Category: Articles

Bakersfield, California, offers a range of residential rehab options for individuals struggling with substance use and addiction. These facilities provide a comprehensive, multi-phase treatment approach designed to help individuals regain control of their lives through medically supervised care, therapy, and support. One such option is pinnacle treatment centers, which is part of a larger network offering tailored services for addiction recovery. Below is a breakdown of the inpatient substance use treatment process in Bakersfield.

Inpatient Substance Use Treatment Process

Inpatient rehab programs are structured to provide 24/7 care in a controlled, safe environment. The treatment process typically includes three key phases: evaluation, detoxification, and therapy.

Evaluation

The first step in the treatment process is a confidential assessment that evaluates the needs and challenges of the individual. The evaluation serves as the foundation for creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to each person’s unique situation. This includes:

• Comprehensive intake assessment: This includes reviewing medical history, substance use patterns, and psychological factors.
• Determination of the appropriate level of care: The assessment helps professionals determine if inpatient rehab is the best fit or if other options should be considered.
• Identification of co-occurring disorders: Many individuals in addiction treatment also struggle with mental health conditions, and the evaluation helps identify any such issues for integrated treatment.

Detoxification

Detoxification is a medically supervised process designed to help individuals safely withdraw from substances. This phase is crucial for managing withdrawal symptoms, reducing risks, and preparing individuals for ongoing treatment. It typically involves:

• 24/7 medical supervision: Trained medical professionals closely monitor clients to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.
• Safe withdrawal management: This process aims to make the physical aspect of detox as comfortable and safe as possible, using medical support as necessary.
• Medication support options: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help ease withdrawal symptoms or reduce cravings, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience.

Therapy

Therapy begins during detox and continues as a core component of treatment throughout the rehab process. Inpatient treatment provides a structured setting for individuals to address the underlying psychological aspects of addiction. Therapy options include:

• Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with licensed counselors to explore the root causes of addiction and develop coping strategies.
• Group therapy: Facilitated group sessions where individuals can share experiences and support each other in their recovery journey.
• Family therapy: Involving family members in the treatment process to improve communication, heal relationships, and provide support for long-term recovery.
• Therapeutic activities: Engaging in activities designed to help individuals build life skills, boost emotional health, and enhance their overall well-being during recovery.

By following this structured process, Bakersfield residential rehabs provide a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery, offering individuals the tools and support they need to overcome substance use disorders and rebuild their lives.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield, California, offers specialized treatment options for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction. These programs focus on a combination of medical, therapeutic, and support services to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Treatment Supports

Effective alcohol addiction treatment in Bakersfield includes several key support services:

• Behavioral therapies: These therapies help individuals understand the triggers and behaviors associated with their alcohol use and work toward making positive behavioral changes.
• Medication management: Some individuals may benefit from medications that reduce cravings or withdrawal symptoms, supporting the recovery process.
• Wellness education: Education on healthy lifestyle choices, coping mechanisms, and self-care techniques is integral to promoting long-term sobriety.

Benefits

Alcohol addiction treatment in Bakersfield offers several important benefits:

• Social support: Group therapy and peer support networks provide individuals with a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation during recovery.
• Risk reduction: By addressing alcohol use in a structured environment, treatment helps reduce the risk of relapse and potential harm.
• Intensive treatment: Many programs offer intensive care options, including residential rehab, to ensure individuals receive the support they need during the early stages of recovery.

Care Post-Detox and Discharge Planning

After detoxification, ongoing care and discharge planning are essential to sustaining recovery:

• Aftercare planning: A comprehensive plan is developed to ensure continued support after rehab, which may include outpatient therapy, 12-step meetings, or sober living arrangements.
• Post-discharge monitoring: Many programs offer follow-up services to monitor progress and provide additional support during the transition back to daily life.

Drug Addiction Treatment in Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield, California, offers a variety of specialized treatment programs for individuals struggling with drug addiction. These programs provide tailored support designed to address the unique needs of each individual, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery.

Customized Services

Drug addiction treatment in Bakersfield includes a range of personalized services to meet individual needs:

• Therapies: Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and contingency management are used to help individuals understand their addiction and develop healthier coping strategies.
• Medication: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is available for those with opioid, alcohol, or other substance dependencies, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Skills building: Life skills training is offered to help individuals develop the necessary tools to manage their emotions, improve communication, and build a stable, sober lifestyle.

