[CA-SCGS] Genealogy Garage Upcoming Events

Genealogy Garage workshops are FREE and open to researchers at all levels of expertise. Held on the third Saturday of each month (except December), from 11 am-12:30 pm. Whether you are a beginner or have been researching for years, here is an opportunity to “tune-up” your current research skills or learn something new about family history research. Genealogy Garage is designed to be interactive, so bring your questions! At the end of each workshop there will be a tour of the Genealogy department conducted by Charlotte Bocage. Stay later and we will help you with your own research. Please RSVP as noted below. All workshops are held at the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL), Richard Riordan Central Library 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles.

Here is an “overview” of our 2018 Genealogy Garage events: 

WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2018 • 11 am – 12:30 pm
TOPIC:  How Can the US GenWeb Help You? Veteran genealogist Joy Fisher will share her knowledge of the U.S. GenWeb Project and explain how you can access this online database and use it to grow your family’s history. Joy Fisher shares her knowledge of and experience researching on the U.S. GenWeb. Check out [http://www.usgenweb.org] before the workshop and bring your questions.

WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 2018 11 am – 12:30 pm

TOPIC: Think You Know What’s in the Census? Veteran researcher Charlotte Bocage will expand your knowledge of the U.S. Census records… discover the “hidden in plain sight” information contained in the census.

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 2018 11 am – 12:30 pm

TOPIC: What’s in the Gazetteers? One of the key tools in genealogy is geography, so if you are not regularly using a gazetteer (a geographical index or dictionary) then you need to attend this workshop. Genealogy Librarian Julie Huffman will provide the facts and show you how to use the extensive gazetteer collection available to you at the LAPL. 

WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2018 11 am – 12:30 pm

TOPIC: Memoir Writing Too young to write a memoir? Think you have no talent for writing? Think again…and join Donie Nelson for a dynamic workshop in which you learn how to write your own history! Bring paper, pencil/pen, laptop or other method of putting your story OUT THERE! 

WHEN: Saturday, July 21, 2018 11 am – 12:30 pm

TOPIC: Are Your Ancestors in the News? George Mouchet knows his newsprint and has been researching since 1999. George will reveal some of the fascinating information you can discover about your ancestors in old newspapers.

WHEN: Saturday, August 18, 2018 11 am – 12:30 pm

TOPIC:  Deciphering “Old Spanish” Handwriting. For the first time we are hosting a workshop on handwriting. The ever-curious Karla Arreola will share her knowledge of how you, too, can learn to read Spanish handwriting. If you can’t read the handwriting, how will you ever understand what you are reading? 

WHERE: Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL), Richard Riordan Central Library 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071 • History & Genealogy Dept., (LL-4: Room LL420) Parking: 524 Flower St. south of 5th Street, $1 on Saturdays with library card

Contact: Charlotte Bocage/SCGS Education Chair: 323-669-1982 or rubymoon01@yahoo.com Donie Nelson: doniesearch@gmail.com or 916-900-4809

[CA-SCGS] Genealogy Garage on Saturday, Janaury 20, 2018 at LAPL

Genealogy Garage:Obituaries: Where to Look & What You Might Find

You’ve got the names and dates, but what about the story of your ancestors? Obituaries can be a
great source of interesting biographical information. Collecting the obituaries may seem like a lot
of work—especially if you have a death certificate or can view burial information
on Find a Grave or BillionGraves. In this workshop, you will learn some simple methods of finding
obits and other newspaper records. Our expert is Genealogy Librarian Julie Huffman.

WHEN:      Saturday, January 20, 2018 • 11 am – 1 pm

WHERE: Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL), Richard Riordan Central Library
630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071 History & Genealogy Dept. • Lower Level 4
Meeting Room LL420 (at the foot of the escalator)

On Saturday, January 20, 2018 genealogist George Mouchet will reveal how to track down your
family’s obituaries and discover what other clues they reveal. George is a past president of the
Antelope Valley Genealogical Society, currently serving as VP. He has been researching since 1999
and enjoys doing both offline and online research. Professionally George maintains and develops web
sites.

