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Thursday, December 30, 2021

World's oldest family tree reconstructed from Stone Age tomb

 The oldest family tree in the world has been reconstructed through the analysis of ancient DNA taken from a Stone Age tomb in Britain, according to a new study published Wednesday.

Researchers extracted DNA from the bones and teeth of 35 individuals buried at Hazleton North long cairn in the Cotswolds-Severn region, England. They found that 27 of them were close biological relatives and were from five continuous generations of a single extended family.

The group lived around 3700-3600 BC -- approximately 5,700 years ago. Researchers discovered that most of those buried in the tomb were descended from four women who had children with the same man.

Archaeologists and geneticists from institutions around the world -- including Newcastle University, in England, the University of the Basque Country, in Spain, the University of Vienna, in Austria, and Harvard University, US -- were involved in the research.

To read more of this article, hit here

Monday, December 27, 2021

Registration for the largest family history conference in the world is now open. Here’s how you can register for RootsTech 2022

Organizers have announced the opening of registration for RootsTech 2022, the largest family history conference in the world. Here’s how you can register for the online event planned for next March. 

Registration for RootsTech 2022, considered the largest family history event in the world, is now open, FamilySearch announced Monday in a news release.

The global event is scheduled to be held online March 3–5, 2022. The theme this year is “Choose Connection.” Registration for the virtual-only RootsTech 2022 is free and open to anyone at rootstech.org.

FamilySearch is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What is RootsTech?

RootsTech offers a forum where people of all ages across the globe can learn from experts about genealogy, discover their family heritage, share memories and make meaningful connections.

The 2022 event will feature a new set of educational classes, new technologies in the virtual expo hall and inspiring stories shared by a new lineup of keynote speakers.

RootsTech 2021, held earlier this year, attracted more than 1.1 million participants from over 240 countries and territories. Organizers expect those numbers to grow in 2022, said Jen Allen, event director for RootsTech. For more information, visit rootstech.org.

To read more of the article and to register, hit here

Saturday, December 25, 2021

Thursday, December 23, 2021

What is a GEDCOM file?

 This is an article posted on the web, which we felt may help in your education. To read the entire article, hit here

The GEDCOM file format was created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka the Mormon church), which runs free family history website FamilySearch, as a means of transferring family tree data from one genealogical website or software to another. GEDCOM is an acronym for Genealogical Data Communication and the original GEDCOM file specification was released in 1984 with the latest version, GEDCOM 7.0 released in 2021.

All major family history software products and websites support the GEDCOM file format. This means that if you have your family tree stored on a website or you have created it using standard family tree building software, then you should be able to export your tree easily to upload it elsewhere.

GEDCOM files use the ‘.ged’ suffix (just as a Word document, for example, has the suffix ‘.doc’). If someone shares a .ged file with you, then you will need to upload it to a family tree website or software to be able to read it.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Old traditions during the holidays

Usually around the holidays, old traditions are remembered. Whether it is love ones that have passed away or family too far away to gather during the holidays, we remember the little things that bring us joy. With the holiday, preparing old favorite holiday dishes or baking together or making holiday cookies can trigger those memories. We have found an article that may provide memories or have you set up new ones from old cookbook recipes. To view this article, hit here Don't forget to make copies of your recipes to hand down over the holidays, so that the younger generations may have a chance to remember you.







Tuesday, December 21, 2021

How did we become "Mexicans"?

 This is an except from one of his live chats on TikTok. He covers the early formation of Mexican identity, Mexican life in the Spanish Empire, and the expansion of colonial Mexico's borders. To watch the TikTok video, hit here

Monday, December 20, 2021

The best family tree gifts

 This is an article posted on the web, which we felt may help in your gift buying. This article was written in Great Britain, but it gives you several ideals. We are not affiliated and do not sponsor these companies.  To read the entire article, hit here

If you are looking for a family tree gift for your favorite genealogist, then there are some great options for every budget. Whether you are looking for a Christmas gift, a birthday present or you just want to say ‘thank you’, here are our favorite suggestions that will put a smile on any family historian’s face.

Sunday, December 19, 2021

What's New at Ancestry Dec 2021

 Watch the Barefoot Genealogist talk about what is new at Ancestry.  She will give a quick review of the virtual genealogy events you can attend in the next few months. You will also get a look at new features and tools now available on Ancestry that will help make your family history research easier and more fun. Finally, Crista will review some of the the databases full of new content released recently and explain how they can help you find the stories of your ancestors' lives.

To watch the video, hit here

Friday, December 17, 2021

Lunch and Learn via GoToMeeting January 8, 2022 1pm PST "So, You Thought You Were Organized"

 GSHA-SC is working with Southern California Genealogical Society in advertising their Lunch and Learn courses being taught in the library and also via the internet. To take advantage of genealogy courses being taught via the internet you will need to register for January 8 in advance at the url shown below. Please double click the URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4289525132437452813

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.




Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Hispanic Last Names Intro

This is an excerpt from the speaker's live chat on TikTok. He covers Hispanic last names, Mexican history, and family history research. To watch this TikTok, hit here

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Top Tips for Beginning Mexico Family History Research

Do you have Mexican ancestry? Join Crista Cowan as she shares some of the top tools and record collections that will help you find success in tracing your Mexican ancestors. 

To watch the Barefoot Genealogist latest video on YouTube, hit here

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Woman Makes Surprising Discovery about Adopted Mother's Family History

Heidi has never had many details about her family history because her mother was adopted, but thanks to research from Ancestry and A New Leaf host Daisy Fuentes, she's able to make some surprising discoveries that she's ready to share at her 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration. To watch the video, hit here

Monday, December 6, 2021

Mexican Ancestry and the Spanish Empire

This discussion covers Mexican nobility, Indigenous allies of the Spanish Empire, and early settlements in northern Mexico. To see this TikTok video, hit here

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Mulattos of Cochiti: Caste in Spanish New Mexico By Rob Martinez, State Historian

 This is an interesting free video by a member of GSHA. To watch this video hit here



Thursday, November 25, 2021

Being Thankful!--Discovering Her Son She Didn't Know Was Still Alive

 Being it is Thankgivings, we hope all you and your family are having a wonderful holiday. We present this 44 minute video on the reunification of a mom and her son.

