Category Archives: Monthly Society News

South King County Genealogical Society April 2026

by Charles Hansen

Happy Spring! 

SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for Robbie Johnson’s presentation at the end of this email. *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 

Are you passionate about SKCGS’s mission and looking for a meaningful way to volunteer your skills? We NEED you. In fact, without officers we cannot survive. Legally we will cease to exist at the end of May.

We’re searching for a leader to move into the role of President and help keep our small but mighty nonprofit running smoothly! The best part? You won’t be doing it alone! You’ll be supported by a dedicated, hands-on board and fantastic volunteers who are ready to help. Write to Board@skcgs.org to volunteer. We also need a Vice-President and critically, a secretary. See Step Up and Make a Difference   from our outgoing Secretary. 

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

APRIL to Early MAY 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated.

Friday, April 3, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online)Topic: “Using Hansen’s Map Guides To Locate YourAncestor’s German ParishRecords” by Bernard N Meisner. Visitors welcome. https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ . Registration required:  https://tinyurl.com/24meu744 

The Map Guides contain detailed information about Catholic and Lutheran jurisdictions for locations within the former German Empire (including areas now in Poland,Lithuania, Russia, Denmark, and France), Switzerland and Luxembourg, and also some information about Jewish congregations in those areas.  Given your ancestor’s hometown, learn how to identify the most likely parish(es) with their records, then check the online availability of the registers on FamilySearch, Archion and/or Matricula.

Presenter Bernard N. Meisner is a genealogist and lecturer based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. He began researching his family over 35 years ago and enjoys sharing lessons learned from that experience, including his mistakes. 

Saturday, April 4, 10-11am PT: Family Treemaker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Join our free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, April 7, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). ALL Interested Members write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Wednesday, April 8, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Wikitree FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions. Bring your most pressing questions, and we’ll help one another get over the bumps. From login to leadership, Wikitree needs YOU, and you need Wikitree! Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, April 9,11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

Monday, April 13, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: Is 23 AndMe back?  We’ll take a look at how it fits into the “DNA  for genealogy” ecosystem, including the new clusters. See  https://throughthetreesblog.tumblr.com/post/810909158988709888/23andme-an-unfortunate-update, and Super Clustering DNA matches from Ancestry with FTDNA and 23andMe! https://youtu.be/BGMUVEXzuAY?si=7P1mvgZ9iu3JZgyQ

This group is for 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

Thursday, April 16: Genealogy Help with SKCGS  (In-person)

* 11am–1pm:  Auburn Library,  1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA

* 2–4pm: Federal Way Main Library, 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA

Friday, 17 April, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop (in person).  SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center, 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610).

Saturday, April 18, 10–11:15am PT. SKCGS Speaker Series (Online) Login at 9:30 for social time. Robbie Johnson will present at 10 after a brief announcement and introduction. Her presentation will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. 

You’ve spent decades collecting documents and family artifacts, researching ancestors, and tracking down that mysterious woman in an old photograph you inherited. Now what? How do you take a jumble of information and share it with the people you love? Robbie Johnson will share some of her favorite strategies on writing up your findings for the most important audience: Your family and yourself. This talk will cover approaches to organizing material, prioritizing writing projects, overcoming writer’s block, staying motivated, and tips and tricks for getting words down on paper.

Robbie Johnson holds the credential of Certified Genealogist®. Her research and writing focuses on England, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, Native-Indigenous ancestry, and genetic genealogy. She has presented lectures/workshops for the BCGEducation Fund’s Putting Skills To Work, the SLIG Advanced Analysis Practicum course, Family History Academy, the Denver Library, and several genealogical societies. She’s served as a coordinator and secretary for the ProGen Study Groups, and as a mentor for the GenProof Study Groups and the Certification Discussion Group. Robbie worked for over 40 years as an editor and writer before becoming a professional genealogist. She lives in Skagit County, Washington.

Monday, April 20, 1–2pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). Topic: Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Notebook LM, Photos, for Genealogy. We’ve not discussed these tools since 2004. What has changed, and what are good alternatives?

The Tech Users Group is for sharing knowledge and learning about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Please join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Monday, April 27, 1–2pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! https://skcgs.groups.io

Friday, May1,12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group. (EGS)(Online) Topic: “Locating Records from Poland Online” by  Julie Roberts Szczepankiewicz. Visitors welcome and more information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ 

Registration is required:  https://tinyurl.com/rp2zubuw

Finding records from Poland for genealogical research is a critical step in exploring our Polish ancestry but Poland’s complex history and the language barrier can be confusing.

After a brief overview of Poland’s changing borders and their impact on the languages in which historical records were created, Julie will explain the process of identifying one’s ancestral village and illustrate the use of gazetteers to determine the parish and civil registry offices. She will introduce key websites for locating historical records online and offline, with an emphasis on sites that offer indexed records and digital images. Julie will suggest strategies to help you get around the language barrier, and demonstrate how you can trace your Polish ancestry from the comfort of your own home.

Julie Roberts Szczepankiewicz is a genealogist, writer, and speaker with nearly 30 years of experience in researching her family’s origins in Poland, Germany, the U.S., and Canada. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the State University of New York in Buffalo and a master’s degree in endocrinology from the University of California, Berkeley. 

Her passion for genealogical research started when she was a graduate student, after she was given a copy of her great-grandparents’ marriage record as a gift. After reading the names of a previously unknown generation of ancestors on that document, she was hooked.

 She currently serves as President of the Polish Genealogical Society of New York State (PGSNYS) and has previously served as Vice-President for the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium, Inc, and Secretary of the Polish Genealogical Society of Massachusetts (PGSMA). She administers several genealogy-related Facebook groups. Her articles have been published in the newsletters of the PGSNYS, the PGSMA, the Polish Genealogical Society of America, the Western New York Genealogical Society, and the Irish Genealogical Society International, and she is the author of a genealogy blog, From Shepherds and Shoemakers.

Saturday May 2, 10–11am: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Join our free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (online). All SKCGS Members welcome; write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Monday,May 11 May, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: Proving your Family Tree with DNA. See DNA in Action 1 of 6: Proving Your Pedigree with DNA: https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/dna-in-action-1-of-6-proving-your-pedigree-with-dna.

This group is for 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, May 13, 2–3pm PT, WikiTree Users (online). Topic: Powering Wikitree with your DNA data, easily & safely. Start here: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:DNA. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, May 14, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person).  Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA. 

Friday, May 15, 1–3pm, Research Workshop (in-person). SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center, 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610).

Saturday, May 16, 10–11:15am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online) Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal:”Research at the library…without leaving home!”

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SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. F 

  • September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe “Write Your Own Obituary”
  • October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
  • 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!”
  • June 20 2026:  Steven Morrison Part1, “Digging Up New Dirt:  Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2, “Finding, Proving and Publishing”

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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.

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SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Heritage Quest Research Library April 2026

by Charles Hansen
April Happenings 2026 Happy National Volunteer Month!
At Heritage Quest Research Library, we are forever grateful for the dedicated volunteers who show up week after week. Your commitment keeps our doors open six days a week and our collections up to date.
We also extend a huge thank you to the members who step forward whenever called upon to assist with outreach and fundraising.  We couldn’t do this without you!!
A major fundraiser like the America 250 Patriot Celebration has many moving parts—from planning and coordinating different types of “events within the event” to managing volunteers. It takes little imagination to realize that many hands are needed to ensure a successful outcome.   Your consistent willingness to step forward in support of our mission has always been a cornerstone of our success. We are confident that our upcoming Celebration will be no exception. To ensure this milestone event is truly unforgettable, we ask all our members and patrons to participate.
American 250 Patriot Celebration Getting involved Watch for details in May Happenings
Upcoming Events

Wednesday April 1
America 250 Patriot Celebration Tickets Go on Sale HQRL is excited to announce that purchasing tickets for this event has never been easier. The QR code above will immediately connect the buyer to a screen that is easy to navigate, and a receipt will automatically be sent when the transaction is finished. —–

Thursday, April 2
Introduction to WikiTree  11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom) Join Shonda Feather to learn about WikiTree, which has a live chat so you can ask questions of genealogists all over the world. (WikiTree a shared tree like Family Search). Register online using the HQRL Store link on the library website or in-person at the Library $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members
Attend in-person at the HQRL classroom (limit of 8 persons), or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. —–

Tuesday, April 14
America 250 Patriot Celebration Planning Meeting HQRL Library Classroom 1pm – 3 pm —–

Wednesday, April 15 Management Team Meeting Heritage Quest Research Library 12-2 pm —–

Thursday, April 16
Exploring the Community: Researching Beyond Your Ancestor 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom) Learn about cluster research and explore resources with Julia A. Anderson to help you better understand the jurisdictions and history of areas where your ancestors lived. Register online using the HQRL Store link on the library website or in-person at the Library $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members
Attend in-person at the HQRL classroom (limit of 8 persons), or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. —–

Thursday, May 7
Beginning Your Family History   11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom) This FREE class will be taught by our research librarians. Learn how the library can help you and how to start. Sign up in the HQRL Store so we know you are coming and we can send you handouts/or a zoom link. —–

Thursday, May 21
Unusual Places to Find Irish Births & Naturalizations in American Records  
11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom)

Debra M. Dudek explains how and where to widen your search for your Irish ancestors birth date, place of origin, and their American naturalization details from a variety of underutilized resources! In this lecture, you’ll learn how to utilize a combination of research methodologies and combine them with military rosters, sailing registers, professional registrations, and much more! Register online using the HQRL Store link on the library website or in-person at the Library $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members
Attend in-person at the HQRL classroom (limit of 8 persons), or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts..  

