Monthly Archives: May 2016

Heritage Quest Research Library June Seminars

by Charles Hansen

HQRL is closed Friday, May 27th – Monday, May 30th

YOU ASKED FOR IT….once again we have several night classes.

June 2nd, Thursday 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. $15.00

Research in the Dakotas – North and South with Jim Johnson

The Dakotas have a rich and varied history. Native Americans, Germans from Russia, and many other ethnic and religious groups settled in the Dakotas. This class will provide a timeline of Dakota History to help you determine where to look for records pertaining to your ancestor. The area passed through many political distinctions before finally becoming part of the United States. We will show you where to find records both online, and in repositories for North and South Dakota records from the 1700s to the present day.

June 7th, Tuesday 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. $15.00

Research in Texas the “Lone Star State” with Jim Johnson

If you have ancestors who lived in, or passed through Texas, you are in luck! There are excellent genealogical records of many different types available for your genealogical use. We will show you where to find birth records, actual online death certificates, Texas confederate military records, immigration and naturalization records, cemetery records and many more types of records. Many counties have published land records and plat maps to show where your ancestors may have purchased land. You will also learn where to find early Texas newspaper records. Even if you do not have Texas ancestors this class can be useful to help you learn how to find these records in any state.

June 17th, Friday 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. $15.00

Intermediate Family History or Beginning Class II with Dee Haviland Fournier

After you have searched for birth, marriage and death records and completed your census searches, you are ready for this class. Learn how to find and use: bible records, city directories, death indexes, immigration records, land records, military records, newspapers and wills.

June 30th, Thursday, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. FREE

Beginning Family History Research with Dee Haviland Fournier

Join us in a FREE class and learn about Heritage Quest Research Library (HQRL). This class will help you in the search for your ancestor, by learning how to find and use birth, marriage, and death records. Along with a discussion on how to use Census Records to further your research and some genealogy hints. Everyone is welcome and you may attend as many times as you like.

Coming soon to HQRL – (Roots Magic, Legacy and Gedcom), (Ancestry), (Pennsylvania), (Reading “old” Handwriting), Adoption, Digital Organization, Handwriting Analysis, Kansas, and Publishing Your Family History.

As a courtesy, please do not wear perfume or strong cologne to class.

3 ways to sign-up:

  1. In person at HQRL, 1007 S. Main St., Sumner, WA. The sign-up notebook is at the Front Desk.
  2. E-mail HQRLinfo@gmail.com– provide name, telephone number and your HQRL membership number,           if you are a member.
  3. Telephone HQRL at 253-863-1806between 10:00 am – 4 pm, Monday through Saturday. Provide you           name, telephone number and HQRL membership number, if you are a member.

Innovative Grant Applications Due on Wednesday

by Roxanne Lowe

Local Societies:

Get your Innovative Grant applications in by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Late applications will not be accepted.

The grants, up to $100, are designed to support the inventive and creative efforts of WSGS-member societies and organizations. Up to five grants will be awarded in 2016.

The simple application is only ONE page and is available here. Additional guidance on the program is here.

For more information, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

Mary Stolaas Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the next month, you will be introduced to each of the 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Mary Stolaas of Nordland, Washington, who was nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS). She was recognized for her dedicated volunteer efforts to expand and simplify local library resources.

Mary Stolaas

Mary Stolaas

As a retired librarian, Ms. Stolaas took on the job of reorganizing JCGS’s library of over 2,000 books and CD’s to conform to the Dewey Decimal System. Over the last few months, Ms. Stolaas has made the entire collection available online, using a program called “Library Thing.” As a result, JCGS members can now access the Library Things website and look for a resource by using a keyword to see whether the book or CD is available. Members no longer have to know the specific title or author to locate the book or CD. “Library Thing” also allows the user to search other libraries in its network, thus expanding the availability of genealogical resources.