Treatment Setting

The treatment setting in Bakersfield is designed to provide individuals with continuous care and a supportive environment:

• Around-the-clock care: Residential treatment programs offer 24/7 care, ensuring clients have constant support and supervision during their recovery process. This setting allows individuals to focus fully on their healing without distractions or temptations.

Post-Detox Transition Support

Once detoxification is completed, post-detox transition support helps individuals maintain their progress:

• Aftercare planning: Customized discharge plans ensure individuals continue to receive necessary support, including referrals to outpatient therapy, support groups, and sober living arrangements.
• Ongoing monitoring: Many treatment centers provide continued monitoring after discharge to ensure that individuals stay on track with their recovery goals and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Outpatient Rehab Programs in Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield, California, offers flexible outpatient rehab programs that cater to individuals seeking addiction treatment while maintaining their daily responsibilities. These programs provide a structured approach to recovery without the need for residential care, making them ideal for those with less severe addiction or those transitioning from inpatient care.

Day Treatment

Outpatient day treatment programs are designed to provide intensive care during the day while allowing individuals to return home in the evening. These programs typically include:

• Partial hospitalization: This is an intensive level of outpatient treatment that offers structured therapy and medical support during the day. Individuals attend treatment sessions for several hours, five days a week, focusing on therapy, group counseling, and skill-building activities. Partial hospitalization serves as a step-down from inpatient care or as a primary treatment for those with less severe addiction issues.

Evening Programs

For individuals who work or have other daytime obligations, evening outpatient programs provide the flexibility to receive treatment after hours. These programs are designed to offer:

• Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP): IOP programs typically meet several evenings a week for a few hours each session. The program includes therapy, group counseling, and life skills development to help individuals maintain their recovery while balancing other aspects of their life. This option allows individuals to maintain their employment or educational commitments while receiving necessary addiction treatment.

Aftercare & Continuing Support

After completing outpatient rehab programs, ongoing support is crucial to long-term recovery. Bakersfield offers various aftercare options to help individuals stay connected and focused on their recovery journey.

Peer Communities

Peer communities play a significant role in post-treatment recovery. These communities offer:

• Support groups: Programs like 12-step meetings (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous) and other peer-based groups help individuals share their experiences, receive encouragement, and build lasting connections with others in recovery.
• Sponsorship: Many recovery groups provide the opportunity for individuals to connect with a sponsor who offers guidance and support throughout the recovery process.

Recovery Resources Referrals

In addition to peer communities, Bakersfield offers a range of resources to help individuals continue their recovery:

• Referral services: Many outpatient programs provide referrals to additional recovery resources, such as therapy, sober living homes, and vocational training, to ensure individuals have access to a broad spectrum of support options.
• Ongoing therapy: Aftercare planning often includes referrals to outpatient therapy, where individuals can continue working with counselors or therapists to address any issues or challenges they encounter after treatment.

Top Rehabilitation Centers in Bakersfield, California

Clinica Sierra Vista – Behavioral Health Services

Location address: 2525 Eye Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Treatment methods: Clinica Sierra Vista offers comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services, including counseling, substance use treatment, and medication-assisted therapy (MAT). Their programs focus on individualized care, combining therapy sessions with medication support for addiction recovery.

Bakersfield Recovery Services – Jason’s Retreat

Location address: 1100 Union Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307

Treatment methods: Jason’s Retreat provides residential and outpatient treatment services for substance use disorders. Their approach includes detoxification, group therapy, individual counseling, and 12-step program integration. They also emphasize relapse prevention through skills development and peer support.

Turning Point of Central California – Bakersfield Recovery Station

Location address: 1801 Brundage Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Treatment methods: Turning Point offers outpatient and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) tailored to individuals battling drug and alcohol addiction. Treatment methods include evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group counseling, and family therapy. The center also provides transitional support and referrals to aftercare resources for long-term recovery.

“New England Research: Has It All Been Done?”

D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS

23 January–30 January 2016

$69.99

 

When encountering New England roots, many find a rich treasure of previous research, compiled materials, and records dating back to the early 1600s. Yet, within the branches of our New England roots exist assumptions, errors, missing individuals, and incomplete information. Starting with the colonial period and moving to the 1850s, “New England: Has it All Been Done?” will take an in-depth look at New England research, sharing key resources and exploring underused sources.

