Author Archives: Charles Hansen

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

WRITING CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to the winners of last fall’s “They Survived” writing contest!

Thank you to all who submitted pieces relating stories of challenging times, perseverance, and survival. Three submissions in particular stood out to our judges and they will be showcased in the upcoming Journal.

First place goes to Scott Kampen with his story about the Children’s Blizzard of 1888 in Dakota Territory. Scott will receive free entry to the SGS seminar of his choice as his prize.

The second place piece is by Julia Marconi, whose story includes the sinking of the SS Eastland in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915. Julia will receive a renewal membership to SGS. 

And third place goes to Edward Swierczewski, Jr. who presents his family lines as seen through the lens of survivorship. Edward will receive a copy of “Walking with Your Ancestors” by Melinda Kashuba. 

We hope these works will inspire and encourage you to sharpen your own pencils and get writing!

THE 1890 SEATTLE CENSUS SUBSTITUTE     In the Fall of 2011, SGS formed a coordinating committee headed by member Chuck Richards to investigate the viability of producing an 1890 US Census substitute for the Seattle area. After several ups and downs, and the efforts of many SGS members, this database is now available on the SGS website. SGS is still working on a online searchable interface for this data, but for now it can be accessed via a research request; the same way you place a research request for the King County Court Cases Index (KC3I) and VFW members card databases. On the SGS website home page’s left-side menu, click on “Research and Databases”. Then you will see “Research Services” in the sub-menu that drops down; click on that “Research Services.  Our plan is to have this database’s search function operational for our membership within the next few months.   This census substitute is the result of many hours of work by many SGS volunteers. The initial project committee was chaired by Chuck Richards and included Chuck Richards, Jackie Lawson, Lynn Magnuson, Sue Melville, Mary Kircher Roddy, and Jan Walker. Over the many years it took to compile this dataset and prepare it for use, the following individuals helped in the effort: Dona Bubelis, Bruce Finlayson, Lyndall Foulds, Chris Hanley, Tina Hollingsworth, Kate Johnston, Kerri Keil, Michelle Khuon, JoAnne King, Donna Koerker, Marilyn McGuire, Virgil Morgan, Nancy C. Parks, Emily Phillips, Winifred Price, Ginny Sommarstrom, Judy Tomassene, Doug Whalley, Clarice Wilson, Charlotte Wixon, and Ann Wright.

We thank all of them for their efforts.  

SGS MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOTICE   The next SGS Membership Meeting will take place Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 12:30 PM. This will be a virtual meeting via Zoom. The results of the upcoming SGS election will be announced.  The Second Saturday presentation by Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal will follow at 1:00 PM. 

Preregistration is required. After registering, you will be able to join the meeting immediately from the registration window.  You will also receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. One registration will work for both the membership meeting and the Second Saturday presentation.  

SAVE THE DATE

Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, 
2nd Monday meetings
usually 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST

JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 PM unless noted otherwise. 

On Monday, May 9, 2022, “JRI-Poland: Exploring Your Roots in the Russian, Prussian, and Austrian Empires” will be presented by Robinn Magid & Howard Zakai. The meeting will open at 6:30 pm for networking. The presentation will start at 7:00 pm. Registration is required. 

http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php

SGS 2022 Spring Seminar, Virtual, 
“Lands and Maps and Deeds, Oh My!” 
Friday-Sunday, June 3-5, 2022

The schedule: 

  • Friday, 5:00 PM, keynote with Cyndi Ingle,
    “Pin Your Ancestors Down with Google Maps and Google Earth” 
  • Saturday, 9:00 AM – noon
  • Angela Packer McGhie, CG
  • “Land Entry Files and Tract Books”
  • Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG, CGL
  • “Military Bounty Lands: Revolution to Mexican War”
  • Sunday, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Melinda Kashuba, PhD
  • “Using Migration Maps in Genealogical Research” 
  • Kimberly T Powell
  • “Deed Book Indexing Systems” 

 Registration is open. Click here:  Register for the SGS 2022 Spring Seminar

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Beginning in May, our library will be open on Wednesday, too. 

New Hours : Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206 522-8658Masks are recommended  inside our library at the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom.NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room.  The host must take action to let people into each meeting.  The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.
All times posted are Pacific time unless otherwise noted. 
Saturday, Apr 30, 2022, 10:00 am- 12:30 pm,  DNA SIG with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens.To participate you must be on the DNA SIG email list. Contact Cary at sgsdnasig@gmail.com to join.

