Finding Historical Gems

The library is open on Thursdays through Saturdays (10-2).SeeDirections and Parkingfor info on Saturday visits, which have different procedures than weekdays. See ourEvents and Educationfor online and in-person sessions.________________________________________Connecting people to their diverse family heritageWhether you have Gold Rush ancestors or have no family connection to California, you will find extensive support for your genealogy research at the California Genealogical Society (CGS) in Oakland. The society offers research services, online indexes and databases, and a research library housing over 38,000 reference materials from California, the United States, and around the world. CGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The library is conveniently located in Uptown Oakland, one block north of the Paramount Theatre, at 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2. We are three blocks from the 19th Street BART Station.Phone: (510) 663-1358Non-Discrimination StatementThe goal of the California Genealogical Society is to connect people to their family heritage and to promote a spirit of diversity and inclusivity for our members and patrons. The California Genealogical Society does not tolerate discrimination in any form.Courtesy RequestIn order to maintain a welcoming and healthy environment, please refrain from using scented products at CGS events or in the library.Photography NoticeCalifornia Genealogical Society (CGS) may take photographs, audio recordings, and video footage in our library, classrooms or events for historical records or publicity purposes.  If you do not want to be photographed or filmed, it is the individual’s responsibility to 'opt out' by notifying the event leader or photographer at the event.

California Genealogical Society

Pam Brett explains how to access government registers, surveys and reports to uncover the communities of your ancestors

Online & at California Genealogical Library

<h3>Finding Historical Gems</h3><h3> </h3><h3>Saturday, July 25, 2026</h3> <h4>1 -2:30 PM, PDT</h4><h3>Presented by Pam Brett</h3><h4>IN PERSON and ONLINE</h4><h4>** NOW IN OUR NEW BERKELEY LIBRARY ** and Live online via Zoom</h4><h4>CGS members who log into the CGS Website can find Zoom, handout and survey links directly on the website (no registration required). Find out more <a href="https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/" title="https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</h4>Non-members should register from this page for $5.

In this class, we will learn how to use the internet to access national and state registers, surveys and reports that may give details of your ancestor’s local communities over time.For example, there are applications to qualify a house, neighborhood, church, bridge, etc. to be designated as an historic or architectural place. Some are reports of archeological surveys or environmental impact reports required by law before new construction takes place.The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service lists historic buildings such as the log house in Missoula, Montana where my grandfather was born in 1892.Plans for a new bridge across the New River between Virginia and North Carolina lists four generations of the owners of a farmhouse adjacent to the project starting in 1838 citing sources of vital records, deeds and other information.

For those attending online: The event will take place via Zoom. If you join, please sign in early to make sure you are able to see the program. We will send you instructions the night before, and a reminder shortly before the event, which will give you access. Our remote events now have live closed captioning. When registering, use an email address you will be checking. Please note all times are Pacific Time.For those attending in person: We have RELOCATED to 1841 Berkeley Way Berkeley behind the Trader Joes on University Ave. We are a 10 minute walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. There is limited parking at our building and street parking west of the Berkeley Way bollards. Further instructions will be included with your registration confirmation. If you have trouble entering, call the library at (510) 663-1358.You do not have to have a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting. You will be prompted to download the software, once you have clicked on the link that you have been provided. You may also wish to create an account, but that is not required to participate in a Zoom meeting.This event is presented live. Some events may be recorded for CGS use only.See you in person or online!

Pam Brett became interested in genealogy started over 50 years ago at the birth of her first child, but it wasn’t until 1996 when she began serious pursuit of her family history. Most of her ancestors came to America early and moved often leading to research in 29 states and the District of Columbia. Pam has taught CGS classes on Building Skills for Successful Family History Research, On the Road Again and Location, Location, Location. She developed and taught an 8-class series at Piedmont Adult School in 2024.

<h3>REGISTRATION INFORMATION:</h3> CGS Members enjoy free access.Non-Members pay a nominal $5 fee.In person attendance is free for both members and non-members.You can purchase a $45 one-year CGS Basic membership when you check out. To sign up for other membership options go to our web page: <a href="https://www.californiaancestors.org/join-cgs-application/" title="https://www.californiaancestors.org/join-cgs-application/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CGS Membership application</a>PAYMENT OPTIONS:Credit card payments will be processed by Eventbrite. *Event fee is non-refundable.

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Finding Historical Gems