A Talk & Walking Tour of Calvary Cemetery, Oct. 25Join us on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle for a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes of one of our region’s most historic Catholic cemeteries.
Our guide will be Marty Murphy, Superintendent of Calvary Cemetery, who will share insights from his decades of cemetery management. This special program combines a fascinating talk with a guided walking tour, covering:
- The History of Calvary Cemetery and other Catholic cemeteries in the Seattle area
- The Evolution of Grave Markers and what they reveal about cultural and religious traditions
- Genealogy in Cemeteries—how to access and use cemetery records in your family history research
- A Superintendent’s Perspective—stories and experiences from caring for this historic Seattle site
Whether you’re the family historian or simply curious about Seattle’s past, this event offers a unique chance to connect with the people and stories that shaped our community’s history.
Don’t miss this meaningful blend of history, heritage, and personal storytelling—right here in Seattle’s historic Calvary Cemetery.
Optional lunch gathering to follow at University Village location nearby.
Pre-registration required. $15 and $10 for SGS members. Limited to 25 people.
stock photo of a cemetery courtesy Rodion Kutsaiev / Unsplash
GET READY FOR SGS FALL SEMINAR
Focus to Be Using DNA and AI
Join SGS and Blaine Bettinger, “The Genetic Genealogist,” Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 11–12 for an exciting weekend of learning. The four sessions will be spread out over two days to maximize your learning.
The seminar runs Saturday morning Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon and picks up again on Sunday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- DNA-Based Relationship Estimators & Analyzers [NEW]
- Using Autosomal DNA for 18th and 19th Century Mysteries
- Sprinters, Caffeine Addicts, and Daredevils! Understanding DNA-Based Traits
- Are You Doing Everything?
Presentations will be recorded and available (only) to registrants for a limited time.
Dr. Blaine Bettinger is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and the use of artificial intelligence for genealogical research. He is the author of the long-running blog, The Genetic Genealogist and frequently gives presentations and webinars to educate others about the use of DNA and artificial intelligence.
photos courtesy Francis Odeyemi, Kamila Maciejewska and Maud Beauregard / Unsplash
STILL TIME TO JOIN BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS
Classes Begin Oct. 15 and 16
Motivated to learn more about your family’s story? Want to learn how DNA can help? SGS will be offering a new beginning Genealogy class in October. This online course will give you the tools to succeed in your research.
Four weekly online sessions are included with a fifth, optional session in person at the SGS library. The class covers how to successfully conduct, organize, and record research for your genealogy. How to begin? How to evaluate evidence? What are the best sources? Where are the records–online and off? What can DNA tell us?
Start your journey on a foundation of good habits and best practices. Participation will help you develop great genealogy skills. The course finishes with a list of favorite sources for additional learning and an optional meet-up with a personal research session at the SGS library.
There are two options for class time:
- Morning class: Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5, 10:00-11:30 p.m.
- Evening class: Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Weeks 1 – 4 will meet virtually and consist of lecture, discussion, and workshop for one-and-a-half-hours each session.
Week 5 (optional) includes a library tour and one-on-one research assistance.
There is a limit of 20 people per class. Class fee $80 (SGS members $60). Learn more.
photos courtesy Paola Aguilar and Florida Memory / Unsplash and Library of Congress
SGS MEMBERS ENJOY MOHAI TOURSGS field trips returned with gusto this month following our summer break. Our tour of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) on South Lake Union, led by Ian Siporin, was stimulating, engaging, and just plain fun!
Our group met for lunch beforehand on the outdoor terrace of the museum café. We chatted about genealogy and family history in the Washington area, back into the time when it was still a territory. This relaxing social time before our tour was such a bonus to our visit. These in-person interactions are precious opportunities to connect with Society members.
The tour itself was enjoyably interactive. Our guide encouraged us to share our stories and knowledge alongside the history and information he provided. It was an excellent opportunity for those with roots in Washington to offer perspectives and additional context from their family research.
Many thanks to all who attended and a big thank you to Ian and the MOHAI for the excellent tour.
SGS has more exciting tours planned. See the feature article above for information about the upcoming Calvary Cemetery Tour.
DISCOVER THE STORIES OF JEWISH FAMILIES IN SEATTLE’S GILDED AGE
Virtual Sunday: Oct. 19, 1 p.m.
Join us for a special presentation by local author, Karen Treiger, whose book Standing on the Crack: The Legacy of Five Jewish Families from Seattle’s Gilded Age was published in August. Blending Pacific Northwest history with deeply personal family narratives, Karen traces the journeys of her ancestors who immigrated from Europe to Seattle and Portland between 1874 and 1913.
Karen was born in Seattle and educated at Barnard College and New York University Law School — where she was editor-in-chief of NYU Law Review. She has been named to the Jewish Book Council Author’s Network, the Seattle Holocaust Center for Humanity Speaker’s Bureau, and served on the University of Washington Advisory Council for the Extension Writing Program.
