CGS Members: Projects that Took on A Life of their Own

CGS Members: Projects that Took on A Life of their Own

Saturday, November 8, 2025

1 pm - 2:30 pm, PST

Presented by Cindy Thomson

Live online via Zoom or members may view recording upon request.

Years ago, Cindy Thomson began researching her ancestors who immigrated to Hawaii from Korea in 1904 to work on the sugar plantations. After expanding her research to include Japanese, Chinese, German and Portuguese aunties and uncles who married into her family and also had plantation ancestors, she was riveted by the similar and different ways that they experienced Hawaii. To better understand these experiences, she started (and couldn’t stop) reading about Hawaiian history, plantation management, labor unrest, immigration law, and the 16 different racial and ethnic groups who worked on the plantations. This is a story of how historical and cultural context – including interactions between as well as within different immigrant groups – can enrich family history and connect your ancestors to a world beyond family.

The event will take place via Zoom. If you join, please sign in early to make sure you are able to see the program. We will send you instructions the night before, and a reminder shortly before the event, which will give you access. Our remote classes now have live closed captioning. When registering, use an email address you will be checking. Please note all times are Pacific Time.

You do not have to have a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting. You will be prompted to download the software, once you have clicked on the link that you have been provided. You may also wish to create an account, but that is not required to participate in a Zoom meeting.

This event is presented live. Some events may be recorded for CGS use.

See you online!

MEET OUR SPEAKER:

Cindy Kim Thomson was born in Hawaii and is descended from Korean immigrants who arrived there in 1904. Her annual trips to Hawaii include visits to repositories, museums, cemeteries and plantations – as well as family. She has served CGS on the Desk Volunteer and Events Committees, and as Corresponding Secretary and now Treasurer. Reflecting the roots of her multi-ethnic extended family, her research has focused on immigrant sugar plantation workers in Hawaii, East Asian immigrants to Hawaii and California, and Japanese-American World War II incarceration. She has a B.A. and M.A. from the University of California, San Diego, and is a retired Commerce Department economist.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

CGS Members and Non-Members enjoy free access.

You can purchase a $45 one-year CGS Basic membership when you check out. To sign up for other membership options go to our web page: CGS Membership application

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Credit card payments will be processed by Eventbrite.

*Event fee is non-refundable.