Ms. Stolaas is a detail-oriented and respected member of the JCGS, and illustrates that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Eastside Genealogical Society June Meeting

by Charles Hansen

EGS

 

The Eastside Genealogical Society will meet on Thursday, June 9, 2016 in the Bellevue Regional Library, Room 1, 1111 – 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 at 7pm, with doors opening at 6:45 pm for networking.

Topic:  Let’s Go Exploring! No need to drive all over the states; there are many wonderful repositories just beyond your front door.    Bob Barnes will be presenting information about places to visit in the Puget Sound area where there are genealogical holdings.  Join us for an informative evening getting ready for summer research jaunts as day trips.  Let’s go exploring!

 

Also see our website for FREE genealogical help and other Special Interest Group meetings. Visitors are always welcome at all meetings. www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wakcegs/

 

Dorothy Pretare

EGS Publicity Chairperson

dpgen@comcast.net

Serendipity Day

by Charles Hansen

“Hidden Gems,” President Sue Kreikemeier’s Message to the WSGS

 Northwest Carriage Museum in Raymond, Washington

 Newspaper: “Insect Bite Ends Man’s Life”

 Carnegie Libraries—2609 of them…even in South Africa!

 Fiske Library in Northwest Seattle

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 This was Sue Kreikemeier’s President’s Message in the latest issue of the Newsletter of the Whitman County Genealogical Society (Pullman). It was titled “Hidden Gems.”  I share it with all of you because it clearly points up that wonderful hidden treasures are waiting to be found in small place where you might never think to look!

In my professional life, I do a fair amount of driving around Whitman County, and enjoy exploring along the way. I am drawn to small cemeteries and dirt roads, and, when my schedule allows, will take a short detour to explore those. (A favorite reference is “Reflections on the Road: A Journey Through Whitman County Past and Present” by Martha Mullen.)

For years, while driving through Oakesdale, the McCoy Museum located right downtown, just a stone’s throw from the old Barron Flour Mill, has intrigued me. However, it wasn’t until unexpected business took me to Oakesdale on a Sunday afternoon that I was able to explore the Museum. What a trove of little gems I discovered! Now, maybe you are already aware of the contents of the museum. But at the risk of delivering old news, I thought I’d share some of my “discoveries”.

As I entered the museum Gail Parsons, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the McCoy Museum, greeted me. Following introductions I was quickly drawn to a shelf containing several stacks of old, leather-bound record books. When he saw my eyes light up with interest he proceeded to pull volumes off the shelves and spread them out on tables for my perusal.

Here’s a brief sampling of some of the treasures I found:

1920 Oakesdale Census

Justice Dockets 1894-1940

Record of Licenses 1891-1938 (dog licenses, peddler licenses, pool room and card table licenses were common entries)

Town Accounts 1893-1915

Various election records, poll books, and tally sheets

Improvement Bonds records 1920-1991, including purchasers of bonds

What a plethora of names, dates, and details painting a picture of a small, vital community! One of the more intriguing entries I noted was a justice docket entry regarding a case of forgery…that might make for some interesting embellishment to one’s family tree!

Whether you have roots in Oakesdale or not, I recommend a stroll through the museum as a reminder of small town life, local history, and the many ways records can illuminate our family stories.

Happy Trails! Sue Rogers Kreikemeier, President, Whitman County Genealogical Society

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Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM Wednesday Evening E-News

by Charles Hansen

GFO1

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM Wednesday Evening E-News 18 May 2016

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR go to www.gfo.org/calendar.htm.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy at http://www.gfo.org/insider/16-May.pdf.

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Rate and Review Us On Facebook

Rate

In love with the GFO? Here’s your chance to tell the world!!
Step One Log into your Facebook page.

Step Two Go to the GFO’s Facebook page from your Facebook page.

Step Three Click the “Tell People What You Think” link at the top of the feed.

Step Four Click on the star rating of your choice (five! oh please pick five stars!!).

