The Challenge of World War II Military Research and Records
For many of us, the story of a World War II veteran— whether a parent, a grandparent, an uncle, or an aunt—is a significant and moving chapter in our family history. But the search for details can often be frustrating and discouraging. We know they served, but finding the records that bring their story to life can feel like searching for a needle in a historical haystack.
The biggest roadblock is the catastrophic fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO, in 1973, which destroyed millions of Official Military Personnel Files. By necessity, genealogists have learned to search other ways to reconstruct their ancestor’s records. Some other sources include; Draft Registrations, Morning Reports, Submarine War Patrol Reports, and Missing Air Crew Reports.
On Friday, November 21st at 10:00, Michael L. Strauss will be presenting, via Zoom, World War II Military Research and Records. This lecture focuses on sources and strategies to reconstruct those records most affected by the fire.
Michael L. Strauss is a professional genealogist and a military historian. He has a B.A. in history with a concentration on the Civil War and an M.A. in military history. He has lectured extensively and authored multiple publications.
You are invited to join us! No membership necessary. Go to the BIGS website to register and receive the Zoom link: bigenealogy.org/events.
November to Early December 2025 with South King County Genealogical Society
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PROGRAM UPDATES
All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at the Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland Libraries
Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.
NOVEMBER – EARLY DECEMBER 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS
Saturday 1 November, 10–2am: Family Tree Maker Users Group (Online). Topic: Question & Answer.
Tuesday 4 November, 6:30pm: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). All SKCGS Members are invited; write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.
Friday 7 November, 12:30–2:30pm: German Interest Group (Online, EGS).
Topic: Civil Marriage in Germany in the 19th Century.
Presenter Roland Geiger discusses civil marriages in Germany using examples to illustrate the content of the records and the information that can be gleaned from them. Register: https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/meetings
Monday 10 November,⋅1–2pm: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online).
Topic: Analyzing Your DNA Matches when the Site Tools Aren’t Helping. Let’s share tactics and ideas.
Thursday 13 November,11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person). No registration required.
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 2801 NE 10th Street, Renton WA
Saturday 15 November,10am: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online). 9:30am– 10am: Social time;sign in early to chat. 10am: Featured speaker presentation: Mags Gaulden presents “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org“
Mags co-leads the DNA integrators team at WikiTree, a collaborative global family tree. Working to improve DNA functionality on WikiTree and integrations with outside sites, she has helped to make WikiTree and its DNA features accessible and available to all collaborative genealogists.
As a sought-after international speaker and workshop coordinator, Mags continues to share her expertise on various topics related to genetic genealogy and family history research. Her talks are known for their easy flow of technical terminology and knowledge, combined with a down-home, relaxed, humorous style that connects with audiences.
She is a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, among other organizations. Her passion for family history and her expertise in genetics and genealogy have helped many people uncover their family histories and connect with their roots.
Mags Gaulden is a genetic genealogist based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She has dedicated decades to researching family histories and exploring the role of genetics in genealogy. Born and raised in the United States, Mags developed an early interest in family history and genealogy. She started researching her family tree, which led her to discover the power of genetic testing in genealogy.
Mags is the founder of Grandma’s Genes in Ottawa and mitoYDNA.org, a free and accessible Y and mitochondrial DNA database for the genealogy community. The non-profit organization is a 501(c) 3 based in Maryland.
Monday 17 November, 1–2pm: Tech Users Group (Online).
Topic: How to add & use browser extensions for genealogy.
Thursday 20 November, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (In-person). No registration required.
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA.
Thursday 20 November, 2–4pm. Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Main Library (In-person). No registration required.
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA
Monday 24 November, 1–2pm: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics.
We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Tuesday 2 December, 6:30pm (Online) SKCGS Board Meeting if necessary. All SKCGS Members are invited; write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.
Friday 5 December, 12:30–2:30: German Interest Group (Online, EGS). Anette Isaacs presents “Frohe Weihnachten: Unwrapping the Charms of German Christmas Traditions.” Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Christmas customs and holiday treats.
SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. Featured speakers:
November 15, 2025: Mags Gaulden: “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
January 17, 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy: “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
February 21, 2026: Robyn N. Smith: “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People”
March 21, 2026: Winona Laird: “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
April 18, 2026: Robbie Johnson: “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History”
May 16, 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal: “Research at the library…without leaving home!”
