 SGS SPRING SEMINAR TO LOOK AT TURNING POINTS IN U.S. HISTORYSaturday-Sunday, April 11-12Join Seattle Genealogical Society this spring for a two-day virtual seminar exploring turning points in American history, the records created, and how they can transform your genealogical research.Presented online via Zoom Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (PT) Sunday, April 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (PT) Program includes:Great Expectations: Union Pacific Land Grants & East-West Expansion Presented by Annette Burke Lyttle, CG Hidden Narratives: Reconstructing Families Through Civil War Pension Records Presented by Mica L. Anders U.S. Citizenship: The Law and Records of Naturalization Presented by Rich Venezia The New Deal: Putting your Ancestors to Work Presented by Michael Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™There will be Door Prizes!Registration fee: $60.00 (SGS Members – $45.00). Join the Seminar!images courtesy of Library of Congress and National Archives  SGS to Tour Puyallup Research Library, Tuesday, March 24Join us for a visit to the Heritage Quest Research Library, the nonprofit genealogy library in Puyallup, managed and staffed entirely by volunteers. HQRL’s collection includes books (over 16,000 titles), and microfiche. The facility also houses a bookstore where you can purchase genealogy books, family tree forms/charts, software and supplies.Upon arrival, the group will gather in one of the library’s large rooms and receive an orientation and tour of the library. There is a computer room with five computers. Researchers who bring laptops can connect to the library’s database while on the premises. The library’s catalog is available online for searching prior to the trip: https://hqrl.com/libraryRecords.php Fee $10 (SGS members) / $15 (non-members). Limit: 24 people Lunch Let us know your preference for bringing a sack lunch to eat in the library or a dining out option. We’ll be in touch with further details as the day draws near. Coffee There is a Wanna Cupcake? next to the library for coffee and sweet treats that visitors can bring into the library classroom. Getting there Drive: The library has plenty of free parking..Sign Up for the Tour images courtesy of The New York Public Library, Max Harlynking and Trnava University / Unsplash TURN YOUR RESEARCH INTO A BOOKJoin a Hands-On Self-Publishing Workshop  Jill Morelli Join Jill Morelli, CG, CGL, Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. as she shares what she learned self-publishing Journeys of the Forgotten: The Orphans of Hamilton County, Iowa. Morelli will walk through the major steps of the process and discuss practical considerations to help genealogists move from research to a finished book.Bring a laptop. Morelli more direct attendees in publishing a document. A document will be provided to those who don’t have something to publish. Everyone will publish something! In person only at the SGS Library. Limited to 25 participants Class Fee: $30 (SGS members $25) Any questions contact registrar@seagensoc.org. Sign Up for the Workshop  Second Saturday: March 14, 1:00 p.m.In April 2026, the long-anticipated release of the 1926 Irish census will occur. Taken on April 18, 1926, this record set captures the first detailed portrait of life in Ireland following the establishment of the Irish Free State.Join Irish genealogist Susan McKee as she introduces the 21 datasets included in this census and explains how they can transform your family history research. Born in Dublin, Susan McKee is a member of the Seattle Genealogical Society, where she facilitates the monthly Irish Special Interest Group. She presents regularly on researching Irish ancestors, including seminars for the Seattle Irish Festival and genealogical societies across the U.S.Sign Up Today!NO SECOND SATURDAY NEXT MONTH: SGS will be offering our Spring Seminar: Pivotal Moments: Records that Changed Lives, Families, and History. Learn more and sign up. photos courtesy of Ulrike R. Donohue and K Mitch Hodge / Unsplash book image courtesy of Library of Congress ‘ANCESTORING’ AUTHOR PUTS RECORDS IN HISTORICAL CONTEXTVirtual Sunday: March 22, 1:00 p.m.In her book Ancestoring: Understanding Records, Family, and Ourselves, Darcie Hind Posz invites genealogists and family historians to look more deeply at the records they use—and at themselves as researchers.Understanding Records affirms the importance of placing records in their historical context. Understanding Family encourages researchers to ask “why,” and to remain objective and nonjudgmental as they uncover ancestors’ decisions and actions. Understanding Ourselves challenges genealogists to recognize their own assumptions and biases when analyzing records and interpreting ancestors’ lives.This Virtual Sunday program offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the author and explore how a more reflective and contextual approach can strengthen both research and writing. Darcie Hind Posz is an author, genealogist, and researcher. She has been a board-certified genealogist since 2013 and was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists in 2023. A widely published genealogical writer, her work has appeared in several scholarly quarterlies, and her full bibliography is available at darciehindposz.com.Register now WHY I VOLUNTEER WITH SGS  By Jim Secan,Vice President, SGS As the newest person on the SGS Board I’ve been asked to write a short note as to why I chose to volunteer for this position. The main reason is the concept of “pay it forward” as applied to genealogy. I have been able to research my family, none of whom were ever anywhere near the Pacific Northwest, by accessing information collected by volunteer organizations like SGS all over the country, with the information they collected made available either by contacting the organization or through an on-line database. No travel necessary. A lot of key information for my family has come not from Ancestry.com, but from local genealogical society holdings such as these. I see volunteering for SGS, particularly for a Board position, as a way of both paying back these out-of-state volunteers and paying forward to other out-of-state researchers who are tracking ancestors who moved out West and to future genealogists both out-of-state and local. If you have benefited from the help of an individual at the SGS or at any other GS, consider volunteering at SGS. We have Board positions that need a dedicated volunteer, and various ad hoc positions are open as well. Pay back and pay forward!SGS LIBRARY NEWSExercise Your Research Skills. Help Patrons in Drop-In Sessions at SPL Branches Based on the success of the drop-in sessions during the pilot project, the SGS Board and SPL agreed to continue the program through December 2026. Ideally, we would like at least 3 volunteers at each branch – Ballard, Magnolia and Northeast. Many of the people we’ve assisted simply want to know how to get started on their own genealogy. Others may need help with where and how to find available resources. The 1 ½ hour sessions are held once a month and there is no long-term commitment – just whatever fits your schedule. Please consider signing up for one of the drop-in sessions so that we can continue this successful program. Email splvolunteers@seagensoc.org if you have questions or need additional information on this joint SPL/SGS program. SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658Hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ** 10:00 a.m .