Tribute to Heidi!
Heidi Geise has a long history as an educator and her expertise serves us well in her role as Education Coordinator. She excels in bringing us quality presentations on a variety of topics month after month. Arranging for first class speakers twice a month is no little undertaking, and Heidi seems to do it seamlessly.
Whether a beginner or a seasoned veteran, attendees always find valuable take-aways. Additionally, those who attend in-person find the added benefit of visiting with fellow researchers. There is something special about that “after-class” energy—often, the most breakthroughs happen over a casual conversation or a shared research hurdle.

Many, Many Thanks Heidi!

The Management Team Managing “On the Shelf” Research To avoid the “out of sight, out of mind” trap when life gets busy, you need a “re-entry” system. Research is often a long game. In a packed schedule, research must be “chunked” into manageable parts rather than treated as one giant task. When you have to pause your research use these techniques to ensure you don’t lose your momentum:
The “Breadcrumb” Note: End every session by writing exactly one sentence on what you were about to do next (e.g., “Check the 1920 census for John Smith next”).
A Research Log: Maintain a research log or spreadsheet to track which databases you’ve already searched and which keywords you used, so you don’t repeat work.
Recycling Files: If you delete or set aside sections of writing, move them to a “recycling file” instead of the trash—you might need those ideas or quotes later.
Citation Managers: Use the organizing feature in your genealogy software, or tools like One Note to save papers and data, ensuring you never ask “who was I researching?”.
The One-Hour Research Plan
If you only have one hour, focus on these high-impact, discrete tasks.
First 10 mins: Review your previous “breadcrumb” note to re-orient yourself.
Next 40 mins: Execute one specific search or read one key source.
Last 10 mins: Update your notes and write the next “breadcrumb” for your future self.
Selective Reading
Instead of reading full manuscripts, quickly scan abstracts, discussions, and conclusions to decide if a source is worth a deeper dive.
Successful Micro-Researching
Set a timer to stay on task and maintain a research log to pick up where you left off. Enjoy your Quest

Seattle Genealogical Society April-May 2026

by Charles Hansen
various images showing citizenship, Civil War veterans, New Deal works programs and a railroad land grant map with the words SGS Spring Seminar: Pivotal Moments. Door Prizes: Ancestry DNA test kits, Family Tree Maker software, My Heritage (one year) and Ancestry (on year) TWO-DAY SEMINAR COVERS KEY POINTS OF AMERICAN HISTORYSaturday-Sunday, April 11-12Join Seattle Genealogical Society this spring for a two-day virtual seminar exploring turning points in American history, the records created, and how they can transform your genealogical research.

Presented online via Zoom
Saturday, April 11, 2026,  9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (PT)
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (PT)

Program includes:Great Expectations: Union Pacific Land Grants & East-West Expansion
Presented by Annette Burke Lyttle, CG

Hidden Narratives: Reconstructing Families Through Civil War Pension Records
Presented by Mica L. Anders

U.S. Citizenship: The Law and Records of Naturalization
Presented by Rich Venezia

The New Deal: Putting your Ancestors to Work
Presented by Michael Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™There will be Door Prizes including: Ancestry DNA test kits Family Tree Maker software My Heritage membership (one year) Ancestry membership (one year) Registration fee: $60.00 (SGS Members – $45.00). Join the Seminar!images courtesy of Library of Congress and National Archives

 image of an old photo album with the words: Cataloging digital images Second Saturday: May 9, 1:00 p.m.Tame your digital family photographs by adding names, dates, and other information to images to make them searchable. This presentation outlines a simple and effective process – from scanning, tagging, and saving images to organizing and backing up these image files – so you can do it once and do it right.

Nancy Loe, a professional genealogist and archivist with decades of experience, helps family historians search smart, find more, and stay organized. As a presenter, she specializes in search strategies, information management, and U.S. and European research and records, speaking at conferences and webinars in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.Sign Up Today!NO SECOND SATURDAY THIS MONTH: SGS will be offering our Spring Seminar: Pivotal Moments: Records that Changed Lives, Families, and History. Learn more and sign up. photo courtesy of laura-fuhrman / Unsplash 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, April 1, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,  Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.

Thursday, April 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, April 4, 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.

Saturday, April 4, 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. NOTE the change of day due to the Easter holiday.

Monday, April 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.

Monday, April 6, 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. 

Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday-Sunday, April 11-12, 2026, Saturday 9:00 a.m-noon, and Sunday 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. SGS Spring Seminar, “Pivotal Moments: Records that Changed Lives, Families, and History” Presented by Annette Burke Lyttle​​, Mica Anders, Rich Venezia, and Michael Strauss. Register here.

Monday, April 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.

Monday, April 13, 2026, 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, April 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, April 14, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 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, April 15, 2026, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Transcription SIG, Want to strengthen your ability to read, transcribe, and analyze original records? This SIG is ideal for anyone looking to practice, build confidence, and sharpen their research skills in a collaborative setting. The group meets at the SGS Library. Send questions to Betsey Cotter at sgstranscription@seagensoc.org.

Wednesday, April 15, 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. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.

Saturday, April 18 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.

Saturday, April 18 2026, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Using FamilySearch’s Full Text Search function. Allyn Brosz will be sharing his experiences using this feature to research his German families in the U.S.. Register on the SGS website.

Monday, April 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.

Friday, April 24, 2026, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m. Family Tree Maker SIG, Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.

Monday, April 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. NOTE: New Zoom link for January – June.

Tuesday, April 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.

Wednesday, April. 29, 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.

Saturday, May 2, 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, May 3, 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, May 4, 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.

Monday, May 4, 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. 

Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,  Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.

Thursday, May 7, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, May 9, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Cataloging Digital Images” Presented by Nancy Loe. Register here.

Monday, May 11, 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. 

Monday, May 11, 2026, 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, May 12, 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, May 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 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. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.

Wednesday, May 13, 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, May 14, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.   

OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND      
Fiske Genealogical Library Various Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. (virtual)

April 1: Are you really my Ancestor? 
Speaker: Claire Smith 

April 8: Unlock the 1926 Census of Ireland for Irish Family Research 
Speaker: Susan McKee 

April 15: Women of Letters: Voices from the Frontier
Speaker: Sylvia Doolos

April 22: Tracing Female Ancestors Through Everyday Records 
Speaker: Sylvia Doolos 

April 29: Back to School: Making the most of School Records 
Speaker: Tina Beaird 

May 6: Is it True? Using Manuscripts and Family Records for Genealogical Proof 
Speaker: Steven W. Morrison 

May 13: Moonshine & Coal Mines: Unraveling Stories & Secrets to Reconstruct a Family through Oral History documents and DNA 
Speaker: Lisa Vogele 

May 20: From Territory to State: Records you Might Miss 
Speaker: Sylvia Doolos 

May 27: Mapping your Migrating Ancestors 
Speaker: Tina Beaird

For more information and to register.


“What Could Have Happened? Creating and Proving Hypotheses to Solve Tough Problems,” with Kory Meyerink
Eastside Genealogical Society
Thursday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. (virtual)

One tool of advanced researchers is the well-developed hypothesis, which serves as a starting point for detailed research that can often prove relationships not apparent in standard sources. Learn how to effectively use this approach for your “brick-wall” problems. For more information and to register.