Genealogy Garage workshops are FREE and open to researchers at all levels of expertise. Held on the
third Saturday of each month (except December), from 11 am-12:30 pm, whether you are a beginner or have been researching for years, here is an opportunity to “tune-up” your current research skills
or learn something new about family history research. Genealogy Garage is designed to be
interactive, so bring your questions! At the end of each workshop there will be a tour of the
Genealogy dept. conducted by Charlotte Bocage. Stay and we will help you research afterward.

 

Please RSVP as noted below.

RSVP: CALL Central Library Info: 213-228-7000, then ask for the History and Genealogy Dept. Ask for reservations for the Genealogy Garage workshop on [give the specific date]. Leave your name and an e-mail address or phone number so you can be notified in case the workshop is cancelled.

Directions and parking info available at http://www.lapl.org/central/.

Park UNDER the library, enter at 524 Flower St. just south of 5th Street. You need a LAPL card to
receive the $1.00 Saturday parking rate. Apply for the card at your local LAPL or at the
Circulation Desk when you arrive. Just bring identification. Show your library card to get your
parking ticket validated at the Information Desk before returning to your car. Take the escalator
or elevator down to Lower Level 4. Inquire at the main reference desk for our location.
Please travel light. This is a public building—it is NOT recommended that you leave computers,
purses or other personal items unattended while researching.

If you would like to be a workshop leader or want more information, please contact: Charlotte
Bocage/SCGS Education Chair: 323-669-1982 or rubymoon01@yahoo.com
Donie Nelson: 916-900-4809 or donieserch@gmail.com

Workshop sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS), the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America-Southern California (GSHA-SC), and the Los Angeles Public Library, Genealogy & History Dept.

Southern California Genealogy Society & Library
417 Irving Drive
Burbank, CA 91504-2408
818-843-7247
Website: www.scgsgenealogy.com
Email: scgs@scgsgenealogy.com

[CA-SCGS] SCGS Lunch & Learn - Saturday, March 12, 2016

Curious about what you might find in the photo archives of the Los Angeles Public Library? Wondering how to scan and restore your precious historical photos? You are in luck! The March Lunch and Learn at the SCGS Library in Burbank can help.

From 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Christina Rice, Senior Librarian of the LAPL Photo Collection, will present "Let's Explore the LAPL Photo Archives" She will explain how the archive is organized, how it works, and how patrons can obtain copies of photographs for their personal use.

From 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm Walt Sturrock, SCGS Board Member and professional artist, will present "Scanning and Restoring Images" During this live demonstration Walt will scan and restore a few images from the audience so bring your favorite photo, slide or negative for him to work on.


Doors open at 12:00 noon. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy while sharing genealogy stories and questions with your fellow researchers before the lectures. The library will be closed for research.

Lunch and Learn
Second Saturday of most months
12:00 noon to 3:30 pm
417 Irving Drive
Burbank, California
(818) 843-7247
scgsgenealogy.com

For more information contact Charlotte Bocage

[CA-SCGS] Lunch and Learn Double Bill - Saturday, September 12, 2015

What can we learn about family history from maps and gazetteers?

Come to the September Lunch and Learn and find out!

Lunch and Learn
12:00 noon - 3:30 pm
Saturday, September 12
Southern California Genealogical Society Library
417 Irving Drive
Burbank

The Library doors will open at 12:00 noon.  Bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy while you sit, chat, and share your genealogy stories or questions with like-minded researchers.

The special DOUBLE BILL begins at 1:00 pm with:

Secrets of the Los Angeles Public Library Map Collection presented by Glen Creason.  The lecture will demonstrate how to access the LAPL Central Library's collection of 85,000 maps, 2,000 atlases, and over 1,000 gazetteers.  The collection emphasizes California but also extends to national and international coverage.

