About Us
Our History
Founded in 1964, the Southern California Genealogical Society is the largest genealogical society in Southern California
Throughout the decades our focus has expanded well beyond the region’s borders.
Participating in our numerous programs, members are offered opportunities to extend their knowledge of genealogy through monthly meetings, webinars, special-interest groups, and online databases. The SCGS Family Research Library features thousands of volumes, including many family histories. Research resources include manuscripts, surname catalogs, maps, periodicals, diaries, military records, and electronic data resources for use by members and the general public. In addition to regional archives, library holdings include material from every state and several countries, with an emphasis on Hispanic, Irish, Cornwall, French-Canadian, German, and other noteworthy collections.
Where We're At
What We Do
SCGS offices and Library are located at 417 Irving Drive, Burbank, California.
The SCGS Family Research Library is a designated FamilySearch Center, and an associate institution of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.
The Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS) serves as a vibrant hub for family historians throughout Southern California and beyond, offering resources, education, and a welcoming community for researchers at every level.
As a designated FamilySearch Center and an affiliate of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, the SCGS Library provides access to extensive genealogical collections and research support.
SCGS is committed to education, connection, and discovery. Our acclaimed Webinar Series features nationally recognized speakers and timely topics accessible from anywhere. Special Interest Groups bring members together around shared research interests, while our quarterly Member2Member events and ongoing educational programs create opportunities to learn, collaborate, and build skills—whether you’re just beginning or have years of experience.
Looking ahead, SCGS is expanding its programs to better serve both the genealogical and local communities, with new initiatives focused on accessibility, engagement, and innovation in family history research.
Now in our seventh decade, SCGS remains dedicated to preserving the past for future generations. Projects like the Southern California 1890 Project help address critical gaps in the historical record—especially significant given the loss of most of the 1890 U.S. Federal Census in the 1921 Commerce Department fire.
The continued success of SCGS rests in the hands of our members, whose volunteerism, expertise, and financial support sustain our mission and strengthen our community.
Southern California Genealogical Society Speakers Bureau
The Southern California Genealogical Society's Speakers Bureau offers guest speakers to community organizations, libraries, museums, schools, and social clubs. We provide presentations on a wide variety of genealogical topics, including how to conduct genealogical research, record family history, and make connections through genetic genealogy (DNA). We can present at your conference, meeting, or seminar.
Our programs, which are 60 minutes long and include questions and answers, can be customized to fit your needs. We can also provide genealogical workshops lasting more than one hour.
We would appreciate it if you could request a speaker two months before your program, whenever possible, to allow time for scheduling. We also request an honorarium for our speaker.
For additional information, please contact the SCGS Speakers Bureau coordinator. Charlotte Bocage, at
rubymoon01@yahoo.com
SCGS is affiliated with the following historical and genealogical societies:
International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)
The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG.org) is a nonprofit, no-dues organization whose mission is "to advocate for and educate about the use of genetics as a tool for genealogical research, and promote a supportive network for genetic genealogists." The Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS) is pleased to partner with ISOGG to provide regular meetings available to the public in conjunction with the SCGS DNA Interest Group.Genealogical Society of Hispanic America - Southern California (GSHA-SC)