Friday, March 29, 2013

California Historical Society Field Trip

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a California Genealogical Society field trip to the California Historical Society on Mission Street in San Francisco. It was amazingly easy to get to-- a quick BART trip and then just a block or so walk. It was one of those places where I couldn't believe I hadn't been there before. If you have ANY California family, you need to go.

They have an online catalog, but also a card catalog (!) that is not online. That's where most of my treasures came from. You find what you want and then fill out a slip of paper and turn it in. I did a bunch at a time.

Request Slip

The librarian takes your slip down underneath the building and pulls your requests. She brings them to you and then stands there waiting for a hug because she knows you are going to cry when she brings you this giant poster:

The sadish part is that while I'm currently completely engrossed in "my" Mariani family, I'm not actually related to them. Long story, but old family friends. For generations.

Other finds:

 

The other wonderful thing about the Historical Society is that it is small and helpful. They have a gallery out front and a bookstore. Seriously highly recommend for any researcher. Becoming a member is only $30 annually and these treasures as well as all they do to preserve history and share it, make it more than worth giving up a few lattes.

Thank you, CGS for another remarkable awakening to the wonderful resources available.

 

 

California Historical Society, 678 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA

(415) 357-1848

Gallery/Store Hours: Tues-Sun, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Library Hours: Wednesday-Fri, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

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