Research Location - California State University, Northridge

California State University, Northridge 

18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8326, Phone: 818.677.2285

http://library.csun.edu/

Visit the website and peruse the catalog to determine genealogical holdings. 

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:45-11, Friday 7:45-5, Saturday 12-5, Sunday 12-8.

The Special Collections house great resources so it may be worth a visit.  Review the Digital Archives online.

Their hours are Monday-Friday 9-4:30; http://library.csun.edu/Collections/SCA.

Research Location - Orange Family History Center

Orange Family History Center: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
674 S. Yorba Street, Orange, CA 92869, (714) 997-7719
Hours: Tues-Th 9-9, except 2nd Thurs month close at 7; Fri & Sat 9-5; closed Sun & Mon
A large Center with many reference tools and indexes. Strong collection of vital record indexes for California, Chicago and New York City & Ontario, Canada. U.S. Census, military and passenger list indexes, British and Irish civil registration indexes. Good research tools for British and European research, including the volumes of German parish maps, German Biographical Archive on fiche, Billeter collection of Swiss-German families. Passenger list indexes of ships leaving European ports. Good collection of records from Mexico. Some Native American microfilms.

Available are: 22 microfilm readers, 2 microfiche readers, 2 digital film copiers, 15 computer stations with subscriptions to American Ancestors from The New England Historic Genealogical Society, Ancestry.com, 3Fold, Godfrey Library, World Vital Records.com, Historic Maps Works, British sites: Find MyPast.com, The Genealogist, 19th Century British Newspapers. 2 learning center stations for viewing instructional classes, 19,000 rolls of microfilm of records, 3,360 items on microfiche, 9,000 books, 300 index and data CDs. Classes offered for all levels of expertise. Beginner class held at on the 2nd Wed. of each month at 7 pm.

Research Location - Huntington Park Library

Huntington Park Library
6518 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, CA 90255, Phone: 323.583.1461
http://www.colapublib.org/libs/huntingtonpark/
This library has two specialized collections: the Spanish book collection located on the first floor and the American Indian Resource Center.

The American Indian Resource Center (AIRC), is run by Michael McLaughlin. It is the largest public library collection in the US that focuses on American Indians. AIRC materials include audio cassettes, books, CDs, films, magazines, microfilm, newsletters, newspapers, and videocassettes. They have the complete sets of Indian Census Records (1885-1940) and Records of the Indian Claims Commission (1946-1977). Michael is a great research librarian. Use his expertise.

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 10-8, Saturday 8-6. Always call the AIRC first to make sure it will be staffed when visiting.

Research Location - Fullerton Public Library

Fullerton Public Library
www.fullertonlibrary.org
353 W. Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832-1796
714-738-6333

The FPL reopened in the fall of 2011 after a multi-million dollar renovation. One result was the creation of a Local History Room on the first floor of the library, dedicated to Fullerton City history. Cheri Pape is the curator and can be reached at CheriP@ci.fullerton.ca.us or 714-738-6342 or FAX 714-447-3280.

Some of the resources available in the Local History Room include: 1) an almost complete run of Criss-Cross Directories for Orange County 1899-1980; 2) Haynes Directories from 1971 to current; 3) the full run of the Fullerton Observer newspaper from 1979-current in paper form; 4) full run of the Fullerton News Tribune on microfiche; 5) Index to the News Tribune newspaper from 1899-1992; 6) selected Fullerton Phone books; 7) a large Fullerton historical photo collection; 8) the historical building survey done in late 1970's documenting any Fullerton building built before 1940 with photos and architectural drawings; 9) map collection for Fullerton and some areas of Orange County; 10) histories of Fullerton; histories of Fullerton businesses and residents; 11) a few Fullerton City Government records; 12) the National Register of Historic Places applications and supplemental materials for Fullerton buildings; 13) Biographies of local people; 14) and much more!

The library has also made available online searchable databases that include selected photos and building surveys. Some of the city directories are also searchable online.

Local History Room Hours:
Monday 10-5 & 6-9; T-F 10-5; 1st Sat. of the month 10-2
Library Hours:
M-Th 10-9; F-S 10-5; Sunday 1-5

APG Code of Ethics - Part 5

5. Support initiatives that preserve public records and access to them.

This seems to be an odd item to include in a Code of Ethics – after all, it is not always possible for all members to do this, for various reasons. But sometimes the best way to understand the wording of something is to present it in its negative form:
“Do not undermine initiatives that preserve public records and access to them.”

While you may not be able to go to Sacramento (for us Californians) or Washington, D.C. (in the case of Federal issues); or you may have other circumstances precluding you from writing representatives in Congress, etc. (due to restrictions placed on you by other situations), simply not trying to thwart such activities would be adhering to this Code item.

Initiatives that are presented to the public (regarding these issues) are vital to our progress as genealogists and historians. Understanding them is of paramount importance.

Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, MA, CG(sm)
President, SCCAPG

APG Code of Ethics - Part 4

4. Advertise services and credentials honestly, avoiding the use of misleading or exaggerated representations; explain without concealment or misrepresentation all fees, charges, and payment structures; abide by agreements regarding project scope, number of hours, and deadlines and reporting schedules; keep adequate, accessible records of financial and project-specific contacts with the consumer; and refrain from knowingly violating or encouraging others to violate laws and regulations concerning copyright, right to privacy, business finances, or other pertinent subjects.

Number four is the longest of the eight items on the Code of Ethics. I think it is also the easiest to address, particularly because the information provided is already so complete.
Where do you promote your service(s)? On the Internet? In magazines or other publications? Make sure your information is up to date and that you review (and rewrite?) your biographies in the various places where they appear (your press release; the APG and SCCAPG website; your own website, Facebook® page, etc.). Schedule a day to review these things (first day of every month, or whatever is appropriate, depending on your circumstances).
As for the fees and scheduling of projects, it seems obvious to me how this can be handled: have a detailed contract and abide by it. If something changes (e.g., the length of time for the project – and this includes presentations) revise the contract and forward it to the booking agent or client, requesting an initialing of the change. Stay in contact with the person or group that has hired you to provide a service (or product); touch base with any changes you encounter and request that the people hiring you do the same (obviously, you can’t control that). Be specific about what are chargeable items (do you charge for phone conversation time with the client? mileage to and from the speaking venue? etc.). If you offer something for no charge (use of your own projector, a disc of the project findings, etc.), make sure that is also clear so that there are no surprises or unmet expectations.
Regarding the last section, the legal issues, it seems simple. But consider the subtleties: how often have you been asked, in a Q/A after a presentation, about how to accomplish something that you know is against regulations? How do you respond? For example, it is easy to pass it off as a non-issue, if asked if a quote from an old source can be used in a personal genealogy when the author of the original is not accessible. We have a responsibility to educate the people who hire us, who may not be aware of copyright laws and unethical practices in that area, to follow the regulations as mentioned in the last words of item four above. If we don’t inform those who enlist our services, we are guilty of the sin of omission if the hiring entity violates the rules. And, of course, we must be informed about these elements of our profession, including the importance of not lifting the work of other genealogists and claiming it as our own. Get written permissions. Cite sources. But you already know that. Probably the people who need this information are not reading this. Sigh.

Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, MA, CG

National Archives and Records Administration, Pacific Region, Riverside

When I started really getting involved with genealogy, I was living in Santa Ana, California and it was 1979. I had papers and pictures all over the dining room table and was anxiously trying to piece together what I had with what I knew in order to figure out what I needed. A friend came by and saw the mess and suggested that the National Archives would be a good place to go for immigration documents and census records (this was long before the Internet, when finding images on a census meant a lot of cranking). I had not heard of this place (I had gone to the Los Angeles Genealogy Library – in the years before the Mormon Church adopted the term “Family History” – and was familiar with searching the census, but since we had moved to Santa Ana from Hollywood, that was no longer a convenient place to go). I was thrilled to learn that the National Archives was just down the freeway in Laguna Niguel. I started making fairly regular visits to the location until life got in the way and I had to postpone further research in favor of finishing my college degrees and making some money.

Fast forward to 1999, I was living in Riverside County and had again taken up the endless search for my ancestors. Both parents were gone and now I was on my own (though I’d gleaned from them a number of details about their lives and they had left all the documents, photos, and family memorabilia to me). The National Archives was so far away at this point in my life, but the Internet was right in my home. I researched there and at the Corona Family History Center, but knew something was missing for local exploration. You can imagine my excitement when, a couple of years later, I heard that the Archives would have a repository just a short way from my home. The excitement was short-lived when I learned that it was not to be a research facility. And then everything changed.

I know that my friends in Orange County are frustrated because the Pacific Region of the National Archives and Records Administration has left their neighborhood and relocated to Riverside County (its zip code is the same as for Perris, but it is far from the city of Perris). The moment I heard that they would be about 10 miles from my home, I started bugging the folks (this being about nine months before the actual move and re-opening to the public): I wanted to volunteer. One person sent me to another, but eventually I got to someone who would listen. We met. I bugged him. I called him. I emailed him. Finally they were ready to set up their volunteer staff (now all the paperwork, security check, etc. was to begin). I was approved as a volunteer just a week before heading off on a four-week genealogy trip! They held the spot, however, and I have been with the Riverside facility as a (as close to) weekly (as possible) volunteer since September 2010. I am grateful that Kerry Bartels didn’t ban me from the location as a potential stalker, considering how much I kept popping in before finally being signed on!