20 June 2026: Steven Morrison “Digging Up New Dirt: Part 1 Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2 “Finding, Proving and Publishing”
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Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting Tuesday, November 11, 2025, starting at 6:00 pm We will begin with our annual Business meeting to elect Officers for the 2026-2027 term and vote on a motion from the Board regarding a donation to the Veteran Bounty Land Records Capital Campaign led by the National Genealogical Society.
This month’s presentation: After the business meeting is concluded we will have a presentation by Nancy Thaut talking about her trips to the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake city and how to prepare before your first visit.
This meeting will be hybrid and we encourage everyone who is able to attend in person at our new meeting location:
University Place Library 3609 Market PL W. University Place, WA 98466 and via Zoom for those unable to attend in person.
Attend virtually via Zoom: Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Writing Family History Wednesday, November 12, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom
The Writing Family History Special Interest Group (WFH-SIG) supports TPCGS members in documenting, writing, and preserving their family histories—formally or informally. Monthly meetings will provide a mix of presentations, writing exercises, and peer reviews to help members make progress in their projects.
Meeting invite with links in file attached below
Date & Time: Every month on the Second Wednesday, starting at 7:00 PM Pacific Time Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
One tap mobile: +12532158782,,87544268961#,,,,*328639# US (Tacoma) +12532050468,,87544268961#,,,,*328639# US
Dial by your location: • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 253 205 0468 US Meeting ID: 875 4426 8961 Passcode: 328639 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kclCP1SsOV
Our speaker at the library this month will be SVGS society member, Kathie Webber. This event will be in person only. Everyone is welcome to attend this free presentation
Kathie’s topic: Creating A Virtual Cemetery One Kathie’s favorite things about studying her family history has been learning where her ancestors have been buried. Twenty years ago she discovered an online tool called findagrave.com. This website and the accompanying app have enabled her to organize and expand her cemetery research. She will share with everyone the many things she has taken advantage of using Find a Grave, as well as other options that are available.
Bio:
I’ve been doing genealogy for over 40 years. I’ve researched in Washington State, Massachusetts, California, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ireland. My favorite notable ways to research include visiting cemeteries, family history centers, online research, Facebook groups, and travel.
There will be a short break with refreshments after the presentation followed by our monthly business meeting.
DIG – DNA Special Interest Group
Also join us at the SVGS library on the third Thursday of the month from 1-3pmfor our DNA Special Interest Group (DIG). This group works together to develop a better understanding of DNA techniques and strategies for finding relatives, discuss and review new DNA developments and tools and help members with their research problems.
All DNA skill levels are welcome to attend.
If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for this group, please sen an email info@stillygen.org
Also, if you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for the DIG group, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the DIG email list.
New England Interest Group
The SVGS New England Interest Group (includes New York and Pennsylvania) that meets at the SVGS Library on the first Tuesday of the month is now hybrid!
If you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for this group or wish to attend via Zoom, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the New England Interest Group email list and receive monthly Zoom invitations.
Please join us for Tri-City Genealogical Society’s November General meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12. We will be electing a new board for 2026 and need to have a quorum from the membership. Also, the proposed budget for 2026 will be presented and voted on. After the formalities we will be having an interactive presentation where everyone is encouraged to participate. For people on Zoom the opportunity will be made to share their screen if so desired. See flyer above for details.
Time: Nov 12, 2025 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Legacy Family Tree SIG Meeting Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm virtual via Zoom
This month we will be watching and discussing Part 1 of the video “Legacy Family Tree for Complete Beginners”. If you are just getting started with Legacy Family Tree or haven’t used it for a while this should be a helpful video and discussion for you.
This is our monthly meeting to share tips & tricks, problems & solutions. Sometimes we will watch videos or share our screens to aid in learning more about using Legacy Family Tree software.
Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the learning. If you are just thinking about trying Legacy for the first time, you’ve been using it for a year or two or you are an old pro with many years of experience using Legacy this is the group for you.
We look forward to meeting with you, every month on the First Tuesday at 7:00 PM Pacific Time Download: Meeting invite with Links
Meeting Invite with Links in file attached below:
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
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