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society
Various Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. (virtual)

April 9: Researching Newspapers Outside of Newspapers.com  
Speaker: Amber Oldenburg

May 14: Subject TBA 
Speaker: Maggie Cogswell

June 11: Missing: Reward! Locating Widows, Spinsters, and Bachelors 
Speaker: Sara Cochran

Learn more and register here.  

“It’s What They Answered To: Understanding Ashkenazic Jewish Names” with Emily Garber
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State
Monday, April 13, 7:30 p.m. (virtual)

Name changes, both in adopted countries and in the old world, make determining Ashkenazic (central and eastern European) Jewish names a genealogical puzzle. This presentation will provide some of the basic clues for a researcher to recognize the same person recorded under a variety of names.. Get more information.

 TIP OF THE WEEK – 10 ROOTSTECH REVELATIONSBy Kate Penney HowardRootsTech 2026 wrapped up on March 7. The theme was “Together,” but the unofficial theme was clearly artificial intelligence. AI crashed the party at every forum, every expo booth, and most of the talks. Here are the ten announcements and moments that had people excited.

1. FamilyTreeDNA Rewrote the Rules on Autosomal Testing
FamilyTreeDNA launched new Family Finder tests that analyze over 400 times the genetic data of their previous version — roughly 9% of your genome compared to just 0.02% before. The best news? Upcoming Family Finder Discover reports will be available to all Family Finder test takers, whether they tested recently or years ago.  

2. GEDmatch is Getting a Complete Overhaul
GEDmatch has been the scrappy workhorse of the genetic genealogy world for years. The company previewed a major redesign planned for later in 2026, incorporating AI-powered tools to help users interpret DNA matches and make organizing, filtering, tagging, and analyzing notes far easier. This has been a long time coming.

3. FamilySearch Released Its AI Tools from the Lab
For months, genealogists have been testing FamilySearch AI features in beta. At RootsTech, the AI Research Assistant and AI Hints officially came out of Labs and are now available to all users. Full-Text Search also graduated from Labs, and users can now attach search results directly to the family tree.  

4. FamilySearch Is Testing Natural Language Search
If you have ever wished you could just talk to a database like a person, this one is for you. Simple Search, currently in Labs, is being tested to allow users to search records using natural language. Ask it a question the way you would ask a librarian. See what it tells you!

5. All Revolutionary War Pension Files Are Now Fully Searchable
Ancestry announced that its Fold3 collection of Revolutionary War pension files are now fully searchable thanks to optical character recognition. Researchers can now search for veterans and their next of kin by name, rather than relying on a limited index. For those of us working on pre-1800 American genealogy, this is a genuine breakthrough. They also announced new AI features, including a record and document transcription tool where AI transcribes, summarizes, and provides source citations for documents and photos uploaded to your Gallery.

6. Ancestry Introduced “AI Stories” — And It’s Exactly What It Sounds Like
A new tool called AI Stories narrates a brief story about a document in a shareable, podcast-style audio file. The possibilities here for people who struggle to write about their ancestors are significant. It could be a meaningful bridge for beginners. It raises questions about voice and accuracy that researchers will need to monitor carefully, but the concept is compelling.

7. LifeWeaver Crashed the Party as a Platinum Sponsor
No one saw this one coming. Newcomer LifeWeaver made a significant splash as platinum sponsor of RootsTech 2026. The tool archives and searches through text messages, emails and other digital communication files to create a story from those pieces. LifeWeaver also allows users to add older phones, computers, hard drives, and scanned handwritten journals, digitizing their contents while preserving images of the originals so they can be shared with family. And critically, users’ data is private. The company does not sell data or use it to train AI models.  

8. MyHeritage Unveiled Scribe AI
MyHeritage announced Scribe AI at the RootsTech Innovation Forum, demonstrating how the feature analyzes historical documents and photos to uncover genealogical insights.  The tool provides record suggestions, photo descriptions, and transcriptions. The MyHeritage team also announced Country Coding, a feature that helps sort and organize international records and visualize your ancestors by country.

9. Ancestry Preserve Wants to Digitize Your Shoeboxes
The new Ancestry Preserve service, heavily featured in the Expo Hall, aims to help customers preserve and digitize their old media, including photographs, slides, film tapes, and more. For genealogists who have inherited closets full of analog memories, this fills a real need. The long-term implications for family history are significant. Your grandmother’s slides deserve better than a dark box in a garage.

10. Marlee Matlin and Tara Roberts Reminded Us What This Is All For
The technology announcements were remarkable. But these two keynotes stopped the room. Marlee Matlin, Academy Award-winning actress, shared her inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles and connecting personal triumphs to family history. As a deaf actor, she did not utter a word, but her facial expressions, animated signing, and story had audiences listening with their eyes and hearts. Tara Roberts, National Geographic explorer, shared her extraordinary work documenting slave ship wrecks and reconnecting descendants with their ancestral past.  

RootsTech 2026 made one thing clear. The technology is accelerating faster than most of us can keep up. The challenge for our community is to stay human in the middle of all of it. The records are the beginning. The stories are the point.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. 
 
April 1, 2026

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Fiske Genealogical Library March April & May Classes

by Charles Hansen

Wednesday, March 18

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Women of Letters: Voices from the Frontier

Presented by Sylvia Doolos

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Women wrote in diaries, newspapers, magazines, and letters to family and friends. Learn about the joy, heartbreak, and determination it took to be a frontier woman.

Sylvia Tracy Doolos, owner of New Leaf Genealogy, is the President of the Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England Family History Society (WISE-FHS), and Past-President of the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH). 

Wednesday, March 25      

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Internet Archive for the Family Historian

Presented by Tina Beaird

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

The Internet Archive website has become a must-visit site for genealogy and history, but how do you know you’re getting the most out of your search? Tina will help you navigate Internet Archive by showing you how to effectively use their advanced search features, featured collections and the WayBack Machine and to get the most out of your user experience.

Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, is the genealogy & local history librarian at a mid-sized Chicagoland public library. She holds a Masters of Library and Information Science degree with a specialization in Archives/Preservation, and is the First Vice-President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, and board director for the Oswegoland Heritage Association.

Wednesday, April 1  

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Are You Really My Ancestor?

Presented by Claire Smith

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

When you find a name match for an ancestor, it’s tempting to believe you’re related. A name isn’t enough to prove the relationship, especially if you have a common surname – like mine! In this session you’ll learn what it takes to prove a lineage, and how to handle conflicting information or multiple potential matches. I will share examples that illustrate how to deal with these issues.

Claire Smith has more than 25 years of experience in genealogy research, specializing in  New England, Ireland, Atlantic Canada, and England. As a former tech executive, she also brings expertise to areas such as DNA, AI, Technology, and Organization. She is Past Director, Seminar Program Chair for the Massachusetts Genealogical Council, and Past president, of the Bainbridge Island (WA) Genealogical Society.

Wednesday, April 8  

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Unlock the 1926 Census of Ireland for Irish Family Research

Presented by Susan McKee

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

The 1926 Census of Ireland will be released on 18 April 2026. Discover the background and details contained in this long-awaited census. Enumerated 15 years after the previous census in 1911, it provides a snapshot of Ireland after years of conflict and enormous political and social change in the country. Learn how to make the most of its contents for your Irish family research.

Susan McKee, M.A., is a genealogist specializing in Irish family research. Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, she is now a U.S. citizen and longtime resident of Seattle, WA, where she facilitates the monthly Irish Special Interest Group for the Seattle Genealogical Society, and makes presentations for genealogical societies across the U.S.

Wednesday, April 22

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Tracing Female Ancestors Through Everyday Records

Presented by Sylvia Doolos

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

American women in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries left records, none unique to women. However, these records can provide unique insights when looked at through a historical lens as American women’s lives changed.

Sylvia Tracy Doolos, owner of New Leaf Genealogy, is the President of the Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England Family History Society (WISE-FHS), and Past-President of the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH). 

Wednesday, April 29

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Back to School; Making the most of School Records

Presented by Tina Beaird

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Learn about the many ways you can access cool details about your ancestors by using school records like yearbooks, school schedules, teacher’s registers, school newspapers, alumni directories and much more. This is one class you won’t want to ditch.

Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, is the genealogy & local history librarian at a mid-sized Chicagoland public library. She holds a Masters of Library and Information Science degree with a specialization in Archives/Preservation, and is the First Vice-President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, and board director for the Oswegoland Heritage Association.

Wednesday, May 6   

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

IS IT TRUE? Using Manuscripts and Family Records for Genealogical Proof

Presented by Steven W. Morrison

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

To some, family records – including diaries, letters, and personal photographs – may be seen as having little genealogical value. Nothing could be further from the truth! Explore how original information from the Oregon trail can shine new light on undiscovered facts or family relationships.

