Southern California Genealogical Society
SCGS PROGRAM - 2024 Webinar Series
Archived broadcasts are available 24/7 to all SCGS members.
For frequently asked questions, click here.

OVERVIEW

Webinars offer Jamboree-style seminars for up to 500 attendees per session, at no charge.

These original webcasts are available to all genealogists for free. Archive sessions are available to SCGS members in the SCGS members-only section of this website approximately three days following the webinar.

These one-hour webinar presentations are given each month and are conducted by professional genealogical speakers and expert lecturers. To view the webinar, you will need a computer with audio speakers or a headset. Those persons with a fast Internet connection (either broadband or DSL) will have the most satisfactory experience.

Register by clicking the links below.

  • You MUST Register to participate.
  • Click on the Webinar Title you want to attend listed below.
  • Register with our partner website, GoToWebinar.com.
  • Enter your name and email address and answer a few questions. You will receive confirmation of your registration by email.
  • You will also receive reminders before the webinar. The reminder email will have information on accessing the handout material.
  • On the day of the session, click the link that you received in your invitation to GoToWebinar.com to join the online session. (More Info)

    Need to know what time it will be where you live?
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Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Wednesday, January 17 6:00 PM - Pacific, 7:00 PM - Mountain, 8:00 PM - Central, 9:00 PM - Eastern
Searching Large Academic Databases Without an Academic Affiliation
by Peter McCracken

Learn how to use “discovery layers”, the academic library’s version of Google, to search large academic and scholarly databases, even when you don’t have an affiliation with a specific research library. Understand what a discovery layer is, what it searches, how it can help your research, how to choose which to use, and figure out what you can expect to access through the use of one.

Peter McCracken is the co-founder and publisher of Shipindex.org, a vessel research database. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, he was named Distinguished Alumnus by the School of Information and Library Science in 2012. He was the 2014 recipient of the Award of Appreciation from the National Maritime Historical Society.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Saturday, February 3 10:00 AM - Pacific, 11:00 AM - Mountain, 12:00 PM - Central, 1:00 PM - Eastern
Cemetery Clues: 7 Steps to Comprehensive Research
by Lisa Lisson

Are you finding all possible genealogy clues in the family cemetery? Are you missing out on pieces of your ancestor's stories? Researching the cemetery where your ancestor is buried can reveal more than a death date and location. Learn the 7 steps every genealogy researcher should take to analyze the cemetery where your ancestor is buried and locate the plentiful death and burial records.

Lisa Lisson is the owner of Are You My Cousin? Website. She helps genealogy researchers who are stuck in their research learn where to search for their ancestors’ records and how to access those records. Lisa coaches researchers of all levels. Lisa is a published author; a RootsTech and Family Tree Magazine contributor. She holds degrees in Biology and Physical Therapy. She loves running; and, if she is not running or researching, she is probably traveling.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Wednesday, February 21 6:00 PM - Pacific, 7:00 PM - Mountain, 8:00 PM - Central, 9:00 PM - Eastern
Court Records Research without the Law Degree
by Kate Townsend

Court records are an underutilized genealogical resource. Discover how to explore courthouses (no law degree required) to find records involving your ancestors.

Kate Townsend, is a former professional investigator turned genealogist who specializes in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio genealogical research. She also has experience with court records, immigration, and naturalization records. Kate is the owner of Family History Investigations LLC. She is also the Chair of the National Genealogical Society Delegate Council. Kate has spoken at both national and local genealogical societies, including the National Genealogical Society Family History Conference and RootsTech.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Wednesday, March 20 6:00 PM - Pacific, 7:00 PM - Mountain, 8:00 PM - Central, 9:00 PM - Eastern
Analyzing Probate Records: Following the Clues Left After Death
by Cheri Hudson Passey

Probate records can shed light on your ancestors even when there's no will. Learn how to use these records, find clues, and help answer your research questions.

