Presented by Colin Whitney

Speaker will present in-person / Presentation will be recorded

This presentation reviews Colonial California’s history from the Spanish settlement of San Diego in 1769 to statehood in 1850. It covers Spain’s three-part approach for colonization, establishing Presidios, Pueblos, and our iconic missions. Mexican independence in 1821 lead to the dissolution of these missions and to the distribution of hundreds of land grants to rancheros. In 1848, Mexican rule ceased at the conclusion of the Mexican American War. Coincidentally, the Gold Rush ignited massive worldwide immigration transforming California forever. These tumultuous events generated copious genealogical records for us to research. We will examine which repositories contain them, highlighting the new California Pioneer Certificate Program, containing over 500,000 pioneer records. We will describe the program and its lineage eligibility requirements.

Learning from Members is a partnership program between Carlsbad City Library and the North San Diego County Genealogical Society (NSDCGS). Participants will learn about various genealogy topics and tips through these presentations offered by members of NSDCGS.

The program is held the second Tuesday of the month from January through November and is presented in person and virtually.

• Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for social time.
• Presentations, including question-and-answer sessions, are held from 10 to 11:30 a.m.