Lost & Found is a New Zealand documentary series that sets about reuniting families, uncovering cultural identity and discovering lost family heritage.

Real Families brings you stories of modern day family life from around the world through the eyes of children, parents, and parenting experts. To watch the video, hit here


Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Sales, Sales, Sales, DNA Kits are on sale!! Now is the time to act!!!!

 Most, if not all, DNA companies are having their sales on Autosomal kits. Now is the time to pick them up at their lowest cost of the seasons. 

UNDERSTAND THE TEST TYPES

Generally, there are three different test types: Autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA. Today, autosomal tests are the most common. They can be administered to both men and women, and trace back through the lineage of both sexes. The Y-DNA test can only be administered to men, and traces DNA back through the patrilineal ancestry (basically from father to grandfather to great grandfather). The mtDNA is matrilineal and lets you trace your ancestry back through your mother, her mother, and her mother going back. Autosomal tests can get you quality genetic information going back about four or five generations. Because the Y-DNA and mtDNA tests are more focused on one side of the line, you can get information going back farther, but with less data about family structure.

Which test you take depends entirely on what you're looking for. Don't expect perfect accuracy. They can give you indications, but taking a DNA test won't magically produce a history book of your family's background.

GO TEST YOUR OLDEST

Remember, when asking relatives to take the test, always start with your oldest members. The reasons are simple. They can reach back further with a positive match, then you! They also may not be around if you wait. 


Saturday, November 20, 2021

I Took a DNA Test for My Health. It Found Me a Family

 MyHeritage user Lizzie Shaltz, 40, from Michigan, was adopted as a baby. After dealing with some health crises, she decided to take a DNA test because she wanted “no more surprises.” The surprise she didn’t anticipate was that she matched with a half-sister and found her biological siblings. Watch their beautiful reunion below:

Here is Lizzie’s story.

I was born in jail and placed for a closed adoption at 4 months of age. For most of my life, I knew nothing about my birth parents — only that my birth name was Christine and I had a half-brother named Jhonatan. For many years I tried to find more information, but had no idea how.

My adoptive father, a philosophy teacher, passed away suddenly when I was 16 years old. It was a major shock. Then, in 2012, I was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo a series of surgeries that damaged my back and my eyes, impairing my vision. Two years later, my condition deteriorated and I had to undergo surgery again.

For my 40th birthday, I decided to take a DNA test to learn more about my medical history. I didn’t want any more surprises.

The DNA Matches I received at first were not very interesting — just distant cousins. Eventually I decided to let it go. I would get notifications about new matches, but I didn’t even check them anymore.

Then, I got a message on Facebook from a woman named Ayla. She claimed that we were a close match on MyHeritage. So I logged in to check, and there it was — she was my half-sister!

To read the rest of the story, hit here


Friday, November 19, 2021

Hispanic Heritage Project Update

 


Since the last update of November 16th, Sylvia has completed the transcriptions for the following censuses and they are online at panes.info.

1819 Aquiles Serdan, Santa Eulalia (Census) 

1822 Aquiles Serdan, Santa Eulalia (Census) 

1725 Galeana, Santa Buenaventura (Vecinos y Armas) 

1719 Huejotitan (Vecinos y Armas) 

1818 Namiquipa {Military Roster} 

1802 San Francisco de Borja (Census) 

1716 Santa Rosa de Cusihuiriachic (Vecinos y Armas)

We are grateful for all your support and wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.


Thursday, November 18, 2021

Reeling ‘Em in with Cousin Bait—10 Ways to Connect with Family

 Excellent webinar on how to connect with Family in getting to assist you in your genealogy. This is free for 1 week from today. Take advantage and view it Legacy Family Tree Webinar by hitting here

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

 FamilySearch has 30 new/updated free collections from Mexico from November 1-15, 2021, and available to search and browse. These free records are listed below: 

Mexico, Aguascalientes, Catholic Church Records, 1601-1962

Mexico, Campeche, Catholic Church Records, 1638-1944

Mexico, Chiapas, Catholic Church Records, 1557-1978

Mexico, Chihuahua, Catholic Church Records, 1632-1958

Mexico, Coahuila, Catholic Church Records, 1627-1978

Mexico, Colima, Catholic Church Records, 1707-1969

Mexico, Distrito Federal, Catholic Church Records, 1514-1970

Mexico, Durango, Catholic Church Records, 1604-1985

Mexico, Guanajuato, Catholic Church Records, 1519-1984

Mexico, Guerrero, Catholic Church Records, 1576-1979

Mexico, Hidalgo, Catholic Church Records, 1546-1971

Mexico, Jalisco, Catholic Church Records, 1590-1979

Mexico, México, Catholic Church Records, 1567-1970

Mexico, Michoacán, Catholic Church Records, 1555-1996

Mexico, Morelos, Catholic Church Records, 1598-1994

Mexico, Nayarit, Catholic Church Records, 1596-1967

Mexico, Nuevo León, Catholic Church Records, 1667-1981

Mexico, Oaxaca, Catholic Church Records, 1559-1988

Mexico, Puebla, Catholic Church Records, 1545-1977

Mexico, Querétaro, Catholic Church Records, 1590-1970

Mexico, San Luis Potosí, Catholic Church Records, 1586-1977

Mexico, Sinaloa, Catholic Church Records, 1671-1968

Mexico, Sinaloa, Civil Registration, 1861-1929

Mexico, Sonora, Catholic Church Records, 1657-1994

Mexico, Tabasco, Catholic Church Records, 1803-1970

Mexico, Tamaulipas, Catholic Church Records, 1703-1964

Mexico, Tlaxcala, Catholic Church Records, 1576-1994

Mexico, Veracruz, Catholic Church Records, 1590-1978

Mexico, Yucatán, Catholic Church Records, 1543-1977

Mexico, Zacatecas, Catholic Church Records, 1605-1980

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Colleen Greene's Hispanic Research & Heritage Email Newsletter Has Moved to Facebook

 andCCothers. If this Follow my new pa


why now?" She stated because she needed to find a new and more efficient home for the emailinterests you, go Like and  newsletter she published from 2015 - 2020. This Facebook page is the first of some new ideas she wishes to share the content that she created, as well as the content that she curated from ge.e




