From Heritage Quest Research Library on 2026-07-02 06:25
Author Archives: Charles Hansen
HQRL Happenings July 2026 Happy Fourth of July Holiday 
America at 250 Hugh McManus
Revolutionary War soldier, Lt. Hugh McManus, was an ancestor of Jan Wells. He served South Carolina. He served for 206 days as Private and 161 days as a Lieutenant in the Militia receiving 81 pounds, 3 shillings and six pence three farthings sterling. For a mare used in 1780 and 1781 for 193 days, he received 69 pounds and 15 shillings sterling on May 19th, 1785.
He was born in 1747 in Northampton County, South Carolina to Capt. James M. McManus and Mary Frohock Rollins. He married Mary Elizabeth “Betsey” Campbell in 1770 in Chesterfield, SC. She was born in 1752.
Their children were John (married Rebecca Terrell), Nancy (married Henry Yater), Elizabeth, Jane, Robert Thomas (married Mary Polly Cain), Sarah Sally, Rebecca (married Albert Arthur Stacks), Tabitha Floyd (married Joseph York), Pleasant, and Samuel (married Martha A. Evans).
He died in 1831 in Chesterfield, SC and is buried in the Old Mount Olive Cemetery in Chesterfield county, SC.
Hugh’s DAR ancestor number is A078145. He has 12 female descendants who were DAR members.
Jan Wells is a member of the Mason County Genealogical Society
Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society Oregon Trail Collection
Dear Members and Friends,
This month is a milestone for history preservation, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Museum and the William G. Dick Library uploaded two very special databases that is in the interest of both historical and genealogical research.
Long time coming, with a grant from the City of The Dalles, the photo archive and the Oregon – California Trail Inscription Database is now online and is available for the public.
Over 30,000 photos from the Wasco County Pioneer Association and thousands of donated photos from area residents and journalists and the Jim Henderson Oregon – California Trail Emigrant Inscription Collection with over 5,000 trail inscriptions from Missouri to Oregon. We hope everyone will enjoy and utilize these in their family research.
Links to these databases –
https://www.gorgediscovery.org/oregon-trail-collection
https://www.gorgediscovery.org/photo-archives
America at 250 William Tatum
Revolutionary War soldier, William Tatum (Tatom)Sr., served Virginia in the war. He was in the 3rd regiment of Capt. John Ashby’s company under Commander Col. Marshall and Lieut. John Tibbs. He was on the payroll for July 1777 as a private receiving 6 2/3 dollars for the month for pay. He received Bounty Land Grant No. 1472 for 274 acres in North Carolina on Dec. 17, 1802. His pension number was W2270.
He was born on January 11, 1760, in St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Virginia to Stephen Tatum and Mourning Melton. He married first Margaret Wright on December 29, 1781, in Granville, NC, and 2nd wife was widow Mrs. Mary “Polly” Wright on October 27, 1813, in Dickson Co., TN.
His children were Richard (married Levina Hartley), William (married Elizabeth Rose Richardson), Nancy (married Thomas Griffin Dedmon), John C.(married Delila), Benjamin Marshall (married Sarah Dotson), James (married Ann Baker), Ann Shilby (married James A. Tatom), George William (married Sarah Logan), Genetta (married George L. Smith), and Thomas Richardson (married Martha Jane Hudson and Winnie Fredonia).
He died on September 24, 1847, at age 87 in “Tatom Hollow” in Dickson, Dickson County, TN. He was buried in the Tatum-Coleman Cemetery in Houston County (previously Dickson County), TN.
His DAR number is A208894. He has 4 female descendants who were DAR members.
Jan Wells is member of the Mason County Genealogical Society
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Education Meeting
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm
This month’s presentation: Free RootsTech 2026 video presented by David Ouimette titled FamilySearch Full-Text Search – Your Golden Path to Ancestral Discovery.
“In this session, we show how FamilySearch applies generative AI to read historical handwriting and produce complete transcripts of billions of pages of historical manuscripts in a variety languages and scripts. We describe how FamilySearch identifies names, dates, and places in the text distilled from these documents. We then demonstrate techniques for searching the resulting full text by keyword, name, date, and place. We show how to leverage filter and search features in tandem so that you can readily find the records that reveal your ancestors and tell their stories. Sponsored by FamilySearch”
This month’s meeting will be Zoom Only until we can find a new physical location to meet in person.