Sessions will provide a deeper historical and social context for New England research, provide specific tools for key New England states, and provide an overview of the research process through a variety of examples and case studies. Explorations of important repositories and online resources will provide participants with a further insight of the vast amount of records available for New England research not often explored by the casual researcher. Through the assignment, attendees will work to understand the social and historical context behind New England’s settlements—combing the essential tools of historical study and genealogical methodologies.

D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS is a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher and a frequent speaker at family history events across the globe. Passionate about family history, Joshua is active in the genealogical community and the current President for the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). The former Director of Education and Programs at the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Joshua is the author of numerous articles in American Ancestors, UGA Crossroads, FGS Forum, Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, New England Ancestors, and other publications. In 2013 he authored “The Keane and Sheahan Families of Bridgeport, Connecticut,” a study of a family’s immigration and life in New England after the Irish famine. He is also the coordinator for courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh.

He holds an MLS (Archival Management) and an MA (History) from Simmons College and has been a featured genealogist on Who Do You Think You Are? and at the present time Joshua can be seen taking America through their past as a host on the popular PBS series Genealogy Roadshow.

Course Schedule

• “New England Catch-up: Sources, Publications, and Historical Context”
• “Key Sources and Important Tools: Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island”
• “Key Sources and Important Tools: Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine”
• “Neither Online Nor on Film: New England Sources You Are Missing”

 

 

“Harness the Power of the Web”

D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS

Recording Package $69.99

 

The Internet has dramatically changed the way genealogists conduct their research. From hidden treasures found on the websites of local libraries to massive online databases gathered by subscription websites like Ancestry.com, there seems to always be something new to discover online.

This course shares techniques and tools to enable you to become an expert at online research. A specific focus is placed about keyword development for searching online databases, locating digital collections, and using common subscription websites effectively.

D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, is a nationally known and recognized author, lecturer, and researcher and a frequent speaker at family history events across the globe. Passionate about family history, Joshua is the President of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B). He also serves the genealogical community as the President of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). Joshua is the author of numerous articles, books, and a coordinator for courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh.

He holds an MLS (Archival Management) and an MA (History) from Simmons College and has been a featured genealogist on Who Do You Think You Are?. At the present time Joshua can be seen taking America through their past as a host on the popular PBS series Genealogy Roadshow.

Course Schedule

• Session One: “Google: Beyond the Basics” Searching billions of webpages is no easy task. This session introduces intermediate and advanced concepts relating to effective keyword development, Boolean tools, and other resources necessary to thoroughly search Google for genealogical research.
• Session Two: “Ancestry, FamilySearch, and More: Expert Tips” Commercial and non-profit websites play an important role in our research. This session will specifically cover Ancestry, FamilySearch, Findmypast, and MyHeritage – offering tips for making the most of advanced search tools and other features offered by each service.
• Session Three: “Context and Clarity: JSTOR, Newspaper Databases, and More” Online periodical and newspapers collections offer a world of invaluable resources to help a genealogist develop context and find additional resources. This session will focus on JSTOR, America: History and Life, Newspapers.com, GenealogyBank, and America’s Historical Newspapers.
• Session Four: “Digital Libraries: Colleges, Universities, and Other Organizations” Genealogists cannot forget the immense resources provided through digital libraries. This session will provide a look at significant digital collections from universities across the United States, libraries and archives throughout the world, and historical organizations that are invaluable to genealogists

 

“Uncovering Immigrant Origins”

Rich Venezia

Recording Package $69.99

 

 

Most Americans are descendants of immigrants, and the first step towards researching them in their home country is almost always determining their exact place of origin overseas. This is important because many countries (especially in Europe) conserved their records at the town/provincial/state level. Therefore, determining precisely where your ancestors came from will help you find the records you need in order to research their lives prior to emigration. These locations are not always easy to find, with research in record after record commonly yielding only their country of origin (“Germany” or “Ireland”) without any further specifics. This course will discuss numerous record sets that may aid in establishing that place of origin – with an emphasis on some lesser-used records, or lesser-used ways to utilize common records.

An added benefit of researching these record sets is that along the way, insightful information about our ancestors’ lives can be uncovered. As such, this course will also help to contextualize the lives of our immigrant ancestors while searching for their place of origin across a host of record groups.