Step Five Type a review in the pop-up box.

It’s that easy, and it will help others find out about the GFO, which will let us continue providing all the great genealogical programs and services you already enjoy so much!

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Save the Date for GFO’s July 31st Workshop!

Digital

The GFO proudly presents…
Digital Photos: Scanning, Preparing, Organizing, and Sharing & Legacy Family Tree Software
Come join us for this amazing workshop opportunity with Geoffrey Rasmussen on Sunday, July 31, 2016, from 9:30am to 2:00pm.

Learn from the best to organize and share your digital photos by using Google’s new Google Photos! Geoffrey Rasmussen will teach you the best practices for digitizing, preserving and enhancing your photograph collections. He will also give tips on how you can readily access your collections on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Click HERE to sign up now!

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Just in case you didn’t get enough…genealogy, that is!

Council1

Summer Genealogy Fest is July 30th in Eugene, OR
It’s not too late to take advantage of the early-bird fees.

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▪ Postmarked by June 1st: Includes registration, lunch and snack for $65.00.

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▪ Postmarked June 2-July 15th: Includes registration, lunch and snack for $75.00.

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▪ Postmarked after July 15th or in-person registration on the 30th: Includes registration only for $75.00. (Please note that the facility does not allow outside food and/or drinks in the facility.)

Registrations and course lists can be viewed HERE.

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Don’t forget to pick up your free books just outside the GFO!!

Books1

Free to a Good Home:
Don’t forget to check the “Free” books table in the lobby outside the GFO Library front door. Throughout the summer, we’ll be adding LOTS of free books out there, to make room for new donations. SOMEBODY is looking for each of these items, is it you? Check back frequently, you never know when you might find just the right thing!

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And if you’d like to purchase one of our surplus books…

Book

GFO’s Surplus Books List
AbeBooks recently received the following review from one of our surplus books customers:

“Thank you for the incredibly fast processing of this order. Media mail can really be slow but I received the book today in perfect shape. Keep up the good work!”

Ahhhhh, shucks! And thank you!!

If you’d like to view our Surplus Books, consider clicking HERE.

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Bulletin

Don’t get left out! Become a GFO member today for access to all sorts of great stuff.
Membership gives you access to our quarterly publication, the Bulletin.
June’s Bulletin will feature…
An article about how to use, what was it called again…PERSI!

Also, sign up and read all about “When Index is a ‘Dirty Word.’ ” Or perhaps a family history mystery is more your style?

GFO Members will be receiving their complimentary copy of the Bulletin for the month of June in the next week. Wouldn’t you like one too?

Membership applications are available HERE for the brave of heart! Or for a taste of what you’ve been missing, view some of our Spotlight Articles.

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What’s Happening this Week at the GFO?

SATURDAY, MAY 21st
Hunting and Gathering 9:30am – 11:30am

This weeks problem stretches from Ireland to Harney County, Oregon. Adam George came to the U.S. around 1870, married and had children in Canada and Nevada before settling in Oregon. The question – where was he born? Come to see what clues he may have left along the way.

Free to members. Visitors may request a guest pass at education@gfo.org.
Buttons, History and Genealogy? (Monthly Program) 2pm – 4pm
Our guest, Dorothy Krugner, is a long-time lover of history, historical fashion, and button collecting. Join us on May 21st to learn more about the buttons you might have noticed in photographs of your ancestors. And as you might have guessed, buttons can be used to date your mystery photos. Buttons have a genealogy, too!

Irish Group meeting has been cancelled Come see us at the next meeting, scheduled for September 17th.
SUNDAY, MAY 15th
Library Work Party! 9am – noon

There’s another work party at the GFO library today for those of you who can come. There’s lots to do and we’d love to have your help. Doors open at 9am and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so and you’re welcome to do the same. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there!