Steven W. Morrison is past president for both the Puget Sound chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the Olympia Genealogical Society (WA). He has been a professional genealogist since 2006 and has advanced his genealogical education by attending twenty genealogical institutes including the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR),  and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG. He’s authored multiple articles and books reviews, especially regarding Quakers (Religious Society of Friends), and has presented to all the genealogical societies in Western Washington either in-person or virtually. 

Wednesday, May 13 

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Moonshine & Coal Mines: Unraveling Stories & Secrets to Reconstruct a Family Through Oral History Documents and DNA

Presented by Lisa Vogele

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

This case study pieces together the elusive origins of a 19th-century Polish immigrant family. Through DNA analysis, historical records, and myth-busting research, we’ll uncover a tale of poor Pennsylvania coal miners, lost homes, hidden siblings, and even an arrest for an illicit still in the woods. Learn how to navigate surname variations, reconstruct migration timelines, and use modern genealogy methods to bring the past to life.

Lisa Vogele is a professional genealogist and certified travel advisor (CTA). She is the Chief Tree Climber at Travel Your Tree: Where Ancestry Meets Adventure, a full-service family history research, travel planning and tour operator. In 2016, Lisa authored Food & Folklore: A Year of Italian Festivals, a guide book to assist travelers with incorporating festivals into their itineraries and experience local culture through food and historic events. Her travel tips have been featured in the Huffington Post, 1000traveltips.com and her travel blog LisaLovesToTravel.com.

Wednesday, May 20 

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

From Territory to State: Records You Might Miss

Presented by Sylvia Doolos

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

As our nation grew, territories began keeping records to achieve statehood. Let’s look at records and research strategies that can help you.

Sylvia Tracy Doolos, owner of New Leaf Genealogy, is the President of the Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England Family History Society (WISE-FHS), and Past-President of the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH). 

Wednesday, May 27 

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Mapping Your Migrating Ancestors

Presented by Tina Beaird

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Tina will discuss the usefulness of different types of maps including aerial and birdseye maps as well as cadastral, enumeration, and fire insurance maps. She will give suggestions on how to trace your ancestors using land records available through multiple government agencies such as local and county tax assessors, county clerks, circuit court offices, and land use departments. Tina will also provide suggestions on how to track resources using non-governmental sources like libraries, archives and historical societies.

Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, is the genealogy & local history librarian at a mid-sized Chicagoland public library. She holds a Masters of Library and Information Science degree with a specialization in Archives/Preservation, and is the First Vice-President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, and board director for the Oswegoland Heritage Association.

Seattle Genealogical Society March 2026

by Charles Hansen
various images showing citizenship, Civil War veterans, New Deal works programs and a railroad land grant map with the words SGS Spring Seminar: Pivial Moments SGS SPRING SEMINAR TO LOOK AT TURNING POINTS IN U.S. HISTORYSaturday-Sunday, April 11-12Join Seattle Genealogical Society this spring for a two-day virtual seminar exploring turning points in American history, the records created, and how they can transform your genealogical research.

Presented online via Zoom
Saturday, April 11, 2026,  9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (PT)
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (PT)

Program includes:Great Expectations: Union Pacific Land Grants & East-West Expansion
Presented by Annette Burke Lyttle, CG

Hidden Narratives: Reconstructing Families Through Civil War Pension Records
Presented by Mica L. Anders

U.S. Citizenship: The Law and Records of Naturalization
Presented by Rich Venezia

The New Deal: Putting your Ancestors to Work
Presented by Michael Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™There will be Door Prizes!Registration fee: $60.00 (SGS Members – $45.00). Join the Seminar!images courtesy of Library of Congress and National Archives


Go on a Heritage Quest TourSGS to Tour Puyallup Research Library, Tuesday, March 24Join us for a visit to the Heritage Quest Research Library, the nonprofit genealogy library in Puyallup, managed and staffed entirely by volunteers. HQRL’s collection includes books (over 16,000 titles), and microfiche. The facility also houses a bookstore where you can purchase genealogy books, family tree forms/charts, software and supplies.

Upon arrival, the group will gather in one of the library’s large rooms and receive an orientation and tour of the library. There is a computer room with five computers. Researchers who bring laptops can connect to the library’s database while on the premises.

The library’s catalog is available online for searching prior to the trip:
https://hqrl.com/libraryRecords.php

Fee
$10 (SGS members) / $15 (non-members).

Limit:
24 people

Lunch
Let us know your preference for bringing a sack lunch to eat in the library or a dining out option. We’ll be in touch with further details as the day draws near.

Coffee
There is a Wanna Cupcake? next to the library for coffee and sweet treats that visitors can bring into the library classroom.

Getting there
Drive: The library has plenty of free parking..Sign Up for the Tour images courtesy of The New York Public Library, Max Harlynking and Trnava University / Unsplash


 TURN YOUR RESEARCH INTO A BOOKJoin a Hands-On Self-Publishing WorkshopJill Morelli Join Jill Morelli, CG, CGL, Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. as she shares what she learned self-publishing Journeys of the Forgotten: The Orphans of Hamilton County, Iowa. Morelli will walk through the major steps of the process and discuss practical considerations to help genealogists move from research to a finished book.

Bring a laptop. Morelli more direct attendees in publishing a document. A document will be provided to those who don’t have something to publish. Everyone will publish something!

In person only at the SGS Library. 
Limited to 25 participants
Class Fee: $30 (SGS members $25)

Any questions contact registrar@seagensoc.org. Sign Up for the Workshopimage of green hills of Ireland, clovers and an old book with the words: Unlock the Irish 1926 Census Second Saturday: March 14, 1:00 p.m.In April 2026, the long-anticipated release of the 1926 Irish census will occur. Taken on April 18, 1926, this record set captures the first detailed portrait of life in Ireland following the establishment of the Irish Free State.

Join Irish genealogist Susan McKee as she introduces the 21 datasets included in this census and explains how they can transform your family history research.  

Born in Dublin, Susan McKee is a member of the Seattle Genealogical Society, where she facilitates the monthly Irish Special Interest Group. She presents regularly on researching Irish ancestors, including seminars for the Seattle Irish Festival and genealogical societies across the U.S.Sign Up Today!NO SECOND SATURDAY NEXT MONTH: SGS will be offering our Spring Seminar: Pivotal Moments: Records that Changed Lives, Families, and History. Learn more and sign up. photos courtesy of Ulrike R. Donohue and K Mitch Hodge / Unsplash
book image courtesy of Library of Congress  ‘ANCESTORING’ AUTHOR PUTS RECORDS IN HISTORICAL CONTEXTVirtual Sunday: March 22, 1:00 p.m.In her book Ancestoring: Understanding Records, Family, and Ourselves, Darcie Hind Posz invites genealogists and family historians to look more deeply at the records they use—and at themselves as researchers.Understanding Records affirms the importance of placing records in their historical context.

Understanding Family encourages researchers to ask “why,” and to remain objective and nonjudgmental as they uncover ancestors’ decisions and actions.

Understanding Ourselves challenges genealogists to recognize their own assumptions and biases when analyzing records and interpreting ancestors’ lives.This Virtual Sunday program offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the author and explore how a more reflective and contextual approach can strengthen both research and writing.

Darcie Hind Posz is an author, genealogist, and researcher. She has been a board-certified genealogist since 2013 and was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists in 2023. A widely published genealogical writer, her work has appeared in several scholarly quarterlies, and her full bibliography is available at darciehindposz.com.Register now WHY I VOLUNTEER WITH SGSLisa ObergBy Jim Secan,
Vice President,
SGS As the newest person on the SGS Board I’ve been asked to write a short note as to why I chose to volunteer for this position. The main reason is the concept of “pay it forward” as applied to genealogy. I have been able to research my family, none of whom were ever anywhere near the Pacific Northwest, by accessing information collected by volunteer organizations like SGS all over the country, with the information they collected made available either by contacting the organization or through an on-line database. No travel necessary. A lot of key information for my family has come not from Ancestry.com, but from local genealogical society holdings such as these. I see volunteering for SGS, particularly for a Board position, as a way of both paying back these out-of-state volunteers and paying forward to other out-of-state researchers who are tracking ancestors who moved out West and to future genealogists both out-of-state and local.