Rich Venezia is a New Jersey native who now calls Pittsburgh home, with roots in Italy, Ireland, England, Wales, and Prussia. He started Rich Roots Genealogy in 2013. He was a member of the research team of Genealogy Roadshow (PBS) for two seasons, and also consulted on Follow Your Past (Travel Channel). Rich specializes in 20th-century immigrant ancestry. His main focuses are Italian, Irish, Pittsburgh and New Jersey/New York research, and dual citizenship applications for Ireland and Italy. He holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, and is the President of the North Hills Genealogists. He is a proud Italian dual citizen. He spoke on “How to Grow Empathy From Uncovering Your Roots” at TEDx Pittsburgh 2017.

Course Schedule (all times U. S. Eastern)

Day One

• Session 1: “Discovering Immigrant Origins”: Learn about a host of different records that may provide details on ancestral origin. Discover information waiting to be found in some well-known, and many lesser-known, records an ancestor left behind, from fraternal organization records to probate records to employment records.
• Session 2: “Digging Deeper—Beyond the Basics”: Naturalization records and ship manifests are often the go-to records for determining an immigrant’s place of origin. What else can they tell us, and what hints do they provide if they don’t reveal the precise information we seek? An in-depth look at some of the “basics” and how they may surprise us—including how subsequent notations on ship manifests and knowledge of contemporary citizenship laws could lead to more discoveries.

Day Two

• Session Three: “Military Records and Immigrant Ancestors”: Draft cards, service records, pensions… when an immigrant ancestor fought for the American military or interacted with the Selective Service System, the records left behind are numerous and enlightening. These records may not only reveal a place of origin, but could greatly help to contextualize an ancestor’s life and times.
• Session Four: “The Aliens Are Coming: USCIS Record Sets”: A-Files? AR-2 Forms? C-Files? Oh my! Wade through the alphabet soup of the record sets the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services holds to find where your immigrant ancestor may be hiding. (Note that USCIS records mainly relate to late 19th-century and 20th-century immigrants.)

 

We here at the Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research would like to thank everyone for a wonderful reception into the genealogical community. We are excited that so many people agree that the Virtual Institute will be a welcome addition to the field of genealogical education!

We have added two new items to our Registration page that should interest many of you: our Cancellation Policy and a Frequently Asked Questions. Please take a moment to review the new information, and if you have any other questions that are not covered, please let us know at [email protected].

Registration is also still open for our inaugural course offering, “Writing Logical Proof Arguments.” Just two weeks after our initial announcement, the course is already over 2/3 full! Registration will be open until October 15, or until all the seats are taken. If you’re interested in taking the course, don’t wait until the last minute—seats are only guaranteed to those who register!

 

The following recordings of the Virtual Institute’s webinars, presented as part of our Occasional Webinar Series, are available for purchase at the cost of $19.99. This includes the video recording of the webinar and all supplementary syllabus material.

 

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“Finding and Using Online Legal Resources” with Michael Hait, CG, CGL

Presented live from the 2016 Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP)

Every aspect of our ancestors’ lives—and most of the records we use to discover their lives—were either directly affected or indirectly influenced by the laws in effect at the time. This presentation will show how to locate historical laws online to learn more about the world in which our ancestors lived and better understand the records we use.

Michael Hait, CG, CGL, is a full-time professional genealogical researcher, writer, and lecturer. He has written case studies for several genealogical journals including the Maryland Genealogical Society Journal, the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. In 2012 Michael won 1st prize in the National Genealogical Society Family History Writing Competition for his article “In the Shadow of Rebellions,” exploring descendants of an enslaved woman living in 19th-century Maryland. He also authored the National Genealogical Society course “American Genealogical Studies: Guide to Documentation and Source Citation.” Michael currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Board for Certification of Genealogists (2016–19), and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists (2012–13).

Purchase now for $19.99

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“The Proietti: Researching an Abandoned Child in Italy” with Melanie D. Holtz, CG

This lecture focuses on a common problem within Italian genealogical research, when your research encounters an ancestor who was abandoned by their natural parents. Does this mean an end to the family line? What records might reveal the situation around the abandonment? Have you exhausted all resources that might provide information on this ancestor, directly or indirectly? Information on abandoned ancestors can be found in several different types of records, including civil, parish, and notarial records. We’ll learn about the social and political policies surrounding these ancestors, adoptions, the foster care system, and recognitions.