WSGS Conference Planning Committee Named Outstanding Team in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming month, you will be introduced to each of the 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the WSGS Conference Planning Committee who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). They were recognized for their detailed planning, commitment, and teamwork hosting the 2014 Washington State Genealogical Society Conference in Arlington, Washington, despite the tragic Oso landslide which occurred on March 22, 2014.

Conference Team from Stillaguamish Valley GS

WSGS Conference Team from Stillaguamish Valley GS

The conference, hosted by the SVGS, attracted more than 300 attendees, not from just Washington State, but from Canada, middle-America, Texas, Massachusetts and Oregon. To ensure a first-rate conference, the planning committee received grants from the City of Arlington and Snohomish County Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. The committee was also able to secure nationally recognized speakers and donations from local businesses.

This successful event was held despite the catastrophic Oso landslide which occurred less than five months before the conference – in the prime of the planning. Several committee and society members, as well as conference vendors, were left with severe property damage and access to meetings.

Due to their careful planning and “can do” spirit, the planning committee overcame the diversity and devastation to pull off the successful event. They richly deserved being a recipient of a 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

Seattle

Tip of the Week – DNA LECTURES

Each spring one of the world’s largest family history events “Who Do You Think You Are? Live” is held in Birmingham, England.  Also known as “WDYTYAL” the principal sponsor is Ancestry.co.uk.

One of the major exhibitors at “WDYTYAL” is FamilyTree DNA who presents their ever popular DNA lecture series.   They have recorded some of these presentations and made them available on YouTube.  There are over 30 lectures in all; not only from this year, but also some from 2014 and 2015.

A few of the titles available to you from this year’s show are :

DNA demystified – A Beginner’s Guide to genetic genealogy, with Debbie Kennett, 55 mins
Finding Family with DNA testing: a genetic detective story, with Richard Hill, 37 mins
Genetic genealogy in the 21st century, with Katherine Borges. 27 mins
Autosomal DNA – how to use it in practice, with Maurice Gleeson, 55 mins

To see all the titles,  go to www.youtube.com  and search for “DNA Lectures – Who Do You Think You Are?”  or use this link :
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HQSiSkiy7ujlkgQER1FYw

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

 

Seattle

Focus on a Challenge for the Archives Committee

The SGS Archives Committee works to review and organize donated archival material. This is a volunteer committee, trained in the skills of evaluating, organizing and cataloging all sorts of documents such as manuscripts, papers, photos, legal materials and at times even artifacts that shed light upon a family history.

Every job, be it paid or volunteer, has its unique challenges and one reported by the Archives Committee is they often receive collections without much identification. There is nothing more valuable to a curator than background information on what they have received.

Ingrida Gray, member of the SGS Archives Committee, suggests “If any of you might consider that your valuable collection of family research would eventually go to an institution like Seattle Genealogical Society, please do not put off making a rough, general outline of your family and related surnames until ‘you are done’. It is ever so helpful to whatever curator will work with your research to have a general idea of the relationships at the beginning of the collection. This can be added to and fine-tuned at any time. If you have any questions on the way donated family research is organized by the Archives Committee, please feel free to stop by and chat with us”. The SGS Archives Committee meets on most Thursday at the SGS Library.

Coming on Saturday
 Don’t Miss the SGS Spring Seminar Featuring
 William Dollarhide!

 

Nationally Renowned Speaker and Author
“Finding Solutions to Your Toughest Research Problems”

SGS’s Spring Seminar
May 21st
Fairview Christian School
844 NE 78th Street
Seattle, WA

Finding & Using Historic Newspapers Workshop
Presented By the  King County Library System

On Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the King County Library in Black Diamond, WA from 2-4pm, professional genealogist Claudia Breland will help patrons discover the proliferation of newspaper resources available; both free, subscription, only in print, and library web sites, including KCLS free premium databases.  Learn how to readily uncover birth announcements, wedding notices, obituaries and other stories found in historic newspapers. Please note, those with basic to intermediate computer skills and some online experience will benefit most from this presentation.  For directions, phone numbers, or other information visit the King County Library website :
https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/locations/list/

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE.  Please check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections.  Programs may be canceled or postponed due to inclement weather.  The Library will be closed, Saturday, May 21 because of the Spring Seminar and it also will be closed, Saturday, May 28, through  Monday, May 30th for Memorial Day Weekend.

