Used history and genealogy books available for a small donation. More books added monthly. Click 'More' for list and instructions.

Our DNASIG is a discussion group that meets to share information and learn from each other. If you have done a DNA test with Ancestry, FTDNA, MyHeritage or 23andMe and would like to learn more about what your results might tell you about your family tree, you are welcome to join us. This is not a class but rather a sharing forum. We combine our genealogy with a pinch of DNA to learn more about how to build our own family trees.

Genealogy Techniques examines different strategies and tools for effective genealogy. Each month, we do a deep dive into a one topic and learn how to add this tool or process into our personal genealogy toolbox. Examples of past classes include city directories, newspaper research, reading between the lines to get the most out of records, property research, finding record images, and case studies on a variety of topics. Most classes are recorded and archived in the members‐only area of the SCCHGS website. This is not a beginner course, but genealogists of all levels should find something in each session that will help advance their research.

The Irish Genealogy Special Interest Group is a group of people interested in Irish Genealogy. We meet monthly (except August and December) to share tips, tools, strategies, and struggles. We love to learn from each other. Please join us on our quest to identify and learn about our Irish ancestors.

Often the most difficult part of writing a family history is getting started. If you feel stuck due to information overload, lack of time, or writer’s block, you are not alone. In this session, learn ten simple tips to stop procrastinating and start writing! Lisa Alzo, M.F.A., is a freelance writer, instructor, and internationally recognized lecturer, specializing in Eastern European research and writing your family history. She is the author of eleven books and hundreds of magazine articles. Lisa works as an online educator and writing coach through her website Research, Write, Connect, and developed the Eastern European Research Certificate Program for the National Institute for Genealogical Studies.

Our DNASIG is a discussion group that meets to share information and learn from each other. If you have done a DNA test with Ancestry, FTDNA, MyHeritage or 23andMe and would like to learn more about what your results might tell you about your family tree, you are welcome to join us. This is not a class but rather a sharing forum. We combine our genealogy with a pinch of DNA to learn more about how to build our own family trees.

The Irish Genealogy Special Interest Group is a group of people interested in Irish Genealogy. We meet monthly (except August and December) to share tips, tools, strategies, and struggles. We love to learn from each other. Please join us on our quest to identify and learn about our Irish ancestors.

Bill Cole speaks on Researching England’s Records: All Ancestors Great and Small How to Discover Genealogical Gems in Underutilized Treasure Troves. A hybrid seminar, in-person in Santa Clara and online with Zoom.

Our DNASIG is a discussion group that meets to share information and learn from each other. If you have done a DNA test with Ancestry, FTDNA, MyHeritage or 23andMe and would like to learn more about what your results might tell you about your family tree, you are welcome to join us. This is not a class but rather a sharing forum. We combine our genealogy with a pinch of DNA to learn more about how to build our own family trees.

Learn the basics of starting your genealogy research. This class will help you discover what documents you have, what documents you need, and what to do with the information you found. You will learn what is available from vital records, as well as other kinds of records. We will also explain the Family Groups Sheets and Pedigree Charts and show you how to get started in filling them out. We will also give you an introduction into sourcing your information. Taught by Pam Fujii and Dave McCready of the Santa Clara County Historical and Genealogical Society.

Genealogy Techniques examines different strategies and tools for effective genealogy. Each month, we do a deep dive into a one topic and learn how to add this tool or process into our personal genealogy toolbox. Examples of past classes include city directories, newspaper research, reading between the lines to get the most out of records, property research, finding record images, and case studies on a variety of topics. Most classes are recorded and archived in the members‐only area of the SCCHGS website. This is not a beginner course, but genealogists of all levels should find something in each session that will help advance their research.

The Irish Genealogy Special Interest Group is a group of people interested in Irish Genealogy. We meet monthly (except August and December) to share tips, tools, strategies, and struggles. We love to learn from each other. Please join us on our quest to identify and learn about our Irish ancestors.

Our DNASIG is a discussion group that meets to share information and learn from each other. If you have done a DNA test with Ancestry, FTDNA, MyHeritage or 23andMe and would like to learn more about what your results might tell you about your family tree, you are welcome to join us. This is not a class but rather a sharing forum. We combine our genealogy with a pinch of DNA to learn more about how to build our own family trees.

Census records are among the most rich and rewarding family history records available. Depending on which census your ancestor is in, you can learn where he or she lived at a particular place or time, learn his or her place of birth, what he or she did for a living, how many times they were married and other bits of valuable information. Each census is a little different than the previous census. In this class you will learn what information is available on each census record. Using this knowledge you can find census information to advance your search for your ancestors. Taught by Dave McCready.

You have identified who you want to know more about but “where do you look”? This class will help give you a basic tool box of resources online and locally. We will show you how research will be enhanced by learning what is available in our area. We will teach you how to find online databases without having to pay a subscription fees. You will receive hints on how to search online resources to get the best results and what sites may have the documents you are looking to find. This class may give you a kick start for finding those hidden secrets and give you new places to look. Join us as we explore together.

What is documentation? This class will explain what a “source” is and how to document it. We will also explore the organization of your genealogy materials. View how seasoned genealogists organize their materials. We will also review some of the different genealogy reports to help you analyze your findings. Looking for a Genealogy Program for your computer? You will learn what to look for when choosing a computer program.