Society Publications

The Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society regularly produces two publications.

Tree Tips

Our monthly membership newsletter has articles, columns, and helpful information about Society activities. It previews the topic and speaker for each month’s membership meeting and includes a calendar of events. Current and past issues are available to members and non-members

Ancestors West

Subscriptions to Ancestors West are a benefit of Society membership, however digital copies are available to anyone. Past issues are available in print to read or purchase at our Sahyun Genealogical Library.

Current Issue

Ancestors West Article Deadlines:
October 31, 2023 for Winter issue

Guidelines for submissions are on the inside back cover of all Ancestors West editions.

Your submission in a Microsoft Word document can be from 500 to 2,500 words.

PDFs or files containing hyperlinks (e.g., Google Docs, websites, etc.) cannot be used.

Photos should be JPGs at high resolution and submitted separately.
 
After writing the story, wait a few days to see if you want to edit it before submitting it.  If your story involves other family members, get their input and then send the FINAL version!
 

Send to: Kristin Ingalls

Each issue we give you a suggested theme, although all stories are welcome. Here are some ideas for the upcoming issues of Ancestors West.

The theme for the Winter issue is
Witches, Ghosts, Graveyards, Hauntings,
Spooky and Scary Stories

We thought it would be fun to hear your stories about all manner of things that go bump in the night. I know we have a few members who are related to the witches from the terrible events in 1692 Massachusetts. I only recently found that I have both witches and accusers in my family tree. Did you know that there is a witch lineage society? The Associated Daughters of Early American Witches was formed in 1986 and is open to direct descendants.

It is a well-known fact that genealogists often plan their travels to include graveyards. Some have T-shirts or bumper stickers proclaiming: I Brake for Cemeteries or Cemeteries are my Happy Place. Graveyard stories alone could fill several issues of AW. I know this because I have a few dozen of my own. Does your family celebrate Dia de los Muertos? A tradition that began in Mexico is widely celebrated in many places today.

Of course, you may prefer to write about less ghoulish family stories. Stories of survival, redemption, or finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

We eagerly await what you have to share. We welcome suggestions for future editions too.

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