Category Archives: Monthly Society News

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

Seattle Genealogical Society January 2026

by Charles Hansen
image of a church cemetery with records overlayed on top and the title 'Look into the Grave' CEMETERY & FUNERAL HOME RESEARCHSecond Saturday: Jan. 10, 1:00 p.m.Join us in welcoming Lisa Gorrell, CG, presenting on researching cemeteries and funeral homes.
 
This presentation will be broadcast at the SGS library in conjunction with the holiday open house. If you’ve been missing in-person meetings, this is an opportunity to share your thoughts with other members face-to-face.
 
Lisa Gorrell has been an instructor for a range of genealogy programs, where she has taught intermediate and advanced hands-on courses. She also volunteers with the Contra Costa Historical Society as a board member and archives assistant, and has held leadership roles with both the Contra Costa County and California Genealogical Societies. Additionally, she has led research trips to Salt Lake City for CGS. Sign Up Today!NEXT MONTH’S SECOND SATURDAY: “Lost in Translation: Deciphering Foreign Names, Places, & Documents,” presented by Margaret Fortier. Sign up separately for this event held Feb. 14.
Correction:There was a glitch with the Zoom registrations for upcoming events that may affect you.

The Zoom link for the March 14th membership meeting and Second Saturday presentation was provided in error as the registration for the Second Saturday presentations in January and February. The correct links are on the SGS website and provided below for your convenience. 

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cemetery & Funeral Home Research 
Presented by Lisa Gorrell
To view via Zoom, register here.

Saturday, February 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Lost in Translation: Deciphering Foreign Names, Places, & Documents
Presented by Margaret Fortier
To view via Zoom, register here.

Saturday, March 14, 2026, noon
March membership meeting and TBA Second Saturday presentation
To view via Zoom, register here.

Hope to see you at all three events, and apologies for any inconvenience. image of church cemetery courtesy of Oleg Yudin / Unsplash
document images courtesy Library of Congress Organizing for Genealogy class starts February 3

 


  GET ORGANIZED WITH HELP FROM SGS CLASSManaging all the information that is collected when recording family history is a challenge. Papers, both physical and digital, accumulate and can be easily lost. To help researchers SGS will be offering an “Organizing for Genealogy” class in February. Through targeted and thoughtful presentations and exercises, instructor Susan McKee will help participants create a system of organization, or adapt their current system, to meet their specific research needs.

Successful organization starts with organizing ourselves. Over the course of four sessions we will look at why and how we research as the foundation of an effective personal organizational system.

Questions about who, what, where, and when we research clarify how best to apply our time, energy, and resources. This enables us to create and maintain a system of organization that best supports our needs as we engage in genealogical research.

Four weekly, two-hour class sessions: 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
Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., February 3–24, 2026
Online via Zoom
Limited to 20 participants
Class Fee: $100 (SGS members $80)Sign Up for the Class
 Holiday Open House, January 10, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., SGS Library, Good Shepherd Center   HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSEJoin Us for Our Annual Holiday CelebrationWith the holiday rush over, let’s celebrate the New Year. Bring cookies to share and say hello to your SGS friends in person at the library. Come early, come late (not too late). Stay and join us for the Second Saturday Zoom presentation at 1pm Catch (or ask for) a demo of library subscriptions and/or equipment Sneak in a little research (It’s World Logic Day!) Celebrate National Dress Up Your Pet Day (but you must leave that rascal at home) Contact Volunteers@seagensoc.org if you would like to help with this event.
 image courtesy Ksenia Yakovleva / Unsplash   UNLOCK THE STORYTELLER INSIDE YOU Year-Long Writer’s Workshop for Genealogical Writing Launching SoonLisa ObergLisa Oberg Have you ever noticed how easy it is to click through hints and match names—yet how hard it can be to write about the discoveries you make and the mysteries you solve? Have you discovered that when you practice a new skill—and get a little coaching from someone more experienced—you get better, faster, and more confident?

Writing is one of the most powerful tools we have as family historians. It’s how we share our discoveries with relatives, preserve our stories for future generations, and contribute to the wider community of researchers.

That’s why we’re launching a 2026 Writer’s Workshop for Genealogical Writing — a hands-on, supportive space to help you grow your writing skills, find your voice, and gain the confidence to see your work in print.

Whether you’re just beginning to write or already drafting family stories, this workshop is for you. You’ll start from where you are and build toward sharing your discoveries in a clear, professional, and compelling way.

What to Expect A Writer’s Workshop is a small, committed group—about ten participants — each setting a personal writing goal. There will be monthly meetings (likely on Saturday mornings), both in person and virtually, under the guidance of Lisa Oberg, experienced genealogist, family historian, and SGS Vice President. Along the way, you’ll receive ongoing support, feedback, and encouragement. 

So — have you ever solved a research problem and thought, I should write that up someday? This is your opportunity to make “someday” happen. Join us and let your research discoveries take their place in the record.