If you have benefited from the help of an individual at the SGS or at any other GS, consider volunteering at SGS. We have Board positions that need a dedicated volunteer, and various ad hoc positions are open as well. Pay back and pay forward!SGS LIBRARY NEWSExercise Your Research Skills. Help Patrons in Drop-In Sessions at SPL Branches Based on the success of the drop-in sessions during the pilot project, 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. Many of the people we’ve assisted simply want to know how to get started on their own genealogy.

Others may need help with where and how to find available resources. The 1 ½ 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, March 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,  Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, March 7, 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.

Monday, March 9, 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.

Monday, March 9, 2026, 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, March 10, 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, March 10, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 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. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.
Wednesday, March 11, 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, March 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 12:30 p.m-1:00 p.m., General Membership Meeting, Update on SGS activities and slate of board candidates for upcoming election. The meeting will be followed by a Second Saturday presentation. (See below.). Register here. Only one registration is needed for both the membership meeting and the Second Saturday presentation.
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Unlocking the 1926 Irish Census.” Presented by Susan McKee. Register here.

Monday, March 16, 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. NOTE: New Zoom link for January – June.
Friday, March 18, 2026, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m. Family Tree Maker SIG, Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Transcription SIG, Want to strengthen your ability to read, transcribe, and analyze original records? This SIG is ideal for anyone looking to practice, build confidence, and sharpen their research skills in a collaborative setting. The group meets at the SGS Library. Send questions to Betsey Cotter at sgstranscription@seagensoc.org.

Wednesday, March 18, 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. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.

Saturday, March 21 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.

Saturday, March 21 2026, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Register on the SGS website.

Sunday, March 22, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:00 p.m., Virtual Sunday, “Ancestoring: Understanding Records, Family, and Ourselves” Presented by Darcie Hind Posz. Register here.

Monday, March 23, 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.
Tuesday, March 24, 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.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 6:00 p.m-8:00 p.m., Your Story, Your Book: Hands-On Self-Publishing, Jill Morelli shares what she learned self-publishing. She will walk through the major steps of the process and discuss practical considerations to help genealogists move from research to a finished book. Register here.

Saturday, March 28, 2026,  10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DNA SIG, Join our quarterly meetings to discover what’s new in genetic genealogy and learn more about select, in-depth topics. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join. 
Monday, March 30, 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. 

Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,  Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.Thursday, April 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, April 4, 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
Saturday, April 4, 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. NOTE the change of day due to the Easter holiday.
Monday, April 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.

Monday, April 6, 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. 
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday-Sunday, April 11-12, 2026, Saturday 9:00 a.m-noon, and Sunday 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. SGS Spring Seminar, “Pivotal Moments: Records that Changed Lives, Families, and History” Presented by Annette Burke Lyttle​​, Mica Anders, Rich Venezia, and Michael Strauss. Register here.

Monday, April 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.

Monday, April 13, 2026, 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, April 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, April 14, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 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. 
OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND  
 Fiske Genealogical LibraryVarious Wednesdays, 10 a.m. (virtual)

March 4 The Black Experience in the Revolutionary War
Speaker: Janice Lovelace

March 11 A Genealogist’s Guide to Lesser Known Research Tools  
Speaker: Claire Smith

For more information and to register.

 
RootsTech 2026
Thursday, Mar. 5 – Saturday, Mar. 7 (virtual)

A family history conference. An on-demand learning library. A way to grow closer to the people, places, and stories that matter most. RootsTech is all that and so much more. Join us as we celebrate together the joy of connection. Get more information.Lower Columbia Genealogical Society
Various Thursdays, 10 a.m. (virtual)

March 12: Did Your Ancestor Work on the Railroad?  
Speaker: James Tanner

April 9: Researching Newspapers Outside of Newspapers.com  
Speaker: Amber Oldenburg

May 14: Subject TBA 
Speaker:  Maggie Cogswell

June 11: Missing: Reward! Locating Widows, Spinsters, and Bachelors 
Speaker: Sara Cochran

Learn more and register here. 

“How to Write a Family History Book,” with Rebecca Shamblin
Eastside Genealogical Society
Thursday, March 12, 6:30 p.m. (virtual)

Maybe it has always been a secret dream of yours to create a book out of your research. We will talk about the research process, what to include, how to turn facts into stories, how to organize your book, how to get it printed, and finally how to share it. For more information and to register.

TIP OF THE WEEK – NEW FEATURES ON ANCESTRYAncestry has been adding new features that are available to all subscribers. While many of the new features on Ancestry are only accessible to users who purchase the protools package, these tools are being rolled out to everyone. Some users may not have access yet, but will soon.

Ideas
This feature uses AI to generate research tasks for an ancestor. It can accessed using the “Ideas” button on an ancestor’s profile page.

Stickies
Just like a Post-It note, this feature is a handy way to save your to-do list on a profile. They are found in the notes section under each ancestor profile (Tools > View Notes). One stickie can be saved to multiple ancestors.

 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. 
 
March 4, 2026

SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!

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South King County Genealogical Society March 2026

by Charles Hansen

Happy Spring!
SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for Winona Laird’s presentation at the end of this email. *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

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

MARCH TO EARLY APRIL 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS
All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone
Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated.

Friday, March 6, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online).  Topic: “Using Genealogy.net/Compgen.de” by  Fritz Juengling Ph.D., AG®, AGL™. Visitors welcome; https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration is required:  https://tinyurl.com/mry7k3kn

Monday, March 9, 1–2 pm PT, Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: New Tools for our DNA Research. Rootstech, MyHeritage WGS and more. This group is for 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

Tuesday, March 10, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. (Online) (changed date). Interested Members are invited; write Board@skcgs.org for the zoom link.

Wednesday, March 11, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: How Wikitree Projects can move your research forward. See: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Projects. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, March 12, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

Monday, March 16,1–2pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). Topic: Using AI to simplify complicated or tedious tasks. Bring your ideas, resources, failures and successes. The Tech Users Group is for sharing knowledge and learning about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Please join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Thursday, March 19: 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

Friday, March 20,1–3:pm: Research Workshop (in person). SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center, 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610).

Saturday, March 21, 10–11:15am (online). 9:30-10:am PT: Social time. (sign in early to chat)
10 am PT – Featured speaker presentation: Winona Laird “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing“
Winona has been doing genealogy for over 60 years.  She started as a young girl in a church class. One of the projects was to get her mother, father, and grandparents to write a one-page story of their lives and they all wrote their stories.
Some years later, after Winona’s grandmother had passed, the family found reams of paper among her possessions which contained notes and stories she had written. Winona used this information to write and publish a book about her grandmother,  “Have You Ever Lived in a Mining Town.”
Winona has researched most of her family lines back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Family is very important to Winona. She was married for 56 years when her husband passed away, and is a mother of two daughters and has two grandchildren. She was the owner of an accounting and tax business in Kent, Washington for over 20 years. When she sold the business and retired as an accountant, she became a professional genealogist. Her specialties are teaching and lecturing on genealogy. For three years Winona taught classes for the Continuing Education Department at Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington.
In 2023, Winona Hahn Laird was named One of Washington State Genealogical Society’s Outstanding Volunteers. She was nominated by the South King County Genealogical Society; honored for the effort she put into creating and teaching beginning genealogy classes for SKCGS in 2023. The society experienced a 25 percent increase in membership directly attributable to her classes.
Winona also has served as president and vice president of SKCGS and on numerous committees, including chair of the last two seminar committees, and head of the education committees and the five-year planning committee. Currently she runs the virtual Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group and the in-person Research Workshop at the Kent Family Search Center. She has also been group liaison for the Family Search Center. See the announcement and https://skcgs.blogspot.com/2023/12/honoring-winona-hahn-laird-volunteer-of.html and our presentation for more.
Winona has written two books and is currently revising another, using AI and Kindle Publishing. Find her here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/WINONA-I-Laird/author/B0D5ZHW26K
Her presentation is designed to help genealogists and family historians publish their stories. Your family will be forever grateful when you do.
***

Monday, March 23, 1–2:pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!

Friday, April 3, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online)Topic: “Using Hansen’s Map Guides To Locate YourAncestor’s German ParishRecords” by Bernard N Meisner. Visitors welcome. https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration required:  https://tinyurl.com/24meu744
The Map Guides contain detailed information about Catholic and Lutheran jurisdictions for locations within the former German Empire (including areas now in Poland,Lithuania, Russia, Denmark, and France), Switzerland and Luxembourg, and also some information about Jewish congregations in those areas.  Given your ancestor’s hometown, learn how to identify the most likely parish(es) with their records, then check the online availability of the registers on FamilySearch, Archion and/or Matricula.
Presenter Bernard N. Meisner is a genealogist and lecturer based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. He began researching his family over 35 years ago and enjoys sharing lessons learned from that experience, including his mistakes.

