FAMILY HISTORY DAY 2010, Epilogue

"Aerial" View

What a wonderfully fun day it was at Family History Day 2010 at the California State Archives.  A record attendance of over 450 family history researchers from beginners to experienced came together to partake of all things genealogical.

The speakers and exhibitors were informative on a host of topices.  Class time flew by and we wanted more!


Period Attire Galore


The day was even more festive with so many people wearing period clothing...and the variety of the attire was fantastic  They really set the scene for the bygone days of our ancestors.



Dancing


Each tour of the Archives was at capacity.  Archivists gave a rare behind-the-scenes look at document storage at the State Archives.

The historic ballroom dance troupe and music ensemble at lunchtime were amazing - if the Blogger didn't have two left feet, she would have kicked up her heels too!  Did you join in?

BATHING BEAUTY AT FAMILY HISTORY DAY

Makes Splash Without Water

 

Sunbathing in the 1890s


Women's beachwear has come a long way, baby.  Needless to say, Katherine Weedman-Cox of Cox Black and White Lab, Inc. (see exhibitor profile) would probably not wear any of the bathing suits of today at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

Katherine, pictured left, will be wearing this 1890s era swimsuit with black tights and black shoes at Family History Day. The costume was handmade by Arlene Wright at Capital Costumes. Katherine says it's very comfortable.

Be sure to stop by the Cox Black and White Lab, Inc. exhibit and ask Katherine to describe her beach attire.

The Blogger couldn't wait and searched Google Books for 19th Century bathing suits.  Among the several results -- an 1899 periodical, The Puritan (see endnote), with a story titled "The Well-Dressed Woman", sub-part "The Bathing Suit".  Fascinating social history!  The unidentified author provided commentary about modesty and guidelines for fabric choice (mohair, alpaca, flannel); blouse, skirt and sleeve style; and considerations for wearing the bathing "constume" while "dabbling in the edge of the surf or for long-distance swims".  An aside -- while still on the digitized book screen, enter 730 in the page number box, press Enter and look for a family history ad!

Source: The Puritan, Volume VI. June to September 1899. New York Frank A. Munsey, Publisher. 111 Fifth Avenue. 1899. Digitized by Google Books, Original from University of Michigan. Article: The Well-Dressed Woman – The Bathing Suit”, page 289-297.

CLASS SCHEDULE FOR FAMILY HISTORY DAY

The State Archives has posted the

 CLASS SCHEDULE AND ROOM LOCATIONS

for Family History Day.

Make your selections to plan your day. 

Be sure to allow time to visit with the exhibitors and browse in the Root Cellar - Sacramento Genealogical Library also!

UPDATED - SACRAMENTO REGIONAL FAMILY HISTORY CENTER

It is a pleasure to introduce the Sacramento Regional Family History Center as an exhibitor at Family History Day at the California State Archives.

The wonderful world of genealogy is waiting for you at the Sacramento Regional Family History Center. The Center contains over 20,000 books. The collection is composed of family histories, dictionaries, how-to-do-books, major American and foreign reference materials, U.S. federal census indexes, local histories, printed parish and town records, and other typical archival records. The Center has free online access to Ancestry.com, Family Link, Footnote, Genline, Godfrey Library, Heritage Quest and World Vital Records. Machines are available for use to read the mircrofilm you found on the shelf or ordered from the Family History Library.   

Volunteer staff are ready to help direct you to the extensive resources held there.  In addition to the library's collections, free genealogical classes and research assistance is available to the public.  You can register for the claases at the Center or call 487-2090. Here is a summary:

• Family history research classes are conducted on Wednesday evenings 7:00pm-8:00pm.
• Family research classes are also conducted on Wednesday afternoons 2:00pm-4:00pm.
• The Center conducts a “Writers Workshop” at 5:00 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
• The Sacramento German Genealogical Society provides research assistance with tracing German ancestors every Thursday from 1:00pm-5:00pm in the Center.
• Online Research Classes: The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah has classes available online. These classes contain videos, lessons and class outlines in PDF format. Learn the basic methods and key resources to start your family history.

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Sacramento Regional Family History Seminar
Family:  Eternal Keepsakes

8:30 am-4:00

Updated: Check our website for the flyer

Stop by our exhibit at Family History Day and let us tell you more about the genealogical resources available at the Sacramento Regional Family History Center and the upcoming seminar.

Sacramento Regional Family History Center

2745 Eastern Avenue

Sacramento, CA

Phone: (916) 487-2090

Hours:

Tuesday - - - -10am-9:30pm

Wednesday - -10am-4:30pm

Thursday- - - -10am-9:30pm

Friday - - - - -10am-7:00pm