Dig Deeper: SCGS Launches New WikiTreers User Group

Southern California Genealogical Society members interested in WikiTree will soon have a new opportunity to learn, collaborate, and share ideas with fellow researchers.

Beginning Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the SCGS WikiTreers user group will meet on the second Tuesday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the SCGS Family Research Library. Led by Gordon Seyffert, the group welcomes anyone interested in learning more about WikiTree, regardless of experience level.

The purpose of the group is to create a supportive environment where members can learn together, exchange tips, and gain confidence using WikiTree's collaborative genealogy platform. Beginners are encouraged to attend, while more experienced users can share their knowledge and discoveries.

So, What Is WikiTree?

WikiTree is a collaborative family tree where research is shared with the world and supported by sources. Gordon also sees it as a way to ensure years of genealogical research can live on.

"If you are wondering how your research will live on when you die, this is a solution that won't depend upon your family following through once you're gone," he said.

One of Gordon's goals is to help genealogists preserve the research they've spent years compiling. Through WikiTree's collaborative approach, family histories can continue to grow and remain accessible for future generations. Gordon has experienced this firsthand as he works to preserve and expand decades of research compiled by a cousin, ensuring those discoveries continue to benefit others.

The Inspiration for WikiTreers

Gordon has long been active in both the Immigrant Genealogical Society (IGS) in Burbank and SCGS. Watching how researchers use both libraries inspired him to think about new ways to encourage collaboration and deeper research.

"A WikiTreers interest group is my experiment to see if 'something' might encourage more real digging for information, and not just the plucking of low-hanging fruit," he said.

As interest grows, Gordon hopes the group may eventually expand to include virtual meetings for members who are unable to attend in person.

Learning Together

One of Gordon's goals is to create an environment where members learn from one another rather than through formal instruction.

"You don't even need to have tried WikiTree to see how it works. Come and ask someone to show you!" Gordon said. "It is not a group for 'experts' to lecture 'newbies.' Instead, it's a group for sharing what we know, while we're all still learning more."

An Informal Exchange of Ideas

Unlike a traditional lecture or class, the SCGS WikiTreers group is designed as an open forum for discussion and collaboration.

Gordon describes the meetings as "non-structured sharing," adding, "There is no agenda at present. Expect to share your own hopes and expectations."

Members can expect an informal atmosphere where they share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another as they explore WikiTree together.

Looking Beyond the Basics

Gordon hopes members will leave each meeting with new skills—and a new appreciation for what WikiTree can do.

"My hope is that people will see how WikiTree profiles and their biographies can easily be created, but that the possibilities for making them truly interesting and informative are endless."

Meet Gordon Seyffert

Gordon retired from the University of Missouri and relocated from Kansas City, Missouri, to Altadena in 2011. Today, he is an active Germanic genealogist and longtime WikiTree user who serves in leadership roles with the Immigrant Genealogical Society and the International German Genealogy Partnership.

Meeting Information

SCGS WikiTreers

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Time: 10 a.m.–noon

When: Second Tuesday of every month

Location: SCGS Family Research Library

411 Irving Drive

Burbank, CA 91504

Contact: Gordon Seyffertgseyffert@immigrantgensoc.org

Whether you're just getting started with WikiTree or looking to build your skills alongside other genealogists, SCGS WikiTreers offers a welcoming place to learn and connect.