Spring 2026
Section 4699 of LL505
Special Interest Discussion Groups -- : Feb 26 - May 21 2026
Class Focuses on Southern Genealogy. In this course we will learn how to find and research ancestors in the states comprising “the American South” (AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV). We will focus on the unique challenges of, and sources for, Southern genealogy. Topics include finding records for southern colonies, Native Americans, slavery (enslavers and enslaved), African Americans, Women in the South, migration, land grants and settlement, religions and church records, wars and military records (French and Indian War, War of 1812, Revolutionary War, Civil War), Reconstruction and more. Even if you don’t think you have any Southern ancestors, please join us!
M.S., San Francisco State University, Health Science
B.S., University of California, Berkeley
Full-time faculty, Health Science Department, Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, California (19 years)
Adjunct faculty, Health Science Department, Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, California (10 years)
I have been teaching in one form or another since I was 19 years old when, as a student at UCB I taught elementary school students anatomy. I went on to coordinate community education programs for the American Lung Association and ultimately, became an instructor at Diablo Valley College where I taught for almost 30 years. I had the privilege of teach, and learning from, over 10,000 students. I am thrilled to join the Lifelong Learning Program at Santa Rosa Junior College as an instructor in the genealogy program.
I have studied genealogy and pursued it as a hobby, for many years. I am a member of the Sonoma County Genealogical Society and the Tennessee Genealogical Society. Genealogy is one of my passions, and learning about Southern ancestors and the historical context of their lives has become a particular area of interest.