 base image courtesy of Kari Shea / Unsplash, montage by Sheyna Watkins NEW SITE A NEEDED UPGRADEThe Seattle Genealogical Society’s long-awaited website redesign is finally here.”We wanted a new, more modern look, with capabilities for mobile and tablet use,” webmaster Melinda McRae stated. “We also wanted a site that would streamline processes, be user friendly, and not need a lot of hands-on maintenance.”The site is available for patrons to access now at dev.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org, but will soon be available to view at the seagensoc URL.The WordPress platform was chosen for the project because of the large number of design and software options. McRae’s previous experience in web development led her to take on a leading role. “I had been through the design and build process with several websites,” she observed.  New Site Changes Event Registration ProcessTo register for a SIG, go to SGS Calendar/Upcoming Events and click on the SIG meeting you want. Use the Register button on that page to sign up for a meeting.How to Set Up Your Member AccountIf you had an account on the previous site you do not need to create a new account. To move your account to the new site go to member login and enter the username you used on the old site. Then click lost password. Click to open the form and enter your email or username. Hit send. You will then receive an email with a link to reset your password. You can reuse your old password or create a new one. The new site handles several functions without additional work from SGS volunteers.”In the past, many SIG leaders were responsible for handing out links and sending reminders to members,” McRae explained. “This is now handled entirely by our calendar system. Attendees register on our site, get the link to zoom registration, and then sign up there for the meeting link. Our website sends out reminders before every meeting. This saves work for everyone and adds an extra layer of security for the zoom meetings.”The news site will also be able to handle paid events — seminars and classes — through the calendar.SGS’s databases will also have a new robust searching platform.”We have been able to add more member-restricted databases to the site and more will be on the way,” McRae stated. “Members can now search across all the databases at once, or just the one they need. This was a great improvement.”The site is currently live while final testing is completed.”We are still operating in tandem with the old site as we iron out unexpected kinks, but we are well on our way to making the full switchover soon,” McRae observed.  base image Walls.io / Unsplash, montage by Sheyna WatkinsNARROWING DATES WHEN VITAL RECORDS ARE NOT AVAILABLESecond Saturday, September 12, 1 p.m.What is a genealogist to do with a research subject, born before the era of vital records, who left a lifetime of documents indicating a year of birth that varied by as much as 15 years? In this case study of an African American woman from South Carolina born in the late 19th Century, the Genealogy Standards for evidence correlation and resolving evidence inconsistencies led to one likely date of birth. Chronological tables and visual charts generated by AI helped identify patterns across sources. Her sibling’s birth dates and probable dates of conception helped narrow down a possible date of birth. Carolyn holds a Certified Genealogist® credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists® and serves on the Board of Trustees for BCG. She is also an accredited genealogist professional in African American genealogy from the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen™). She is passionate about identifying ancestors, learning their stories, and preserving them for future generations.Sign Up NEXT MONTH: Diana Elder Presents “AI in Genealogical Research: A Practical Approach.” Sign up for this event held October 10.  The Seattle Genealogical Society Library is located inside the Good Shepherd Center EXPLORE THE SGS LIBRARYDiscover What Your SGS Library Has to Offer Friday, September 18, 10:30 a.m.Have you wondered what resources are available at the Seattle Genealogical Society Library—or perhaps it has been a while since you visited? Join the SGS Field Trip team for a tour of our own research library at the historic Good Shepherd Center in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. We’ll begin at 10:30 a.m. with a tour and orientation to the library and its resources. The collection includes books and maps covering every U.S. state and many countries, along with access to subscription genealogy databases and unique SGS resources. As a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, SGS also provides access to some FamilySearch record images that cannot be viewed from home. Following the tour, there will be time to browse the collection, ask questions, and become familiar with the library. Bring a sack lunch or head out locally for lunch. Those who wish to stay are welcome to spend the afternoon at the library. Where Seattle Genealogical Society Library Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 Research Bring a research project and your laptop if you wish. Library computers are available with access to subscription genealogy databases. You can also bring a small scanning project to take advantage of the library’s scanning equipment. Fee Free for both SGS members and nonmembers Limit 15 people Getting there Free parking is available at the Good Shepherd Center. Metro routes 62 and 44 also serve the surrounding area.Sign Up for the TourWSGS NAMES SHEYNA WATKINS AS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEARBy Greer GrenleyThe Washington State Genealogical Society (WSGS) has proudly named Sheyna Watkins as one of their 2026 Volunteers of the Year. Watkins oversees the WSGS monthly e-newsletter, managing everything from finding stories and maintaining the content calendar to editing, formatting and preparing each issue. With 1,316 subscribers, the newsletter serves as the society’s primary communication tool.  SheynaWatkins She also leads the writing group, where she sends out reminder emails and helps new members get comfortable with the writing process. “We are so grateful for Sheyna’s ongoing contribution to keeping everyone informed about people and events in our SGS community,” says Kathy Weber, Board President of SGS. Watkins’ interest in genealogy dates back to elementary school when she created her first family tree. About eight years ago she decided to take a deeper dive into her family history and began writing about her grandfather. “I started telling his story and expanded looking into his ancestors and what shaped his life, and what that meant for the world, the church, and the family,” she says. Watkins’ background in technology, graphic design and journalism has helped her thrive as a volunteer. She says she likes having solid deadlines, particularly with an e-newsletter that goes out every month. Looking ahead, Watkins is eager to see how the organization continues finding new ways to serve the community through its library program and can reach more people. “I’m excited to continue eNews and dive deeper into the content,” she says. She also hopes to one day publish her grandfather’s story. ADD NEW TOOLS TO YOUR TOOLBOX: SGS DATABASESVirtual Sunday, September 20, 1 p.m.What might the Seattle Genealogical Society’s databases hold for your research? With the launch of the new SGS website, members now have online access to an expanded collection of SGS databases and indexes. Join us for a tour of these resources, what they contain, how to search them, and—most importantly—what they might uncover for your family history. We’ll also look at how an index entry can be just the beginning—pointing you toward court files, membership applications, cremation information, and other original sources that may add new details to your research.Register for the Presentation  image Sheyna Watkins Watch this space for news about SGS’s Fall Seminar held November 7.  