienced user, this informal online group is a great place to learn tips, ask questions, and discover features that can make your genealogy research more efficient.

Discover more: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/legacy-family-tree-2026-08-10-18-00

07/30/2026

🌳 Weekend Roundup at SCGS!

🌵 GSHA-SC General Meeting
Award-winning genealogist and historian José Antonio Esquibel presents "Encomendero Families," exploring Spanish colonial genealogy and the history of New Mexico. Attend in person or online. Those attending at the SCGS Family Research Library can enjoy networking, a complimentary pizza lunch, and more.

Learn more:
https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/gsha-sc-meeting-jose-
antonio-esquibel

🌺 NikkeiGen: Finding Okinawan Roots
Discover research methods and resources for tracing Okinawan ancestry with representatives from the Okinawa Prefectural Library, the Okinawan Association of America, and the Okinawan Memories Project. This special program is ideal for anyone interested in Japanese and Okinawan family history.

Learn more:
https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/nikkei-gen-finding-okinawan-roots

📣 Please Note: The TMG User Group meeting scheduled for Saturday, August 1, has been canceled. We look forward to seeing TMG users back at the next meeting in September.

Have a wonderful weekend, and happy researching!

07/25/2026

Stop by the SCGS Library in Burbank on Saturday, July 25, for help with your DAR application. Kathy Holland, a SCGS Board Member and DAR expert, will help you trace your lineage back to the American Revolution and gather the documents needed to become a DAR member. Come on in between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m!

More info: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/dar-application-assistance-2026-07-25-11-00

07/16/2026

Take your mind off the heat, wherever you are this weekend, with SCGS's lineup of speakers and classes!

Join SCGS's Italian Interest Group on Saturday, July 18, as they host Professor Laura Ruberto virtually for the presentation, "Conflicting Identities in the United States During World War II" at 10 a.m. PT.

Details and how to join the discussion here: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/italian-interest-group-laura-e-ruberto

SCGS's German Interest Group hosts genealogist Milan Pohontsch also on Saturday, July 18, for its hybrid meeting, held both online and at the SCGS Family Research Library in Burbank. Milan will virtually discuss currency and the robbery of library books during East Germany's Socialist era. The meeting will be held from 1 to 3:40 p.m. PT.

More info: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/german-interest-group-milan-pohontsch-1

On Sunday, July 19, Roots Magic meets virtually from 2 to 4 p.m. PT. Learn more: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/roots-magic-software-user-group-2026-07-19-14-00

We're looking forward to seeing you this weekend! Stay cool!