Root Cellar's 2026 Spring Seminar:
Registration is now closed.
But there is still time for attendees to volunteer
We are all volunteers and we need you, too....
and help us out!
- At the door registrations on April 18 will be accepted at the registration check-in table. But lunches will not be available. Acceptable payment methods are cash (recommended) and credit card. However, the credit card option may be unavailable if we incur a technology failure with our credit card processing. At-the-door registrants will receive a paper copy of the presentation handouts only so long as our small supply of extra copies lasts.
- The foregoing late registration information and any late-breaking news will soon be posted at the top of our website's home page.
- Contact us at seminar@rootcellar.com for any questions or to change your registration.
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Root Cellar's Journal
Winter 2026
Available only to members, who
must log in for access.
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Root Cellar's Monthly Newsletter
April 2026
Available to the Public.
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ROOT CELLAR'S SPRING SEMINAR
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WHEN?
Saturday
April 18, 2026
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WHERE?
Maidu Community Center
1550 Maidu Dr., Roseville, CA
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WHO?
Drew Smith, BS, MS, MA
An internationally recognized genealogy educator
who brings a fresh perspective to the following topics:
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- Knock, Knock, Who’s There? What Genealogists Need to Know about Ancestral Names
- Your Ancestor’s FAN Club: Using Cluster Research to Get Past Brick Walls
- Location, Location, Location: Understanding Where Our Ancestors Lived and How it Affected their Lives
- Archives and Special Collections: An Introduction
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Registration is closed.
Volunteers Needed
As an all-volunteer organization, we offer various opportunities for those willing to help. You can serve at the Orangevale Library once a month, scan donated materials at your convenience, or assist in organizing volunteers. We're also looking for participants in a project at the Center for Sacramento History. If you're interested in meeting new people, contact us at: info@rootcellar.org.
Visit the Root Cellar Library
Where? Fourth floor, California State Archives, 1020 O Street, Sacramento
When? Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed on holidays)
What's there? Over 6,200 books covering all 50 states and several foreigh countries, and a special section of family histories
And there’s more…The library has a special sharing program called “50/50”. Let’s say there is a book you would like to use in your research. You have checked our online catalog and we do not have the book. You can purchase the book, do your research, and then donate the book to the Root Cellar Library. In turn, the library reimburses you 50% of your purchase cost. Just think, you accomplish your research goal and in return for donating the book you receive money back! Great deal for you and your library. Just donate the book and show proof of purchase with a receipt and receive a check from the library. It is a WIN-WIN for all! Need more information? Contact Carolee Jones at library@rootcellar.org.
Publications for Sale
If you are researching history of the Sacramento area, consider purchasing titles produced by the dedicated volunteers of Root Cellar. Over several years our members have extracted and/or indexed vital records from the archives of the City and the County of Sacramento. These publications are also available for use in our library.
Check out the updated list of ROOT CELLAR Publications for sale.
Click HERE to go to the Publication List.
Special Interest Groups and Workshops
Are you new to genealogy?
Are you a "seasoned" genealogist plagued by pesky "brick walls"?
Our workshops and special interest groups ("SIGS") may be just what you need to further your research efforts. Consider participating with one or more of the following:
- Root Cellar Genealogy Workshop - 2nd Wednesday from 1:00PM - 3:00PM
- Family Tree Maker SIG - 3rd & 4th Thursdays from 11:30AM - 1:30PM
- TextExpander for Genealogy - 1st Mondays from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Check out the GeniGram on the upper right of this page for the current information and locations of these groups. Or click on the "Meetings" link of the "Home" menu option at left, or scroll down the list of meetings at right.
BOD Meetings
Our monthly Board of Directors meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 10am to 12pm. Any member of our Society is welcome to attend. To receive a meeting invitation, please email our President at info@rootcellar.org at least three days before the meeting.
Join Our Fabulous Society
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Join online with a credit/debit card
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Join by printing a form and mailing it with a check |
If you think you may have been a member before, no matter how long ago, please renew so we don't end up with two records for you. If you don't remember your username and/or password we can help, just email the Membership Chair (membership@rootcellar.org). Renew Your Membership
Join us for another outstanding year of great programs.
If you have already renewed, thank you for your continued support.
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Click button to renew quickly and easily. After logging in, select "Your Profile" to complete your renewal. |
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Fill out the membership form and mail it with your check. |
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Saturday, Apr. 18th
Root Cellar's Spring Seminar 2026
Drew Smith, co-host of The Genealogy Guys Podcast and host of the Genealogy Connection Podcast, brings a fresh perspective to these following topics: Knock, Knock, Who’s There? What Genealogists Need to Know about Ancestral Names Your Ancestor’s FAN Club: Using Cluster Research to Get Past Brick Walls Location, Location, Location: Understanding ...
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Thursday, May. 14th
Which Number is My Number? Reading Lineage Books
ROOT CELLAR member Mary Sayles will discuss using Lineage Books in your research. Which Number is My Ancestor? Have you ever wondered what to do with all those numbers in the family lineage books? The numbers are in Arabic and Roman Numerals and the order seems confusing. Learn steps to ...
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Saturday, Jun. 13th
Picnic in the Park/Christmas in June
Join us at Tempo Park for a mash-up of summertime vibes and and fun activities. After some official business, it's time to dive into the fun stuff! Bring your favorite dish and/or snack to share. Remember to BYOC (Bring Your Own Cushion) for extra comfort. See you there! Note: The ...
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Thursday, Jul. 9th
Combining Traditional and Genetic Genealogy to Grow Your Family Tree
Presented by Karen Burney who is a national speaker and lecturer who has spent over 30 years doing genealogy research. She teaches classes on a variety of topics including Beginning Genealogy, DNA, Civil War, African-American research, Texas, Louisiana, Carolina and Virginia Research. We will learn to how to combine DNA ...
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Thursday, Aug. 13th
The Importance of Creating and Using a Research Plan
A genealogical research plan does not need to be overly complicated. It is your guide! Learn how to create and utilize an effective research plan. This tool can increase the likelihood of solving brick-walls and other genealogical problems. Stephanie K. West is an educator and researcher with a focus ...
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