Santa Clara County Historical & Genealogical Society - SCCHGS

What Olympics Stars stories do you have in your family tree?

This is a story of a young woman who was in the 1924 Olympics and she was the first woman to swim the English Channel.

https://www.pbs.org/video/she-was-first-woman-swim-across-english-channel-r8r7td/

Here’s to success with your research project.

American Masters | She was the First Woman to Swim Across the English Channel | PBS Gertrude Ederle made history in 1926 as the first woman to swim across the English Channel

Thank you to our July presenter, Jamie McManus Mayhew!

Please see our latest events at our website https://www.scchgs.org/ - stop by and say hello to our Genealogy consultants at the Santa Clara City library.

SCCHGS Home

“If He Could Do It, I Could Too” - Stories of Women Homesteaders
Online meeting, Tues, July 16, 2024

Presenter: Jamie McManus Mayhew
When: Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PDT
Member meeting at 6:30 pm. Speaker at 6:45 pm.
Where: Online meeting via Zoom Meeting

Contrary to the traditional narratives that glorify men as the sole adventurers and pioneers of the West, women played a crucial role in shaping the frontier. Eager to stake their own claims, single, widowed, and divorced women embraced homesteading with enthusiasm and determination. By exploring the homesteading experience in the United States Public Land States through their stories, we uncover a richer, more inclusive history of the West's settlement.

Jamie Lee McManus Mayhew began researching with her mother as her first mentor over five decades ago. She started her business, California Cousins, in 2010. She is the president of the Association of Professional Genealogists Writers Special Interest Group.

Our meetings are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-07-16-jamie-mcmanus-mayhew.html

Do you know you may access prior event presentations and all newsletters as a member of Santa Clara County Historical & Genealogical Society - SCCHGS?
Join today for research tools.

About this picture:
Historical Home of Samuel Johnson
Downtown Santa Clara, CA 1850

https://www.scchgs.org/

Thank you Junel Davidsen for our June
presentation!

https://www.scchgs.org/
Please see the website for events and classes.

SCCHGS Home

General Meeting: “Exploring Un-Indexed Records at FamilySearch”

Online meeting via Zoom Meeting

18 Jun 2024
Presenter: Junel Davidsen
When: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PDT

FamilySearch has a huge collection of record images, but many have not been indexed. Because these records are not ’name-searchable‘ in the database, researchers need to take a few more steps to find them. Taking the time to learn the steps can save time and result in amazing finds. Junel will show us different ways to access collections that are not yet indexed and how to find records of genealogical importance.

Junel Davidsen is a professional genealogist specializing in courthouse and forensic research. She helps families in finding missing relatives and estate administrators in locating next-of-kin.

Our meetings are free and open to the public.

To join our meeting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 18 tap to our website and register. Registration is required.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-06-18-junel-davidsen.html

Thank you Diane Elder for our May presentation!

All speakers and classes are on our website. www.scchgs.org

Our May event:
“Solving a Family Mystery with DNA”
Online meeting via Zoom

Presenter: Diana Elder
When: Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PDT
Member meeting at 6:30 pm. Speaker at 6:45 pm.
Where: Online meeting via Zoom Meeting

Learn how combining traditional research with DNA evidence revealed an unknown grandfather in this compelling case study. See how Y-DNA and autosomal DNA used in tandem with the documentary sources solved this family’s mystery.

Diana Elder is a professional genealogist accredited in the Gulf South region of the United States. Diana authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide and co-authored the companion volume, Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist’s Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence. Diana and her daughter, Nicole Dyer, host the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast and share research tips on their website, FamilyLocket.com.

Our meetings are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required.
Tap to our website to register.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-05-21-diana-elder.html

General Meeting:
“History and Ghost Walks: Downtown Santa Clara, California”
Online meeting

Presenter: Donna West
When: Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PDT

Where: Online meeting via Zoom Meeting

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-04-16-donna-west.html

Santa Clara, California is one of the ten oldest incorporated cities in the Bay Area with a history that predates California statehood and includes indigenous people. Yet the most common question people ask today is “Where is downtown Santa Clara?”