Mr Creason has been the LAPL Map Curator for the past twenty six years and has written about local history, maps and popular culture for many Southern California publications.  He blogs weekly about maps for Los Angeles Magazine and is a contributor of research topics for the Huffington Post.

That will be followed at 2:15 pm by:

Using Maps and Gazetteers in Genealogical Research presented by Ted Gostin.  The lecture will include discussion of map scales and levels of detail along with historical border changes and the history of map-making.  Sources for useful maps and gazetteers will also be summarized.

Mr. Gostin has worked as a professional genealogist since 1994 teaching genealogy for several adult school and university extension programs.  He is also an active member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

 
For more information contact Charlotte Bocage.

Lunch and Learn
12:00 noon to 3:30 pm
Second Saturday of the month
SCGS Library
417 Irving Drive
Burbank

Cross Street Glenoaks

Area Event: LA Public Library Events

This information comes from Mary McCoy of the History & Genealogy Department of the Los Angeles Public Library. For further information, contact Mary at the email address / phone number given below.

______________

I wanted to let you know about some exciting local history and genealogy programs coming soon at Central Library. Please share this information with your members. We hope to see you there!

Architects and Architecture of Los Angeles, from Adobe to High-rise Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium Saturday, February 19, 2pm

The first lecture in the 19th annual Marie Northrop Lectures series is presented by author, journalist and radio commentator Kevin Roderick. Mr Roderick will discuss Los Angeles architecture from 1781 to 1900. Sponsored by the Los Angles City Historical Society and the LAPL's History and Genealogy Department. Free and open to the public.

L.A. in Focus: Images from the Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium Saturday, March 12, 2pm

Presented by Photo Friends. Urban anthropologist and author Eric Lynxwiler takes to the skies of 1950s Southern California in this presentation highlighting images from the recently-digitized Kelly-Holiday aerial photo collection. Free and open to the public.

The Hand in the Snow and the Crash of Northwest Flight 4422 Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium Saturday, March 19, 2pm

Fifty years after Northwest Flight 4422 crashed in Alaska, a frozen human arm and hand was found in the wreckage. It would take another ten years and a world class team of forensic specialists to make a positive identification of the remains. Please join us for this amazing story, told by Colleen Fitzpatrick, PhD, a forensic genealogist who worked on the case. Presented by the LAPL History & Genealogy Department. Free and open to the public.

Architects and Architecture of Los Angeles, from Adobe to High-rise Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium Saturday, April 16, 2pm

The second lecture in the 19th annual Marie Northrop Lectures series is presented by architectural historian, author, and UCLA professor Thomas S. Hines. Dr. Hines will discuss Los Angeles architecture from 1900 to 1950. Sponsored by the Los Angles City Historical Society and the LAPL's History and Genealogy Department. Free and open to the public.

Overcoming Brick Walls in Your Genealogy Research Central Library, Meeting Room A Saturday, April 30, 12pm

Find out what to do when you hit a brick wall in your genealogy research. Linda Serna, APG, GSG, will provide ideas about how to approach the challenge, uncover overlooked clues and sources, and achieve breakthroughs in your research. Sponsored by LAPL's History & Genealogy Department. Free and open to the public.


In addition to these, I encourage you to look at the Los Angeles Public Library's Events Calendar to learn about other upcoming cultural and educational programs, including the Culinary Historians of Southern California's popular lecture series, an afternoon of chamber music with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and docent-led library tours (http://events.lapl.org/).

Validated parking is available at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street to Los Angeles Public Library cardholders. On Saturdays, parking is only $1 between 10am and 5:30pm with validation.

Thank you,
--
Mary McCoy
Librarian
History & Genealogy Department Los Angeles Public Library
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 228-7412
mmccoy@lapl.org

LA Public Library Temporary Closures

Thanks to a federal stimulus grant, the telecommunications cabling at the Richard J. Riordan Central Library is being replaced.

