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The New California Pioneer Certificate Program

Honoring Early Settlers of the State

Join us for a FREE virtual program on July 20th at 6:30 p.m. ET!

Join us as we explore the new California Pioneer Certificate Program, honoring the state's early settlers. The presentation will include an overview of the early history of California, encompassing the colonial era. Subsequently, we will delve into the program's objectives and the eligibility requirements associated with the certificate program. We will discuss the process behind the development of the California Honor wall's architecture, the range of resources available on the site, and the helpful finding aids designed to facilitate navigation. Presented by Colin Whitney.

Colin Whitney was born and raised outside London, England and emigrated to America in 1962 and studied physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, obtaining his Doctorate in 1970. After accepting a position as Assistant Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department he continued his research at the Central Research Laboratory of the Sperry Rand Corporation. In the late 1970s he moved to California, joining the Hughes Aircraft Company in Culver City. He retired from
Hughes in 1999 as Technical Director at their Missile Systems Group in Arizona.

His interest in genealogy began in 2009 when he discovered his step grandfather’s files containing DAR application forms and the rudiments of a family tree. When he returned to California in 2018 his interest in genealogy grew. He became involved with the San Diego Genealogical Society as Education Director and currently leads their California Pioneer Certificate Program. He teaches genealogy at the Society’s Special Interest Groups and throughout the community. His main foci are the British Isles and DNA.

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