 

Colleen Robledo Greene launched a new Facebook page this weekend. She asked, "Why a Facebook page and why now?" She stated because she needed to find a new and more efficient home for the email newsletter she published from 2015 - 2020. This Facebook page is the first of some new ideas she wishes to share the content that she created, as well as the content that she curated from others. If this interests you, go Like and Follow her new page. To do so, hit here


Monday, November 15, 2021

It is that time of the year to renew your membership

It is that time of the year where we ask our members to renew their membership and/or to give or support a friend/ relative a gift membership to our organization, Genealogical Society of Hispanic America- Southern California (GSHA-SC). 

You can go to our web site and pay with a credit/debit card at https://www.gsha-sc.org/membership.html Follow the instructions and complete your cart. You will then be directed to PayPal, where you will need to entered all the data necessary to complete the transaction. Once it is completed, you will be directed back to the website to finalized the deal. If you wish to download a paper copy of our invoice, you can do it there and print and mail in your copy.


Donations to our organizations are also welcome to help sway the cost of running a 501(c)(3) non profit California organization which was founded to promote Hispanic genealogical and historical research with a focus on, but not limited to Colorado and New Mexico, as well as Mexico, Arizona, California, and Texas, thereby expanding awareness and knowledge of individual culture, history, and traditions. You can access the online PayPal at our website at https://www.gsha-sc.org/donation-amounts.html Again follow the instructions after completing your cart, where you will be directed to PayPal site, where you will need to enter all the necessary data to complete the transaction 


If you receive our renewal mailing, please complete and return it. Please do not forget to donate something to help us out, whether it is an old genealogy research book(s) or journal(s) gathering dust on your shelves instead of a monetary donation.

Saturday, November 13, 2021

Finding Your Roots in Mexico presented by John Schmal on November 20, 2021 1:00pm PST

 


To register for this presentation, please hit here

Genealogy Garage: Pre-WWI Military Records at NARA Saturday, November 20, 2021 11:00-12:30pm PST

 


The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is our nation's record keeper and the place to go for United States military records. In honor of Veterans Day, join us as NARA Archives Specialist Paul Harrison gives us an overview of their military records from the Revolutionary War to just before WWI.

Your ancestor may have served in the previous wars, or had their life documented in WWI or WWII Draft registration.


Streaming live on Facebook and YouTube (no RSVP required).

Friday, November 12, 2021

What's New at Ancestry: October 2021 | The Barefoot Genealogist

 Join Crista Cowan for an updated episode of “What’s New at Ancestry.” In this video, Crista will go over the updates made to the Ancestry site to improve search. 

To watch the video, hit here

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Watch Colleen Robledo Greene on on Shamele Jordan's Genealogy Quick Start Web Show

Colleen talks about that every genealogist has inherited that prized family obituary that proudly describes the life of the family matriarch or patriarch. Obituaries are genealogy goldmines. They can be packed with information and clues that can help us learn more about our family history.

This past Thursday, November 4th, I appeared on Genealogy Quick Start, a genealogy education web show produced by Shamele Jordan that streams live to Facebook and YouTube every other Thursday at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

To watch the production, quick here Please note she appears in the second half of the production.




Monday, November 8, 2021

GSHA-Utah presents Zoom presentation-Hispanic Conference, Saturday, November 13, 2021 8-11am PST

 Genealogical Society of Hispanic America (GSHA)-Utah Invites you to join us for the Utah Hispanic Genealogy Conference, Saturday, November 13, 2021, 8:00-11:00am PST. To request a zoom link, send email to utahgshasecretary@gmail.com requesting a RSVP.



Sunday, November 7, 2021

FACC/GSHA Zoom Meeting November 13, 2021 10AM PST "From Spain to New Mexico"

 


Please join FACC/GSHA on their monthly meeting where Gary De Leon will present his zoom presentation on "From Spain to New Mexico, our Ancestors who came to live in New Mexico the Onate Expedition and 1600 additions." . We will first look at a history of Spain in the 1500s and find out why our ancestors left Spain, then we will see why they came to New Mexico along seeing data of the expedition members and finally a background of family members. They were small; they were courageous to make the trip from Santa Barbara and the few who stayed have given New Mexico many descendants. To join the presentation, hit here

Friday, November 5, 2021

Extranjeros: The Foreigners of Mexico Presented by John Schmal Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at 1:00pm PST

 This presentation will discuss the various ethnic groups that have come to Mexico since Mexican independence. We will explore the three main phases of foreign migration to Mexico and discuss Mexican legislation and attitudes relating to foreigners. The immigration patterns of the Spaniards, French, Germans, Chinese, British and Americans will be examined. Mexican census data from 1895 to the present will illustrate the numbers of these ethnic groups. To access the online meeting, please hit here


Hispanic Research--Finding Your Indigenous Roots in Nueva Vizcaya/Sonora/Sinaloa Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021 6:30 PM PST


 

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

San José Roots: Celebrating Our Heritage Saturday, November 6th, 2021 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

 Upcoming Programs & Events in Downtown San José 

Join Los Californianos in celebrating our local history for those members inNorthern California! Enjoy free outdoor entertainment from local performers: History San José’s Portraits of the Past, Julo, Los Arribeños, and Los Lupeños de San José. Meet your local representatives and explore local history with History San José’s Collection Department and Community Partners–Tamien Nation, African American Heritage House, California Pioneers of Santa Clara County, La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley, and the Chinese Culture & Historical Project. Visit the Gonzalez/Peralta Adobe & Fallon House.

