San Mateo County Genealogical Society upcoming events

Identity Resolution in Genealogy Research: A Case Study (25 Jul 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Susan Skilton will speak on Identity Resolution in Genealogy Research: A Case Study.

Genealogical research often presents the challenge of dealing with records for individuals with the same or similar names. Without a thorough examination and correlation of the relevant details, it is easy to erroneously attach records to the wrong individual. This mistake can perpetuate further errors, much like the game of telephone. As genealogists, it is crucial to accurately identify records for each individual and ascertain their life events with precision.

We will examine a case study of two girls of the same name whose identities were conflated. The case study sheds light on the common problems genealogists face in correctly sorting records for individuals with identical or similar names.

By recognizing and avoiding common pitfalls and using specific proactive strategies, researchers can accurately locate records for the target individual and avoid the conflation of identities. Key strategies and tools are essential for mastetring this challenging aspect of family history research.

Susan Skilton’s work as a professional and accredited genealogist includes U.S., Canadian, and European research. Two main areas of specialization are California and New York. She has enjoyed presenting on a variety of family history topics at venues including California Genealogical Society, Southern California Genealogical Society, and Roots Tech. Her presentations and publications include the topics of German immigration to the Midwest, Alta California land grant families, sorting records for individuals of the same name, and creating historical walking tours.

ANNUAL PICNIC (12 Aug 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Join us for a picnic open to all our members, friends, and just curious.

Details soon!

Crossing the Continent-1700s-1900s (26 Sep 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 17:30:00 GMT

MaryLynn Wilson will speak on "Crossing the Continent - 1700s-1900s.

Mary Lynn has been working on genealogy since 1980. She has completed the Boston University course on Genealogical Principles and is currently enrolled in the National Genealogical Society’s Advanced Skills in Genealogy course. She has a PhD in Indo-European Studies and taught history at San Jose State University for over 20 years.

Land of Opportunity: The Immigrant Experience in San Mateo County (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Carmen Blair will speak on, "Land of Opportunity: The Immigrant Experience in San Mateo County".

In 1880 and 2020, about one third of the population of San Mateo County was born in another country. In Land of Opportunity, Carmen Blair will feature some of the largest immigrant groups that have made this county their home in the years since the Gold Rush. She will discuss some of the problems that pushed immigrants out of their home countries as well as the opportunities that pulled them to California. Once they arrived, the work immigrants found reflected skills learned at home or assistance provided by other immigrants. Finally, Blair will highlight the ways immigrants and their descendants have maintained their traditions and shared them with other local residents.

Carmen Blair joined the staff of the San Mateo County Historical Associationin 1998 and has been the Deputy Director since 2007. Among her responsibilities, she is involved with school programs, public programs for adults and children, exhibit design and publications. She received her B.A. in History from GustavusAdolphus College and her M.A. in Museum Studies from San Francisco State University.

Finding the Bump in the Boreen-Irish Names & Place Names (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Finding the Bump in the Boreen-Irish Names & Place Names

November 21 10:30 via Zoom

Sean Conley is a renowned California-based genealogist and current Vice President of the Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz County. He was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where his mother's family first immigrated from Ireland and Brittany during the Gold Rush, establishing 8 generations in the region.

Irish Roots: Sean specializes heavily in Irish genealogy, tracing his own ancestry and thousands of others to counties like Antrim, Cork, Derry, Donegal, and Galway. [1]
California History: Because of his family's deep California roots, he is an expert on utilizing early San Francisco newspapers, historical directories, and church records for regional ancestry. [1, 2, 3]
Lectures: He frequently presents on topics like Irish Names and Place Names and Northern California archival research through organizations like the San Mateo County Genealogical Society. [1, 2]