Cheri Hudson Passey has been researching her family and helping others start their research since the early 1980s. Born in Camden, South Carolina, her ancestors have been in the state for many generations. Cheri is the host of the genealogy chat show GenFriends. Cheri Hudson Passey is a Professional Genealogist, Instructor, Writer, and Speaker and the owner of Carolina Girl Genealogy, LLC.  She is currently the Vice President of Society and Organizations for the National Genealogical Society.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Saturday, April 6 10:00 AM - Pacific, 11:00 AM - Mountain, 12:00 PM - Central, 1:00 PM - Eastern
Research Land Records in California
by Susan Skilton

Explore the available resources for different historical time periods in California: including pre-statehood land grants, homesteads, squatter land, mining claims, records at the Bureau of Land Management, and fire insurance maps. In addition, we will examine how such records inform and enrich family history research.

Susan Skilton works as a Genealogist for AncestryProGenealogists in the San Francisco office of Ancestry. Susan is accredited for research in the United States Pacific States Region. She serves as Research Director at a historical society, and is a member of APG and of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Susan K. Skilton grew up in California. She is author of Images of America: Moraga, published by Arcadia, a photo history of a Northern California town. She has written articles on genealogical and historical topics in California and New York.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Wednesday, April 17 6:00 PM - Pacific, 7:00 PM - Mountain, 8:00 PM - Central, 9:00 PM - Eastern
Don’t Ignore Scholarly Resources? They ARE Genealogically Leverageable!
by Diane L. Richard

Many scholars/academicians are pursuing research relevant to genealogists -- some contextual and some that "names names," as we say. Increasingly, these materials are finding homes online. They are usually easy to access and use/interpret. Let’s explore these genealogically leverageable resources for the US, UK, Britain, the Caribbean, and beyond.

The Owner/President of Mosaic Research and Project Management, MosaicRPM, Diane L. Richard, specialty is geographically scattered families or families that stepped foot in North Carolina. Started in 2018, she is co-leader of Tar Heel Discoveries, www.tarheeldiscoveries.com -- Guided North Carolina genealogical research based on providing targeted, focused, research assistance leading you to new family discoveries! She is a board member of NC Historical Records Online (NCHRO), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing public access to high-quality images of original records and other related information useful to researching North Carolina history and genealogy. She has authored over 500 articles on genealogy topics. In 2019 she published, Tracing Your Ancestors — African American Research: A Practical Guide. Since 2016 she has been the editor of the North Carolina Genealogical Society (NCGS) journal. She has appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? (Bryan Cranston episode).
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Wednesday, May 15 6:00 PM - Pacific, 7:00 PM - Mountain, 8:00 PM - Central, 9:00 PM - Eastern
Digital Library on American Slavery & Related Projects from Across the South
by Diane L. Richard

The DLAS platform focuses on slave petitions, runaway slave advertisements, and includes a cutting-edge project for NC Bills of Sale. Then, an overview of other existing runaway slave advertisement websites and where bills of sale are found for additional select states is given. Other related projects are also discussed.

The Owner/President of Mosaic Research and Project Management, MosaicRPM, Diane L. Richard, specialty is geographically scattered families or families that stepped foot in North Carolina. Started in 2018, she is co-leader of Tar Heel Discoveries, www.tarheeldiscoveries.com -- Guided North Carolina genealogical research based on providing targeted, focused, research assistance leading you to new family discoveries! She is a board member of NC Historical Records Online (NCHRO), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing public access to high-quality images of original records and other related information useful to researching North Carolina history and genealogy. She has authored over 500 articles on genealogy topics. In 2019 she published, Tracing Your Ancestors — African American Research: A Practical Guide. Since 2016 she has been the editor of the North Carolina Genealogical Society (NCGS) journal. She has appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? (Bryan Cranston episode).
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Saturday, June 1 10:00 AM - Pacific, 11:00 AM - Mountain, 12:00 PM - Central, 1:00 PM - Eastern
Comparison Case Studies in Forensic and Family Research
by Sheila Benedict

Forensic research is defined as cases with legal implications and require advanced research skills in family history research. DNA and what could be referenced as conventional research is needed for both types of research but is a must be used for forensic cases. Case studies may include an Irish-American family, an adoption, probate, and others using the fundamentals of the important Genealogical Proof Standards and very precise source citations.