April 4, 10-11am PT: Family Treemaker User Group (Online). General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, April 7, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). Interested Members: write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Wednesday, April 8, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Wikitree FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions. Bring your most pressing questions, and we’ll help one another get over the bumps. From login to leadership, Wikitree needs YOU, and you need Wikitree! Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, April 9,11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

*************
SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. F
September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe “Write Your Own Obituary”
October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
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!”
June 20 2026:  Steven Morrison Part1, “Digging Up New Dirt:  Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2, “Finding, Proving and Publishing”
*************

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

Seattle Genealogical Society February 2026

by Charles Hansen
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image of an old map with the words: Lost in Translation  DECIPHERING FOREIGN NAMES, PLACES, AND DOCUMENTS
Second Saturday: Feb. 14, 1:00 p.m.Researching ancestors from another country can be daunting, especially when names, locations, and records appear in an unfamiliar language. This presentation explores practical tools, strategies, and resources to break through these barriers and turn a foreign-language brick wall into a path forward. 
 
Margaret R. Fortier focuses on immigration to New England and dual citizenship with Italy. She specializes in Italian, Portuguese, and French-Canadian research, is fluent in French, and serves on the APG board and the 2021 NERGC Program Committee.  Sign Up Today!NEXT MONTH’S SECOND SATURDAY: “1926 Irish Census.” Presented by Susan McKee. Sign up separately for this event held Mar. 14. Arrive early for the membership meeting at 12:30 p.m. Only one sign up is necessary for both events.
  image of letters courtesy of Ling App / Unsplash
map image courtesy David Rumsey Map CollectionSave the Date: March Membership Meeting, March 14, 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m., online
Sign UpSigning up here will also get you into the March Second Saturday presentation Write Your Family's Story of Westward Movement


image courtesy of Library of CongressSGS Journal Seeks Writers For Spring IssueThe Seattle Genealogical Society publishes a semiannual journal that is distributed through our significant membership along with fourteen different libraries. Our journal is indexed at PERSI in the Allen County Public Library, providing national recognition for authors. We would love to publish your work in our scholarly publication that documents cross-generational family research with a specific focus on families in the northwest. In anticipation of America 250 our spring theme is Westward Movement, articles should demonstrate the path families took to move westward, not necessarily all the way to the northwest. The deadline for spring article submissions is 1 March 2026. We would love to see your article in print, so submit them to journal@seagensoc.org. Please review our Writing Guidelines for more information. Additional questions can be submitted to publications@seagensoc.org.
 Get a Ticket to Ride: SGS Tour to Washington State History Museum



 LET’S TAKE THE TRAIN TO THE WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUMLearn more about Washington history with us. We will visit the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma together. This day trip is on Saturday, Feb. 28, making it a good opportunity to bring family or friends!  

We’ll take the Amtrak train to Tacoma and spend a day immersed in the Washington state history as well as have time to investigate the temporary exhibits.  

Purchase your Amtrak train ticket on the 8:55 a.m. train from Seattle to Tacoma and the 4:45 p.m. train from Tacoma to Seattle. Cost is $12 each way.

From the Tacoma Amtrak station we will walk together 15 minutes to the museum. 

You will purchase your own museum ticket for $17 (with a discount to $14 for seniors, free for their members). This can be done in advance online or at the door.

Let us know you are coming. SGS group registration $10 per person and we’ll be in touch with further details as the day draws near. For anyone who prefers to drive themself, we will have a meet-up spot at 10:30 a.m.. Let us know your preference for a sack lunch picnic or a dining out option.Sign Up for the TourItinerary
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Ride the Amtrak train with the SGS Hosts (reserve your tickets here): 
– From Seattle to Tacoma depart 8:55 a.m.
– From Tacoma to Seattle depart 4:45 p.m.
or Drive to meet up with the SGS Hosts at 10:30 a.m. (directions to museum here)
 train image courtesy of Stephen Mease / Unsplash



 TURN YOUR RESEARCH INTO A BOOKJoin a Hands-On Self-Publishing WorkshopJoin Jill Morelli, CG, CGL, Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. as she shares what she learned self-publishing Journeys of the Forgotten: The Orphans of Hamilton County, Iowa. Morelli will walk through the major steps of the process and discuss practical considerations to help genealogists move from research to a finished book.

Bring a laptop. Morelli more direct attendees in publishing a document. A document will be provided to those who don’t have something to publish. Everyone will publish something!

In person only at the SGS Library. 
Limited to 25 participants
Class Fee: $30 (SGS members $25)

Any questions contact registrar@seagensoc.org. 
 Sign Up for the WorkshopOrganizing for Genealogy class starts February 3
  SLOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR GET ORGANIZED CLASSSGS’s “Organizing for Genealogy” class still has openings. This course will help
participants create a system of organization or adapt their current system to
meet their specific research needs. The class will be offered over four weeks in
February on Tuesday afternoons (4:00 to 6:00 p.m.).
  Session 1: Organizing Our Self – Our thoughts, actions, time, and space Session 2: Organizing Our System – Paper systems and Digital Systems Session 3: Organizing Our Workflow – Research, Records, and Resources Session 4: Pulling it all together – Developing a tailored organization system
Online via Zoom
Limited to 20 participants
Class Fee: $100 (SGS members $80)Sign Up for the Class  ANNOUNCING 2025 SGS VOLUNTEER OF FALL QUARTER  Melinda McRae Developing a New SGS WebsiteLisa ObergMelinda McRae Melinda McRae is SGS’s Fall 2025 Volunteer of the Quarter for SGS. Melinda is working with a small team to redevelop our SGS website, upgrading the backend and adding functionality. She has spent countless hours for more than six months to bring our website to its next generation!  

Melinda’s background in web development and website maintenance has been a gift to SGS.  She spent the last 19 years of her career at University of Washington, where she worked in at least three departments’ websites: Social Work, Global Health and Nursing. She was a member SGS 1970’s and rejoined again a few years ago. She serves as a volunteer on the committee that advises the Board about the needs in the SGS Library, as a Library Trustee.  She participates in SGS field trips and SIGs.

She grew up in Burien, Washington, the daughter of a mother from Pierce County and a father from Portland, Oregon.  Three of her four grandparents were immigrants.  She traces her ancestry from Scotland, via Canada, and from Germany with some Swiss heritage. She is the mother of daughter who recently relocated to Washington State.  Seasonally, she enjoys flower gardening.  

Melinda is the author of sixteen historical romance novels published by Penguin. Her era of focus is English Regency period–early 1800’s. After she is done building the new website for SGS, she plans to bring her out-of-print novels to Kindle. She also plans to write more. Her genealogy experience helps her research for writing, and she has lectured aspiring authors on using genealogical research techniques to create characters.

What Melinda is most proud of about the new website is that it will be so much easier for both users and the volunteers who maintain it; and new research databases will be available for SGS members online from anywhere.SGS LIBRARY NEWSMore Volunteers Needed for the Drop-In Sessions at SPL Branches Based on the success of the drop-in sessions during the pilot project, 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. Many of the people we’ve assisted simply want to know how to get started on their own genealogy.

Others may need help with where and how to find available resources. The 1 ½ 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.

 What Are The Image Restrictions on FamilySearchHave you ever come across this message when searching FS historical records?

message from FamilySearch that states imaes may be available to view by visiting one of FamilySearch's partner sites or the legal record custodian (fees may apply).

Although the image isn’t available at a FS center or affiliate library, such as SGS, you may still be able to view the image through another website. Regardless of the location, the research wiki has links to the online resources for each location. When one clicks on the Online Resource button, there are links to all the available online resources whether it’s FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, or some other genealogy website. The list will indicate whether the third-party website is free or requires a subscription. When you click on the link, it will take you to that third-party website. SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206 522-8658
Hours :  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 
Sunday, Feb. 1, 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, Feb. 2, 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. NOTE: New Zoom link for January – June.
Monday, Feb. 2, 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. 
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,  Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website. NOTE: New Zoom link for the rest of 2026.
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 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. NOTE: New starting time!

Monday, Feb. 9, 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.

Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, 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, Feb. 10, 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, Feb. 10, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 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. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Lost in Translation: Deciphering Foreign Names, Places, & Documents” Presented by Margaret Fortier. Register here.