Register HereSGS LIBRARY NEWS
New Subscription Website for Swedish Records Now Available for Patrons
SGS now offers access to ArkivDigital. ArkivDigital is Sweden’s largest and most extensive online archive of original Swedish records. The website is available to use on a patron computer in the SGS library.
Insights Await in Unique SGS Databases
King County Court Case Index: This is an index of over 1.7 million King County court case records for the period 1881-1980. The index was compiled from title searches conducted by the Chicago Title Insurance Company. These searches were generally for probate, name changes, or changes in marital status involving a change in property ownership.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Membership Cards: This is a database of approximately 26,000 original membership cards from 2 Seattle area VFW posts. A typical membership card provides information as shown on the following example:
Approximately 5,600 of these membership cards are available to members on the SGS website.
To request a look-up in the King County Court Case index or the additional 20,000 VFW Cards, contact research@seagensoc.org. The look-up is free to members. For non-members, the look-up fee is $15 per surname.
EXPLORING WOMEN’S WORK
Second Saturday: Nov. 8, Noon
Join Dr. Janet Few for an exploration of historical occupations—especially those of women—both paid and unpaid. From lace making and straw plaiting to other female-dominated roles, she’ll discuss working conditions, tools, and hazards. Though examples are drawn from England, the insights apply broadly to researching women’s work in the past.
Note: This presentation will begin one hour earlier than usual to accommodate Dr. Janet Few, who will be joining us from England.
Dr. Janet Few earned her Ph.D. in Community History and is an experienced family, social and community historian. She has written several books of interest to genealogists and contributes to family history journals. Janet is currently serving as the president of the Family History Federation. She is heavily involved in the work of family history societies and was awarded the Society of Genealogists certificate of recognition in 2020 for her work.
HELP SPL PATRONS RESEARCH THEIR FAMILIES
Members Sought for SGS-SPL Pilot ProjectThe SGS Board and the Seattle Public Library have agreed to a pilot project bringing genealogy volunteers to branch libraries. This not only shares our genealogy skills with the public who visit their neighborhood library but also introduces more people to SGS and our Special Interest Groups, classes and Library resources. We need 10-15 volunteers to sit in one of three SPL branch libraries and answer genealogy questions from library patrons. SGS members will work in teams of two people on specific weekday afternoons. You should have at least intermediate level research skills. Training will be provide by SPL staff. Email
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.
All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, 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, Oct. 4, 2025, 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!
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, 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, Oct. 6, 2025, 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, Oct. 6, 2025, 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, Oct. 9, 2025, 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, Oct. 11–12, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., SGS 2025 Fall Seminar with Blaine Bettinger, Join SGS for a four seminars focused on using DNA to solve family mysteries. Register now.
Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, 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, Oct. 13, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, 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
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW-ish! Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Library Evening Hours, Come by and join host, Lisa Oberg, for a quiet, comfortable place to work on your genealogy research. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, 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.
Friday, Oct. 19, 2025, 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, Oct. 18, 2025, 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, Oct 21, 2025, 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, Oct. 19, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Scandinavian Interest Group SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research. Swedish research with examples of researching on Arkivdigital ($) and Riksarkivet (free). Register here. NOTE: Change of date this month only.
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm, Virtual Sunday: Jewish Families in Seattle, 1874–1913 (Virtual), Join Karen Treiger as she traces her ancestors who immigrated from Europe to Seattle and Portland between 1874 and 1913. Register here.
Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, 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, Oct. 22, 2025, 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.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, 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. Email SGSDNASIG@seagensoc.org to join.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, 1:00 p.m., Calvary Cemetery Tour (Field Trips), Discover the Stories Beneath the Stones: A Talk & Walking Tour of Calvary Cemetery. Registration fee: $15 (SGS Members $10). Register here.
Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, 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, Oct. 28, 2025, 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.
Thursday, Oct. 30 2025, 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.
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, 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!
