 base images courtesy of The New York Public Library and Jon Tyson / Unsplash montage by Sheyna Watkins PRIZES FOR WINNING ENTRIESHow Was Your Family Impacted by Moments in American History?You probably have an ancestor who is part of America’s story. Did your ancestor… Fight in the civil war, Apply for a homestead, Land at D-Day, Stand up for civil rights, Have an American dream, Become a Patriot in the revolution, Participate or view some other important moment …? Tell their story. In 2026, the United States celebrates its semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — on July 4, 1776. In celebration of the America 250 milestone SGS is sponsoring a writing contest. The theme is “My Story is America’s Story.” The history of America is interwoven with the unique and diverse narratives of all those who have lived here. Entries are invited which tell the story of your family, individuals in your community, an event in history, an immigrant movement or some other aspect of personal experiences against the backdrop of America’s story. The theme is as broad as the 250-year history of our country! Several prizes will be awarded, including $250 for the first place winner. Submissions are due September 1. All entries meeting the guidelines (detailed on the website) will be considered. Entries will be judged on their relevance to the theme, writing style and clarity, and research accuracy. Winning entries will be published in the Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society. Winners will be chosen by a jury made up of SGS members. Honorable mentions will be published in the Journal at the discretion of the editor. Please contact Lisa Oberg at vicepresident@seagensoc.org with any questions. See the website for details about the style guidelines and submission rules.  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 September).SGS VOLUNTEER OF THE SPRING QUARTERQuestions to Honoree Michelle Chiachiere How long have you been an SGS member?Since 2021.Do you attend events and if so, what have you enjoyed about your participation?Yes, I attend the seasonal seminars as well as many of the monthly education programs (or I catch the replays at the SGS website!). I enjoy the variety of speakers, and that the folks brought in are consistently some of the best genealogy speakers out there. I’ve also joined DNA SIG meetings. Cary Bright and Craig Gowens do a great job keeping members up to date on the evolving field and making space for genetic genealogy learners at all levels to advance in their work.How long have you volunteered and in what capacity? We are especially interested in your work on our Spring Seminar. What do you enjoy about volunteering with SGS?  Michelle Chiachiere I’ve gotten to volunteer in some fun ways just in the last year! I wrote for the SGS Journal, getting to work with editor Laura Sandidge. I’ve started volunteering at the drop-in sessions SGS holds at neighborhood libraries, which is a lot of fun. I also developed a presentation for the DNA SIG on a project I’ve been working on, which was a great way to step back, assess my progress, and attempt to communicate methodologies I’ve been employing that could be useful to others. Also, Education Director Stephanie O’Connell asked me to help coordinate the Spring Seminar this year, which we titled “Pivotal Moments: Records that Changed Lives, Families, and History.” Stephanie and the SGS Board knew that they wanted to recognize the nation’s 250 th anniversary in some way. I had the enviable opportunity to dream up a slate of presenters that could help fulfill that. I was particularly interested in speakers that could explore less commonly used records, and/or speakers that provided new insight on familiar records. I think we succeeded! I learned about records of the New Deal and the railroads, and I deepened my knowledge of other record sets – like pension records and immigration records – by listening to how experts put them to use. One of the most interesting parts of developing the slate of presentations was how the Board and SIG leaders provided feedback along the way, representing the members they regularly work with. We heard, for example, that a slate that focused too heavily on the colonial era may draw too limited of an audience. By focusing instead on key moments (and record sets) across our country’s 250 years, we could better capture the interest of our diverse membership. As a member working “on the inside” of SGS planning for the first time, it was a great example to me of how responsive SGS leadership is to the broad needs of its members.Your personal genealogical interests and research areas? Do you have a fascinating discovery to share? Or a brick wall?I research primarily in American records, tracking wily folks through migrations and often integrating genetic evidence. I began working as a professional genealogist a few years ago and earned the Certified Genealogist® credential last year. (Shout-out to the SGS-sponsored Certification Discussion Group, which helps many people on the path to certification.) In my personal work, I have been most enjoying writing for publication. It’s really fulfilling to gather the research from a meaty case into a write-up that expands the genealogical record and hopefully shares methodologies others can benefit from. I’m working now on a project that connects a North Carolina man born circa 1800 to his previously unknown parents, using autosomal DNA networks and documentary research that connects two identities used by his father. I’ll also shout-out a recently published article with a Puget Sound angle. In the summer 2026 issue of NGS Magazine (from the National Genealogical Society), I wrote about fraud that occurred in the enumeration of the 1910 US census. The fraud largely resulted from cities jockeying for status against their neighbors, aiming to be seen as the regional population leader. Fraud was found in Seattle, but it was particularly acute in Tacoma, where a full re-enumeration of the census had to take place that year. Check out the article for more, including tips on how to keep an eye out for potential enumerator fraud in your research.Other hobbies and interests besides genealogy include:Other interests? But there’s so much good genealogy to do! : ) When not researching or writing, I’m out adventuring with my family, baking, or watching sports-ball.  image Sheyna Watkins Watch this space for news about SGS’s Fall Seminar held November 7.SECOND SATURDAY RETURNS IN SEPTEMBERSGS’s series of Saturday presentations is on summer break. Be sure to join SGS in September for “Which Date is Right?” with Carolyn Ladd. Sign up for this event held September 12.  