During the project:

-Subject departments will be temporarily closed due to safety concerns according to the schedule below. Plan your visit accordingly.

-The books and other items in the closed department will not be available.

-If visiting the library, look for signs to direct you to the temporary re-location of the subject department information desk staff.

-Telephone calls will be automatically routed to the re-located staff.

-LAPL apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates your patience during this project.

Tuesday, February 8 – Friday, February 11
Art, Music & Recreation Department

Tuesday, February 15 – Friday, February 18
History & Genealogy Department

Tuesday, February 22 – Friday, February 25
International Languages Department

Tuesday, March 1 – Friday, March 4
Business & Economics Department

Tuesday, March 8 – Friday, March 11
Science, Technology & Patents Department

Tuesday, March 15 – Friday, March 18
Social Science Department

Tuesday, March 22 – Friday, March 25
Children’s Literature Department

Thanks to Liz Hall Morgan for tipping us off on temporary closures at the LA Public Library. Liz says that the change is due to upgrading the Library's broadband. Yay to that!

Proposed California Library Budget Cuts

We received this message from the California State Genealogical Alliance. Proposed budget cuts, if implemented, will affect libraries throughout the state. Please provide your feedback to the proposal. See below for questions.

Dear Societies,

The following information is gathered from the California Library Association website http://www.cla-net.org/ regarding the proposed $30.4 million cuts in library funding. this would impact library services throughout the state and could jeopardize federal matching funds. Libraries need our help. See the website for links to 'Talking Points' and opportunities for advocacy, if you are interested in helping.

Governor Brown proposes to cut $30.4 million in library funding by decreasing General fund assistance for public libraries, eliminating the California Library Services Act (CLSA), Public Library Foundation (PLF) and the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services (CLLS). This impacts access, resource sharing and adult literacy and will harm libraries in every city and town in California. The budget cut also jeopardizes $16 million in federal funding. To view the amount of state budget cuts by legislative district, click the ‘Advocacy/Legislation’ tab.

Some Opportunities for Action
• Write a letter (individuals and/or organizations)
• Participate in Advocacy:
o ‘Day in the District’– annual statewide library advocacy event that encourages library supporters meet with elected state officials at their local offices throughout California. ‘Day in the District’ is an opportunity to remind legislators of the value of libraries—public, school, rural, urban, special, academic––their community. This year, focus is on restoring library funding to the state budget.
o ‘Legislative Day 2011’ – California Library Association, California School Library Association and California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners will host an annual Legislative Day in Sacramento on Wednesday, March 30. Details to follow.

Questions are referred to: Deborah Doyle, CLA Advocacy & Legislative Committee Chair, ph. 415-269-0540 or email zorrah@gmail.com.

Junel Davidsen, CG
Legislative Watch Chair
California State Genealogical Alliance

Field Trip to LA Public Library Saturday, October 30

Join Charlotte Bocage, the SCGS Education Chair, on a field trip to the Genealogy and History Department of the Los Angeles Public Library.

When - Saturday, October 30, 2010

Where - LA Public Library, 630 W 5th Street,  Los Angeles
Tour starts promptly at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Level 4 Reference Desk at the History and Genealogy Department 213-228-7000

Directions:  Public transportation - Metro Red line or Purple Line at 7th and Figueroa
If driving, park in the ramp under the library and bring your LAPL card for discounted parking.
Get Directions Here

Bring your family group sheets and pedigree charts, along with your research goals.

For further information, contact Charlotte Bocage at rubymoon01@yahoo.com.

Opinion: Sacrificing the LA Public Library

Beginning in July, the LA Public libraries were closed two days a week due to budget concerns. That, despite a growing patron base. Yes, the number of  library users has been growing as job seekers and students flock to use the Internet and free books and resources.