Engage in fun activities for $5: Create a Corn Husk Doll, Dress up in Period Clothes, Make a Hand Dipped Candle, and Rope a Bull!

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

11:00 am | Welcome by History San José & Tamien Nation, Open Houses, and Family Activities

11:20 am | Californio History Presentation

11:40 am | N’Dee (Apache) Poem

11:45 am | Dignitaries Speaks

12:05 pm | Californio Fandango (Los Arribeños)

12:45 pm | Cupcakes

1:00 pm | Mexican Folklorico (Los Lupeños)

1:35 pm | African Drumming (Julo)

2:10 pm | History San José’s Portraits of the Past

2:30 pm | Jim Zetterquist Book Talk & Signing










Monday, November 1, 2021

Día de los Muertos: A History






Celebrate Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) - the multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and to remember friends and family members who have died. To watch the video, hit here


For more information on Día de los Muertos: hit here


Saturday, October 30, 2021

Dia de los Muertos


Día de los Muertos celebrates the lives of our departed loved ones, and the new life that comes from death. It helps us recognize that death is just the next step in life's journey, and that no one really dies as long as they live on in our memories.

Thursday, October 28, 2021

DNA Testing Unlocks Incredible Family Stories

 Genetic #ancestry testing has unlocked many family stories, with over 26 million people undergoing #DNA testing to learn more about their own history. In this clip from the show we have several guests who outline how they learned about new siblings from DNA testing, and some family details they would have never known otherwise! To watch this video, hit here

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Discovering Her Son She Didn't Know Was Still Alive

 Lost & Found is a New Zealand documentary series that sets about reuniting families, uncovering cultural identity and discovering lost family heritage.  Real Families brings you stories of modern day family life from around the world through the eyes of children, parents, and parenting experts. To watch the video, hit here

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Reconnection story: Amanda and Leisa’s DNA Family Story!

 Mothers reconnect with their children for the first time and spend Mother’s Day together! Watch their touching DNA stories. To watch the video, hit here

Saturday, October 23, 2021

2021 LA Archives Bazaar at the USC Doheny Library, Oct. 23, 2021

We are happy to report that GSHA-SC had representation at the 2021 LA Archives Bazaar at the USC Doheny Library, Oct. 23. GSHA-SC VP of Communications Cheryl Wolfe staffed the table alongside Charlotte Bocage's So. Cal. Genealogical Society table. We genuinely appreciate their outreach efforts on behalf of GSHA-SC and SCGS.



Friday, October 22, 2021

I Found My Dad’s Secret Birth Father Thanks to a DNA Test

 It all started around 2004 when my angry half-sister told me to take her off the family tree I’d been working on for the past 20 years. “Besides,” she threw out, “you are following the wrong family anyway!”

What did she mean?

The tree in question traced her line back to Newgate Prison in London, where our ancestor was found guilty and sentenced to transportation to Virginia Plantation in 1743. Was she saying that this ancestor wasn’t really my ancestor?

The father we had in common had unfortunately passed, but my stepmother was still around, so I called her to ask what my half-sister had meant. My stepmother replied that it was all in the past and there was no sense digging up old dirt. To read the story, hit here

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Thanks to a DNA Quest, I Had Both of My Dads to Walk Me Down the Aisle

 Kara Miller was placed for a closed adoption when she was two days old. Years after taking a DNA test through MyHeritage’s pro bono project DNA Quest, Kara received a match that led her to connect with both of her birth parents. Months later, both her birth dad and her adoptive dad were able to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day — as recently reported in People Magazine.

Kara grew up fully aware that she was adopted. She was the oldest of 4 girls, 3 of whom were adopted, and her family took pride in their identity and encouraged them in their curiosity about their pasts and their families.

To read the whole story, hit here

Friday, October 15, 2021

This Wednesday: La Llorona (storytime)


  

20 October / Wednesday / 6 pm

On Zoom / Free registration                                          


La Llorona: Community Stories

Join Dr. Fawn Amber Montoya, of James Madison University, and community storytellers from across southern Colorado for a night of sharing legends of La Llorona, the weeping woman who wanders river banks mourning her children.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please hit here or you can watch the zoom presentation by hitting here


Search for an ancestor without using his name

In helping our members (readers) in searching the web on DNA, Genealogy or helpful techniques, we came across a unique blog by Janine Adams. We thought we introduce her and her blog on the subject that we found. To read her account, please hit here   

"When you fill out a search form on FamilySearch on Ancestry, you typically enter the name into the search box of the ancestor whose records your searching for. That seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? But if you’re having trouble finding records on a research subject whose parents’, spouses’s or siblings’ names you know, try the leaving the person’s name blank an instead entering the name of one or more of those relatives. Sometimes you’ll find documents that did not come up with a search on the ancestor’s name."

"Why does it work? There are lots of possibilities. Perhaps there was an indexing error on the research subject’s name. Or maybe you were searching on a full name when the document in question uses a nickname or initials. It’s an easy thing to try and you might be pleasantly surprised by the results!"

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Hispanic Research with John Schmal Wednesday, October 20, 2021 6:30pm PDT


 Please join John Schmal for Hispanic Research, Thursday, October 20, 2021 6:30pm PDT. If you are not a member of GSHA-SC, please email gshasocal@gmail.com and ask to join via zoom.