Articles of Association and Oaths of Allegiance to the U.S. are on display at Seattle’s Museum of History and Industrycourtesy Luz A.KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: VISITING MOHAI’S FREEDOM PLANE TOUR By Luz A.Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry is currently holding a Freedom Plane exhibition of several important historical documents, including an original engraving of the Declaration of Independence. Other documents included are the Treaty of Paris, a draft of the Constitution, a final vote on the Constitution, a draft of the Bill of Rights, Oaths of Allegiance to the U.S., and the Articles of Association. The exhibit will run until August 16. The exhibit is free to enter but reserved tickets are highly recommended. Walkups are allowed but depend on availability. Tickets can be found on MOHAI’s website. If you’re planning to attend the exhibit, there are a few things you can expect when you go. Tickets to the exhibit are on a timed basis, meaning that you should arrive about 20 minutes before your entry time. You will be asked to wait outside the exhibit until your entry time. Staff will ask for your ticket when the time arrives. No drinks or food will be allowed inside the exhibit. MOHAI only has ADA parking on site. If you need general parking, you should plan to park in the lot in front of the Center of Wooden Boats, another parking lot, or street parking. All of those options typically require payment. For a detailed parking information see the Plan Your Visit page. For any other questions regarding the exhibit, visit MOHAI’s FAQ. If you go, I hope you enjoy this piece of history! SEEKING A FEW MEMBERS TO ADVISE ON NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITIESBy Gail ThompsonHello! I’m Gail Thompson, your SGS Grants Coordinator. I’m a mostly retired anthropologist who loves research—including genealogy, family history, and, well, just about anything that involves digging for information. One of my goals is to help further the SGS mission by expanding our sources of funding. I’d like to explore additional grant and funding opportunities to help strengthen SGS for the future. I’m happy to do the research, develop a plan, and reach out to potential funding organizations. I’m looking for two or three members who enjoy thinking through ideas and would be willing to serve as a sounding board. You wouldn’t need any marketing experience—just a willingness to review my plans occasionally, offer suggestions, and help keep the project moving forward. The commitment would be modest, with occasional check-ins as the work progresses. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, I’d love to hear from you. Please email me at grants@seasgensoc.org. 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 Monday, Aug. 3, 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, Aug. 6, 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. Monday, Aug. 10, 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, Aug. 11, 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, Aug. 11, 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. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 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, Aug. 13, 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. Monday, Aug. 17, 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, Aug 19, 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. Monday, Aug. 24, 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, Aug. 25, 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. Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Eastern European SIG, Learn about researching family history from the Balkans to the Baltics and in between. For more information email sgseasterneuropesig@seagensoc.org. Monday, Aug. 31, 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. 1, 2026, America 250 Writing Contest, deadline for submissions details on the website. 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. Thursday, Sept. 3, 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. 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! 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. Saturday, Sept. 12 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. 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! Check the calendar on the SGS website for the most recent dates and times and for additional events as they are added. CALENDAR NOTES: There will be no evening hours at the SGS Library in August. The DNA Workshop, FamilySearch, German and Irish SIGs are off for the summer. The Irish, FamilySearch and DNA Workshop SIGs resume in September and the German SIG resumes in October. OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND America250: Museum Day August 8 Museums across the state of Washington will offer free or discounted admission and display their project for the statewide as a part of the Out of Many, One project. Learn more at the Washington Museum Association website. “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 search 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 — SMALL NEWSPAPER CLIPPING ON ANCESTRY WORKAROUNDHave you seen newspaper clippings on Ancestry posted by another user that are just too small to read? These images are usually seen on a profile’s hint page. If the small image is the thumbnail generated by newspapers.com there is a work around (only if you are viewing the post made by the Ancestry user who originally shared the clipping to Ancestry). How to tell if the image is from newspapers.com: The thumbnail images are usually perfectly square and have the non-relevant area grayed out. This is a good example:  If it looks like the clipping is from newspapers.com, open the image and look at the information Ancestry displays on the right-hand side of the screen. If the user whose tree you are viewing is the person who uploaded the image you will see a message like this: Such-and-such user “originally shared this article on” such-and-such date “from Newspapers.com.”  The words “this article” are a link. Click on it and it will take you to the full-size clipping on newspapers.com. If you are subscribed to newspapers.com be sure to long in to see the clipping. If you are not subscribed, there may be some restrictions regarding the amount of articles you are allowed to view.  If the “this article” link is unavailable it probably means the user who shared the image you are looking at is not the user who originally shared it from newspapers.com. Try to find the Ancestry user who originally shared the clipping, or use clues from the post to find the original article on a newspaper site. 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. | |
| August 1, 2026 SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews! forward this email to a friend | |