Who Are We?

The Contra Costa County Genealogical Society (CCCGS) is dedicated to helping its members explore their family history through effective genealogical methods and the latest techniques. Located in San Francisco's East Bay Area, we welcome individuals of all skill levels from beginners to advanced researchers.
 
Learning opportunities are available at monthly Zoom meetings, which feature knowledgeable speakers in genealogy, a monthly newsletter, intimate small-group discussions, and special educational events. The monthly meetings, held in the evenings, are open to the public at no cost, though registration is required. Our guest speakers cover diverse topics related to genealogy, and are eager to share their expertise with our members and visitors.
 
Established in 1975, CCCGS operates as a 501(c3) and is not affiliated with any political or religious entities. 
 


Operating Year: January - December 2024


Board of Directors
President: Joseph Palmer
1st Vice President: Karen Janette Hunt
2nd Vice President: Sharon Harris
Treasurer: Dee Lemons
Secretary: Charlene Staricco
President Emeritus: Madeline Yanov
Director: Tess McIntosh
Director: Judie Palmer
Director: Linda Schmidt
Director: Fran Marie Shockley
Alternate: Sharon Elaine Garrison
Alternate: Bob Michael Weinberg
Ex-Officio: Jackie Hein
 
Committee Chairs
Communications: Deb McNaughton
Diversity Equality & Inclusion: Judie Palmer
Education: Vacant
Events: Karen Janette Hunt
Finance*: Dee Lemons
Fundraising: Vacant
Governance*: Joseph Palmer
Grants: Vacant
Membership: Sharon Harris
Nomination Committee: Judie Palmer
Query: Madeline Yanov
Records Management*: Charlene Staricco
*Only Directors Can Be Members: Vacant
 
Special Roles
Genealogy Roundtable: Lisa Gorrell
Newsletter Editor: Tess McIntosh
Sunshine Fund: Patty Click
Website Admin: Joseph Palmer
 

Committees

CCCGS Committees
Our committees serve as the backbone of the CCCGS driving our mission forward. Explore the roles of each committee and discover how you can contribute by clicking on live links provided. As a volunteer-driven organization, we support the adage, "Many hands make light work."  
  • Communications 
  • Diversity, Equality & Inclusion 
  • Education
  • Events
  • Finance*
  • Fundraising
  • Governance*
  • Grants
  • Membership
  • Nomination/Election
  • Query
  • Records Management*
​* Must be a Director/Officer to be a member.
 
Meetings
General Meetings 
Our evening meetings, conducted via Zoom, showcase a guest presenter who delves into a compelling genealogical subject. Open to both members and the public, these sessions are free of charge, with registration required for attendance. Explore our Events section for more information and registration links. 
  • Time and Date: 6:30 – 8 p.m. (Pacific Time) 2nd Thursday of each month (except August and December).
  • Register for these Zoom meetings in the Events section.
Other Activities and Events 
Monday Morning Roundtable
These monthly Zoom meetings allow attendees to share valuable research findings and extend support to one another on their personal genealogy projects within a close-knit environment. 
  • 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 via Zoom, features one or more professionals from the genealogy field who conducts a deep-dive into a broad topic of interest. 
 
Descendants Newsletter
Our newsletter, Descendants, is exclusively available to our valued members. Published ten times per year each issue covers an array of topics:  
  • Special interest stories, interviews, and research tips from genealogy specialists, including our own member experts
  • Topic-driven photo essays featuring ancestral snapshots contributed by members
  • Insights from our CCCGS president
  • ​Research facilities in and around Contra Costa County  
  • Calendar of CCCGS hosted events 
  • Event notices for other genealogical societies in Northern California and national genealogical societies 
  • ​Feedback, ideas and suggestions for the newsletter are welcomed at newsletter@cccgs.net
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! (Click on the icons to check us out) 
              
Engage in a conversation about genealogy with like-minded people in our Facebook Group. Click below to join.