Family History Day included classes on research and resources, computer demonstrations and preservation techniques. A number of genealogical and historical groups were on hand to offer help in tracing family histories. Dallas said that for people who like mysteries, genealogy is a natural hobby. But sometimes it can be disappointing. Genealogy takes patience, persistence and organizational skills.
Aficionados say it is an endless pursuit for information.
Knuthson led a class in how to begin in genealogy. He said talking with older relatives is a good starting point. He also recommended collecting birth, marriage and death certificates and using census records and the Internet. Lester Smith, vice president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento, three years ago took up the pursuit of a better connection with the history of his culture and events in Europe. His father left Russia in 1910 for religious reasons.