Local forty-year resident, guide, and heritage researcher Donna West walks the virtual path of Franklin Street, showing us hidden treasures, as the people and ghosts of Santa Clara, past and present, come alive.

Our meetings are free and open to the public.

To join our meeting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April 16:

The meeting will be conducted via a Zoom online meeting.
Pre-registration is required.
Click here to register; a meeting link will be sent to your email.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-04-16-donna-west.html

Thank you for sharing excellent story and presentation Gene Stowe!

General Meeting: “Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie’s Will”
Online meeting

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-03-19-gene-stowe.html

Presenter: Gene Stowe
When:
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PDT

Where: Online meeting via Zoom Meeting please register at the website first.

Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie’s Will, is the story of antebellum white sisters who bequeathed their 800-acre homeplace to a Black man and his daughter in 1920, which caused a sensational trial.

Author Gene Stowe will discuss “What Is Family?” considering not only genetic but also adoptive families and other relationships that are recognized by the surrounding society, and unexpectedly moved two white juries to uphold Miss Maggie’s will.

Our meetings are free and open to the public. Please register first.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-03-19-gene-stowe.html

General Meeting: “Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie’s Will”
Online meeting

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-03-19-gene-stowe.html

Presenter: Gene Stowe
When:
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PDT

Where: Online meeting via Zoom Meeting please register at the website first.

Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie’s Will, is the story of antebellum white sisters who bequeathed their 800-acre homeplace to a Black man and his daughter in 1920, which caused a sensational trial.

Author Gene Stowe will discuss “What Is Family?” considering not only genetic but also adoptive families and other relationships that are recognized by the surrounding society, and unexpectedly moved two white juries to uphold Miss Maggie’s will.

Our meetings are free and open to the public. Please register first.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-03-19-gene-stowe.html

Who is ready for this event? What research plans do you have?
Find out more about our website:

https://www.scchgs.org/

Can you believe RootsTech 2024 is in SEVEN days? We have so many things planned—classes, speakers, activities, vendors, and so much more for all ages and skills.

You still have one week to register for RootsTech. Click the link to get a pass—https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/?cid=SO-00038842

Thank you Judy G. Russell!
- for the excellent presentation on Tuesday evening!

Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist,

“From 1619 to Juneteenth — Slavery and the Law Before the Civil War” Tues webinar, Feb 20.

Find more events and resources at our website.

SCCHGS Home

We invite you to our February meeting event.

“From 1619 to Juneteenth — Slavery and the Law Before the Civil War”

Presenter:
Judy G. Russell, presenting virtually
When:
Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PST

Tap to our website for information and registration for our free event.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-02-20--russell--slavery-and-the-law.html

No issue more bitterly impacted early America than slavery. Defended by some, and decried by others, slavery left its mark on the laws of the nation and all the states, enslaved or free. The records created by those laws provide critical clues for genealogists, whether descended from enslaved or enslaver.

Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist, is a genealogist with a law degree who provides expert guidance through the murky territory where law and family history intersect. An internationally‐known lecturer and award‐winning writer, she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist and Certified Genealogical Lecturer from the Board for Certification of Genealogists. Her blog is at www.legalgenealogist.com.

Our meetings are free and open to the public.

o attend on-line

The meeting will be conducted via a Zoom online meeting.
The meeting is at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, February 20
Pre-registration is required.
Click here to register; a meeting link will be sent to your email.
To attend in-person viewing

Meet in the Redwood Room, Santa Clara Central Park Library, 2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara
The meeting is at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, February 20
Pre-registration is requested. Please send us an email with your name and the expected number of attendees.
Click to send email to the Program Chairs at InPerson.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-02-20--russell--slavery-and-the-law.html

Do you know who our speaker is in February 2024?

