Special Interest Groups

Special Interest Groups (aka SIGs) allow VCGS members and others to exchange information and research tips for various genealogical specialties. They are informal and meet monthly and online using email and Google discussion groups. VCGS currently sponsors the following SIGs and more will be added if there is sufficient interest. For more information or to join one or more of the groups, contact webmaster@venturacogensoc.org.

DNA Special Interest Group

The DNA SIG is for genealogists who want to use genetics (DNA testing) to support their genealogical research. The group is for beginners as well as more advanced genetic genealogists. It meets bi-monthly on even months immediately preceding the VCGS general meeting on Zoom. On alternate months we join the Conejo Valley Genalogical Society’s DNA SIG. Check the events calendar for the next scheduled meeting. More information about the DNA SIG can be found on its web page. Don Worth is the group’s convener.

German Special Interest Group

The German SIG assists members who are researching ancestors from current and former German-speaking areas of Europe. Most of our family lines come from villages now in the country of Germany, but German-speaking immigrants to America also came from, for example, Russia and areas now in Poland. With help from the group, we will fearlessly tackle any of these challenges to finding our heritage!

Currently, GSIG members stay connected through our Google Group. VCGS and GSIG member, Brian Rubin, manages this list and may be contacted for those interested in joining.

British/Scottish Special Interest Group

This group is devoted to the researching of ancestors from England, Scotland, and Wales – the inhabitants of the isle of Britain. We hope to help one another find the resources needed to extend our family trees, including, but not limited to, online databases and record repositories in Britain and elsewhere, as well as gaining knowledge of the people and culture of this island. We will communicate through the Google group VCGS-British-SIG, and hopefully in the not too distant future in person. Check the events calendar for the next scheduled meeting. Fran Bumann is the group’s convener.

Irish Special Interest Group

The Irish SIG assists each other in the research of Irish genealogy.  The group is currently meeting sporadically and online through its Google group. Please check the events calendar for upcoming meetings. Pat Thomas is the group’s convener, thomas.genealogical@gmail.com.

Mexican American Special Interest Group

This group is devoted to the researching of ancestors from Mexico, Spain and other Spanish speaking countries. We hope to help one another find the resources needed to extend our family trees, including, but not limited to, online databases and record repositories in Mexico and elsewhere, as well as gaining knowledge of Hispanic cultures. We will communicate through the Google group VCGS-MEXICAN-SIG, and in-person on odd numbered months on the first Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Zoom. Please check the events calendar for upcoming meetings. Juan Venegas and Nancy Lehnhardt are the group’s conveners, contact Nancy at NancyLGenealogy@gmail.com or Juan at jvenegassilva@yahoo.com for more information.

Technology Special Interest Group

The Technology in Genealogy SIG discusses a wide range of technologies applicable to genealogical research including (but not limited to) computer use, available training resources, selecting and using genealogy software, digital publishing, scanning and restoring photos and documents, using spreadsheets, digitally sharing and archiving genealogies, and general computer tips and tricks. The group meets every other month on the third Wednesday from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM along with the Wednesday Workshop on that day. Check the events calendar for the next scheduled meeting. Don Worth and Ray Roth are the group’s conveners.

Writing Special Interest Group

More SIGs to choose from in the area

If you don’t see a VCGS SIG that meets your needs, check out the options at other, neighboring genealogical societies.

The Conejo Valley Genealogical Society has a DNA SIG, a Computer Interest Group, and a Genealogical Tools meeting.

There is also the Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County which meets monthly in Thousand Oaks.

The Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society has several SIGs, including their Writing Support Group, Italian Ancestry, Genealogy & Technology, German Ancestry, JewishGen, French-Canadian, Irish, DNA, Civil War, Reunion for Macintosh, and Family Tree Maker.

The Southern California Genealogical Society in Burbank has a Writers Group, a DNA SIG, and various ethnic SIGs including African-American, British, Chinese, French-Canadian, German, Italian, and Irish, as well as genealogy software SIGs: Family Tree Maker, Legacy, Roots Magic, and TMG. SCGS also has affiliated societies including the Nikkei Genealogical Society and the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America – Southern California.