Melanie D. Holtz, CG, is a Board-certified genealogist, writer, and lecturer, She operates an international research firm that specializes in Italian genealogical research and dual citizenship. Melanie is the author of multiple articles, lectures, and courses on Italian genealogy available through the Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research, National Institute for Genealogical Studies, and FamilyTree University. In October, her latest book The Family Tree Italian Genealogy Guide: How to Trace Your Family Tree in Italy will be published by FamilyTree Books. The book is available for preorder at: <bit.ly/FT-italian-genealogy-guide>.

Purchase now for $19.99

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“Luxembourg Genealogy: The Basics” with Bryna O’Sullivan

Not quite French, not quite German, Luxembourgers have their own unique history and records. Learn the major sources used to trace your Luxembourger ancestor’s past from civil registrations to the census.

Bryna O’Sullivan is a Connecticut-based genealogist and French to English genealogical translator specializing in Luxembourg-American, Connecticut, and cross-border genealogy. Her love of Luxembourger research comes from a family that traveled from Luxembourg to Iowa in the middle of the American Civil War.

Purchase now for $19.99

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“How Are We Related? Using the Shared cM Project to Explore Your DNA Matches” with Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.

The Shared cM Project is a collaborative citizen science project that contains total shared DNA data from more than 25,000 relationships. This data helps test-takers determine what relationships might be responsible for the DNA they share with a genetic match.

Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is an intellectual property attorney by day and a DNA specialist by night. He is the author of the long-running blog The Genetic Genealogist, and frequently gives presentations and webinars to educate others about the use of DNA to explore their ancestry.

Purchase now for $19.99

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“Researching Enslaved Ancestors in South Carolina” with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG
Wednesday, 14 March 2018, 8:00pm (EDT)

In addition to information about available record collections, this webinar will provide an overview of the historical and legal backdrops that inform genealogical research of enslaved ancestors in South Carolina. The presenter will also share research strategies and “best practices” for conducting genealogical research to produce the most accurate results possible.

Board-certified genealogist, LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG(SM) focuses on African American families with roots in the South, primarily the Carolinas. She is a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, an award-winning writer, and a lecturer. In 2016 she published A Guide to Researching African American Ancestors in Laurens County, South Carolina, and Selected Finding Aids, a book that was hailed in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution as a model for researching in other SC counties and other states.

Purchase now for $19.99

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“The California Historic Missions and Their Records: Their Importance to Genealogists” with Sheila Benedict
Wednesday, 11 July 2018, 8:00pm (EDT)

The twenty-one California Historic Missions, built from 1769 to 1823, were a major effort by the King of Spain to colonize Alta California and are an important part of the state’s history. Yet few people are aware of the extensive record-keeping being done then and now. The registers that contain baptisms, marriages, and burials, as well as many other documents, hold valuable genealogical information that benefit Catholic and non-Catholic researchers, in this country and elsewhere. In many cases, these cannot be found anywhere else but at the missions or a central archive. Within this history also lies the Spanish (1769–1821) and Mexican (1821–46) land grant system. This presentation will focus on the records, examine the information so important to genealogists and other historians, and suggest how to access them.

Sheila Benedict was the archivist and administrator for 17 years at Old Mission Santa Inés, one of the 21 California historic missions. In addition, she has been a parish minister, handled all the tribunal cases, studied Canon Law, oversaw the museum and church art and artifacts collections, and served as the conservation/preservation grant writer. She has extensive knowledge of the California Mission System and the records. As a professional genealogist since the early 1990s, she has lectured at national and local genealogy conferences, is a member of the National Genealogical Society, Association of Professional Genealogists, many California county genealogical societies, the Society of California Archivists, Central California Paralegal Association, The American Irish Historical Society-Santa Barbara branch, and the American Association for State and Local History. In 2015, she wrote Research in the States – California for the NGS Research in the States series.

Purchase now for $19.99

Coming soon!

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“Working with Sources and Information”

Michael Hait, CG

$69.99

Sources are the foundation of every genealogical conclusion. The reliability of any conclusion depends entirely on the ability to evaluate the quality of each source and the information it asserts. Genealogists assess the actual meaning of a source and its information in its historical, cultural, and legal contexts. This process leads to greater success in solving complex genealogical problems.

This hands-on workshop will focus on the disciplined reading and evaluation of sources. Prior to each day of the course, students will be provided with a selection of records from around the world on which to exercise their analytical skills. These source selections will then be discussed in detail during the second session of each day.