Sign up early today. Happy family history and genealogy researching.

SCCHGS - Slavery and the Law

Thank you Judy Nimer Muhn for the wonderful presentation last night!

Share February event i https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-02-20--russell--slavery-and-the-law.html

“No Dead Ends: Finding Your Way Through Family Roadblocks”
Online meeting

16. Jan. 2024
Presenter: Judy Nimer Muhn
When: Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PST

No genealogist works their way through their family history without coming across the challenges of what looks like a dead end: no records, no obvious next step, unidentified parents, and more. Learn about the tools, techniques, and ways of thinking of professional genealogists to find ways to get around those roadblocks and continue your ancestral journey.

Judy has been researching her family tree since the age of 12. She is the owner of Lineage Journeys and is a member of several prominent genealogy societies. She conducts research for clients and offers presentations for churches, libraries, and organizations.

Our meetings are free and open to the public.

To join our meeting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, January 16. The meeting will be conducted via a Zoom online meeting. Pre-registration is required.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-01-16--muhn--no-deadends.html

“No Dead Ends: Finding Your Way Through Family Roadblocks”
Online meeting

16. Jan. 2024
Presenter: Judy Nimer Muhn
When: Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PST

No genealogist works their way through their family history without coming across the challenges of what looks like a dead end: no records, no obvious next step, unidentified parents, and more. Learn about the tools, techniques, and ways of thinking of professional genealogists to find ways to get around those roadblocks and continue your ancestral journey.

Judy has been researching her family tree since the age of 12. She is the owner of Lineage Journeys and is a member of several prominent genealogy societies. She conducts research for clients and offers presentations for churches, libraries, and organizations.

Our meetings are free and open to the public.

To join our meeting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, January 16. The meeting will be conducted via a Zoom online meeting. Pre-registration is required.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2024-01-16--muhn--no-deadends.html

Happy New Year 2024! We have excellent events this year starting with January 16. Tap to our website for a preview of who is speaking. Of course see our amazing classes and groups for sharing your research. Thank you for following us.

SCCHGS Home

Come see our Heritage Pavilion
Wednesday
December 13, 2023 at 10:30 am

“Tour of the Heritage Pavilion Genealogy Collection and Resources”
In person only

https://www.scchgs.org/events/special-event-2023-12-13--moffett--heritage-pavilion.html

Guide:
Nancy Moffett
When:
Wednesday, December 13, 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. PST
Where:
Heritage Pavilion, 2nd Floor of Santa Clara Central Park Library
2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, California

Come join genealogy consultant, Nancy Moffett, for a tour of the Genealogy and Local History Collection at the Santa Clara Central Park Library.

Nancy will point out the resources and tools ‐ books, reference sets, microfilm, maps, databases, local history clippings, surname files, photo collections, and consultants—that can help you with your research. There are resources available for all locations, not just Santa Clara County. Following the tour, Nancy will be available to consult about your research.

Bring a research question and your laptop. You can use the attached worksheet to help craft a question to direct your research. Two computer workstations are available for sharing for those unable to bring their own computer.



Our events are free and open to the public.
Website announcement:

https://www.scchgs.org/events/special-event-2023-12-13--moffett--heritage-pavilion.html

What are your family stories today? What are you grateful for?

We are thankful and grateful for all of you. We are thankful to all of our volunteers who support our organization. From all of us at Santa Clara County Historical & Genealogical Society - SCCHGS Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁

Happy Thanksgiving! Create and share your family history stories from all traditions to modern day tables with family and friends in our community.