Attend virtually via Zoom:
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZIqduGpqjgsHtBNs9zc8CGna6R-KHlcz5so/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGuqToiG9CWth2DRpwAB4j4WevwiHZdgrd_sgy8GSMLQST4N7Rwf5lXHNvK
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86718143644?pwd=S0FjYU5acVVKbDEyamdXWWZVekFjdz09
Meeting ID: 867 1814 3644
Passcode: 630507
One tap mobile
+12532050468,,86718143644#,,,,*630507# US
+12532158782,,86718143644#,,,,*630507# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 867 1814 3644
Passcode: 630507
South King County Genealogical Society July 2026
July to early August with South King County Genealogical Society
Happy Summer!
SKCGS Members would usually find the playback access code for Steven W. Morrison’s presentation at the end of this email. However, Steve unfortunately was at the hospital rather than speaking to us, so we have agreed to reschedule when he has recovered. You will find a code of the recording of the chat we had in Steve’s absence which was an interesting discussion.
*if you expected to find the code but do not see it, your SKCGS Membership has expired. Renew on our website: https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership
Most of our small meetings continue through summer; our Speaker Series will resume in September. Write to Education@skcgs with suggestions or even better, volunteer to join the team planning our education year, contacting possible speakers, and arranging their talks.
Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io
Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:
- we communicate and share information with each other
- other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
- you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time
PROGRAM UPDATES
All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Main library branches.
Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request.
Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. https://www.skcgs.org
JULY to Early AUGUST 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS
All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone
Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated.
Saturday, July 4: Independence Day. No FamilyTree Maker meeting; KCLS closed.
No July SKCGS Board Meeting. Email Board@skcgs.org with concerns.
Wednesday, July 8, 2 – 3pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Leveraging the FamilySearch Family Tree to improve Wikitree Ancestor Profiles. Begin by improving the FSFT profile and ensure that all appropriate records are linked to each family member. Merge duplicate profiles if necessary, and unlink mistaken records. Then use Sourcer to create or improve the WT profile and the FSFT Sources tab to gather all the free source-cited records for each Wikitree profile. You can also link <WT<>FSFT profiles in both so researchers can jump back and forth. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.
Thursday, July 9, 11am – 1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.
Monday, July 13, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy. Topic: Collaboration with DNA Matches & Other Relatives. Bring your experiences and suggestions about where to find these groups.
- FamilyTree DNA groups: https://www.familytreedna.com/group-project
- DNA Group Projects: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:DNA_Group_Projects
- One Name Studies: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Project:One_Name_Studies
- Gedmatch Ancestor Projects: https://app.gedmatch.com/AP/ap_group_list1.php
- Ancestry.com group messaging. Click New to start a new group, name it, then type the names to put them in the group
- RootsChat (heavy UK use)
Thursday , July 16: EGS German Interest Group will celebrate its 40th Anniversary in our old location in Bellevue. Significant others are invited. Details: email GIG_Leader@eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org
Thursday , July Jul 16: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer.
- 11am-1pm: Auburn Library: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA
- 2-4pm: Federal Way Main Library: 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA
Monday, July 20, 1–2pm: Tech Users Group (Online). Topic: Find Your Tribe. Back in the day, your local genealogical or historical society meetings were where you found your friends, research and even travel partners. Now that so much is virtual/online, where do we find like-minded folks with whom to collaborate? Bring suggestions. Start with SKCGS and your kin, then look at some of these sites:
- https://www.groups.io – search for genealogy, your surname or region of interest
- https://www.ancestry.com/boards/search/surname (topics & localities too)
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Genealogy/
- https://genealogy.stackexchange.com/
- Facebook: search FB for surname, genealogy topics and locality groups
- https://discordgenealogy.com/
- Tech User Group shares knowledge and learns about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.
Monday, July 27, 1–2pm: Genealogy Chat (Online) Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another.
Monday, August 10, 1:00 – 2:00pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: Research at Family Tree DNA if You Did Not Test There.
