Getting Started with AI for Newspaper Research

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

Maureen Hanlon shares how she uses new AI tools while searching newspapers

Online & at California Genealogical Library

<h3>Getting Started with AI for Newspaper Research</h3> <h3>Saturday, June 27, 2026</h3><h4>1 - 2:30 PM, PDT</h4><h3>Presented by Maureen Hanlon</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.

Historical newspapers are a powerful resource for filling out our ancestors’ stories. This completely revised presentation covers the ways artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized finding and searching for them. Reduce the time locating the right newspapers and refine your strategies with AI-created search terms, focused plan, search grid and worksheets. Also review how to analyze, correlate and share your new findings.

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 roadblock. 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!

Maureen Hanlon is a California Genealogical Society volunteer and former Board officer. She has been doing genealogy research since 2002, focusing on San Francisco, Irish, German and New England ancestors. She attended the Ulster Historical Foundation genealogy course in Belfast in 2015, the Celtic Connections conference in 2018, and Boston University’s Genealogical Principles Course and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy in 2109. In 2021, her article Happy Ending for a Runaway Schleswig-Holstein Bride was published in The California Nugget.

<h3>REGISTRATION INFORMATION:</h3> CGS Members enjoy free access.Non-Members pay a nominal $5 fee.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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Getting Started with AI for Newspaper Research