- 3:00 p.m. * * Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting. Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed. All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website. Thursday, March 5, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday, March 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email SGSFamilySearchSIG@seagensoc.org to join the mailing list. Monday, March 9, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Monday, March 9, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. NOTE: Zoom link alternates between 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026. Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., MAC Computer SIG, Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings address topics and resources for Macintosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software program. A link to login will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. If you would like to join, send an email to macusersig@seagensoc.org to be added to the email list. Thursday, March 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026. Saturday, March 14, 2026, 12:30 p.m-1:00 p.m., General Membership Meeting, Update on SGS activities and slate of board candidates for upcoming election. The meeting will be followed by a Second Saturday presentation. (See below.). Register here. Only one registration is needed for both the membership meeting and the Second Saturday presentation. Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Unlocking the 1926 Irish Census.” Presented by Susan McKee. Register here. Monday, March 16, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. NOTE: New Zoom link for January – June. Friday, March 18, 2026, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m. Family Tree Maker SIG, Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting. Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Transcription SIG, Want to strengthen your ability to read, transcribe, and analyze original records? This SIG is ideal for anyone looking to practice, build confidence, and sharpen their research skills in a collaborative setting. The group meets at the SGS Library. Send questions to Betsey Cotter at sgstranscription@seagensoc.org. Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Sheyna Watkins at sgsWriteItUpSIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month. Saturday, March 21 2026, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. Share information and discuss Irish ancestral research. View SGS calendar for details on joining this group. Saturday, March 21 2026, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Register on the SGS website. Sunday, March 22, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:00 p.m., Virtual Sunday, “Ancestoring: Understanding Records, Family, and Ourselves” Presented by Darcie Hind Posz. Register here. Monday, March 23, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. NOTE: Zoom link alternates between 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 6:00 p.m-8:00 p.m., Your Story, Your Book: Hands-On Self-Publishing, Jill Morelli shares what she learned self-publishing. She will walk through the major steps of the process and discuss practical considerations to help genealogists move from research to a finished book. Register here. Saturday, March 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DNA SIG, Join our quarterly meetings to discover what’s new in genetic genealogy and learn more about select, in-depth topics. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join. Monday, March 30, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.Thursday, April 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email SGSFamilySearchSIG@seagensoc.org to join the mailing list Saturday, April 4, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join. NOTE the change of day due to the Easter holiday. Monday, April 6, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Monday, April 6, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Organizing for Genealogy SIG, Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey. Contact Susan McKee at sgsOrganizingsig@seagensoc.org to join. Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday-Sunday, April 11-12, 2026, Saturday 9:00 a.m-noon, and Sunday 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. SGS Spring Seminar, “Pivotal Moments: Records that Changed Lives, Families, and History” Presented by Annette Burke Lyttle, Mica Anders, Rich Venezia, and Michael Strauss. Register here. Monday, April 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Monday, April 13, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. NOTE: Zoom link alternates between 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org. OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND Fiske Genealogical LibraryVarious Wednesdays, 10 a.m. (virtual) March 4 The Black Experience in the Revolutionary War Speaker: Janice Lovelace March 11 A Genealogist’s Guide to Lesser Known Research Tools Speaker: Claire Smith For more information and to register. RootsTech 2026 Thursday, Mar. 5 – Saturday, Mar. 7 (virtual) A family history conference. An on-demand learning library. A way to grow closer to the people, places, and stories that matter most. RootsTech is all that and so much more. Join us as we celebrate together the joy of connection. Get more information.Lower Columbia Genealogical Society Various Thursdays, 10 a.m. (virtual) March 12: Did Your Ancestor Work on the Railroad? Speaker: James Tanner April 9: Researching Newspapers Outside of Newspapers.com Speaker: Amber Oldenburg May 14: Subject TBA Speaker: Maggie Cogswell June 11: Missing: Reward! Locating Widows, Spinsters, and Bachelors Speaker: Sara Cochran Learn more and register here. “How to Write a Family History Book,” with Rebecca Shamblin Eastside Genealogical Society Thursday, March 12, 6:30 p.m. (virtual) Maybe it has always been a secret dream of yours to create a book out of your research. We will talk about the research process, what to include, how to turn facts into stories, how to organize your book, how to get it printed, and finally how to share it. For more information and to register. TIP OF THE WEEK – NEW FEATURES ON ANCESTRYAncestry has been adding new features that are available to all subscribers. While many of the new features on Ancestry are only accessible to users who purchase the protools package, these tools are being rolled out to everyone. Some users may not have access yet, but will soon. Ideas This feature uses AI to generate research tasks for an ancestor. It can accessed using the “Ideas” button on an ancestor’s profile page. Stickies Just like a Post-It note, this feature is a handy way to save your to-do list on a profile. They are found in the notes section under each ancestor profile (Tools > View Notes). One stickie can be saved to multiple ancestors. Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button. DONATE TO SGSYour donations represent a significant part of the SGS budget. Your continued generosity helps us increase our financial security and expand our services for everyone. We make it easy for you to contribute appreciated stock from your portfolio. We have a brokerage account established and ready to receive your donation from any firm. For details, write treasurer@seagensoc.org. For questions about our needs and our vision, write president@seagensoc.org. | |
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