Special Interest Groups

These groups are sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society and are open to members of the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society and the Santa Maria Valley Genealogical Society only as a FREE benefit of membership.

We welcome guests to attend once without charge, but if interested in continuing, we ask that you join SLOCGS for the modest amount of $25.00.  Membership information can be found HERE.

Scandinavian/Nordic Family History Research Group

 

Currently on hold until a new moderator can step in.

 

 

German Heritage Group

Were your ancestors from the Holy Roman Empire (800-1806) or the Confederation of the Rhine (1806-1813) or the German Confederation (1815-1866) or the North German Confederation (1866-1870)? These areas are now known as the German Empire after it was unified in 1871.

Our group meets informally to discuss & exchange information that helps to navigate the unique challenges of researching our German ancestors.

1st Monday of the month.

7 p.m.

At home on your computer with Zoom

Contact Catherine at wathen22@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Genealogical Writing

This is an opportunity for San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society and Santa Maria Valley Genealogical Society members to hone their genealogical writing skills.

Our goal is to benefit both the local organization and the larger genealogical community by enhancing the body of knowledge upon which we all draw. Participants are expected to bring their own expertise and interests to the table so that we may learn from each other.

Activities include:

  • Discussion of published materials
  • Review of fellow group members’ work
  • Member-led tutorials on citation and evidence analysis

These writing groups are sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society and are open to members of the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society and the Santa Maria Valley Genealogical Society only as a FREE benefit of membership.

Get ideas for writing your own family history!

Writing Group 1

Members meet in person, 1:30 – 3:30 pm, the fourth Friday of each month (except November & December) at a SLO Public Library conference room near the Genealogy Library room, ground floor. This group is not open to new members at this time. 

Contact Ginger at gingergoodell@yahoo.com for more information

Writing Group 2

During the current Covid restrictions, members meet via Zoom 1:30-3:30 pm, the third Friday of each month, and are open to new members. We welcome newcomers to share their family histories for review and feedback in a supportive environment.

Contact Tim at ttryon@aol.com for more information

Genealogy & DNA & AI Discussion Group – Where Mystery Meets Family History

WHEN: Every Tuesday at 3PM PST (drop in when you can)

WHERE: Online via ZOOM (pajamas optional, enthusiasm encouraged)

WHAT: Stuck on a brick wall? Got a DNA surprise? Confused by citations? Want to use Artificial Intelligence to write your family story? Bring your burning genealogy questions, research puzzles, or favorite resources. Whether you’re unraveling family secrets or just trying to read 19th-century handwriting, we’re here to help! Screen sharing available but not required—no judgment if your desktop is a digital disaster. Good for all levels, including novices. 

HOW: Email cafi.cohen@gmail.com for the ZOOM link. Come for the research, stay for the camaraderie.