From all of us at Santa Clara County Historical & Genealogical Society. We are are grateful for all you. We are thankful for our many volunteers who continue to support our society and community research resources.


https://www.scchgs.org/

Thank you James Bording with the excellent excellent presentation on Tuesday evening! Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

“Rosicrucian Park Revealed: A Glimpse into San José’s Mystical Oasis”
Online meeting

Presenter: James Bording
When: Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PST

Where:
Online meeting via Zoom Meeting

Established in the early Twentieth Century, Rosicrucian Park stands as a beacon of mysticism, ancient Egyptian culture, and esoteric wisdom in the Santa Clara Valley. Its intricately designed Egyptian Museum, Planetarium, Labyrinth, and Peace Garden not only provide a haven for mystics but have significantly enriched the cultural and historical tapestry of San José. In this presentation, we will delve into Rosicrucian Park’s foundation and trace its evolution over the years.

Our meetings are free and open to the public.

To join our meeting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 21:

The meeting will be conducted via a Zoom online meeting.
Pre-registration is required.
Click here to register; a meeting link will be sent to your email.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2023-11-21-bording--rosicrucian-park.html

Have you been to one of the Genealogy classes? After your wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, get started with research.

Remember our free Class: “Getting Organized” is
Wednesday, November 29, 1:00 - 4:30 pm at the Central Park List. Yes,
In-person seminar and free. Please register first.

Presenters:
Pam Fujii and Dave McCready
When:
Wednesday, November 29, 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Where:
Santa Clara Central Park Library, Redwood Room

What is documentation? This class will explain what a “source” is and how to document it. We will also explore the organization of your genealogy materials. View how seasoned genealogists organize their materials. We will also review some of the different genealogy reports to help you analyze your findings. Looking for a Genealogy Program for your computer? You will learn what to look for when choosing a computer program.

Masks are optional.

Free and open to all. In order to receive class notices and handouts, pre-registration is required.

Registration open: October 18 through November 27

Free, please register at our website.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/class-2023-11-29-getting-organized.php

“Rosicrucian Park Revealed: A Glimpse into San José’s Mystical Oasis”
Online meeting

Presenter: James Bording
When: Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PST

Where:
Online meeting via Zoom Meeting

Established in the early Twentieth Century, Rosicrucian Park stands as a beacon of mysticism, ancient Egyptian culture, and esoteric wisdom in the Santa Clara Valley. Its intricately designed Egyptian Museum, Planetarium, Labyrinth, and Peace Garden not only provide a haven for mystics but have significantly enriched the cultural and historical tapestry of San José. In this presentation, we will delve into Rosicrucian Park’s foundation and trace its evolution over the years.

Our meetings are free and open to the public.

To join our meeting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 21:

The meeting will be conducted via a Zoom online meeting.
Pre-registration is required.
Click here to register; a meeting link will be sent to your email.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2023-11-21-bording--rosicrucian-park.html

Thank you to everyone who came to our map reception on Saturday. It was a huge success.

Thank you to all the multiple people who worked so hard to get the maps funded, restored, and hung. This involved many more people and organizations than one might imagine. Thank you! From Santa Clara County Historical & Genealogical Society - SCCHGS

Pictures courtesy Nancy Moffett, Past President

For information please see our website

https://www.scchgs.org/index.html

Map Reception
In-person July 15. 2024

When:
Saturday, July 15, 2023, 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Where: Heritage Pavilion
Santa Clara City Library
2635 Homestead Road
Santa Clara, California

Come celebrate our acquisition, restoration, framing, and installation of our 1890 and 1929 maps of Santa Clara County.

Our meetings are free and open to the public. Tap over to our website for information.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/special-event-2023-07-15-map-reception.html

General Meeting: “Historical Records of the American Colonization Society”
Online meeting. - Jun 20, 2023

Presenter: Sandy Schaad
When: Tuesday June 20, 2023, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PDT

Where: Online meeting via Zoom Meeting

The American Colonization Society (ACS) funded creation of the Liberian Colony in Africa for free blacks and manumitted slaves. The ACS’s records are a treasure trove of genealogical records. Learn about the ACS and how its records are of use to genealogists.

Our meetings are free and open to the public. Please pre-register at our website and a meeting link will be sent to you.

https://www.scchgs.org/events/general-meeting-2023-06-20-schaad-american-colonization-society.html