This article from LA Weekly suggests several actions that could have been implemented if the city administration had wanted to protect the library system.  (Note: I have not vetted the statistics included in the LA Weekly, which is self-described as "the Nation's largest alternative newsweekly and website.") Here's one point that really got my knickers in a twist:

In July, City Controller Greuel revealed that the city has not created a centralized billing process — after years and years of talking about it — and managed to collect only 53 percent of its bills in fiscal year 2008-09, losing $260.4 million that year...

...The 73 libraries needed only a relative pittance this year — just $8 million — to remain open on Mondays, for example...

The article notes that other large cities have recognized the importance of keeping its library system intact. Boston, New York and Chicago have found ways to keep their libraries open. A survey of 20 top library systems find that Dallas, San Diego, Houston and Nashville are closing one day a week. Only LA is closing two days a week.

NOTE:  This is not an official stance of the Southern California Genealogical Society.  It's my own.  I love the main LA Public Library.  I feel at peace within its walls. Its genealogy section holds secrets that I have not yet unlocked. I feel it's a travesty to see library hours and services curtailed.  If you share my concerns, it's not too late to tell Mayor Villaraigosa and the Council members how you feel. - Paula Hinkel

Mayor Villaraigosa
Council members

LA Public Library Curtails Hours

If you have been following the budget woes of the City of Los Angeles, this announcement isn't a surprise. It is very disappointing to see Sunday hours being eliminated at LAPL.  The following announcement was received from Mary McCoy at Los Angeles Public Library.

As you may know, the Los Angeles Public Library's genealogy specialist Michael Kirley retired in October after 39 years of service. Until a permanent genealogy librarian can be hired, I will be overseeing the genealogy collection, so I wanted to write to introduce myself and to share with you some recent news that may be of interest to your members.

First, I am pleased to announce that we have added another volume to our digital collection of Los Angeles city directories and street address directories, the 1923 Los Angeles city directory. This directory is especially valuable because it includes listings for San Pedro, Wilmington, Sawtelle, Palms, Westgate, and the San Fernando Valley.

To access the directories, go to http://www.lapl.org/resources/en/ and click the link for "Los Angeles City and Street Directories." Anyone can use the directories - no library card is required for access.

Unfortunately, there is also some bad news to report. Starting April 11, 2010, the Los Angeles Public Library will reduce service hours at the Central Library and all regional branch libraries and community branch libraries.

New hours for the Central Library will be Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The library will be closed Sunday and holidays.

The change in service hours is needed to enable the library to adjust to recent staff reductions resulting from a citywide early retirement program and a hiring freeze initiated by the City of Los Angeles to reduce its budget deficit. The new service hours were adopted by the Board of Library Commissioners, which sets policy for the Los Angeles Public Library, at the Board’s March 25, 2010 meeting.

More information about the reduction in service hours is available on the Library website at http://www.lapl.org/newsroom/releases/Revised_Hours_2.pdf.

If you have any questions or there is anything I can assist you with, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to working with you and your members in the future.

Sincerely,

Mary McCoy
Librarian - History & Genealogy Department
Los Angeles Public Library
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 228-7412

Budget Cuts Threaten the Los Angeles Public Library

The Los Angeles budget is in financial straits and it's obvious that budget cuts are required. Following the actions of other community leaders across the country, Mayor Villaraigosa has targeted cuts at the city libraries.  We all recognize what a treasure we have here with the Los Angeles Public Library system, particularly the excellent genealogy and history collection at the Main Library. 

We can't allow these valuable intellectual resources to be decimated.

Take a few moments *right now* to register at http://www.savelapl.org and write an email to the Mayor and members of the City Council.  Encourage them to recognize the importance of the library system and make no further cuts to the already-meager funding of the Los Angeles Public Library.

This one hits close to home, SCGS members and friends. Don't leave this one to "someone else" to handle. Write Mayor Villaraigosa today.

http://www.savelapl.org/