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Genealogy Garage: Navigating Freedmen’s Bureau Records October 16, 2021 11AM PDT


The Freedmen's Bureau was created to help former slaves and refugees adapt to post-Civil War life in America. The records it left behind can help us identify our ancestors...but they can be tricky to find! In Part 1 of this series, experienced researcher Sharon Batiste Gillins will demonstrate several techniques and resources you can use to find your family within the records, and talk about the history of the Bureau. This program was made possible by generous donations from the Central Library Docents, SCGS, and CAAGS. Streaming Live on Facebook and YouTube.

Friday, October 8, 2021

After DNA tests revealed my long-lost sisters, I received shocking information about who my father

 News 4 meteorologist Kristen Cornett found her long-lost sisters through DNA tests. Recently she received shocking news about who her father was.

To watch this video, hit here

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Jennifer Bess:"The Indian Reorganization Act and Efforts to Restore the Pima Agricultural Economy on the Gila River" Wednesday, October 13, 2021 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (PDT)



JENNIFER BESS is assistant professor of peace studies at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. She received her Pd.D. with a specialization in Early Modern English from the Catholic University America (1995). Her work has appeared in the American Indian Quarterly, Journal of the Southwest, Agricultural History, and Ethnohistory. Her 2015 essay “The Price of Pima Cotton,” published in Western Historical Quarterly, received the James Madison Prize from the Society for History in the Federal Government.  She is the author of Where the Red-Winged Blackbirds Sing: The Akimel O’odham and Cycles of Agricultural transformation in the Phoenix Basin.  University Press of Colorado, 2021. To watch the zoom presentation by registering in advance by emailing TJAEHN@UNM.EDU to be added to the attendee list. Zoom information will be sent 2 days ahead of each lecture.

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Revolts & Revolutions: Resistance Movements in New Mexico History via Zoom presentation by FACC GSHA on Oct 9, 2021 10AM PDT

Since colonial times, revolts and resistance have been a part of New Mexico history. Join State Historian of New Mexico Rob Martinez as he presents some of these events in New Mexico's fascinating past. Please join FACC GSHA via zoom presentation by registering here for their meeting on time and date.

Oct 9, 2021 10:00 AM PDT



Thursday, September 30, 2021

Genealogy Garage: How to Best Use AmericanAncestors.org via LAPL rebroadcast

Former Whittier Area Genealogical Society President Christine Cohen shows us the ins and outs of AmericanAncestors.org. This database is especially valuable for those of you with early-American British ancestors, and those of you wanting to join lineage societies like D.A.R. or the Mayflower Society.

To watch the video hit here 

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

My Favorite Tutorials for Getting Familiar with the 1940 U.S. Federal Census By Colleen R Greene

 As Colleen R. Greene stated in her blog, "This is the long overdue second part in a blog series I started last year highlighting my favorite tutorials and tools for learning more about the U.S. federal population census for genealogical and historical research." Our recommendation is for you to read and watch her on how she explains how to become familiar with the 1940's U.S. Federal Census.

You can read and watch certain parts of her informational instruction on her blog and other genealogy tidbits by hitting here

Update on Panes.info

 


Just a few short notes: 
Silvia Magdaleno just recently completed the transcription of two more censuses from the state of Chihuahua: the 1818 Military Roster from Namiquipa and the 1802 census of San Francisco de Borja. 
Lastly, we have just posted on our online bookstore at panes.info a link to the index of "Familias y Casas de la Vieja Valladolid" Now you can check for names you may be researching.


Sunday, September 26, 2021

Fort Tejon and Ridge Route Museum Tours, and Lectures at Los Californianos Fall Meeting Oct 22-24, 2021


 This event is in-person. Registration fee: $60. Non-members can attend. Deadline: Oct. 10

Saturday, September 25, 2021

How to start a Journal

 Knowing how to start a journal might seem a bit overwhelming. Maybe your mind conjures up the idea of long handwritten pages, daily written in a leather-bound book. Though that is certainly a way to do it, it is not the only way. There are literally dozens of ways to start and keep a journal. In fact, you can start today!

Why Should I Start a Journal?

Journaling, writing a diary, calendaring, scrapbooking…these are all words and phrases that mean similar things. They are ways to record your daily events, declutter your mind, or keep and share a personal history of your life. Some are created by your written words, some may be a list of activities you have done for the day, and some may be a book of pictures or memorabilia that represent your life’s happenings. But journaling specifically has a special relationship with the mind and body. Starting the habit of journaling can be life changing.

To read the article in its entirety, hit here by  Amie Tennant


Thursday, September 23, 2021

Zoom presentation on The Tomorrow of Violence: Slavery, Kinship, and Community in the Borderlands by Author James F. Brooks, Thursday, Sept 30, 2021 5pm PDT

 



You're invited to listen to Author James F. Brooks offers personal stories about his three-decades of research on the intercultural slave system of the Southwest Borderlands, with particular attention to the region along today’s Colorado/New Mexico border. He shares his accidents of discovery, heart wrenching stories, and his ongoing efforts to support descendants of the enslaved and enslavers to make meaning of their knotted pasts. If you are in the area there will be a time of reflection, remembrance, and understanding at the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center to view the new exhibit, Unsilenced: Indigenous Enslavement in Southern Colorado, and participate in activities throughout the day. The in-person events are free and open to the public, but reservation is a must.

IF YOU MISSED IT, HERE IS THE LINK PRESENTATION

First, apologies for the technical issues with the Zoom broadcast of Dr. James Brooks' talk, "The Tomorrow of Violence," at Fort Garland Museum last week. Thank you for your patience and your interest in the program. Luckily, we were able to capture a high quality recording of the talk and it's now available on our YouTube channel.


Monday, September 20, 2021

The Powerful Mexican Woman Who Helped Shape Early Santa Monica

 

A portrait of Arcadia Bandini Stearns de Baker, circa 1885. She was known as the wealthiest woman in Southern California. | USC Digital Library. California Historical Society



To Read the entire article please hit here

This story is published in collaboration with Picturing Mexican America.

