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.
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