Follow eNews and the SGS website for sign up information.SGS LIBRARY NEWS A Troll Through the SGS Bulletin (now the Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society) By Kathi, SGS Director of LibraryOn numerous occasions during 2025, I found I was searching through old issues of the Bulletin looking for information on SGS activities. SGS started publishing a two-page weekly Bulletin in 1952. Initially, the content was mainly devoted to announcing upcoming meetings, listing members (54 in 1952) and being a resource for members to exchange information – the infamous Queries section. By 1955 the content had expanded to include member submitted transcriptions of Bible records, maternal and paternal lineages, family histories, census indexes, early King County marriage records, as well as other odds and ends. Not all content published in the Bulletin was related to Seattle, King County or Washington, and one may find a transcription of a Virginian’s will or probate, a Revolutionary War or Civil War Pension application from Kentucky or New York, a survey of cemeteries in Ohio and a myriad of other transcribed material. I’ve searched for information from some of the Bulletins and, in some cases, I was unable to locate the specific item on Ancestry, FamilySearch or any other genealogical-related website. In conclusion, don’t overlook genealogical society publications, such as the Bulletin. Seattle Public Library (SPL) has a large collection of society publications from most, if not all, states.

An index of both the Bulletin and the Journal is available at the SGS website. Through a collaboration with SPL, one can access issues of the Bulletin and Journal through the SPL website.

 Show Your Research Chops With January 2026 ChallengeWhat was the Borrowed Time Club of Seattle? When was the Club established? What was the purpose of the Club?

Send your responses — with short, informal source citations — to research@seagensoc.org. 
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 
Saturday,Jan. 3, 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, Jan. 5, 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.

Monday, Jan. 5, 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, Jan. 7, 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, Jan. 8, 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: Meeting date change this month only and New Zoom link.

Thursday, Jan. 8, 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 starting this month.
Saturday, Jan. 10,2026, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Holiday Open House, Join us for our annual holiday celebration in the SGS library at the Good Shepherd Center.
Saturday, Jan. 10,2026, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Cemetery & Funeral Home Research” Presented by Lisa Gorrell. Register here.

Monday, Jan. 12, 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.
Monday, Jan. 12, 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, Jan. 13, 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, Jan. 13, 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, Jan. 14, 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. 

Friday, Jan. 16, 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, Jan. 17, 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, Jan. 17 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, Jan. 19, 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, Jan. 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-noon, “Pass It On” Writers’ Group, Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. The group may be accepting new members. Send queries to SGSPassItOn@seagensoc.org.

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 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
Monday, Jan. 26, 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, Jan. 27, 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, Jan. 28, 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, Jan. 31, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DNA SIG (Virtual), Join our quarterly meetings to discover what’s new in genetic genealogy and learn more about select, in-depth topics. Email SGSDNASIG@seagensoc.org to join.

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. 8, 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. 8, 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. 
OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND  
 “Getting Started with AI in Family History” with Andrew Redfern Eastside Genealogical Society
Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:00 p.m. (virtual) (Zoom open at 6:30 p.m.)

Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just getting started, this talk will provide you with valuable insights and strategies for using AI to uncover your family’s unique story. Learn more and register.“Latest MyHeritage Technologies for Genealogy” with Daniel HorowitzJewish Genealogical Society of Washington State
Sunday, Jan. 18, 11:00 a.m. (virtual) (Zoom open at 10:30 a.m.)

MyHeritage is constantly introducing new features and content to help users take their research to the next level. In this session, Daniel will give a detailed walkthrough of the latest features, show you how to make the most of them, and give a peek behind the scenes at how they were developed. 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. 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.   
TIPS OF THE WEEK –
EXPAND SEARCH PHRASES
Think beyond full names when querying records databases.

Names are useful, but try applying them in different ways. Instead of searching just for the full name of an ancestor try a combination of just an ancestor’s first name with their spouse’s (or other family member’s) first name — with no surnames. This method might help get around spelling irregularities in their last name.

Try searching for an ancestor’s address in a city directory — this method may discover other individuals living at the same address.

Try searching an ancestor’s profession in their community. There may be guilds or other organizations that could give insight into an ancestor’s life — perhaps records of that organization are available.

As more details about an ancestor emerge use those details to explore other possible search queries. These may lead to even more discoveries.
 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. 
 
January 2, 2026

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

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Fiske Genealogical Library Winter 2026 Virtual Classes

by Charles Hansen

Here is the information for the first six of our Winter 2026 virtual classes

Happy New Year!

Kenneth V. Peterson

Education Coordinator

Fiske Genealogical Library

https://fiskelibrary.org

Wednesday, January 7

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

Travel Your Tree: Walking in Your Ancestors’ Footsteps

Presented by Lisa Vogele

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

Explore the world of family history travel beyond the confines of television shows like

Finding Your Roots. Discover how you can personally trace your ancestors’ paths,

whether it’s visiting battlefields where your forebears fought, exploring ancestral

villages, or connecting with distant relatives. Join us to uncover expert tips for

planning your journey and forging meaningful connections along the way.

