Southern California Genealogical Society and Family Research Library

09/03/2026

📬 Check your inboxes today for the Fall Newsletter!

We have lots of news and events planned—including three great events this Saturday, Sept. 5.

🔎 Saturday at 10 a.m. — Webinar with Bryna O’Sullivan

Register now for “More Than Just Dates and Places: Building Historical Context.” Bryna O’Sullivan will explore how adding historical context can bring our ancestors’ stories to life.

👉 More info: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/webinar-bryna-osullivan

The TMG Users Group meets at the SCGS Library on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 2 p.m.

Details: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/tmg-user-group-2026-09-05-14-00

🌱 Also Saturday at 2 p.m. — Live Event in Los Angeles

At the Japanese American National Museum, an expert panel will discuss “Unearthing History: Japanese American Resilience in Southern California Gardens.” This event is sponsored by the museum and Nikkei Gen.

More info: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/nikkei-gen-japanese-american-resilience-in-southern-california-gardens

Don’t miss these opportunities to learn, connect, and explore Southern California history!

08/31/2026

There's still time to submit! Share with friends and colleagues!
More info: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/call-for-proposals-2027

08/27/2026

🧬 Revolutionary DNA with Katherine Borges: Saturday, August 29

How can DNA help document your Revolutionary War-era ancestors?

Join the SCGS DNA Interest Group on Saturday, August 29, when DNA expert Katherine Borges, co-founder and director of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG), presents “Revolutionary DNA.”

Katherine will discuss using DNA for DAR and Revolutionary War-era lineage society applications, as well as ways to preserve your ancestors’ Revolutionary War-era DNA.

📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Pacific Time
📍 SCGS Family Research Library, Burbank — or online via Zoom
🔬 Hybrid meeting

Katherine will be presenting in person at the SCGS Library.

👉 Event details: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/events/dna-group-katherine-borges

📅 SCGS Calendar: https://calendar.scgsgenealogy.com/

All times are Pacific Time.

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