During Arcadia Bandini Stearns de Baker's time, everyone knew her name. Rich, beautiful and connected, she threw the best parties, associated with the most important people in early California and helped make Santa Monica and the west side of Los Angeles what it is today.

But most people don't know much about the woman who donated land in Santa Monica including the area around Palisades Park. Even Oscar de la Torre, who has walked by the bronze sculpture of de Baker in his hometown park's rose garden many times. He's one of only a handful of Latinx to have ever served on the Santa Monica City Council. Not only did he not know her history, "I never knew she was Mexican."

In a city known as much for its whiteness as it is for its beautiful beaches, Santa Monica wasn't always that way. Before the Santa Monica Freeway ripped the city in half and sent large numbers of Latinx and Black families to other parts of Los Angeles, there was a bustling, diverse community with Latinx accounting for 20 to 25% of the population in Santa Monica, according to the Los Angeles Times. Long before that, the area and the rest of California was part of Mexico. And going back even further, it belonged to Indigenous Californians.

Uncovering More Diverse West L.A. Histories
Les Uniques Social Club initiation ceremony of new officers at the Buckman home in Santa Monica, 1954. | Persil Lewis. Courtesy of the Quinn Research Center
Three Major Projects Chronicle Histories and Displacement of African Americans in Santa Monica
When de Baker arrived in Santa Monica, there wasn't a lot there. Her story begins decades before California became part of the United States after the Mexican-American War ended in 1848.

She was born in 1827 into one of the most powerful families in elite Mexican California. Her mother María Dolores Estudillo's father served as Commandant of the Presidio of San Diego and two of her brothers served as alcalde (mayor) of San Diego and the other as alcalde of San Francisco. De Baker's father, Juan Bandini, came to California after his own father José Bandini, a Spanish naval captain, switched allegiances and fought with Mexico in the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. Juan became a well-connected landowner and politician who switched his allegiances away from Mexico to the United States when the U.S. declared war with Mexico.





Friday, September 17, 2021

Collen Robledo Greene will present free presentation Friday, Sept 24, 2001 12 noon PDT "Clayton Library Presents - Your 19th and 20th Century Mexican Ancestors in the U.S."

 Announcing another member is speaking at free presentation. Colleen Robledo Greene is speaking at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research in Houston, Texas. It's "Your 19th & 20th Century Mexican Ancestors in the U.S." on Friday, September 24th at 12 noon Pacific Daylight time. It's free to register and you don't need a library card. To register in advance, hit here

For more information on topic, please see below:

Historical records and social history paint a rich picture of the lives of our Mexican ancestors who were in the U.S. after the mid-19th century. A new border, new laws, a violent revolution, two world wars, and changing economic and political conditions significantly impacted your Mexican ancestors who came to or were born in the United States. Sharing a border, and sharing a long common history in certain regions of the U.S. has presented situations unique to those of Mexican descent compared to other immigrant and ethnic groups.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15


 

Hispanic Research with Rachel Rodriguez on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6:30pm PDT

 Please join Rachel Rodriguez for Hispanic Research, Thursday, September 23, 2021 6:30pm PDT. If you are not a member of GSHA-SC, please email gshasocal@gmail.com and ask to join via zoom.



Monday, September 13, 2021

History in the Southwest--Col. John P. Slough, “Gilpin’s Pet Lambs,” and the Union Victory at Glorieta Pass

 Watch a free past zoom presentation on how the Union Army stopped the Confederate Army at Glorieta Pass, New Mexico. To watch the video, hit here

About the talk:

The Confederate Army of New Mexico, its ranks filled with 2,500 Texans, swept into New Mexico Territory in January 1862, intent on claiming the American southwest for the rebel cause. The invasion’s possibilities seemed endless: arms from captured Federal forts, ore from the Colorado gold fields, perhaps even Pacific Ocean ports for the blockaded Confederacy. But in northern New Mexico Territory, a Federal force largely composed of Colorado Volunteers stopped the Texans’ advance at the battle of Glorieta Pass. Commanding the Coloradans was an inexperienced and unpopular officer, Col. John P. Slough, whose ill-conceived battle plan almost led to Union disaster. Shortly after the battle, Slough abruptly resigned his command, claiming that he feared for his life from his own men. Richard Miller, the author of John P. Slough: The Forgotten Civil War General (University of New Mexico Press, 2021), will tell the story of Colonel Slough, his struggles to discipline the hard-drinking and at times mutinous Colorado Volunteers, and their miraculous victory over the Confederate Army of New Mexico at Glorieta Pass.

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Zoom Presentation from John Schmal: Saturday, Sept 18, 2021 1:00pm PDT "Indigenous Chihuahua: Past and Present"

 Please join one of our members in his presentation Indigenous Chihuahua: Past and Present on Saturday, September 18, 2021 1:00pm PDT. The URL to rsvp to watch the presentation in advance, hit here.


Sat, September 18, 1pm – 2pm

Description

The Mexican state of Chihuahua has been a crossroads between the north and south for many centuries. Dozens of indigenous people inhabited the region, but the silver industry and the mission system transformed the region during the colonial period. However, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Apaches terrorized the area, and many native people either joined the Apaches or fled to the Spanish settlements for protection. John P Schmal will discuss Chihuahua's indigenous people through five centuries from the early colonial period to the present day status of its indigenous citizens.

Friday, September 10, 2021

Genealogy Garage: September 18: Beginning Hispanic Genealogy (the Family History Library--one in Spanish 1pm PDT, one in English 11am PDT)

 


Our chapter is promoting this event in September. Our October Fiesta celebration has been postpone due to Covid 19. Please join us and attend this event thru Facebook or YouTube. The Information will be provided to our members before the event. If you are a non member, please email gshasocal@gmail.com and list that you wish to attend the event.