Students who register for the Plus option will receive additional documents with which to practice the lessons. Those who submit their written source analyses will receive individual feedback from the instructor based on Genealogy Standards (Nashville, Tenn.: Ancestry.com, 2014). The separate Plus session will focus on source citations.

Michael Hait, CG, is a full-time professional genealogical researcher, writer, and lecturer. He has written case studies for several genealogical journals including the Maryland Genealogical Society Journal, the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. In 2012 Michael won 1st prize in the National Genealogical Society Family History Writing Competition for his article “In the Shadow of Rebellions,” exploring descendants of an enslaved woman living in 19th-century Maryland. He also authored the National Genealogical Society course “American Genealogical Studies: Guide to Documentation and Source Citation.”

Michael currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Board for Certification of Genealogists (2013–2016), and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists (2012–2013). For more information, visit www.haitfamilyresearch.com.

Course Schedule

Day One

• Session One: Principles of Source and Information Analysis
• Session Two: Hands-on Review of Document Selection

Day Two

• Session Three: Principles of Evidence Correlation
• Session Four: Hands-on Review of Document Selection: Focus on Correlation

“Learning About Your Ancestor Through Culture and Folkways”

Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, MA, CG

$69.99

 

This course is designed to instruct students about their ancestors’ personal lives – beyond names, dates, and places – even if they did not know their early family members. To do this, students will get new ideas of how to use the tools from genealogy (and other disciplines) to become more familiar with the social history of the previous generations.

Social history includes all the “folkways” (art, music, food, costuming, traditions, etc.) that give us our cultural identity, along with the historical events that touched our ancestors’ lives. The goal: a greater understanding of our ancestors and their jobs, residences, relationships, and more. Perhaps, along the way, the students will also gain a better understanding of their own behaviors, interests, and traditions.

Jean Wilcox Hibben; PhD, MA, CG, has been involved in family research for nearly 40 years. She is a member of the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and is on the following Boards: the Genealogical Speakers Guild (current VP), the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (current Western Regional Representative), the Southern California Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (current VP and past APG board member), and the Corona Genealogical Society (past-president and current 1^st VP and webmaster). She maintains her own website with information about her presentations, CDs, projects, etc.: www.circlemending.org. A Board-certified genealogist, Jean is associated with the Corona California Family History Center (former director, current staff trainer); she was the lead researcher for the 2013 Season of the PBS television program Genealogy Roadshow and did research for Follow Your Past, appearing on Travel Channel.

A native of the Chicago suburbs and retired college professor, Jean holds a master’s degree in speech communication and doctorate in folklore. Jean is a national speaker known for her entertaining, as well as informative, presentations and is a frequent writer for various genealogy publications. With Gena Philibert-Ortega, the two form “Genealogy Journeys,” hosting genealogy cruises and a series of podcasts dealing with Social History. Their blog is http://genaandjean.blogspot.com where information on both of these endeavors can be found. Jean sees a connection between family and social history because, in learning about our forebears, we have a chance to piece together the various elements of our ancestors’ lives, creating a complete (or as complete as possible) recognition of who they were in their homes, families, occupations, religions, and activities; in other words, the whole ancestral picture, or circle. Jean’s mission statement: “My goal is to assist others in their efforts to connect generations (past to present), completing the family circle.”

Course Schedule

Day One

• Session One: “Culture and Folkways: definitions and roles”: What is culture, as it relates to genealogy, and how does one differ from another? How do family myths relate to family history? (The work of Joseph Campbell will help answer this; in particular, those explaining the concepts of immigration and migration). Family legends will also be addressed.
• Session Two: “Using genealogical resources to understand the lives of our ancestors”: How can you learn about an ancestors’ culture, life, community, and interests? This class will focus on how it’s revealed in census records (beyond just the ancestral household), city directories, wills, church and community records, newspapers, and more.

Day Two

• Session Three: “Folkways and traditions”: How do the folkways of your ancestors define their cultural traditions? The importance of studying the music, art, holiday celebrations, clothing (costuming), games, and food will all be discussed. The provenance of artifacts and ephemera the descendants may possess will also be covered.
• Session Four: “Where they lived, what they did”: Why did my ancestor settle where he did? Why did he work in that job? These and similar questions will be our focus in this last session, using some of the information garnered from earlier sessions.