Most of the local Southern California societies have heard Kerry speak – at seminars, classes, and society meetings. He is a dynamic speaker, but also amazingly knowledgeable. I think I know a few things, but every week Kerry teaches me more. And he is the most patient of teachers. If you visit the NARA facility in Riverside, do not hesitate to ask for his help. There are about four to six volunteers there who are qualified to assist researchers, but the facility wants more (hint, hint). The major problem: it’s so far off the beaten track (but, honestly, just off the I-215 in Riverside County – see map). And many don’t know what is housed there (sorry, I don’t have that much space here).

At this point, I am going to refer you to my personal blog where I occasionally discuss various microfilmed records that are housed that the National Archives, Pacific Region, Riverside County: . Here you can read how to navigate the NARA website to learn about what films are housed in which facilities. It takes you, step-by-step, through the search process and, even if you are not looking for a film in the Pacific Region, Riverside, it can assist you in finding where the film is that you seek.

The Riverside County building is located at the end of a cul-de-sac at 23123 Cajalco Road (this road is actually parallel to a section of Cajalco Expressway, the exit from the I-215 freeway). To access the Road (as opposed to staying on the Expressway), go South on Harvill (that’s where the Jack-in-the-Box is located – essentially the only place for lunch in the general area of the Archives). From Harvill, turn right (west) on Cajalco Road and take it to the end. Towards the left side of the cul-de-sac is a driveway and a tiny sign telling you that you need go just a little further to the Archives. (Most GPS units will get you to that spot, but because it is so well camouflaged, it is hard to realize that you have arrived!) There is a “check in” booth where you ring the notification bell and when you are asked “May we help you?” just respond, “genealogy,” and you will be granted entrance.

There is plenty of parking and, if you are like me and occasionally drive an over-sized vehicle, there is a lot of room . . . don’t hesitate to enter the parking lot. Entrance to the building is a short walk from your car (no need to concern yourself with a long walk, as I vividly remember from my Laguna Niguel researching days). And parking is free. Once in the first set of doors, you will be “buzzed in” to the lobby (note: once you have made your presence known at the parking lot gate, someone will be waiting for you to walk up – I recommend that, if you plan to organize a lot of things in your car before coming in, that you do so before getting buzzed in at the gate . . . the receptionist is waiting for you).

There is no need to make a reservation for coming in to do research, but if you wish a tour of the facility (this is usually done in groups), please call to arrange that in advance (951-956-2000). I remember in the Laguna Niguel building that we were not allowed to bring in cameras or have cell phones turned on. They are not as strict here (at least, not in the main research area – the secured viewing room is a bit different). In fact, you are permitted to take a camera in to photograph pages of a book or even images on the microfilm readers, but ABSOLUTELY no flash photography is permitted. Oh, and getting a cell signal in the research room is virtually impossible! That’s OK, conversations should be taken into the lobby or even outside, for courtesy’s sake.

There are nine or ten computers in the main research room; all of these are linked to the Internet and give patrons free access to Ancestry.com (Institutional version), Fold3 (formerly Footnote), and HeritageQuest. All copies made from the computers are free (your tax dollars at work), but any copies made from the microfilm scanner machine (which, sadly, makes very poor renditions) cost 50 cents each (honestly, I get better copies with my digital camera, taking right from the microfilm image). There is no arrangement for transferring microfilm images to a flash drive, hard drive on a computer, or email program to send to yourself.

The facility hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, and the same hours on the first Saturday of each month. As one can expect, that first Saturday can be very crowded so, if you have the freedom to select a week day, that is recommended. Mondays tend to be busiest (perhaps people have met with relatives over the weekend and have much to research). As with many research facilities, there is an equipment usage limit, if others are waiting: 30 minutes.

Microfilm holdings focus on Native American records and other government documents for those in Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona. That does not mean there are not additional records as well (see my website for articles on that, as mentioned earlier, as well as the description of the facility at ).

Suggestion: if you are planning for a day at the Archives, arriving in early morning and staying all day, consider bringing your own lunch (there is a lovely lunchroom that you are welcome to use, as well as an open-air patio; microwave ovens, refrigerators, and ice are all available, as are some snack machines). The closest lunch locations, though only a few blocks away, are fast food and what you can get at gas station quick-marts, as well as one pizza place (that I cannot vouch for, as I have never tried it).

Food and drink are not permitted in the main research room, but lockers are provided. They take a quarter to use, but that is refunded when you remove your items and leave (and the receptionist always has some quarters, if necessary). Lockers are large enough for coats, umbrellas, books, etc. but book bags and computers are permitted in the main research room (unlike some other Archives facilities).

If you are looking for a friendly place to spend a research day, I don’t think you can beat the National Archives and Records Administration, Pacific Region, Riverside. And if you have discovered that this facility has something you need, but coming to Riverside is out of the question, you can email them for a free look-up: But be patient. It is usually Kerry who gets these assignments and he is one busy man!


Submitted by:

Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, MA, CG