1. Test someone else! or upload for someone else with permission
2. Upload your autosomal raw data from another testing company
3. Get permission from a family member to see their kit results
4. Upload to Gedmatch and/or MitoYdna.org to compare results with FTDNA testers
5. Connect your DNA tests to your Wikitree profile for hints to matches; Geni profiles can also link.
6. Use public Y DNA Project data at FTDNA and/or Wikitree
7 Check mail lists at Groups.io, GoogleGroups, & Substack
We are genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy
Wednesday, August 12, 2–3 pm: WikiTree Users: Topic: Wikitree Goals through 2026. How can we help one another make our part of Wikitree the best? Let’s share profiles and learn together.mWikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.
MEMBERSHIP: We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.
You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.
Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org
SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
Puget Sound Genealogical Society July & August Meetings
Puget Sound Genealogical Society
Publicity Committee
Gina Schulz, chair
RE: July and August membership and committee meetings calendar.
What: SIG
When: July 13, 2026
Time: 10:15am
Ancestry.com video “Ancestry tools you are not using” with Crista Cowan
Where: 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton Wa
Heninger room, Sylvan Way branch of Kitsap Regional Library
What: General Membership Meeting
When: July 22, 2026
Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm
“Ancestor Stories” Members will share the stories they have discovered about their ancestors lives in the last 250 years.
Where: 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton Wa
Heninger room, Sylvan Way branch of Kitsap Regional Library
What: Education Committee
Class: “Tracing Female Ancestors Through Everyday Records.” Sylvia Doloos, Professional Genealogist. Owner, New Leaf Genealogy
Date: July 25, 2026
Time: 10:30am
Where: 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton Wa
Heninger room, Sylvan Way branch of Kitsap Regional Library
What: Bremerton “Boston Tea Party” Social
When: August 22, 2026
Time: 10:30am-2pm
In Celebration of America250 the Puget Sound Genealogical Society is hosting a tea party social for members and non members. Meet other members and ask about membership classes, events and the resources available at the genealogy center.
Where: 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton Wa
Heninger room, Sylvan Way branch of Kitsap Regional Library
Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week American History at the MOHAI
TIP OF THE WEEK —
AMERICAN HISTORY AT THE MOHAI
By Luz A.This July, America celebrates its 250th anniversary as a country. MOHAI will have many events throughout the month to commemorate it. Throughout America’s history, many people have come together to weave an American identity. The symbol of this blend is the American flag. On July 3rd, MOHAI opens its exhibit on the American flag. It features historic flags and images, and shines a light on the history of the American flag and how it reflects broader American culture. Another representation of America’s history will be put on display during the Freedom Plane National tour from July 30th to August 16. The highlights of this exhibition include the original engraving of the Declaration of Independence, the Secret Printing of the Constitution in Draft Form, the Treaty of Paris, and the Bill of Rights. Finally, there will be a talk on the contradictions of American identity. Is there a singular American story? Clint Smith, a bestselling author, will argue in his talk on July 22nd from 7-9 PM that there isn’t a single American story–there are many. All of these events can be found on MOHAI’s official website. Come celebrate America’s anniversary and learn more about its history! .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.
