Learning your Ancestors’ Stories

When I think about my interest in genealogy, I realize that discovering the stories about my ancestors’ extraordinary experiences is what keeps me motivated to do the research. An example of this came to me when we had a genealogy program on Ellis Island at Central Library a few weeks ago, given by speaker Lisa Lee. Speaking no English and traveling separately, I knew the journey through Ellis Island had not been an easy one for my grandparents. Learning more through Lisa’s talk, exploring some of the library’s books on Ellis Island and using some genealogy databases has made their experiences more real to me.

Every family has interesting stories to discover, and help in finding those stories is always available. Along with the resources available in the Genealogy Center at Central Library, I recommend taking advantage of these free programs:

At Central Library – Saturdays, 1:30 – 3:00 pm, in the West Meeting Room:

• March 21st: Introduction to Genealogy Research, with Glenda Lloyd
• May 2nd: Getting Organized, with Glenda Lloyd
• May 16th: Oral Histories: Getting your Family to Talk to You, with Lisa Lee
• May 30th: U.S. Military Pensions, with Barbara Leak

And if you are interested in getting some individual help in your research, take advantage of Central Library’s Book a Genealogist program. Genealogy volunteers are available to meet with you by appointment.

For information on Central Library’s genealogy programs, call 916-264-2920, or visit the library's new home page and click the "events" menu button near the top of the screen. If you’re interested in being on a mailing list to receive information about future genealogy programs at Central Library, please contact the library at askus@saclibrary.org.

Of course, there are other genealogy classes, seminars and organizations in the Sacramento area. For current information on genealogy events, take a look at these websites:
Sacramento Genealogical Society's Root Cellar, Sacramento Family History Center, and Genealogical Association of Sacramento.

Start learning your ancestors’ stories!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH :2008 FESTIVAL DE LA FAMILIA

The 17th annual Festival de la Familia took place today at Sacramento's Cal Expo fairgrounds and it was an event to attend!

The day was hot ( 88 degrees Fahrenheit ) and so was the food, culture, dance, music and the company that Sacramento Public Library staff kept as people from all walks and persuasions approach our booth to inquire about e -book and digital collections. Storytime en Español and about the usual times and locations that our customers are always interested in. Library applications were also on the rise as new library cards were issued to new customers. It's not uncommon that many library customers regularly visit any of our 27 library branches, yet they do not possess library cards. It's at these events that many of them approach our booths and finally make the jump to being card-carrying library users. This phenomenon is pretty common with many public libraries and it's what librarians, library para-professionals and administrators attempt to rectify. We want all of Sacramento's citizens to have and use a Sacramento Public Library card.

Many who haven't done an event such as the Festival, think that all we do is pass out bookmarks and bring smiles to kid's faces. Not that that's bad, but there's definitely work that must be done!

The day ended early in the evening and all of us were flushed with pride at the great work that we had done. Kudos to all those who put in their time and to Community Outreach Services.

The Cuban and Puerto Rican communities were out in full force at the Festival de la Familia. Good to see!

Discovering Your Roots, Part 2

As promised, the Central Library has some great genealogy programs lined up for the new year! Presentations are scheduled for three Sundays in January, 2008. They will be held in the West Meeting Room on the 1st floor at Central Library from 1:30 - 3: 00 p.m. Please join us for research hints from these knowledgeable speakers!

Beginning Family History Research, Lisa Lee, January 6th
Researching your family’s history can uncover fascinating information, and it’s easier to get started than you might think! Come to this program and learn about the basic tools, techniques and resources you can use to search for your ancestors.

Yes Indeed! Answers in the Land Records, Barbara Leak, January 13th
Land records hold answers to family puzzles, offering implied information along with the stated facts. Learn how to effectively analyze the information involved in property transfers.

Obituary Records – An Untapped Resource, Glenda Lloyd, January 27th
Obituary records may provide the tidbits of information needed to extend your family tree. In this program you will learn to search these records for clues for further research about your family.

Registration for these programs is preferred but not required. To register, click the title of the program(s) you want to attend. For more info, call Telephone Reference (916-264-2920) after 10 a.m. (12 noon on Sundays.)

~ Beth, Genealogy Librarian

Discovering Your Roots

Beth Daugherty, our Genealogy Librarian, writes:

Genealogy is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States today. Central Library is planning more exciting programs on this topic in the near future, because of the great attendance and enthusiastic response to the four programs we presented last month.

Details about the new programs will be posted here soon. Until then, you can get a head start on climbing your own family tree by going to the Research Guide on the library’s home page (click the link in the “Library Services” section,) or stop by to browse the how-to books on the fourth floor.

Other genealogy programs and seminars currently being offered in the Sacramento area:

Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, 8:30 am. – 4:00 pm.
Family History Day
California State Archives
1020 “O” Street (corner of 10th and O Streets)
Genealogy classes and tours of the Archives. This fun event is free and open to the public.
More information

Every Wednesday evening, 7:00 – 8:30 pm.
Genealogy Classes
Sacramento Family History Center
2745 Eastern Ave., Sacramento, CA
These classes are free and open to the public. For a list, click the "Classes" button on the Family History Center's web site.

Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, 9:00 am. – 3:00 pm.
Gathering the Harvest
Sacramento Family History Center
2745 Eastern Ave., Sacramento, CA
There is a fee for this day-long seminar, which is open to the public. For more info, click the "Seminars" button on the Family History Center's web site.