Sunday, May 1,  2022, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm,  DNA Workshop with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens.To participate you must be on the DNA SIG email list. Contact Cary at sgsdnasig@gmail.com to join.

Wednesday, May 4, 2022, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.

Saturday, May 7, 2022, 10:15 am-12:15 pm, FamilySearch Interest Group with Lou Daly (Virtual),  Discover the many ways to use FamilySearch. At each meeting a different aspect of the website will be featured. There will be time for Q & A. Want to be included on the mail listing? Email Lou: loudaly@nwlink.com

Monday, May 9, 2022, 7:00 pm -8:30 pm, Write It Up SIG (Virtual),  This new group will discuss and share writing projects, resources, and ideas. Group contact is Alaine Keisling. 

Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, MAC Computer Interest Group (Virtual),  Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske for users of MAC (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software. Co-chairs Lisa Marker and Diane Hettrick. You must be on the MAC SIG email list to join the meeting. Email macusersig@seagensoc.org to be included on the list.

Saturday, May 14, 2022, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm. Second Saturday: Giving Our Female Ancestors a Voice, with Stephanie O’Connell. The absence of women in historical records often makes our research challenging. Using social history to create rich biographical sketches allows us to bring our female ancestors out of the shadows of the law or their husbands. This presentation offers a narrative lineage set in 19th century Ireland, England, and the U.S., which uses historical context to bring the unique stories of women to life. Please register in advance. 

Sunday, May 15, 2022,   1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Virtual Sundays: Something Old, Something New,  Jill Morelli is the host. Visit the SGS website Calendar for details and updates. Please register in advance. Topic will be Orphan Train Rides. 

Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.

Saturday, May 21, 2022, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, Irish SIG is back! With Susan McKee and Jim Ryan. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. 
Saturday, May 21, 2022, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, German SIG is back! With Carolyn Schott. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information.

Sunday, May 22, 2022, 1:00 pm, Japanese American SIG,  with Caitlin Oiye Coon. This is one of our new SIGs. Please sign up if you would like to attend; send an email to family.history@densho.org 

Tuesday, May 24, 2022, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary.

Wednesday, May 25, 2022, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.

Heritage Quest Research Library May Classes

by Charles Hansen
Autosomal DNA Matches
You have a beginning understanding of DNA terminology and what it all means.  You have taken a look at the possible tools that you can use to do your DNA testing and what they each can do for you.  Maybe you have taken the next step to actually get tested and you are beginning to see matches in your DNA. 

Now what? What can you learn from the matches? What can you do to learn? 
Take Judy’s class and find out!

Thursday, May 5, 2022          11:00 – 12:00 PM
  zoom
Cost:  $20 members          $25 non-members
 Come in to the library or sign up at hqrl.com or call 253-863-1806 
After you have signed up, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder if you do not receive your link to the zoom meeting.  

Members must log into the member page and then proceed to the hqrl store in order to obtain the member discount.

Clark County Genealogical Society May Classes

by Charles Hansen

Photographing Family Heirlooms, Artifacts, Photos and Documents

Saturday, April 30, 2022 – 10 am-noon

Clark County Genealogical Society and Library

Local technology expert Steve Young’s jam-packed two-hour class will instruct you in the use of digital SLR cameras. Bring your own DSLR camera and learn how to incorporate a lightbox when photographing family heirlooms, artifacts, photos and other documents.  He will touch on technical aspects of lighting and exposure for best results and will also suggest some best practices when using thumb drives, USB cards and readers to move images to your computer. Steve will also provide suggestions for using these images to connect with your relatives by creating documents or through social media. To reserve a place in the class, call the Clark County Genealogical Society and Library at 360-750-5688, sign up at the CCGS library, or send an email to education@ccgswa.org. To reserve a place in the class, call the Clark County Genealogical Society and Library at 360-750-5688, sign up at the library, or send an email to education@ccgswa.org. Fee: $15/members; $20/non-members.

Getting Started Tracing Your Family Tree

Tuesday, May 3, 2022 – 10 am-noon

Clark County Genealogical Society and Library

Local genealogist Brian Runyan will get you started researching your family tree. Topics include collecting information from the family, family group sheets, pedigree charts and genealogy database program. Start your research with the right tips and techniques. To reserve a place in the class, call the Clark County Genealogical Society and Library at 360-750-5688, sign up at the library, or send an email to education@ccgswa.org. This introductory class is free.

