Historian and genealogist John P. Schmal will discuss “Searching for Your Indigenous California Roots” at a hybrid meeting hosted by the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America-So Cal on Saturday, February 1, at 11 a.m. PST. John will present live at the meeting, which will be held at the Southern California Genealogical Society Family Research Library in Burbank and online.
About the Lecture
John will discuss the many dimensions of exploring your Indigenous California Roots during his talk. Pointing out the value of California’s Mission records, John will discuss the techniques and resources available to explore your California roots online. These include the Mission Records and the Huntington Library’s California Early Population Project. He will also discuss the value of National Archives and Ancestry.com in locating Indigenous ancestors. While this topic may appear familiar to some, John will share new information. A handout will be available. You don't want to miss this event!
Feb. 1 Meeting Agenda
10:15 a.m.: Coffee and rolls
11 a.m.: In-person presentation by John Schmal
Noon: Pizza lunch, raffle, and networking
3 p.m.: Conclusion
How to Attend Live or Join by Zoom
If you want to attend virtually, a Zoom invitation will be sent to all GSHA-SC members. Before the meeting, make sure you have a free Zoom account. Non-members must RSVP by emailing gshasocal@gmail.com. We hope to see you in person at the SCGS Library. There will be door prizes!
About John P. Schmal
John P. Schmal is a historian, genealogist, author, and lecturer. He earned two BA degrees from Loyola-Marymount University in Los Angeles and St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, where he studied Geography, History, and Earth Sciences. Since the early 1990s, John has specialized in genealogical research and Indigenous history in several Mexican states, especially Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, Jalisco, and Guanajuato. In recent years, he has also developed skills in tracing the lineages of the California Mission Indians.
John received the 2018 Conference of California Historical Societies Award of Merit in the Scholarship Category. He was recognized for his extensive historical Mexican, Mexican-American, and Indigenous research studies. He currently manages IndigenousMexico.org, a one-stop online resource for historical and census information about the Indigenous people of Mexico and California.
Should I Join the GSHA-SC?
Yes! The mission of the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America-Southern California (GSHA-SC) is to promote Hispanic genealogical and historical research and to expand awareness and knowledge of Hispanic culture, historical contributions, and traditions. The GSHA-SC is a large and active group that meets at the SCGS Library four times a year, usually on the first Saturday in February/May/August & December, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when conditions permit. Meetings feature speakers and/or workshops, a break for a no-host lunch, and opportunities to network and research after lunch. Meetings are free and open to the public. Guests are always welcome and invited to join the group. This will be a hybrid meeting with a maximum of 14 people allowed in person at the SCGS Library, 417 Irving Drive, Burbank, and the remainder will be attended by Zoom.
The general public is invited. Reservations are required by emailing gshasocal@gmail.com.
The Hispanic Collection at the SCGS Library
The Southern California Chapter has a reference library of Hispanic genealogical records, maps, Hispanic family histories, and history books available at the SCGS Library. Genealogy resources focus on Arizona, California, Colorado, Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas.
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