Fresno Genealogy Happenings

Only TWO classes left! Come down to the  Heritage Center  on Sunday, October 11th and join us for  Discovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy. We start at 2:00 p.m. in the Sarah McCardle room. We'll watch Lecture 13:  Reseaching in Your Ancestors' Backyards  and  Lecture 14:  Assembling An Account of Your Discoveries There's a short break in between sessions; and many or our class participants arrive early to get some research done in the Heritage Center, which opens at 12 noon on Sundays. Researching in Your Ancestors' Backyards :  At some point during your detective work, you'll have to actually visit where your ancestors lived.  In this helpful lecture, discover  how to use key local resources you'll need to rely on for success in your research: cemeteries, records of churches and synagogues, city directories, local libraries and historical societies. Assembling An Account of Your Discoveries : ...

Come down to the Heritage Center on Sunday, September 27th and join us for  Discovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy. We start at 2:00 p.m. in the Sarah McArdle room. We'll watch Lecture 11: How to Write Biography and  Lecture 12: Dos and Don'ts of Writing History There's a short break in between sessions; and many or our class participants arrive early to get some research done in the Heritage Center, which opens at 12 noon on Sundays. How to Write Biography :  Explore the process of writing about your ancestors in a way that's memorable - but that always adheres to the truth.  Learn how to compose timelines; how to build historical context around life events; how to search for (and find) a life's central theme; how to select the right literary format; and more. Dos and Don'ts of Writing History :  Writing about the past is fraught with snares.  Find out how to sidestep them with Dr. Colletta's  do's and don't...

In 2013, a cooperative effort of the Fresno County Public Library and the Fresno County Genealogical Society, The California History Room was renovated, reorganized, and transformed into the San Joaquin Valley Heritage & Genealogy Center, a better lighted, easier-to-explore, more comfortable Heritage Center.   Since moving upstairs in 1993, the Society's holdings have grown from about 60 books to over 12,000. The Society also has periodicals, CDs, microfiche, microfilm, computer, printer, Obituary file, and much more. A partial list can be seen on the  Library Resources Page The San Joaquin Valley Heritage & Genealogy Center is staffed by County employees and Fresno County Genealogy Society Volunteers. We have been very fortunate to have had a dedicated Society Librarian by the name of Mary Lou Talens since we moved upstairs in 1993. Due to her diligence, the Society Library has thrived and increased in size. Mary Lou retired in 2012. Kathleen Coleman replaced M...

There are a lot of genealogy Happenings around Fresno!! If you know of something let us know so we can spread the word! Keep checking back for more info on events around Fresno and the valley! Don't miss out on the California History & Genealogy Room at the Downtown branch of the Fresno County Public Library. It has over 19,000 books to help you in your genealogy search as well as, microfilm and internet access. Open M,T,W, F 10 am to 6 pm. Th- 10 am to 8 pm, Sat 9 am to 6 pm and Sun 1-6 pm. Genealogy volunteers are available to help!