Quickly Organize Your DNA Matches with the Leeds Method Webinar

Wednesday, May 4, 2022: 11 am-12:30 pm

Clark County Genealogical Society and Library

When you take an autosomal DNA test, you get a list of people who share DNA with you from common ancestors. Genealogist Diane Leeds uses “Shared Matching” to create colorful groups of these matches. Each group is likely related to you through one part of your family, and many people get four groups based on their four grandparent lines. This method is based on DNA, not trees, so it is also often effective in cases of unknown parentage. This free Legacy Family Tree Webinar presentation will help you create a Leeds Method chart, understand your results, and use that chart to learn more about your family tree.

There’s Gold in Them Thar Probate Records

Tuesday, May 10, 2022 – 10 am-noon

Clark County Genealogical Society and Library

Local genealogist Dale Deatherage will teach about the types of documents found in probate files, where they can be found, and why they should be an important part of genealogy research. Dale has been working on family history for nearly 20 years. He has been especially interested in a fourth great grandfather who fought in the Black Hawk War. Dale has attended numerous national institutes and enjoys sharing knowledge learned in these learning situations.  To reserve a place in the class, call the Clark County Genealogical Society and Library at 360-750-5688, sign up at the library, or send an email to education@ccgswa.org. Fee: $15/members; $20/non-members

Indirect Evidence – A Case Study Webinar

Wednesday, May 18, 2022: 11 am-12:30 pm

Clark County Genealogical Society and Library

This Connecticut-based, indirect evidence case study will highlight techniques for researching a woman whose maiden name is known, but her parents are unknown due to deficiencies in the vital records. In this free Legacy Family Tree webinar, techniques will be demonstrated that rely on forming hypotheses and gathering evidence to test those hypotheses.Thorough research of neighbors and associates (the FAN principle) will yield enough evidence to tie this woman back into her family. Records used include pre-1850 census records, deeds, probate, church, and court. Death records of family members provide the final clues that tie them all together.

Accessing Genealogically Relevant Materials In Your Bunny Slippers

Tuesday, May 24, 2022 – 10 am-noon

Clark County Genealogical Society and Library


articles and other non-vital record materials without leaving home. Genealogist Brian Runyan will provide his tips for some of the many ways of getting the right content in front of your eyes.To reserve a place in the class, call the Clark County Genealogical Society and Library at 360-750-5688, sign up at the library, or send an email to education@ccgswa.org. Fee: $15/members; $20/non-members.

Understanding the History of the U.S. Census Webinar

Wednesday, May 25, 2022: 11 am-12:30 pm

Clark County Genealogical Society and Library

Just who was it that created the documents genealogists typically turn to first? What rules did they follow? How long did they have to complete their job? How big is an enumeration district? These questions, and more, probably occur to anyone doing extensive research in the U.S. Census reports. This free Legacy Family Tree webinar reviews the staffing, training, search for accuracy, penalties for non-cooperation, and bureaucracy of the U.S. Census from 1790 through 1950.

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society Foreign Census Records

by Charles Hansen

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society

Upcoming events:

Writers’ Group (in person special interest group)
When: Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Where: 1901 S 12th Avenue, Union Gap, Washington (509-248-1328)

YVGS General Meeting (in person)
When: Saturday, May 7, 2022
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: 1901 S 12th Ave, Union Gap, Washington (509-248-1328)

Program – Foreign Census Records
Presenter – Kathleen Sizer

You have crossed the pond. Now what? Come learn about foreign census records. Not all countries took censuses and you don’t want to waste time looking for records that don’t exist. Come learn what is available and how to find the census records. Handouts of sources will be available.

 

NGS Registration Extended

by Charles Hansen
NGS Extends Deadline for Online Registration
for the
NGS 2022 Family History Conference Register Now
Dear ,

This year is proving to be a year of transition and for some a time of lingering uncertainty. Therefore, in response to requests from our members, the National Genealogical Society has extended its deadline to register online for its NGS 2022 Family History Conference.

Online registration for both the In-Person conference in Sacramento, California, and Online at Home will now close at 7:59 p.m. (ET) on 13 May 2022. However, we are only able to offer you a complete refund—no questions asked, minus a $50 service fee—until 1 May 2022.

It is also possible to register in person, on site at the conference, in the SAFE Conference Center in Sacramento, starting Tuesday 24 May through Saturday, 28 May. You may purchase admittance to the conference on a daily basis, or for the full conference.

