The GSSCC is planning a repository tour of the Sutro Library!
On April 17, 2013, a comfortable bus (which includes a bathroom!) will pick up interested members and take them in style to the Sutro Library in San Francisco.

Testimonial:

No doubt about it, this is a genealogist paradise. Now, I love to research on the Internet, and can spend hours doing so, but sometimes things have to be done the old-fashioned way. The Sutro has been called the best genealogy library in the Western United States. The intensive collection covers all the U.S. and several other countries. The Sutro is the ideal place to do traditional research; there are rows and rows of books, microfiche readers, maps, and a card catalog to find everything. 
It is a wonderful experience to open a fragile 19th century book and see some tidbit of information about a long-departed ancestor.

-Terry T., Hercules, CA

Tentative Schedule:

• 7:30 AM pick up in Aptos
• 8:00 AM pick up in Santa Cruz
• 10:00 AM arrival at Sutro (approximate)
• 4:00 PM departure from the library
• 5:30 PM arrival in Santa Cruz
• 6:00 PM arrival in Aptos

More information about the resources at Sutro Library

Highlights of the collection include:

• California federal census population schedules for 1850-1930.
• Using federal census resources in the California History Room
• How to use the 1930 federal census in the California History Room
• 1852 state census, including indexes prepared by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
• Using the 1852 California state census in the California History Room
• Great registers of voters, arranged by county, for 1866-1898 and 1900-1944.
• A statewide index to the 1890 great register helps to fill the gap created by the loss of the 1890 census.
• City and county directories from as early as 1850.

• Telephone directories starting in 1899.
• Historical newspapers from around the state.
• Publications of county genealogical and historical societies.
• Compilations by California chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
• Specialized indexes and files created by the California State Library.
• A California death index covering July 1, 1905-1995 and a California marriage index covering 1949-1986.

The California State Library DOES NOT have birth, death, or marriage certificates. To obtain these certificates, contact the California Office of Vital Records or the appropriate county recorder’s office.

Unfortunately, the California History Section lacks the staff resources to provide family research services. Anyone is welcome to visit and use the resources. As an alternative, we can provide a list of private researchers who are familiar with our collection.

Note: Sutro Library materials can be accessed through the California State Library Main Catalog, and Sutro staff is available to assist in-house customers with the resources. Sutro items may be borrowed by requesting an interlibrary loan through your local public library.

More details to come!