Sheila Benedict: Professional Genealogist over thirty years, she has lectured at all national conferences, taught beginning and intermediate genealogy and oral history at a community college She retired in August 2018 after seventeen plus years as the archivist at Old Mission Santa Inés, in Solvang CA, one of the 21 historic California Missions. the current president of the APG Writer’s Special Interest Group, past-president, 2020-2023, the APG Virtual Chapter, current board member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, and corresponding secretary of The Irish-Ancestral Research Association (TIARA). Her specialties include all California Counties, State archives and libraries in Sacramento and San Francisco, courthouses statewide; Southwest, West, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and England. Author of the NGS "Research in the States - California"; articles on forensic genealogy, methodology, Irish who came to the western USA, ground penetrating radar & forensic canines and more.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Wednesday, June 19 6:00 PM - Pacific, 7:00 PM - Mountain, 8:00 PM - Central, 9:00 PM - Eastern
Why We LOVE Genealogy – and Sometimes NOT!
by Edward J. Swierczewski, Jr.

Why We LOVE Genealogy – and Sometimes NOT! is both a celebration and an examination of the field we feel so passionately about!  From the curious neophyte to the avid amateur to the grizzled professional, genealogy can be enchanting, intoxicating, and even develop into an obsession for some.  We will review how to effectively address the worries, frustrations, and stress that even a modest brick wall or impatient client can elicit, and why it is hard to resist chasing those bright shiny objects down rabbit holes.  We will look at how the love, honor, and respect that we have for our families also play an important role in our decision making, and together celebrate our love for them, for ourselves, and for genealogy!

Edward J. Swierczewski, Jr. has been a professional educator for over 30 years, researching and lecturing in Psychology and Human Services. He has completed several SLIG and GRIP courses, is currently in ProGen 53, and plans to earn the CG and CGL credentials. He has been researching his family history for over 25 years, and he has a deep passion for sharing his knowledge with others.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Saturday, September 7 10:00 AM - Pacific, 11:00 AM - Mountain, 12:00 PM - Central, 1:00 PM - Eastern
Daughters of the King to Mothers of a Nation
by Lianne Kruger

The Filles du roi (King’s daughters) were around 800 young ladies who were brought to New France by the king to help with the population. They succeeded as the population of New France doubled in a decade. Two-thirds of French Canadians are related to one of these daughters as well as many Americans including Hillary Clinton, Madonna and Angelina Jolie. This session will be share their history along with other smaller groups, such as the filles a marier, that the French Sun King, Louis XIV and Jean Talon brought to New France. Along with their history and their children’s history, I will share why are they so special, what they all did to survive, and the problems and hardships they endured. This session will share where the records are available, and projects that are available online to help you find out if you are a descendant of these wonderful daughters of the king.

Lianne Kruger: A professional genealogist and speaker specializing in Canada, homesteading for U.S. and Canada, video recording family history, and using technology in all aspects of genealogy such as Google Maps, Google Drive and Evernote. Lianne earned a computer programming degree and has been teaching computer software courses since 1982. She has completed a Bachelor Degree from BYU-Idaho with minor in Family History Research. Started doing genealogy as a child recording names and dates at graveyards. She continues to research her lines along with DNA research, One-Place and Surname Studies. She loves combining her love of technology, love of teaching and her love of genealogy by teaching ways technology can help genealogists in research, preserving and sharing the research with others. Lianne has volunteered with the Alberta Genealogical Society (AGS) as Red Deer Branch’s president, vice president, and six years as 1st Vice President. She is currently website and social media chairs for AGS. Kruger has written over 20 articles for many publications over the last 10 years such as BYU Studies, FamilySearch, AGS Relatively Speaking, and Tree Climber.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Wednesday, September 18 6:00 PM - Pacific, 7:00 PM - Mountain, 8:00 PM - Central, 9:00 PM - Eastern
Chinese Exclusion's Hidden Impact on Non-Chinese Family Histories
by Dede Huang

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, along with subsequent legislation, was remarkable for how relentlessly it targeted a single national and ethnic group. Indeed, Chinese genealogists and others will know that anti-Chinese legislation radically constrained and shaped Chinese communities and personal histories for over six decades. Similar legislation was eventually extended to Japanese and other Asian groups, also with important implications. But what may be less clear or well known is the extent to which Chinese Exclusion spilled over to Americans with non-Asian ancestries. As a result, understanding the pressures of Exclusion can shed light on Chinese interactions with other groups (“FAN” research). Moreover, records which at first glance look strictly Chinese-related may also hold information for researchers of (apparently) non-Chinese individuals. This presentation will seek to tease out Exclusion’s hidden impacts on a variety of ethnic identities, including European, African and Mexican.

