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In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Art Sylvester, President at Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society, to learn more about how the nonprofit is dedicated to fostering an interest in the study of family history through educational programs, the operation of a genealogical research library, and the preservation of local genealogical records to enhance our understanding of ourselves and our heritage.
Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society
Question: What is the name & mission of your nonprofit?
Answer: Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society. We help people discover, document, share, and preserve their family histories in California, the United States, and around the world.
Q: How long has your nonprofit been in service?
A: In 1972, two women placed a newspaper ad looking for others interested in family history research. Almost 50 years later, this group now has nearly 600 members
Q: How is your nonprofit primarily funded and what are your greatest needs?
A: Our society is funded primarily by memberships, an annual fund campaign, and major gifts.
Q: How has COVID-19 impacted your nonprofit?
A: We closed the Sahyun Library, our special library devoted to family history, for nearly a year and a half. The Society added additional ventilation and is now safe to use. However, membership, volunteer mentors, and library attendance are not back to pre-pandemic levels.
Q: In what ways does your nonprofit utilize it’s funding?
A: We are leaders in providing genealogical resources and education both for remote users and genealogists in the tri-counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo:
- Delivering access to national and international genealogical resources, both in print and online at the Sahyun Library in at 316 Castillo Street.
- Offering outstanding educational opportunities for remote and in-person learning
- Digitizing and providing access to unique Santa Barbara archives, including city directories, funeral home records, and local cemetery transcriptions
- Creating communities of genealogists, including special-interest groups researching specific ethnicities, countries, technology, and more
- Providing expert assistance with genealogical research problems in individual, group, and online settings
- Promoting the results of genealogical research in the tri-county area and worldwide, via local and online exhibitions, presentations, articles by members in Society publications, and library resources
Q: Describe your organizations staffing models and internal operations. Has anything changed since the start of your nonprofit?
A: Our organization is completely volunteer-run.
Q: How do people get involved/volunteer for your nonprofit?
A: Call or leave a message at the Sahyun Library at (805) 884-9909. Or email info@sbgen.org. We are looking especially for volunteers to work in the library; we will train you – no experience necessary!
Q: What is one best kept secret or fun fact about your nonprofit that not everyone knows?
A: Our library was once the laboratory of Dr. Melville Sahyun, renowned biochemist and researcher. Among many discoveries, he developed the first practical method of producing crystalline insulin.
Q: Can you share one or two stories of individuals whose lives have been changed because of your organization?
A: We were recently able to help a 75-year-old woman discover her birth father and his family, using genealogy research and DNA analysis. Although her father had passed on, this society member gained 7 half-brothers and -sisters and has been welcomed into the family. The Society also helps people who are stymied in their research with new ideas and resources to continue to grow their family trees.
Q: How does the work of your nonprofit get communicated to the public?
A: Our website, www.sbgen.com, plus members receive a monthly newsletter and quarterly genealogy journal.
Click here to support Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society mission in perserving local genealogical records to enhance our understanding of ourselves and our heritage.