Submitted by Linda Schmidt: Member since 2017
Submitted by Linda Schmidt: Member since 2017
This is the wedding photo of my husband’s paternal grandparents, Ed Schmidt and Hazel Carpenter, married on September 28,1914. Lawrence Welk grew up with the bride and groom and played at their wedding. Ed’s brother, Homer, was a member of Welk’s band and played the drums. He later had his own band, called the Bohemian Band, but unfortunately, he never made it as big as Lawrence Welk.

The Contra Costa County Genealogical Society (CCCGS) connects family history enthusiasts across the East Bay and beyond. We help members explore their roots through educational programs, practical research tools, and a shared passion for discovering the stories of our ancestors. Join us to connect, learn, and be inspired by your family’s past.
 
Share Your Oldest Ancestral Photo in Descendants 
We want to feature your ancestor in our September newsletter. Send your photo with a caption to newsletter@cccgs.net by July 26. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Monthly Genealogy Presenters via Zoom
Our evening meetings, conducted via Zoom, showcase guest presenters who delve into compelling genealogical topics. Open to both members and the public, these sessions are free of charge with registration required for attendance. Visit the Events page for more information and registration links. Recordings of presentations are available to members only. 
 
Time and Date: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Pacific Time), 2nd Thursday of each month (except August and December).
 
Descendants Newsletter
Our newsletter, Descendants, is exclusively available to CCCGS members. Published ten times per year, each issue features an array of content—feature stories, historical insights, topic-driven photo essays, and a calendar of CCCGS-hosted events with registration links.
Feedback, ideas, and suggestions for the newsletter are always welcome at Newsletter@cccgs.net
 
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Facebook Page – Follow our public page for CCCGS announcements, event reminders, genealogy news, and society highlights. It’s the best way to stay up to date with what’s happening at CCCGS

              

 
Facebook Group – Join our interactive group to share discoveries, ask questions, and connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts in a friendly, collaborative space. 
 
 

Upcoming Events
June 11
"Using DNA Painter" with Fran Shockley
  Whether you want to apply DNA analysis to your family mysteries or refine your genealogical skills, Professional genealogist Fran Shockley will provide practical, clear examples to empower your ...

July 9
"Reading and Transcribing American Colonial Handwriting" with Janice M. Sellers
  Understanding the way letters were made and evolved between the 1600's and the 1860's can turn the illegible into the readable. This class identifies those logical changes and ...

September 10
"Our Quaker Ancestors: Their History and the Records They Left" with Annette Burke Lyttle
  Quakers were among the earliest settlers in North America and as they moved west, they were often the earliest settlers in newly-opened territory. Quakers were amazing record-keepers. Not ...

October 3
"Finding Binkey: When Research Questions Become a Road Map to the Enslaved" with Michael A. Willis
  Members Only! (Become a Member!) CCCGS Fall Webinar! Michael A. Willis, Award-Winning Author, Professional Genealogist, and RootsTech Speaker During this 3-hour webinar, Michael A. Willis, 2026 RootsTech Speaker and ...

November 12
"Marriage by Blacksmith: Gretna Green Marriages" with Madeline Yanov
Madeline will delve into the origins of Gretna Green’s popularity and unravel the stories behind its American counterparts. What motivated people to journey far from home to exchange their vows? ...