MAY

Tuesday, May 17, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Hosted by Lisa Chan, SGS Director of Technology, Bring your laptop or mobile device, visit with other members and learn from each other while working on your family history. Discuss current projects, hardware, software, organizing data, and technology trends in genealogy

Saturday, May 21, 9:45 am – 3:30 pm, SGS Spring Seminar with William Dollarhide ,  at Fairview Christian School, 844 NE 78th Street, Seattle, WA

Tuesday, May 24, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday * Special * DNA Interest Day, Hosted by Lisa Chan, SGS Director of Technology,  this Tuesday the program will be helping DNA Interest group members with DNA focused Technology issues. Bring your laptop or mobile device and get the assistance of Lisa Chan and Cary Bright. Remember to bring any DNA Testing Company passwords. We look forward to working with you – Cary Bright and Herb McDaniels,  SGS DNA Interest Group Co-Chairs

JUNE

Saturday, June 4, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian Interest Group

Tuesday, June 7, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Hosted by Lisa Chan, SGS Director of Technology, Bring your laptop or mobile device, visit with other members and learn from each other while working on your family history. Discuss current projects, hardware, software, organizing data, and technology trends in genealogy.

Wednesday, June 8,   7:00pm – 9:00pm ,  MAC Computer Interest Group, Fiske Genealogical Library, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112,  Leaders: Diane Heddrick and Lou Daly

SGS ELECTION RESULTS

Here are the results for the SGS Election.  The bylaws change was approved and the following positions were filled:

Candidate for Secretary                        Reiley Kidd was elected
Candidate for Treasurer                        Karen Knudson was elected
Candidate for Director of Education        Verlin L. Judd was elected
Candidate for Director of Library            Ann Wright was elected
Candidate for Director of Membership     Julia Marconi was elected
Candidate for Director of Operations       Nancy Haugen was elected
Candidate for Director of Publications      Daniel P. Harmon was elected
Candidate for Director of Technology      Lisa Chan was elected
Candidate for Director of Volunteers       Sandra K. Stark was elected

For the SGS Nominating Committee,   Siri Nelson, Kathryn Quackenbush, David Rimmer,   and Christine Shoemaker were elected.  Nancy Hevly was elected Chair of the Nominating Committee.

Unfortunately the President and Vice President positions are still vacant.  The 2016 Nominating Committee will be working to fill those positions.

Clallam County Gen Society Spotlight

by Charles Hansen

Clallam Co GS

The folks of the Clallam County Genealogical Society can boast that their society is the northwestern-most such society in the continental U.S. and they’d be right on. This of about 160 members of record (with 40-50 attending meetings) may be smallish but they DO things!

Take CCGS Summer School. In 2015 they offered Part One:  “Navigating Free Databases” on the Internet. Classes offered included Google, FamilySearch, Find-A-Grave, CyndisList and the Washington Digital Archives. The attendance proved that this was a popular idea.

This year, on Saturday, May 21st, the CCGS Summer School will spotlight Ancestry, various newspaper sites, Mocavo, World Vital Records, and Fold3. (You can register at the CCGS website, clallamcogs.org) or pay $30 at the door; bring your own sack lunch. Place is the Port Angeles Presbyterian Church, 139 West 8th.

CCGS also maintains a super little library that’s open four days a week with volunteer members on staff to help. They offer monthly-program classes too.

If you live in Clallam or Jefferson counties, or care to drive north to the lovely little port town of Port Angeles, do check out the Clallam County Genealogical Society.

And your society just might want to consider having a Genealogy Summer School day.