San Diego Genealogical Society upcoming events

British Isles Interest Group- Hybrid Meeting (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 17:30:00 GMT

British Isles Special Interest Group

Topic: Researching the British Isles with Newspapers

Speaker: Colin Whitney

Newspapers are a source of information which should be part of very genealogist's research. They often provide information about our ancestors which cannot be found in other types of records. We can discover facts from the mundane to the effect of world events upon their life. Using AI and OCR, newspapers are being digitized and placed online at a rapid rate. We will examine some of the major newspaper sites, familiarize you with their use, and show you which papers are available for different regions of the British isles.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center in Mission Valley, 4195 Camino del Rio S San Diego CA 92108

The public is welcome to register and attend.

AI for Genealogy SIG (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Topic: Ways I've Been Using AI

Presenter: Diane Gould Hall

I’ve been using AI every time I sit at my desk. I find more and more uses for AI that can benefit all of us.

Have you used any of the many Artificial Intelligence tools (chat bots, image creators, research assistants, etc.) in your genealogy research? If so, share the tools, prompts, and procedures that have worked well for you. What didn't work? If you haven't used AI tools yet, learn about how you can use them in your research.

This SIG will include presentations on topics of interest and opportunities to share your experiences and questions.

Host: Doug Shaw

For questions email education@casdgs.org.

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants a few days before the meeting.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

German Interest Group (21 Oct 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

German Interest Group

Note: 10:00am Pacific Time

Topic: What Your Ancestors Ate

Speaker: Angelica Schmalbach

Host: Amy Chidester

For questions contact Amy Chidester

at gig.sdgs@gmail.com

This meeting will be a hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center, 4195 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, California 92108

Zoom information will be sent in the week prior to the meeting to those that register.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

RootsMagic - Virtual Meeting (21 Oct 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

RootsMagic User Group

Topic: Working with a Death Certificate for an individual

Speaker: Jerry Domier

RootsMagic is a comprehensive software tool which helps you research, organize and share your genealogical information. It is appropriate for all levels from beginner to professional. In this Group we will discuss RootsMagic's many features and show you how to obtain maximum benefit from them.

This meeting will be a virtual meeting conducted via Zoom.

Zoom information will be sent in the week prior to the meeting to those that register.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

9am Class (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

9am Class

Topic: Clues About Everyday Life in Paintings

Speaker: Christy Dolan

Classes on genealogy, family history, media/technology, and computer skills are held at 9 am (PT) on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of most months except January, September, and December. Classes are designed for a variety of interests and ability levels and are often used as a refresher.

For questions email education@casdgs.org.

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants a few days before the meeting.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS Ask A Genealogist (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Ask a Genealogist Special Interest Group

This session is a forum where your genealogical questions can be answered by our panel. You may also talk about any genealogical successes you have had, problems you are encountering, or share with the group some of your current research. It is a chance for you to interact with your fellow genealogists so that we can all learn from each other. I invite you to come and have some fun with us.

Panel members: Anne Alves (host), Debby Warner Anderson and Diane Gould Hall

We encourage you to send your questions, at least two days prior to the session, to fansvsdgs@gmail.com

For questions contact Anne Alves at fansvsdgs@gmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to attend.

California Pioneer Programs Virtual Workshop (27 Oct 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

California Pioneer

Programs Workshop

Topic: This workshop is designed to assist any individuals researching their early California ancestors. Its primary focus is to address their specific genealogical questions and assign qualified researchers when required. An additional purpose is to provide education on early California history and its records. We will cover archives in California, Mexico and the United States at the state, county, local, library and university levels.

Workshop Host: Colin Whitney

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month ahead of the meeting.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS Reunion Users Group (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Reunion Users Group

Topic: TBD

Speaker: Anne Alves

For questions contact Anne Alves at fansvsdgs@gmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

Pacific Islands SIG (07 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Pacific Islands Special Interest Group

Topic: Launch of Pacific Islands SIG

Host: Georgina To'a Salazar

Researching Pacific Islander ancestry often requires navigating unique records, language, genetic genealogy and other challenges. While this work is rewarding, it shouldn't be a solo journey.

The San Diego Genealogical Society is launching a new Pacific Islands Special Interest Group (SIG). This will be a peer-support space where members benefit from shared experience, practical guidance, and a reliable structure that turns research intention into action.

We are currently looking for researchers—from beginners to experts—who are interested in joining this collaborative community. First meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. This will be a hybrid session; in-person at the FamilySearch Center, 4195 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego and virtually via Zoom.

Express Your Interest: If you are interested in being part of this new group, please contact Georgina To'a Salazar at georgina.salazar@gmail.com. Once we have our initial interest list, she’ll be reaching out to discuss:

Preferred meeting times and frequencies.
Specific research goals and "brick walls" you'd like to tackle.
Opportunities to contribute to case studies and publications

For questions contact Georgina To'a Salazar at georgina.salazar@gmail.com

This will be a hybrid meeting; in-person at the FamilySearch Center, 4195 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego and virtually via Zoom.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting (07 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 19:30:00 GMT

DNA Special Interest Group

Topic: What's in a Picture

Speaker: Kathleen Fernandes

This presentation describes the questions to ask when evaluating a visualization and then reviews the various approaches to displaying information about family relationships, DNA inheritance, matches in a family tree, and shared segments and matches.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

9am Class (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

9am Class

Topic: TreeLab

TreeLab is a website that enables you to upload a GEDCOM file and then explore interactive charts, maps, reports, and research tools related to your family history.

