Best way to set-up a private family website

so Family can add photo's , add Events on Calendar

[dauction]

Not sure which direction to go with this .

private access so family post on a calendar , upload photos graduations, weddings,birthdays , vacation etc...

maybe a CMS for this? and one that we can lock out everyone from even viewing

[bill]

A password protected community portal software is what I'm using now. As long as you enter things via the portal it's pretty secure.

[dauction]

bill which one do you recommend?

[bill]

After a bit of looking around I started using Drupal. It had good modules for including my Gallery and it also has just enough blog/forums/static page options for my needs. So far so good.

I'm sure there are other packages that will work just as well. You really need to try the stuff out to see if you can comfortably work with it.