New SIG! Genealogical Problem Solving🛠

We've added a new Special Interest Group to our lineup! 💃💃

This new SIG is our first evening meeting.  We hope it will allow more people to attend our SIGs at times that are convenient for them.

To start, we plan to meet the second Wednesday of each month from 7PM - 8:30.

The focus of the group will be how to approach your genealogical problems and some of the tools you can use.  We'll look at examples from the group as well, and learn from each other. 

 

You must be an SMCGS member to join the group, but we allow one visit for non-members.  To join, contact Maggie at publications@smcgs.org.

Mining for Treasures in the Internet Archive with Carla S. Cegielski

Saturday, 23 April 2022 10:30AM     

via Zoom

The Internet Archive is not just the Wayback Machine! It also contains audio, movies, images, software, maps, and texts. Discover everything you can do at the Archive and learn search strategies for accessing its genealogical treasures.

     Carla S. Cegielski is a full-time genealogical researcher, lecturer and writer specializing in Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia research. A former college instructor, Carla began lecturing on various genealogical topics in 2008. She is a frequent speaker at genealogical societies, libraries and conferences. She has a special interest in exploring and teaching others about underutilized record collections. Carla writes the Tech Tips column in the quarterly NGS Magazine.

Please register here to sign up for this meeting

Have you checked the 1950 census yet?

In case you haven't heard (and if you haven't, where have you been?) the 1950 census is available to view online.

The images are already available on the National Archives Website. Indexing has been done using Optical Character Recognition software. Can you imagine a computer trying to read 1950s cursive handwriting? Volunteers are hard at work making corrections - and you can help by sending in any errors you find.

Here's how to find the information:

1. Start with the NARA website.  This website provides full access to the 1950 census images, including population schedules, enumeration district maps, and enumeration district descriptions. You will need the name, and it helps if you have the state and county as well. 

Caveat! Not all names are currently recognized by the program. You may not find yours. In which case, go to step 2.

2. Search by location. If you have the address, or know approximately where they lived, you can locate the enumeration district and search from there. You'll need to read the entirety of the district, but don't worry, they're not very large. Either enter the address the search box, or if you don't know it, zoom in on the map until you find the right area. You'll need to go to Ancestry and register for free access.

You can also find the e.d. by using Steve Morse's very helpful site. 

Here's what my e.d. looks like. I wasn't there in 1950.


Now click on it, and you'll be taken to the census page.


If you're looking for a street name and get a crick in your neck, use the tool function to rotate the page to the right.  Much easier.

Happy reading!

- Maggie

Sutro Library Reopening!

 After nearly two years, the library is welcoming drop-ins.  Go catch up on your research!

- Maggie

New Hours and Opening to Walk-ins 

The first week of April is National Library Week and a good time to announce that the Sutro Library will be open again to walk-in patrons starting April 5th. Patrons will not need to book an appointment to browse the rich resources on the 5th floor but rare material users will still have to coordinate their visits in advance and have an appointment.  Our new hours will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Mondays and Fridays, Sutro Library staff members will be available to help patrons remotely via the Ask-a-Librarian service and by email. Once our reading room fully reopens on April 5th, we will also resume in-person tours and classes. 

As a reminder, masks are still required in our reading room and inside all buildings on the SFSU campus. See you soon!