Speaker: Doug Shaw

For questions email education@casdgs.org.

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants a few days before the meeting.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

Monthly Program (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Monthly Program

Join us for a presentation by Amy Carpenter

and learn about Filipino Genealogy.

Session 1: Filipino Genealogy 101

Have you ever wondered how to get started in researching your Filipino ancestry? You're not alone! Join us and gain the skills you need to effectively research your Filipino ancestors. Learn major record types and repositories, where and how to access records, traditional naming practices, and more! An invaluable resource for anyone with connections to the Philippines.

Session 2: A Researcher's Guide to Filipino Collections on FamilySearch

Yes, FamilySearch has Filipino records, and yes, you can access many of them for free! This session is your ultimate guide to navigating FamilySearch's Filipino collections: what collections exist, how to research with them (including using FamilySearch's AI search tools), how to understand the records you find, and how to utilize that information to further your research goals. Don’t miss out!

Speakers bio:

Amy Carpenter is a Utah native whose love for genealogy started at a young age and blossomed during the 18 months she lived in the Philippines. Amy graduated from Brigham Young University in 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in Family History - Genealogy and now works in multiple capacities as a professional genealogist. While her initial research specialty was the American South, Amy has since branched out into the world of Filipino genealogy. When not researching, Amy enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, spending time outdoors, meandering through farmers markets, and singing along with music from the '60s.

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Click on the button to register on Zoom and receive your Zoom log in information.

(contact Regina at ReginaG.SDGS@gmail.com if you don't receive your registration email from Zoom)

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This program will NOT be recorded.

For questions contact programs@casdgs.org

The public is welcome to register and attend.

San Diego Genealogical Society

German Interest Group (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

German Interest Group

Note: 12:00pm Pacific Time

Topic: OrDiNAry Jane: Navigating Fertility Fraud and the Ethics of Discovery AND annual potluck luncheon

Speaker: Wendi Babst

Host: Amy Chidester

For questions contact Amy Chidester

at gig.sdgs@gmail.com

This meeting will be a hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center, 4195 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, California 92108

Zoom information will be sent in the week prior to the meeting to those that register.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

British Isles Interest Group- Hybrid Meeting (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 18:30:00 GMT

British Isles Special Interest Group

Topic: Criminal Records

Speaker: Colin Whitney

As is the case today, our ancestors sometimes had a brush with the law. The offense could be petty or serious. They may have landed in prison or even have been transported to the colonies. North America and the Caribbean were favorite destinations prior to 1776 and after that Australia. In this talk we will look at prison and transportation records as well as online criminal and civil cases.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center in Mission Valley, 4195 Camino del Rio S San Diego CA 92108

The public is welcome to register and attend.

AI for Genealogy SIG (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Topic: AI for Genealogy Special Interest Group

This SIG will include presentations on topics of interest and opportunities to share your experiences and questions.

Host: Doug Shaw

For questions email education@casdgs.org.

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants a few days before the meeting.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

California Pioneer Programs Virtual Workshop (24 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 03:00:00 GMT

California Pioneer

Programs Workshop

Workshop Host: Colin Whitney

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual meeting via Zoom.

Registration will open about a month ahead of the meeting.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

No Ask a Genealogist mtg. (28 Nov 2026)

Sat, 28 Nov 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Ask a Genealogist Special Interest Group

No meeting Thanksgiving weekend.

SDGS Reunion Users Group (01 Dec 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Reunion Users Group

Topic: TBD

Speaker: Anne Alves

For questions contact Anne Alves at fansvsdgs@gmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

SDGS DNA SIG-Virtual Meeting (05 Dec 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 19:30:00 GMT

DNA Special Interest Group

Topic: MyHeritage

Speaker: Colin Whitney

Myheritage is a website which has been growing rapidly over the last few years. Each year it adds numerous tools and features to help us analyze our DNA results. It has now added a low cost whole genome sequencing test for autosomal DNA. With a database of close to 10 million which also supplies segment information, it is a must use site.

For questions contact Colin Whitney

at cwhitaz05@hotmail.com

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting on Zoom.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

German Interest Group (16 Dec 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

German Interest Group

Topic: TBA

Speaker: TBA

Host: Amy Chidester

For questions contact Amy Chidester

at gig.sdgs@gmail.com

This meeting will be a hybrid meeting via Zoom and in-person at the San Diego FamilySearch Center, 4195 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, California 92108

Zoom information will be sent in the week prior to the meeting to those that register.

The public is welcome to register and attend.

No British Isles SIG (19 Dec 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 18:30:00 GMT

British Isles Special Interest Group

No meeting in December

AI for Genealogy SIG (19 Dec 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Topic: AI for Genealogy Special Interest Group

This SIG will include presentations on topics of interest and opportunities to share your experiences and questions.

Host: Doug Shaw

For questions email education@casdgs.org.

This meeting will be a Virtual Only meeting via Zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants a few days before the meeting.

Registration will open about a month in advance.

The public is welcome to register and attend.