More than 80 genealogists will present lectures at this year’s in-person conference. Participants will have the chance to meet and attend lectures by fantastic speakers such as Jay Fonkert, LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, Thomas W. Jones, Michael Lacopo, Janice Lovelace, Angela McGhie, Jill Morelli, Steve Morse, Nancy Peters, David Rencher, Judy Russell, Rick Sayre, Josh Taylor, Ari Wilkins, and others. We’re excited to have Stanford University professor Dr. Gordon H. Chang as our keynote speaker presenting his talk on The Chinese Who Built America’s Transcontinental Railroad. Dr. Gordon H. Chang Don’t miss this great opportunity to be back together again and network face-to-face with fellow family historians; share ideas and discuss your research; attend fascinating, educational lectures; and discover new products and services for genealogists in the Expo Hall. Check out the following links for up-to-date information about conference hotels, Visit Sacramento discounts, and COVID-19 policies and other rules. Also, be sure to sign up for the NGS conference blog to receive conference news and announcements. Online registration for the In-Person Conference as well as the Online at Home Conference ends at 7:59 p.m. (ET) on 13 May 2022. Register Now
Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society inspires, connects, and leads the family history community by fostering collaboration and best practices in advocacy, education, preservation, and research. We enable people, cultures, and organizations to discover the past and create a lasting legacy. The Falls Church, Virginia, based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian. Copyright © 2022 National Genealogical Society, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because of your interest in family history or genealogy and/or a prior relationship with the National Genealogical Society or Federation of Genealogical Societies. If your organization is on this list in error, please unsubscribe if you would no longer like to receive email from us.

Our mailing address is:
National Genealogical Society6400 Arlington Blvd Ste 810Falls Church, VA 22042-2325

NGS 2022 Conference

by Charles Hansen
CGS_SealColor300-400x200.jpg NGS 2022 Logo.jpg The California Research Series: A golden genealogical opportunity at the NGS Conference in Sacramento
If you are beginning to prepare for the NGS 2022 Family History Conference in Sacramento, 24-28 May, you will be happy to know that you can register now for two new additions to the California Research Series, presented by the California Genealogical Society (CGS):
Untold Stories from the California Historical Society’s Collections (April 26, 4-5:30 p.m., PDT) Genealogical Resources at the National Archives at San Francisco (May 3, 3-4 p.m. PDT)
The online series is free. It is designed to aid conference attendees in researching their California ancestors by introducing them to genealogical repositories in Sacramento and San Francisco. 
The following presentations of the California Research Series have been recorded and are now available online (free). Center for Sacramento History Government Publications at California State Library Historical Resources at California State Library  Sutro Library – Genealogical Treasures The California Archives Special Collections at the Sacramento Public Library
The series will be available for viewing until the end of May on the CGS YouTube Channel 
Note: The deadline to register for both the In-Person conference and Online at Home has been extended to 13 May. Hotel reservations are currently available but filling up fast. On-site registration in Sacramento begins Monday, 23 May, 3-8 p.m.
Questions? Send an email to: ngs2022@californiaancestors.org
Quick Links: NGS Conference Brochure NGS Conference Registration NGS Conference Blog NGS on CGS website Hotel Reservations NGS Registrar Visit Sacramento Sign up to Volunteer at the Conference California Genealogical Society 2201 Broadway LL2 Oakland, CA 94612 510-663-1358 californiaancestors.org National Genealogical Society 6400 Arlington Blvd., Suite 810 Falls Church, VA 22042-2318 703-525-0050 ngsgenealogy.org Please feel free to forward this email to members of your organization and your newsletter editor!
California Genealogical Society | 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland, CA 94612

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Presents Tom Jones

by Charles Hansen

Don’t miss this great speaker!
We would love to see you in person at the Shadle library or join us via Zoom.
Zoom link and syllabus will be posted on the website the morning of the presentation. (ewgsi.org)

EWGS May General Meeting
Saturday, May 7
EWGS May General Meeting
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
A Hybrid Meeting at Shadle Public Library

Thomas Jones will present:

“Building a Credible Lineage, Despite Missing Information, Conflicting and Incorrect Records, and Undocumented Publications”

A case study teaches how to establish credibility of undocumented genealogies, merge seemingly separate identities, remedy record errors, resolve conflicting evidence, and separate same-named men.

German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society

by Charles Hansen

The German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS)meeting

When: Friday, May 6, 2022 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm PT (Virtually)

Topic: “Separating Same Name Ancestors with German Parish Records”

Do parish records contain elements to help distinguish same name persons? These may include witnesses, occupations, parents’ names or a combination.

Presenter:  Carol Whitton, CG®

Carol specializes in German research.  She’s St Louis Genealogical Societies’ Project Director, German SIG Leader and graduate of German Research SLIG and Gen-Fed.

More information: Visitors are always welcome and may request the Zoom link no later than May 4th  at https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/contact/