Monday, Feb. 16, 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. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Transcription SIG, Want to strengthen your ability to read, transcribe, and analyze original records? This SIG is ideal for anyone looking to practice, build confidence, and sharpen their research skills in a collaborative setting. The group meets at the SGS Library. Send questions to Betsey Cotter at sgstranscription@seagensoc.org.

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 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. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Quarterly Program Planning (Virtual), be a part of SGS’s strategic planning effort, collaborate with the leaders of our education programs (e.g., SIGs, field trips, classes, seminars, discussion groups). Register here.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m. Family Tree Maker SIG, Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.

Saturday, Feb. 21 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.

Saturday, Feb. 21 2026, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Register on the SGS website.

Monday, Feb. 23, 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. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 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, Feb. 26, 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.

Sunday, Mar. 1, 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, Mar. 2, 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. NOTE: New Zoom link for January – June.
Monday, Mar. 2, 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. 
Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,  Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website. NOTE: New Zoom link for the rest of 2026.
Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.
Saturday, Mar. 7, 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. NOTE: New starting time!

Monday, Mar. 9, 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.

Monday, Mar. 9, 2026, 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, Mar. 10, 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, Mar. 10, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 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. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.
Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2025, 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, Mar. 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026, 12:30 p.m-1:00 p.m., General Membership Meeting, Update on SGS activities and slate of board candidates for upcoming election. The meeting will be followed by a Second Saturday presentation. (See below.). Register here. Only one registration is needed for both the membership meeting and the Second Saturday presentation.
Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “1926 Irish Census.” Presented by Susan McKee. Register here.  OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND    “Finding Females in Naturalization Records, 1790-1952,” with Nancy LoeEastside Genealogical Society
Thursday, Feb. 12, 7:00 p.m. (virtual) (Zoom open at 6:30 p.m.)

Female ancestors — both foreign-born and birthright — gained, lost, or regained citizenship in the United States between 1790 and 1952. US citizenship and attendant rights for women could be fragile, depending on marital status, prevailing laws, social norms, and other shifting factors. Examples of US naturalization and citizenship records, and search strategies for finding these records are featured in this presentation. Learn more and register.GRIP Registration for 2026 Opens
Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Feb. 3

This year the GRIP offers two sessions of classes: June 22-26, 2026, on Zoom and July 12-17, 2026, in-person! Learn more and here.“Decoding Your Ancestors: The Tech Edition” with Cyndi Ingle Olympia Genealogical Society
Saturday, Feb. 7, 8:50 a.m. — 2:30 p.m. (virtual)

Four one-hour presentations focused on technology tools for genealogy. Learn more and register.“Family Tree Maker’s New Tools for Collaborative Family History” with Duff WilsonJewish Genealogical Society of Washington State
Monday, Feb. 9, 7:00 p.m. (virtual) (Zoom open at 6:30 p.m.)

Explore how Family Tree Maker 2024—together with its TreeVault® Cloud Services—can become the central hub of a truly collaborative family history experience. You’ll see how to share your tree in ways that are secure, effortless, and engaging, inviting your relatives to participate with you in building your family story. Learn more and register.Lower Columbia Genealogical Society
Various Fridays, 9:45 a.m. (virtual)

February 13: The 1890 Census
Speaker: Sara Cochran

March 13: Your Ancestor’s Occupation: Exploring the 1821 Irish Census.  
Speaker: Steven Morrison

April 10: Jumping the Pond: Connecting Immigrants to Their Homeland.  
Speaker: Mary Kircher Roddy

Learn more and register here.   
RootsTech 2026
Thursday, Mar. 5 – Saturday, Mar. 7 (virtual)

A family history conference. An on-demand learning library. A way to grow closer to the people, places, and stories that matter most. RootsTech is all that and so much more. Join us as we celebrate together the joy of connection. Get more information.

TIPS OF THE WEEK –
BE S.M.A.R.T. ABOUT RESEARCH
 bethsteury@gmail.com | www.bethsteury.com
By Beth Steury
My part of the world is especially dreary in January and February creating the perfect time to delve deeply into all things relating to family history. Truth is, I rarely/never need incentive to peruse old family photos, dive into archived documents and records and memorabilia, OR pore over DNA results. Still, the arrival of a new year encourages me to reflect upon my genealogy agenda for 2026. Because I know that the more intentional the researching/digging/detecting/piecing together of clues, the more effective and successful said researching will be. And intentional pursuits require targets and objectives and strategies. You know, goals.

Whether you’re the “must set goals” type or a soul who flees from the very notion, the flip of the calendar can—if you allow it—create an urge to consider your genealogically-inclined pursuits.

SO, let’s look at how to be genealogically intentional in 2026. Begin with a mental review of 2025. Consider both PURSUITS—the goals you worked toward and activities you engaged in sans goals—and ACCOMPLISHMENTS—goals achieved, tasks completed, mysteries solved. Next, accept that facts are facts. Whether this review reveals an awesome A+ and you’re now doing a happy dance OR you’re staring at a dismal F and hanging your head in shame, it is what it is. Celebrate where appropriate, for sure, but choose not to sweat what didn’t get done. Consider that reflection’s purpose is to inform future progress, NOT to create a pit in which to wallow sorrowfully. Then, acknowledge that only YOU know if targets for 2026 should extend what took place, or failed to take place, in 2025. Maybe, yes. Maybe, no. It’s a different year, one that likely finds you in a different place, either in minor or major ways.
Now, on to the agenda for 2026. The S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting model offers a simple, practical approach for genealogy enthusiasts to strategize effective goals. Even for folks who shy away from the notion of goals. I promise.

SPECIFIC

Generic objectives such as “research more” aren’t specific enough to be effective. But “research Grandpa Mullins parents” directs a specific course of action.

MEASURABLE

Hone the specific goal into something tangible. Such as, challenge yourself to find confirmation of Grandpa Mullins parents’ names, children’s names, birth and marriage dates. OR, record all info you can gather in an hour/afternoon/day of focused online research.

ACHIEVABLE

Think realistic, based on your available time and resources. If an hour of research fits into your schedule while an afternoon would strain your calendar and a day would leave you stressed out about what else wasn’t getting done, then an hour it is.

RELEVANT

What person/question/mystery interests you most? Did Grandma have a husband before Grandpa as has been rumored for decades? What challenges split your maternal relatives when they set out for the Missouri Territory? The thing you most want to know—that’s where you begin in 2026.

TIME-BASED

Time and again it’s been proven that deadlines work. An expressed timeline produces a sense of urgency that encourages structure which boosts focus and . . . voilà! You’re on the road to goal-completion success when your S.M.A.R.T. goals include a timeline.

If you’ve not tested your DNA, consider joining the 50 million people who’ve completed a DNA test. A wealth of information, answers, and potential connections are waiting to be discovered in the details of your DNA results.
 Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page
and click the green renew membership button.

 DONATE TO SGS Your 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. 
  February 1, 2026

SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!

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South King County Genealogical Society February 2026 Happenings

by Charles Hansen

February 2026 to early March 2026 with South King County Genealogical Society
SKCGS Banner.png

Greetings. 

SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for Robyn Smith’s “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People” presentation at the end of this email. *If you expected to find the code but did not, your SKCGS Membership has expired. Renew on our website: https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership 

We’re searching for leaders to help keep our small but mighty nonprofit running smoothly! The best part? You won’t be doing it alone! You’ll be supported by a dedicated, hands-on board and fantastic volunteers who are ready to help. Email Board@skcgs.org to help.

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 Highland 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. 

FEBRUARY TO EARLY MARCH 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated 

Tuesday, February 3, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. Interested Members are invited; write Board@skcgs.org for the zoom link.

Friday, February 6, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Swiss Essentials: Locating Church Records & Understanding the Impact of Citizenship” by Charlotte Noelle Champenois, AG®, AGL™. Visitors are welcome. More information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yfyrt6yw  

Saturday, February 7, 10–11am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: Question and Answer for the Family Tree Maker program. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG. 

Monday, February 9,  1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic:  DNA Research Plan: How to Focus, and Choosing Best Matches. See: Selecting DNA Tools for a Research Plan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8eOuMnE_yU. Read: https://www.yourdnaguide.com/ydgblog/finding-your-best-dna-matches . This group is for genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join our free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, February 11, 2–3pm PT. WikiTree Users  (Online). Topic: Wikitree browser extensions & Apps; when and how to use them.See: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:WikiTree_Sourcer_User_Guide (copies profiles, creates source citations) :: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:WikiTree_Browser_Extension (WikiTree browsing, reading, and editing) :: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/ Space:WikiTree_BEE#Options (more options) : https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:WikiTree_Tools_and_Apps. Wikitree Users create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, February 12, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

Monday, February 16, 1–2pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). Topic: Using  GoldieMay for research projects. See “Goldie May as a Newspaper Finding Aid https://youtu.be/FcRWWrth0JM?si=tzRWht2f5ngt831d 45 mins. The Tech Users Group is for sharing knowledge and learning about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Please join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Thursday, February 19: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer.

