Camarillo Public Library, 4101 E. Las Posas Rd, Camarillo, CA
Speaker: John Philip Colletta, PhD
John Philip Colletta is one of America’s most popular genealogical lecturers. Knowledgeable, experienced and entertaining, he resides in Washington, D.C. For twenty years, while laying the foundation for his career in genealogy, he worked half-time at the Library of Congress and taught workshops at the National Archives.
Today Dr. Colletta lectures nationally, teaches at local schools, and conducts programs for the Smithsonian Institution’s Resident Associate Program. He is a faculty member of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (University of Georgia, Athens) and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy.
He has also taught for Boston University’s Certificate in Family History program and three genealogy institutes where he created courses: the National Institute on Genealogical Research (Washington, DC), the Genealogical Institute of Texas (Dallas), and the Genealogical Institute of Mid-America (Springfield, Ill.).
His publications include numerous articles, both scholarly and popular, two manuals — They Came in Ships: A Guide to Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor's Arrival Record and Finding Italian Roots: The Complete Guide for Americans — and one “murder-mystery-family-history,” Only a Few Bones: A True Account of the Rolling Fork Tragedy and Its Aftermath. It tells the story of Colletta’s great great grandfather, Joe Ring, who moved his family from Buffalo, New York, to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, after the Civil War. When Joe Ring’s country store burned to the ground with five unfortunate victims sleeping upstairs, the incident was investigated as mass murder, robbery and arson. The new edition of Only a Few Bones includes 140 pages of instruction on how to write narrative family history.
Dr. Colletta appears frequently on podcasts and local and national radio and television. He is featured in Episode Four of “Ancestors,” the ten-part KBYU-TV series, as well as its sequel. He has received many professional honors, including fellowship in the Utah Genealogical Association and distinguished service awards from the Dallas Genealogical Society and the National Society, Daughters of Colonial Founders and Patriots.
Monthly lectures and workshops with talented and exciting speakers.
Yearly Fall seminar. Review our EVENTS page to keep informed of our upcoming activities.
Our monthly newsletter. Each issue contains articles and information of interest to family researchers.
Access to our members-only section on the Society's website.
Members-only email notification of special genealogical interest items and local, state, and national genealogical events.
Opportunity to participate on special projects.
The most compelling reason to join VCGS is the friendships you will establish with fellow researchers in the area. Those with a new interest in genealogy can learn from experts, and the experts can share the wealth of their experience. Membership is from January 1 to December 31 of each year.
Click on the JOIN US menu item to pull up a Membership Form.
Reference Library
Ventura County Genealogical Society provides full maintenance and development of the Genealogy Collection housed within the Camarillo City Library (upper level), 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, California. You can access the catalog using the Library choice on the left-side menu. Library volunteers are regularly scheduled to help you use the collection, answer genealogy questions, or get you started with genealogy.
Get Involved!
All VCGS activities are brought to life by the hard work of our volunteers. Society elections are held each year in November, and vacancies on the VCGS board are filled as needed. If you would like to volunteer your assistance, please contact the president.
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Follow us on our FaceBook page to receive timely updates about genealogical activities and our society. You don't have to be a member of Facebook to view our page, but Facebook requires you to be a member to post comments.
Affiliations
Representing the members of hundreds of genealogical societies across the United States and other nations, the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is here to link the genealogical community and help its members grow.
The National Genealogical Society was organized in Washington, D.C. in 1903. NGS's mission is to serve and grow the genealogical community by providing education and training, fostering increased quality and standards, and promoting access to and preservation of genealogical records.
Family Tree Magazine: Half of your total paid will go to support the FGS and hundreds of local member societies that need your help!
Family Tree DNA: Y DNA Testing at discounted rates
Upcoming
Writing for Genealogy - Breakout Workshop
Wednesday, Oct. 16th
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Beulah will work with those interested in writing family stories. The group meets monthly but is limited to 5 regular ...
