Finding Missing Ancestors in Institutional Records

Finding Missing Ancestors in Institutional Records

Learn to find clues & terms to search for asylum, medical, orphanage, prison records and more with Madeline Yanov

By California Genealogical Society

Date and time

Starts on Wednesday, June 11 · 6:30pm PDT

Location

Online

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Finding Missing Ancestors in Institutional Records


Wednesday, June 11, 2025

6:30 pm - 8 pm, PDT

Presented by Madeline Yanov


Live online via Zoom or members may view recording on our website.

Do you have any family members who mysteriously disappeared and were never seen again? Did you ever hear family rumors or whispers that Uncle Beau or Granny were institutionalized or committed to a “lunatic asylum”? Was there any ancestor who spent time in a sanitarium? Do you have ancestors who seemed to have disappeared off the face of the earth and were later found in a "poorhouse"? What about orphanages? Were any of your ancestors in the “big house” or had the jailhouse blues?

We will navigate through the maze of terms that may have meant something different in the past than today. Learn how to use clues in census records, especially the 1880 census, to further investigate if our ancestor was institutionalized. There are tips on where to find these records and other sources that may give clues as to your ancestor’s whereabouts, court records, probate or surrogate records, newspapers, and death records. Your ancestors don’t have to be missing anymore!

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 Daylight 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!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:


Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited so register early to confirm your spot.

CGS members and Non-members may attend the live event free of charge.

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.

Tags

Organized by

California Genealogical Society

The library is open on Thursdays through Saturdays (10-2). See Directions and Parking for info on Saturday visits, which have different procedures than weekdays. See our Events and Education for online and in-person sessions.

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 Connecting people to their diverse family heritage

Whether you have Gold Rush ancestors or have no family connection to California, you will find extensive support for your genealogy research at the California Genealogical Society (CGS) in Oakland. The society offers research services, online indexes and databases, and a research library housing over 38,000 reference materials from California, the United States, and around the world. CGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The library is conveniently located in Uptown Oakland, one block north of the Paramount Theatre, at 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2. We are three blocks from the 19th Street BART Station.

Phone: (510) 663-1358 

Non-Discrimination Statement

The goal of the California Genealogical Society is to connect people to their family heritage and to promote a spirit of diversity and inclusivity for our members and patrons. The California Genealogical Society does not tolerate discrimination in any form. 

   

Courtesy Request

In order to maintain a welcoming and healthy environment, please refrain from using scented products at CGS events or in the library.

Photography Notice

California Genealogical Society (CGS) may take photographs, audio recordings, and video footage in our library, classrooms or events for historical records or publicity purposes.  If you do not want to be photographed or filmed, it is the individual’s responsibility to 'opt out' by notifying the event leader or photographer at the event.

Free