Welcome to the Tuolumne County Genealogical Society. Let us help you explore and connect with your family heritage.
We offer:
~An extensive genealogy library
~Local records & newspapers
~Monthly programs, open to all
~Annual seminars & workshops
~Research help by seasoned staff
~Special Interest Groups
We'd love to have you join us!
Tuolumne County Museum and History Center. Home of the Tuolumne County Genealogical Society.
Picture of the Tuolumne Genealogical Society building.

Welcome to the Tuolumne County Genealogical Society.  Let us help you explore and connect with your family heritage. We offer:

  • An extensive genealogy library
  • Local records & newspapers
  • Monthly programs, open to all
  • Annual seminars & workshops
  • Research help by seasoned staff
  • Special Interest Groups

We’d love to have you join us!

November 9th - General Meeting

Program flyer for presentation by Candra Neff about John Kelly. John was a fluent speaker of the Me-Wuk language and acted as his grandfathers interpreter when interviewed in the 1950's. Meeting on November 9th at 2pm.

Annual See's Candy Fundraiser!

Image of a box of See's Candies Chocolates

Our Annual See’s Candy Fundraiser is here!  Wonderful sweet gifts for family and friends, perfect for the Holidays.  Click below for selection and ordering – orders accepted until November 9th.

Our Mission

To foster, encourage, and promote an interest in genealogy by providing information, education, and inspiration to our Society members and the general public.

MUSEUM/GENEALOGY LIBRARY
158 Bradford Street, PO Box 3956, Sonora, CA 95370 • 209.532.1317
Hours:  Tuesday & Thursday – 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday – 10 am to 3:30 pm
Email:  info@tcgen.org

Here we have thousands of books, newspapers, and records for Tuolumne County and beyond. We have a great staff of seasoned genealogists ready to help you either get started on your research, or do look-ups for you.  Stop by and find fascinating resources covering the Gold Rush era of the Mother Lode.

Upcoming Events

  • Irish Group Meeting
    November 9, 2026, 10:00 am | Irish Group Meeting | Location: FamilySearch Center
    Host: Kathy "Cookie" Boone ~ Email: cookie48@mlode.com or call 209-770-3379
  • Writers' Group Meeting
    November 9, 2026, 12:00 pm | Writers' Group Meeting | Location: Tuolumne County Library
    Contacts: Pat Perry 209-586-3214 or Marilyn Fullam 209-588-9873
  • John Kelly, Me-Wuk Language Speaker & Interpreter
    November 9, 2026, 2:00 pm | General Meetings | Location: Tuolumne County Library
    Candra Neff, retired Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal Education instructor, will share the story and accomplishments of John Kelly, a Me-Wuk language speaker and interpreter in the early 20th century.  His work with anthropologists and linguists from TCHS, Columbia College and UC Berkeley contributed greatly to keeping the Me-Wuk language alive.  
  • Board of Directors Meeting
    November 16, 2026, 9:30 am | Board of Directors Meeting | Location: My Garden Cafe
    Host: Sandy Turner, President ~ All TCGS Members Welcome

Upcoming General Meetings

General Meetings are the 2nd Monday of each Month 
At 2pm in the Sonora Main Library Community Room

November – John Kelly, Me-Wuk Language Interpreter with Candra Neff

December – Christmas Luncheon at the Peppery

Everyone is Welcome – Please join us!

Join or Renew Your Membership

Keep Current – Renew Your Membership Annually!
Click the button below to Join or Renew On-Line or by Mail.

Get The Latest Golddiggers Issue (Members Only)

Golddiggers Newsletter for Tuolumne Genealogical SocietyHot off the press! Another Golddiggers Newsletter chock full of research ideas! Check it out today!  This is a benefit for TCGS Members Only; a password is required.  Contact the Genealogy Library for assistance.  You’ll be able to read the newsletter on the page, or download it in a PDF format.

Special Interest Groups

We offer several Special Interest Groups for members.  Do you have Irish ancestry?  Are you interested in documenting the story of an ancestor or family group?  Would you like to help document some of Tuolumne County’s historic cemeteries to a world-wide database?  Join a Special Interest Group (SIG), guests are welcome to attend one meeting before becoming members of our Society.

Irish Research Group   ~   Writer’s Group   ~   Find-A-Grave Group

Sonora LDS FamilySearch Center

The LDS FamilySearch Center has many subscription research sites that the church provides free to patrons at the center.

Tuolumne County Genealogical Workshops

19481 Hillsdale Drive, Sonora ~ 209-536-9206
Tuesday – 1 pm to 4 pm
Wednesday – 10 am to 4 pm & 6:30 pm to 9 pm
Thursday – 10 am to 1 pm

Check out our new website for more information and details of what we have to offer.

Donations are Deeply Appreciated!

Any amount, large or small, will be deeply appreciated and help us continue to provide the programs and services we offer.  Donations can be made to our General Fund and/or our Scholarship Fund. Cash donations are always welcome, you can mail in a check, or donate online through PayPal.  Thank you for your support!

Did you know you can honor your family and friends with a donation to the Tuolumne County Genealogical Society?  There are many special occasions when a donation to the TCGS Scholarship Fund or General Fund makes a perfect gift:

    • Memorials
    • Birthdays
    • Holidays
    • Celebrations
    • Milestones and Achievements
    • Anytime, in honor of someone special