Seattle Genealogical Society July 2026
 base image by Colin O’Brien / Unsplash montage by Sheyna Watkins HOW WAS YOUR FAMILY IMPACTED BY MOMENTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY?In 2026, the United States will celebrate 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. SECOND SATURDAY RETURNS IN SEPTEMBER SGS’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.  siridhata / ShutterstockINTRODUCTION TO CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENTYou Could Gain Duel Citizenship and Celebrate Both Canada Day, June 30, and the Fourth of July By Luz A.Did you know you might be eligible to become a Canadian? Under Bill C-3, the Canadian government has changed their first-generation limit to Canadian citizenship via descent. If you are a descendant of a Canadian citizen, you may be eligible to become a Canadian citizen under this new rule. Quick Steps to Get Started Visit the official Canadian government website to check your eligibility. Learn more about the citizenship changes under Bill C-3. Check on the Canadian government website if you have to apply online or on paper. Apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate on the Canadian government website. Check out the full guide for paper applications if you have to apply on paper. Valid DocumentationAccording to the most recent Canadian government update, Canadian citizenship documents must be: Issued by the original authority who created or keeps the record Clearly shows who issued the document. Examples of Valid Documentation: Birth certificates from another country that show the parent-child relationship in each generation Canadian citizenship or naturalization certificates Provincial or territorial certificates For each applicable Canadian parent, grandparent, or ancestor, you must include valid documentation to show a parent-child relationship that connects you through each generation to a Canadian ancestor. You must also provide documentation for yourself as an applicant or for someone else if you are applying on their behalf. For example, if you are an American citizen and have a Canadian grandfather, you could provide: Your birth certificate with your parents’ names The birth certificate of your parent, the child of your Canadian grandfather The Canadian birth certificate of your grandfather If you do not have birth certificates or official birth records for one of your ancestors in the line of descent, you can send alternate records. These include baptismal records, census records, boat manifests, and more.For the full list of acceptable documentation, visit the Canadian website here. Special Notes on Documentation:If your ancestor’s name changed from their birth record, which is common with female ancestors through marriage, you will likely be asked to supply marriage certificates or records that prove the name change. Documents that are not in English or French, require translations with an affidavit or through a Canadian certified translator. Documentation ResearchIf you require help getting started on where to find and receive official documents for your ancestors, you can ask for help from SGS! Good luck! SGS LIBRARY NEWS Help Others Get Started Researching Their Families in Drop-In Sessions at SPL BranchesThe drop-in sessions at Seattle Public Library locations are a great opportunity for SGS volunteers to practice their research skills on a variety of cases. Many of the people assisted through the program simply want to know how to get started researching their own genealogy. Others often need help with where and how to find available resources. 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. The 1½ 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, July 1, 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, July 2, 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, July 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July! Wednesday, July 8, 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. Monday, July 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July! Monday, July 13, 2025, 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, July 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, July 14, 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, July 17, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., SGS Library Evening Hours, Come by and join host, Lisa Oberg, for a quiet, comfortable place to work on your genealogy research. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Wednesday, July 17, 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, July 20, 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, July 22, 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. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month. Monday, July 27, 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, July 28, 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. 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. 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 Family Tree Maker SIG in July, and 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 Genealogy Help Eastside Genealogical Society Bellevue Library Computer Lab 1111 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 Thursday, July 9, 10:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. Volunteers from EGS are available to help on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of most months. No registration is required. Get in-person assistance with Ancestry Library Edition. For more information. America250: Museum Day Monday, Aug. 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. TIP OF THE WEEK — AMERICAN HISTORY AT THE MOHAI By Luz A.This July, America celebrates its 250th anniversary as a country. MOHAI will have many events throughout the month to commemorate it. Throughout America’s history, many people have come together to weave an American identity. The symbol of this blend is the American flag. On July 3rd, MOHAI opens its exhibit on the American flag. It features historic flags and images, and shines a light on the history of the American flag and how it reflects broader American culture. Another representation of America’s history will be put on display during the Freedom Plane National tour from July 30th to August 16. The highlights of this exhibition include the original engraving of the Declaration of Independence, the Secret Printing of the Constitution in Draft Form, the Treaty of Paris, and the Bill of Rights. Finally, there will be a talk on the contradictions of American identity. Is there a singular American story? Clint Smith, a bestselling author, will argue in his talk on July 22nd from 7-9 PM that there isn’t a single American story–there are many. All of these events can be found on MOHAI’s official website. Come celebrate America’s anniversary and learn more about its history! .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. | |
| July 1, 2026 SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews! forward this email to a friend | |
America at 250 Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society
Members and Friends,
As we celebrate Americas semiquincentennial, the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This milestone offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the enduring ideals of liberty, resilience, and self-determination that have shaped our nation.
For those of us passionate about genealogy, it is more than a national celebration, it is a call to explore how these historic forces touched the lives of our own ancestors, from Revolutionary War patriots and early settlers to immigrants who helped build the America we know today.
If interested contact Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society for the July 2026 special issue of the Tales and Trails newsletter.
Thank you to the members who submitted and participated in passing along their family patriot stories.