Dede Huang: US-born, Hong Kong-based family historian. Dede specializes in Chinese-American families with Hong Kong, Guangdong and Shanghai backgrounds. Working with English and Chinese language sources, she helps individuals and families uncover and share their stories through print and digital media. She started the website www.quonqoun.com as a wedding gift for a cousin (Quon is her maternal side). It has since grown into a scrapbook for her extended family, and increasingly, into a body of research that she hopes will be of value to anyone with an interest in the Chinese-American experience or in researching their own family. Her paternal side is explored at the website www.huangquest.com.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Wednesday, October 5 6:00 PM - Pacific, 7:00 PM - Mountain, 8:00 PM - Central, 9:00 PM - Eastern
Sugar Houses and the Jersey: Prisons during the American Revolution
by Bryna O’Sullivan

In an article hosted by the National Park Service, Alan Marsh argues that “an estimated 20,000 Americans were held as prisoners of war and 8,500 died in captivity.” With records scattered between different levels of government, learning the history of your ancestor can be challenging. This program will introduce the history and records of prisons and prisoners during the American Revolution.

Bryna O Sullivan, proprietor of Charter Oak Genealogy, is a lineage society application specialist who works had to make her clients application process as stress free and enjoyable as possible. In her eight years of experience, she has assisted clients in joining the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (Mayflower Society), the National Society Colonial Dames of America, and many others often using family trees that extend across North America and through difficult to document regions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and French Literature from Tufts University, a Master of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master of Arts in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. She has also completed the Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research, the National Institute for Genealogical Studies Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies, the ProGen Study Group, the DAR Genealogical Education Program, and others. Her specialties/interests include Catholic records, French records, Lineage Societies, the American Revolution, Connecticut, New England, Canada and Luxembourg. Bryna fell in love with genealogy as an elementary school student, when she discovered that her family was descended from the Mayflower passengers she was studying. In the years since, she has followed ancestors through Revolutionary War Quebec, the prison camps of the American Civil War, and many other locations. In researching both her own family and that of clients, she still retains the joy in discovering the incredible stories of our past.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Saturday, November 2 10:00 AM - Pacific, 11:00 AM - Mountain, 12:00 PM - Central, 1:00 PM - Eastern
Y-Chromosome Insights & Strategies
by Richard Hill

Learn how Y-DNA testing of suitable males can trace and confirm paternal lines in your family tree. See how to choose the right test and how to work with your genetic matches. Examples cover STRs, SNPs, genetic distance, match thresholds, Tip reports, the Y-DNA tree, haplogroups, group projects, account settings, and more.

Richard Hill: The first adoptee to identify his birth family through genetic genealogy DNA tests, Richard Hill shared his story in an award-winning book, “Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA.” He has founded two websites on DNA testing, DNA-Testing-Adviser.com and most recently DNAFavorites.com.  Richard has made it his personal mission to share what he learns with other adoptees and genealogists.
Date Start time is always Pacific Time
Saturday, December 7 10:00 AM - Pacific, 11:00 AM - Mountain, 12:00 PM - Central, 1:00 PM - Eastern
Unlocking the Keystone State
by Kate Townsend

Do you have ancestors that hail from the Keystone State? If so, it's time to learn about Pennsylvania's records and repositories.

Kate Townsend is a former professional investigator turned genealogist who specializes in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio genealogical research. She also has experience with court records, immigration, and naturalization records. Kate is the owner of Family History Investigations LLC. Kate completed Boston University's Certificate in Genealogical Research in May 2020. Since then, she has completed continuing education at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). She is a graduate of ProGen 58. She holds a BA in American Studies from The George Washington University; MA in Cultural Heritage Studies from University College London.