  11am–1pm PT: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn WA.

  2-4pm PT: Federal Way Main Library, 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way WA.

Friday, February 20, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop. SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center, 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610).

Saturday, February 21, 10–11:15am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online). Doors open at 9:30 for social time; after a brief announcement and introduction, we’ll learn about “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People.” The presentation will be recorded for review by SKCGS Members; everyone is invited to join the meeting and download the handout, which is Robyn’s work product; do not share it without her permission.

Our ancestors did not live in a vacuum. They lived, worked, socialized, and married amid a larger group of people. Robyn demonstrates how studying this larger group of people often increases our success in breaking through stubborn brick walls and finding our family.

Robyn Smith has been researching her family and the families of others for almost thirty years. She specializes in court and land records, genealogy skill-building, and slavery research. 

A respected speaker in the field, Robyn has taught widely at genealogy conferences, for genealogical societies across the U.S., and for institutions such as the Maryland State Archives, the National Archives and the Smithsonian Institution. She taught at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) in 2023 and worked with the Georgetown Memory Project in 2022. She also taught a genealogical workshop for Maryland Public Television. 

Her lectures on Legacy Family Tree Webinars have garnered thousands of views. Robyn writes extensively and has published articles in Family Tree Magazine, and in the peer-reviewed Maryland Genealogical Society Journal and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly Journal. Rooted in her passion for family research, writing and teaching remain the heartbeat of Robyn’s work. For more than fifteen years, she has authored a popular genealogy teaching blog called Reclaiming Kin (www.reclaimingkin.com). Her blog focuses on strengthening genealogical research skills for all genealogists and addressing the unique challenges of researching American slavery. Posts at Reclaiming Kin have been referenced by The Washington Post, The New York Times, Ancestry, and the Library of Virginia among others.

Monday, February 23,1–2pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online) Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!

Tuesday, March 3, 6:30–7:30 pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. Interested Members are invited; write Board@skcgs.org for the zoom link.

Friday, March 6, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Using Genealogy.net/Compgen.de” by  Fritz Juengling Ph.D., AG®, AGL™. Visitors welcome; https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration is required:  https://tinyurl.com/mry7k3kn

Saturday, March 7: the usual Family Tree Maker User Group is cancelled this month. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG; ask questions in the group.

Monday, March 9, 1–2 pm PT, Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: New Tools for our DNA Research. Rootstech, MyHeritage WGS and more. This group is for 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, March 11, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: How Wikitree Projects can move your research forward. See: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Projects. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, March 12, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

*************

SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. 

  • September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe “Write Your Own Obituary”
  • October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
  • 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!”
  • June 20 2026:  Steven Morrison Part 1, “Digging Up New Dirt:  Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2, “Finding, Proving and Publishing”

*************

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

Heritage Quest Research Library February Happenings 2026

by Charles Hansen

February Happenings 2026 No matter how much you already know about your heritage there is always more you can learn General Membership Meeting Jan 17, 2026
2025 was a successful year at HQRL! Through the combined efforts of our Volunteers and Management Team new outreach events increased community awareness of HQRL, its mission, and extensive holdings. Our membership increased by 135 members bringing our total membership to 302. Our Digitalization Project is moving forward under the guidance of Dale Loseth, who is currently training volunteers to help with digitalizing. Dale is also our Grant Coordinator and has applied for a grant which will expand the digitalization project.
The results of the yearly Board of Trustees election were announced. Congratulations to returning Board members Monty Euston, Mike Bartlett and Lauren Orheim. Angie Burslem was elected to fill the vacant position. Monty Euston is the new Board Chair and Mike Bartlett continues as Board Secretary.
~~~Our members voted overwhelming to increase the membership dues~~~ The new rates will begin April 1, 2026.
ASpecial Thanksto our Management Team who provided the tasty refreshments. UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday, February 5 The Genealogy Roll-up: Essential Shortcuts Every Genealogist Needs  11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library Classroom (limit of 8) or Zoom Jennifer Patterson Dondero will share her shortcuts for great genealogy success. Register on the website at HQRL STORE or at the library. $20+tax for members $25+tax for non-members A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. ************
Wednesday February 18 Management Team Meeting 12 noon – 2 pm Heritage Quest Research Library Classroom or Zoom Members in good standing are welcome to attend ************
Thursday, February 19 Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC)   11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library Classroom (limit of 8) or Zoom The Midwest Genealogy Center is one of the United States’ preeminent resources for family history, providing access to almost three-quarters of a million on-site materials. Register on the website at HQRL STORE or at the library. $20+tax for members $25+tax for non-members A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts.
Coming Soon!!! Research Sunday March 8, 2026 Heritage Quest Research Library 10 am to 4 pm MANAGEMENT TEAM OPPORTUNITIES  Management Team Secretary Bookstore Manager Newsletter Editor Information Tech (IT) Unique Creative Opportunity HQRL Needs Your Skills: Volunteer Today! The HQRL Management Team is looking for an individual to produce a YouTube video featuring HQRL! We need an experienced, enthusiastic, talented individual to lead on content, presentation, filming, and editing. Have a great idea? Want to showcase your skills? Please reach out to the Management Team to get involved. Let’s do this!!! FEBRUARY BOOKSTORE SPECIALS
Featured this month The National Genealogical Society’s (NGR) Research in the Statesseries. Prices vary, but they’re all 50% off during the month of February!
The key to locating records for your ancestors is knowing what records exist and which repositories hold these records for the geographic area you are researching.
The National Genealogical Society’s Research in the States series typically gives an overview of a state’s history and shifting demographics. These booklets help guide you quickly to the records you need. They also include: A description and location, phone number, and website address of major and lesser-known archives, libraries, societies, and federal repositories
Research resources such as atlases, gazetteers, and maps; business, probate, and court records; colonial enumerations and state and federal censuses; city and county directories; and religious and military records
State specific records such as California’s mission system and movie industry; probate law in Texas under Spanish and Mexican governments; Missouri records created by the Spanish and French governments prior to the Louisiana Purchase; and even various states’ cattle brands
Ethnic resources on European immigrants as well as Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanic and Asian Americans
You will find the National Genealogical Society (NGS) Research in the States series displayed in our Bookstore on the left wall by the front door.
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Heritage Quest Research Library Using City Directories in Your Research

by Charles Hansen
Explore the Exceptional Genealogy Classes at HQRL! Join us online via Zoom or in person at HQRL and connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts who share your curiosity and drive—together, we can explore the fascinating world of family history! Just a reminder of upcoming class January 8th! Don’t miss out, sign up today!
Using City (and Other) Directories in Your Research  Thursday, January 8, 2026 Janice Sellers
Directories were not only for cities. Many counties and rural areas had directories, as did locations in other countries. You can also find professional directories, social directories, and more. Learn what they contain and how they can be used to flesh out your family’s lives and track them through time. 
Click Here to Sign-up
Janice M. Sellers is a professional genealogist and international speaker whose grandparents told her she is related to actor Peter Sellers and to John of Gaunt, son of a king and father of a king. Unfortunately, they were wrong, but that’s why she has been researching her family for 50 years and now helps others finds the right pieces to fit their genealogical puzzles. She specializes in Jewish, Black, dual citizenship, and newspaper research. She has done research and appeared on camera for the television series The Dead Files.
A New Strategy for Brick Walls Thursday, January 22, 2026 Kim Richardson

Ever feel like you are engulfed by a pile of research? Do you ever think, “If I could just get organized, I could solve this mystery?” If so, this presentation is for you! This session explains why complex genealogy problems feel overwhelming and how to overcome it through a new way of organizing. Click Here to Sign-up
Kim Richardson enjoys serving the genealogy community by coaching and enabling others to do their own research successfully. She assists other genealogists to accomplish their goals and helps clients solve genealogy mysteries. Kim created the Brick Wall Buster Cards to show others her secret to solving tough genealogy problems. She regularly writes for various genealogy society magazines and wrote the “Mississippi Research Guide” for Family Tree Magazine and researches for Finding Your Roots and Who Do You Think You Are?

Click Here to See All of Our 2026 Classes! HQRL.com / Classes & Events / Contact
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US