Wednesday, January 14    

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

How to Leave Your Genealogy

Presented by Lisa S. Gorell

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

What will happen to all your genealogy research, both in paper form or as digital files, when you pass on? You might have a relative that will continue the research, or you might be able to donate it to a library or an historical society. Now is the time to make a plan to increase the chance that your work is saved for future generations.

Wednesday, January 21    

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

Organizing for Genealogy

Presented by Susan McKee

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

Successful organization starts with organizing ourselves. Over the course of four sessions we will look at why and how we research, building the foundation of an effective personal organizational system. Questions about who, what, where, and when we research clarify how best to apply our time, energy, and resources. This enables us to create and maintain a system of organization that best supports our needs as we engage in genealogical research.

Wednesday, January 28    

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

AI for Genealogy Research – Best Practices

Presented by Claire Smith

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

Find out how to use powerful new AI tools to work more effectively on your genealogy research without compromising the quality of your work. Learn how to use AI for cross-document querying, indexing, and analysis, translating / transcribing documents, enhancing images and photos, and more.

Wednesday, February 4    

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

Where Does This Go? Organizing Your Genealogy Gems

Presented by Sara Cochran

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

Whether you’re just starting to climb the family tree or you’re an experienced researcher, come learn practical tips to organize your genealogy treasures and create an easy-to-maintain system that lasts!

Wednesday, February 11  

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

Browsing & Clustering with MyHeritage DNA Tools

Presented by Beth Swartz

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

Examine how the DNA Tools in MyHeritage currently work, in preparation for the new features coming in RootsTech 2026.

South King County Genealogical Society January 2026

by Charles Hansen

January 2026 to early February 2026 with South King County Genealogical Society

Happy New Year! 

SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for Mary Kircher Roddy’s “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity” 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? Start the new year by stepping up!

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. to 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.

JANUARY TO EARLY FEBRUARY 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

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

Saturday, January 3, 2026, 10–12 am PT: SKCGS Family Tree Maker User Group (Online)

Topic: 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, January 6 2026, 6:30 pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). Interested SKCGS Members write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 11am–1 pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 2801 NE 10th Street, Renton WA

Friday, January 9, 2026,  12:30–2:30 pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online) Topic: “Free Websites for Germany Genealogy” by Josiah Schmidt. Visitors welcome. More information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ Registration is required:   https://tinyurl.com/ypmc7kyx        

Monday, January 12, 2026, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group. Topic: Strategies for Success in 2026. How will all your new matches answer your research question? Join our free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree User Group (Online). Topic: Digging Deeper: How to use Wikitree to move your research forward. Wikitree Users create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, January 15, 2026: 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA. 2–4pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer; 34200 1st Way S Federal Way, WA

Friday,January 16, 2026, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop. For SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center: 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (253) 631-3252

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10–11:15 am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online). Join at 9:30am PT for social time. Topic: Putting Your Learning to Work: Get the Most from an TEducational Opportunity – Genealogists are constantly learning. Societies and libraries around the world offer webinars and courses galore. With each opportunity you take, you spend your most precious resource – your time. How can you decide what to watch and how to get the most out of any educational opportunity? Discover ways to make what the presenter told you part of your research toolbox. 

Mary Kircher Roddy, Certified Genealogist, is also a Certified Public Accountant. She lectures in Washington State and across the US, and is a regular presenter for LegacyFamilyTree Webinars.  She has written for Internet Genealogy, NGS Magazine, FGS Forum, Family Chronicle, The National Genealogical Society Quarterly and numerous society publications.  Mary served as Treasurer for the Association of Professional Genealogists.  She is currently a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists.  She is also co-editor of The National Genealogical Society Quarterly. You can read more about her at MKR Genealogy – www.mkrgenealogy.com

***

Monday, January 19, 2026,1–2pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). MaryLynn Strickland will present “Homestead: Land of My Own.” Her handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7MYlQbH_7fVjKOZff0OV2QXoIsRSIIE/view?usp=sharing. 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, January 26, 2026,1–2pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Register at SKCGS.org 

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. Interested Members are invited; write Board@skcgs.org for the zoom link.

Friday, February 6, 2026,12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Swiss Essentials: Locating Church Records & Understanding the Impact of Citizenship” by Charlotte Noelle Champenois, AG®, AGL™. Visitors welcome. More information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ Registration is required:   https://tinyurl.com/yfyrt6yw  

Saturday, February 7, 2026 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, 2026, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: Get Ready for RootsTech. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 2–3pm PT. WikiTree Users  (Online). Wikitree Users create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, February 12, 2026, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person)

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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