base image courtesy of Thought Catalog / Unsplash additional material courtesy Christina Forst and Archive.org, montage by Sheyna Watkins SGS CLASS DEMYSTIFIES THE BCG PORTFOLIO PROCESSAre you considering certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists, or would you simply like to understand the certification process more fully? The Certification Discussion Group offers an opportunity to learn about the requirements, standards, and portfolio elements involved in becoming a certified genealogist. The next series begins on 2 November 2026 and includes seven virtual sessions, meeting on Mondays and Thursdays. Participants will explore the certification process in a supportive setting and gain a clearer understanding of what is expected in a successful portfolio. All classes are held online, making the program accessible from anywhere. Go to the website for more information and sign up for our registration email (coming in this month). 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, Sept. 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday, Sept. 5, 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. Sunday, Sept 6, 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. Monday, Sept. 7, 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July! Thursday, Sept. 7, 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. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 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, Sept. 8, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 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. Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Publishing SGS Journal, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Which Date is Right?” presented by Carolyn Ladd. Register here. Monday, Sept. 14, 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July! Wednesday, Sept. 16, 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. Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., NEW! SIG Interest Meeting: Legacy Family Tree (Virtual), We are exploring the formation of a new Legacy Family Tree Software SIG. If there is sufficient interest, the SIG will meet on the third Thursday of each month, with Siri Nelson as the group leader. See calendar for more information. Sunday, Sept. 18, 2026, 10:30 a.m-noon., Field Trip – Explore the SGS Library, Join the SGS Field Trip team for a tour of our own research library at the historic Good Shepherd Center in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. Register here. Saturday, Sept. 19 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, Sept. 19 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, Sept. 20, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:00 p.m., Virtual Sunday, Genealogist’s Toolbox: SGS Databases. Register here. Monday, Sept. 21, 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July! Tuesday, Sept. 22, 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, Sept. 23, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Mexican SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research. Email Diane Hughes-Hart at SGSMexSIG@seagensoc.org to join. Saturday, Sept. 26, 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, Sept. 28, 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July! Thursday, Oct. 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday, Oct. 3, 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. Sunday, Oct 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. Monday, Oct. 5, 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July! Thursday, Sept. 5, 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. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Publishing SGS Journal, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “AI in Genealogical Research: A Practical Approach” presented by Diana Elder. Register here. Check the calendar on the SGS website for the most recent dates and times and for additional events as they are added. OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND “Finding Your Female Ancestors” with Amber Oldenburg Lower Columbia Genealogical Society Thursday, Sept 10, 9:45 a.m. From maps, to archival inventories, and to databases galore, Miriam Weiner’s Routes to Roots Foundation website is a treasure trove of resources to help you find your Jewish ancestors! Come learn about how to use this important tool in your genealogical research. Learn more and register. “Using Autosomal DNA for 18th and 19th Century Mysteries” with Blaine Bettinger Eastside Genealogical Society Thursday, Sept 10, 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m Even though our 18th and 19th century ancestors have been dead for decades, their DNA still survives in their descendants. Learn how to use autosomal DNA to attack and potentially solve genealogical mysteries and brick walls for ancestors who were born or lived in the 1800’s, 1700’s, and beyond. Learn more and register. “Finding your Family with Miriam Weiner’s Routes to Roots: Utilizing The RTR Foundation Resources in your Research” with Ellie Vance Christensen Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State Monday, Sept 14, 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m From maps, to archival inventories, and to databases galore, Miriam Weiner’s Routes to Roots Foundation website is a treasure trove of resources to help you find your Jewish ancestors! Come learn about how to use this important tool in your genealogical research. Learn more and register. TIP OF THE WEEK — LET AI BUILD A TIMELINEBy Susan Aumaier When records pile up, it can be difficult to see how all the pieces fit together. A timeline can reveal problems that are easy to miss when examining records individually.AI can organize your evidence chronologically and help you spot conflicts, gaps, and events that need further investigation.Instead of asking:“Make a timeline of John Smith’s life.”Try:“Using only the evidence I provide, create a chronological timeline for John Smith. For each event, list the date, place, event, and source. Do not add facts or fill gaps with assumptions. Flag conflicting dates or locations, events that appear chronologically impossible, and significant gaps that may need further research.”Attach your records or paste your research notes into the AI along with the prompt.Review the completed timeline yourself. Pay particular attention to overlapping residences, children born when a parent was unusually young or old, events occurring in distant places within a short period, and long unexplained gaps.A timeline does more than organize information. It can show you where the evidence does not fit together and help identify your next research question.Remember, AI is a research assistant, not a genealogical source. Verify the timeline against the records you provided. Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page. 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. | |
| September 2, 2026 SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews! forward this email to a friend | |