Genealogy Garage: September 18, 2021: Beginning Hispanic Genealogy (the Family History Library--one in Spanish 1pm PDT, one in English 11am PDT)

If you are unaware, our chapter supports Genealogy Garage at the Los Angeles Public Library. We are announcing this event early since it is primary in both Espanol and English. 


Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Genealogy Garage: Think Like An Investigator! The Power of Public Records

 Private Investigator and researcher James Wiggins will guide us through the rewarding world of public records. What kind of information is available? What resources does one use to find it? For genealogy and other fact-finding missions, this is one presentation you're not going to want to miss!

To watch the rebroadcast presentation, hit here

Monday, September 6, 2021

Zoom Presentation from GSHA-FACC Saturday, September 11, 2021 10:00am PDT

 GSHA-FACC is inviting you to a Zoom meeting.

When: Sep 11, 2021 11:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

About: Presentation by Manual Romero - Author of "Mi America"

Register in advance for this meeting, by hitting here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.



Friday, September 3, 2021

Ancestry DNA: Father & Son compare results! *LIVE REACTION*

 This is a follow up of the son, Tony, who had his father take a DNA genetic test.

After waiting 5 months (his test was lost in transit so he had to resend another sample), he finally have his dads results! Watch both videos so you can see what was transmitted to his son. To watch the video, hit here

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

That First Trip to the Courthouse Zoom Presentation September 8, 2021 | 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM PDT

 If there is one home truth in genealogy research, it’s this: not everything is available online. Sooner or later, every genealogist has got to make that first trip to the courthouse to check out the original records available there. How to prepare for that trip, the rules of the road, what to expect, what to ask for, and how to be sure you’ll be welcomed back the next time are explored in this lecture. To register for this event, hit here 

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Levi Romero September 7, 2021 4:30pm to 5:30pm PDT "Mi Querencia: A Narrative Cruise through the Manito Homeland."

Levi Romero is an American poet. He received his M.A. in Architecture from the University of New Mexico. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Chicana and Chicano Studies department at the University of New Mexico. Levi Romero is a Nuevomexicano from the Embudo Valley, His first language was New Mexican Spanish and the manito dialect of the region. The cultural and geographical landscapes of the Embudo Valley influences many of Romero's early and later works. Romero has received numerous awards, including the PBS Bill Moyers Language of Life Award. He recently was named the state's Inaugural Poet Laureate in 2020. He has published poems and prose in journals and anthologies and is the author of In the In the Gathering of Silence, A Poetry of Remembrance, Sagrado: A Photopoetics Across the Chicano Homeland (2013), and Querencia: Reflections on the New Mexico Homeland (2020). To watch the zoom presentation by registering in advance by emailing TJAEHN@UNM.EDU to be added to the attendee list. Zoom information will be sent 2 days ahead of each lecture.





Monday, August 30, 2021

ANCESTRY DNA TEST - LIVE REACTION - SURPRISING RESULTS!!

 Like most individuals who test their DNA there always seems to a surprised! Tony shares his results. 

Saturday, August 28, 2021

John Schmal's article on "The Germans In Mexico (1821-1910)" revisited

 The German Merchant Colony in Mexico

Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821 after an eleven-year armed struggle against that European nation which had colonized it since 1519. The subsequent period from 1821 to 1876 was a period of great instability and economic stagnation for Mexico.  During this period Mexico was ravaged by civil wars between rival generals, as well as foreign wars against other countries (Spain, United States, France).

To read more of the article, hit here


Thursday, August 26, 2021

Join us this week for an online talk about an artifact connected to the Espinosa brothers. Sept 2, 2021 6pm PDT

 



The Espinosa Brothers’ Petaca (trunk) is currently on display in the Borderlands of Southern Colorado exhibit at the History Colorado Center and needs conservation treatment so we can continue to share this great story with future generations.

Join us ONLINE for a dynamic discussion of the Espinosa Brothers and the Borderlands of Southern Colorado and learn about the history surrounding the Petaca and our conservation goals. Speakers include Dr. Nick Saenz (Associate Professor of History-Adams State University), Robert Sanchez (Senior Staff Writer-5280 Magazine), James Peterson (Assistant Curator for Artifacts-History Colorado), and Julie Parker (Parker Art Conservation).  

To join by zoom, you will need to register in advance by hitting here

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Genealogy Resources at The Los Angeles Public Library Zoom Presentation Tuesday Aug 31st at 11:30am PDT

 Join us for a FREE, virtual presentation on Tuesday, August 31st at 2:30 p.m. EDT, (11:30 PDT)!

Join us Tuesday, August 31st at 2:30 p.m. EDT to learn about genealogy resources at the Los Angels Public Library! Presented by Julie Huffman.

Julie Huffman has been a librarian at Los Angeles Public Library for 16 years and has had the privilege of being the genealogy subject specialist for seven. Her interest in genealogy started ages ago when her great grandma told her she was related to the King of Sweden (she's not). Julie has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and a master's degree in Library & Information Science from UCLA. Her hobby is doing her friends' genealogies so she can learn about other cultures, places and history.

Register in advance for this program by hitting here!

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the program.



John Schmal's Article "Los Extranjeros in Mexico (1895-2010)" revisited.

Immigration to Mexico

From the early Sixteenth Century to the end of the Nineteenth Century, Mexico saw a continuous surge of immigrants from Spain. But several other countries — most notably Portugal, Italy, Germany, France, the Philippines and China — also contributed a steady stream of immigrants to various parts of Mexico through the centuries. Immigration from North America and other parts of Latin America and the Caribbean has also been healthy over the long haul. 

To read the article hit here 

He stated there may be an upcoming presentation will discuss the Extranjeros in Mexico. Special attention will be given to the expulsion of the Spaniards after independence and Mexico's difficult relationship with Spain until its received recognition in 1836.

Monday, August 23, 2021

Playing Telephone

Have you ever asked someone a question or said something to someone only to have their response make it clear that they did not understand what we said.

