Temecula Valley Genealogical Society
 
Our Mission:

Temecula Valley Genealogical Society is devoted to fostering a vibrant community committed to discovering, documenting, preserving, and sharing ancestral storiesThrough education, collaboration, and resources, we connect individuals with their roots and deepen appreciation for the richness of their ancestors' life journeys.


     Upcoming Events     
 
Monday, July 14
 
Using and Managing a Genealogy Research Log
 
Thomas MacEntee
 
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Zoom & Ron H. Roberts Temecula Public Library 30600 Pauba Rd. Temecula, CA 92592
 
Learn how to build a family history legacy by using a genealogy research log. By tracking all aspects of your research, and maintaining it on your computer instead of an online website or software, you’ll be able to greatly expand the meaning of your research. We’ll cover creating a to-do list, documenting each and every record, citing sources, evaluating evidence, as well as tracking name variations, addresses, and more.
 

 
Friday, July 11
 
Shared Matches Methodology
 
Kathy Fernandes 
 
10:00 am
Zoom & Ron H. Roberts Temecula Public Library 30600 Pauba Rd. Temecula, CA 92592
 
Ancestry DNA -Kathy Fernandes
This presentation explains one of the research methodologies used to solve unknown parentage cases. This methodology focuses on the analysis of shared matches and presents several case studies illustrating how tools such as the Leeds method and the What Are the Odds? tool can be applied in the analysis.
 

 
Friday, July 26
 
The Story of Your Ancestors- Panel of TVGS Writers 
 
Laurice Johnson
10:00 am
Zoom and Community Rm, Ron H. Roberts Temecula Public Library 30600 Pauba Rd. Temecula, CA 92592
Our wonderful Writer’s Group will be facilitating this hour to talk about how to write your own story – or the stories of your ancestors.  How to come up with topics to cover, formatting, whether to put it all into a book (or not), how to get started,  etc.
 

Have you missed one of our presentations or classes?
You can catch the re-play by visiting our Video Archive
(TVGS membership required)
 
Celebrating Independance in July
 

How the Founders Celebrated: Independence Day in the Late 1700s

Long before fireworks became a fixture and hot dogs hit the grill, early Americans found powerful and symbolic ways to celebrate their newfound freedom. The Independence Day festivities in the late 1700s—especially in the years following the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776—were spirited, meaningful, and deeply patriotic. While the exact traditions varied from town to town, the core themes of liberty, unity, and celebration were ever-present.

One of the earliest and most essential elements of Independence Day was the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. In town squares, churches, and courthouses, citizens gathered to hear the words that officially marked the birth of a new nation. These readings stirred the hearts of communities and reminded all of the revolutionary ideals they were striving to uphold.

To mark the occasion with sound and spectacle, bells rang out, cannons thundered, and muskets fired. The 13-gun salute—symbolizing each of the original colonies—became a stirring auditory tribute to unity and defiance. Meanwhile, parades and processions brought color and energy to the streets. Local militias, banners, and even symbolic floats made their way through town, inspiring pride in all who watched.

As night fell, illuminations and fireworks lit up the skies. Homes and public buildings glowed with candles and lanterns, and in cities like Boston and Philadelphia, fireworks provided dazzling finales to the day's events. In more radical towns, bonfires blazed—sometimes with effigies of King George III tossed into the flames in a vivid display of resistance.

Of course, no celebration was complete without feasting and toasts. Banquets brought neighbors together to share meals, raise glasses, and offer thirteen toasts—one for each newly united state. These were moments not only of celebration but of recommitment to the American cause.

The mood was further lifted by music, dancing, and theatrical performances. Patriotic tunes like “Yankee Doodle” filled the air, and in some communities, the festivities continued well into the night. For others, church services and solemn prayers offered a reflective balance to the boisterous celebrations, expressing gratitude for liberty and hope for the future.

Though the Fourth of July would not become a formal national holiday until decades later, these early observances were full of heart, symbolism, and community spirit. For today’s family historians, understanding how our ancestors marked this momentous occasion helps bring their world—and the birth of a nation—vividly to life.

 
Revolutionary War Ancestors...where to find their stories
 
Soldiers of the Continental Army: Revolutionary War in Four Minuites
 
 
FREE
Social History Resources
 
Discovering the historical context of your research can significantly enrich your understanding of the era and the lives of your ancestors. By delving into the social, economic, and political circumstances that shaped their experiences, you can gain a deeper appreciation of their challenges and achievements. This exploration not only brings you closer to your roots but also propels your research forward, offering a more comprehensive perspective of the past and its impact on the present. Integrating historical context into your research can transform a collection of dates and names into a vivid, relatable narrative.
 
 
 
Looking for new way to break down a brick wall?
 
 
 
Free
Research Guides!
Terrific how-to tips and methods from experts....
Browse the extensive collection here.
 
from American Ancestors
 
Writing Advice: well worth a few minuites of yout time.....
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
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