Who Are We?

The Contra Costa County Genealogical Society (CCCGS) is engaged in helping its members research and trace their family trees and to advance the best practice principles of genealogy. 
 
Located in the San Francisco East Bay Area, we bring the California spirit to promote genealogical research and to provide educational experiences on the tools and techniques that lead to discovery and breakthroughs. We welcome people of all genealogical skill levels from beginning to advanced.
 
The CCCGS is one of the few genealogical societies in the area that holds meetings in the evenings allowing those who work to attend and participate. Our meeting presenters are experts in myriad topics related to genealogy and are eager to share their knowledge with our members and guests who attend free of charge.
 
We were founded in 1975 and are a non-profit organization. We are not affiliated with any political or religious organization.  


Operating Year: January - December 2023


Board of Directors
President: Ms. Judy McGriff
1st Vice President Programs: Karen Janette Hunt
2nd Vice President Membership: Sharon Harris
Treasurer: Dee Lemons
Secretary: Linda Schmidt
Board Member: John D Curtis
Board Member: Deb McNaughton
Board Member: Mrs. Judie Lynn Palmer
Board Member: Joseph W. Palmer
Board Member: Ms. Sharon Elaine Garrison
Board Member: Linda Johnson
Board Member: Mrs. Fran Marie Shockley
Board Member: Vacant
Ex-Officio: Jackie Hein
President Emeritus: Madeline Yanov
 
Committee Leaders
Web Master: Steve Stierwalt
Newsletter Editor: Deb McNaughton
Facebook Editor: Sharon Harris
Genealogy Roundtable Chair: Lisa Gorrell
Sunshine Committee Chair: Patty Click
 

Meetings

General Meetings
These evening meetings feature a guest presenter on a genealogy topic and are free to both members and the public.
Time and Date: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. 2nd Thursday of January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, November
Address: Until further notice, meetings are online via Zoom. 
 
Research Meetings (Currently Suspended Until Further Notice)
These evening meetings provide opportunities to do research using databases at the Concord FamilySearch Center and to get help from knowledgeable mentors. These meetings are free to both members and the public. Note: these meetings are currently suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. 
  • Time and Date: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 2nd Thursday of February, October
  • Address: Concord Family History Center, 3700 Concord Blvd, Concord
Other Activities and Events
 
Monday Morning Roundtable
This is a group that meets to share information on helpful genealogy research and to assist each other with their personal genealogy projects. The meetings take place via Zoom. 
  • Day and Time: Fourth Monday of each month at 10 a.m. 
  • Contact Lisa Gorrell at snrylisa@gmail.com for information on how to join
Annual Fall Seminar/Webinar
This popular event, usually held in October, features one or more professionals from the genealogy field who conducts a deep-dive into a broad topic of interest. Since Covid began, the program has been held online via Zoom. Beginning in 2022, the program became a "members only" event, free of charge. Non-members can join the society and view the program for free as a member.   
 
Descendants Newsletter
Our monthly newsletter, Descendants, is published ten times per year (not in August or December) and is included with every Membership. You must be a member to receive or have access to the newsletter located in the Members Only section of this site. The newsletter covers a variety of topics including: 
  • President's Message
  • Special interest stories 
  • ​Contra Costa County research and historical information 
  • Calendar of CCCGS hosted events 
  • Interviews and tips from genealogy experts, including our own member experts
  • Event notices for local area, Northern California, and national genealogical societies 
​Feedback, ideas and suggestions for the newsletter are welcomed at Newsletter@cccgs.net