This is what happens when we look at censuses over the years and the answers do not add up, or when you look at a death, birth or even marriage certificate. If the individual gave an “off-the-wall” answers to the census taker, records clerk, or even when you ask a question, maybe you should rephrase the question(s) in a way that it could be understood. With records, it is after the fact. A person’s difficulty in understanding the question can be compounded by hearing difficulties, cognitive abilities, native language, and even age, etc. Do not assume that your relative really understood what they were being asked. Always note the citation with a note that the record(s) may contain vary information that does not fit the subject or information.

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Spokane woman's Ancestry test leads to shocking family secret

When a Spokane Valley women sent off her DNA sample to Ancestry.com, she was only looking for information about her ethnic background. She never expected to find the father she knew nothing about; and finding him was the beginning of the shock of her life. To watch the video, hit here

Friday, August 20, 2021

Rachel Kaufman - "Translating History through Poetry The Mexican Inquisition and Crypto-Jewish Memory" - 4:30pm-5:30pm PDT

 


Rachel Kaufman is a PhD student in History at UCLA, where she works on Latin American and Jewish history. Her current research focuses on crypto-Jewish memory practices in New Mexico and Mexico from the late 15th century to the 20th century. In 2020, she published an article on “Translating History” in Rethinking History: The Journal of Theory and Practice. In 2021, she published her first poetry book, Many to Remember (Dos Madres Press), which unravels the histories of New Mexican crypto-Jews and the Mexican Inquisition alongside the poet’s own family histories.

To join the zoom presentation please hit here or you can join thru Zoom with the Meeting ID: 988 9794 3798





  


Thursday, August 19, 2021

Sanchez Adobe Interpretive Center Saturday, September 18, 2021 12 to 4pm PDT Pacifica, California



We have received a special invitation thru Los Californianos from Mitch Postel, the President of the San Mateo County Historical Museum. Those members living in Northern California should make arrangements to attend this event on September 18, 2021 from 12-4pm PDT. 

This is their yearly Rancho Day Fiesta, with the addition of the grand opening of their new Sanchez Adobe Interpretive Center.  Admission is free!

For more information, please hit here


Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Using Zotero to Organize and Annotate Your Family History Research on Legacy Tree Webinar Available for a short time for free

Listen to Colleen Robledo Greene, who is presenting a Legacy Tree Webinar. It is free for a week by hitting here


 Keeping track of and organizing our research materials can be overwhelming. Genealogists use a wide variety of sources and reference tools to discover and dig deeper into our family history: historical records, books and periodicals, photos, maps, videos, articles and web pages, reports, databases, digital archives, etc. Zotero is a free research and citation management system heavily used in academia, but it can also be extremely valuable for genealogists whether for their family history research, or for professional publishing and presentations. It is available for both Mac and PC users. Zotero can integrate well with your existing research workflow and organization tools such Dropbox, Google Drive, and Evernote. What it excels at is letting you apply the same source item and notes to multiple people, families, and projects without having to duplicate those in multiple folders or notebooks.

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

GSHA-SC Writers' Workshop Aug 22, 2021 2pm PDT


 

Searching for Your Indigenous Roots in Mexico by John Schmal by LAPL

 Lecturer John Schmal will give a presentation on searching for your indigenous roots in Mexico. In addition to showing examples of Indian baptisms and marriages from various parts of the country, he will discuss the issue of tribal identity and the use of the generic term "indio" in Catholic Church records as early as the 1600s. Some of the challenges of tracing indigenous families beyond several generations will be discussed.

John P. Schmal is a historian, genealogist, and lecturer. John has B.A. Degrees in History (Loyola Marymount University) and Geography (St Cloud University). He is a lifetime honorary member of GSHA-SC and a board member of the Society of Hispanic Ancestral Research (SHHAR). He conducts research on Mexican and German families, as well as California and Colonial American research.

This program is part of the pre-festival programming for LA Libros Fest.

To watch the rebroadcast of this presentation, hit here

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Sunday, August 15, 2021

Hidden Tools on Ancestry com

 Here are five hidden tools that are often overlooked on Ancestry.com. Improve your family history research by understanding all the research tools and records on Ancestry.

In this episode, learn how to search private trees, tricks for the card catalog, searching All Hints, who saved your records, and a timeline in the AncestryDNA ethnicity estimates.

To watch this episode by Constance (Connie) Knox, hit here

GSHA-FACC Zoom Presentation August 21, 2021 10am PDT

 




To register in advance for this meeting, please hit here 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Genealogy Garage: August 22: (Sunday): Beginning Jewish Genealogy (Risa Daitzman Heywood, of "Research by Risa")

 Please join Genealogy Garage thru Facebook or YouTube on Sunday August 22, 2021. For the URL, please communicate via their instructions below.



Friday, August 13, 2021

Panes Update---August 2021


 

August 12, 2021

Wonderful Happenings

Great and exciting things have been happening since our last update. First of all, for those of you who have family lines in Chihuahua, Sylvia Fernandez Magdaleno has again added another census she recently transcribed to Panes.info: the 1822 census of the Companía y Vecindario de Ojinaga.

Secondly, due to a large donation, we have been able to acquire Nueva Espana Books. Nueva Espana Books not only brings valuable resources to researchers but is providing some of the needed funding for our digitizing activities.

Thirdly, our basic cause, which is helping researchers have more resources in finding their Hispanic family lines, has attracted more and more people who have a genuine interest. This is mostly due to the efforts of one of our board members, Eli Magaña, who has some super innate PR social media skills and has promoted our cause on TikTok and YouTube.

Lastly, we have entered the printing arena by reprinting the ten-volume “Retoños de España en la Nueva Galicia” and selling individual volumes. We will keep you informed as we add new titles.

Hispanic Heritage Project

"Retoños de España de la Nueva Galicia" is now sold by separate volumes on AbeBooks.com.