We all have difficult genealogical puzzles (also known as brick walls). This presentation focuses on teaching how to develop multiple hypotheses to solve these road blocks. Often, researchers will develop one scenario, or hypothesis, that can explain the situation. The working hypothesis takes root and we move forward, supporting it without considering alternative hypotheses. This approach often works out. However, in more complex genealogical challenges, developing multiple hypotheses early can be more successful to opening up our thinking, exploring additional possibilities, and arriving at a successful conclusion.

Learn the basics of starting your genealogy research. 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.

Have you thought about testing your DNA but did not know which test to do? Or, are you one who has tested your DNA, but you don’t know how to use the tools to break through your brick wall? Patricia Burrow will give a basic introduction into DNA testing, covering the four different DNA types. Not sure which company to use to test your DNA? Pat will cover the top three companies to show you what is available from each company and will discuss their strong points and weaknesses. Pam Fujii will walk you through her case study on how she used all three companies. Pam will show you the tools she used to find new family members. We guarantee when you leave the session, you will be thinking of DNA testing in a whole new light!

Have you thought about testing your DNA but did not know which test to do? Or, are you one who has tested your DNA, but you don’t know how to use the tools to break through your brick wall? Patricia Burrow will give a basic introduction into DNA testing, covering the four different DNA types. Not sure which company to use to test your DNA? Pat will cover the top three companies to show you what is available from each company and will discuss their strong points and weaknesses. Pam Fujii will walk you through her case study on how she used all three companies. Pam will show you the tools she used to find new family members. We guarantee when you leave the session, you will be thinking of DNA testing in a whole new light!

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.

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.

The use of the Navajo language in WWII as a clandestine system of encrypted communication was one of America’s best kept secrets. This presentation will explore how the Navajo language was identified and selected for this project, including why a new method to encrypt communications and develop an “Unbreakable Code” was critical to the success of the Allies. Mary and Rita will discuss the deployment of the Navajo Code Talkers in the Pacific Theatre including how they were able to overcome skepticism and prove that not only did the code work but how it became the deserving recipient of a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor on 26 July 2001.