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, 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, Nov. 3, 2025, 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, Nov. 3, 2025, 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, Nov. 5, 2025, 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, Nov. 6, 2025, 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, Nov. 8,2025, noon-1:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Women at Work” Presented by Dr. Janet Few. Register here.M
Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, 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, Nov. 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW-ish! 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 Library Classes,
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
- Oct. 8: An Introduction – to Find My Past Records with Steven W. Morrison
- Oct. 15: Adoption Meets DNA with Beth Swartz
- Oct. 22: If These Walls Could Talk – House and Neighborhood Histories with Mary Kircher Roddy
- Oct. 29: Ancestors Calling: Science, Synchronicity and Sources with Judy Nimer Muhn
- Nov. 5: What the Law Put Asunder: Divorce in America with Sara Cochran
- Nov. 12: Point of Origin: How to Find Your Ancestral Village with Lisa Vogele
- Nov. 19: What’s New in Genetic Genealogy with Karin Borgerson
“Western Trails Following the Seven Ts,” presented by Steven W. Morrison
Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society
Saturday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. (virtual)
This presentation explores the historical significance, unique challenges, and enduring legacies of the Oregon, California, Mormon, Santa Fe, Old Spanish, Bozeman, and Pony Express trails, revealing how they shaped the nation’s expansion and the lives of those who dared to traverse them. Learn more and register here.“
“Hiding in Plain Sight: Finding Elusive Ancestors with FamilySearch’s Full-Text Search,” presented by Julia A. Anderson
Genealogical Forum of Oregon
Saturday, October 18, 2:30 p.m. (virtual)
FamilySearch’s powerful new Full-Text Search tool is unlocking billions of previously unsearchable records – revealing names, places, and stories hidden deep within digitized documents. In this class, you’ll learn how to use this groundbreaking feature to uncover ancestors who’ve slipped through the cracks. Discover smart search strategies, see real-life examples, and leave with practical tips to apply to your own research. Learn more and register.
“Finding Ancestors in the 19th Century Russian Revizskie skazki,” presented by Hal Bookbinder
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State
Monday, October 13, 7 p.m. (virtual)
The Russian Revizskie skazki can be a gold mine in finding information about our ancestors. “Revizskie skazki” literally means “revision tales,” though we generally refer to them as “revision lists.” While censuses only provide information on people currently alive, revision lists include “tales” about the men who died or moved away since the prior revision list. Presenter Hal Bookbinder will provide an overview of the periodic revision lists and demonstrate how he was able to use the 1850 and 1858 ones to identify ancestors, including those who lived earlier, and even to creatively use the information to get back an extra generation or two where no records exist. Learn more and register.
* 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. Perhaps you’d like a tax write-off before year end? 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.
Shelley Bishop is a professional genealogical researcher, writer, and speaker with a passion for finding and preserving the stories of our ancestors. She is a frequent contributor to Family Tree Magazine, NGS Magazine, and other publications. As the owner of Buckeye Family Trees, Shelley specializes in Ohio and midwestern research. Her projects often involve work with military, court, and land records. Shelley is President of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists and a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild. Learn more about her at www.buckeyefamilytrees.com. UPCOMING CLASSES! Check them out! Beginning Your Family History, Getting Started October 16, 2025 11am to 12pm PDT Online via ZOOM or Limited In Person (8) at HQRL
WHAT MYSTERIES MIGHT DNA OR AI HELP YOU SOLVE?This Year’s Speaker, Blaine Bettinger, is a professional Genealogist Specializing in Using DNA and AI
FOCUS OF SECOND SATURDAY TO BE GERMAN IMMIGRANTSSecond Saturday: Sept 13, 1 p.m.We are excited to welcome back Kimball Carter, CG®, for the opening session of our fall Second Saturday speaker series. Join on Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. as Kimball guides attendees in discovering the places of origin of their German immigrant ancestors. Using U.S. and German records, Kimball will demonstrate practical strategies with case studies that will help advance your research.Kimball Carter, CG® has more than 45 years of family history research experience. A retired graphic artist and creative director, he now volunteers at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, helping patrons with German ancestry, identifying immigrant hometowns, and Colonial American research. 
Cecellia Rogers The Washington State Genealogical Society named Cecellia Rogers one of their outstanding volunteers of 2025. This award honors individuals and teams who contribute to Washington State’s local genealogical societies. The announcement was made on Aug. 21, at the WSGS Annual Meeting. Seventeen local society members and two teams were recognized. The volunteers and teams were praised for their commitment and energies to promote their local societies, family history and cooperation in their local communities.
SGS’s Virtual Sunday presentation will take attendees back to the days of the Klondike Gold Rush in Canada’s Yukon territory. Local author Steve Lundin will share the compelling true story of two Ivy League friends who left Cornell Law School in 1898 in pursuit of gold. Based on the experiences of Lundin’s grandfather, Mark Odell, and his college friend Ellis Aldridge, this tale follows their harrowing journey to the gold fields—through illness, hardship, homesickness, and the long, dark winter of 1898–99 in a remote cabin near Fort Selkirk on the Yukon River. Steve Lundin is a retired attorney, historian, and author with a passion for uncovering and preserving the stories of the past. His most recent book brings personal insight and scholarly depth to the exploration of the Yukon Gold Rush.
Claire Vail has twenty years of experience as a digital marketing and content strategist for high-profile institutions in higher education, publishing, and media. 
In Memory Carolyn L. Harkness, a devoted wife, loving homemaker, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, in Puyallup, Washington, at the age of 83. Carolyn was involved at HQRL for over 25 years. She was a member of the management team for most of those years. She contributed on the management team as the Class coordinator, Volunteer coordinator, and Office Manager at various times during her years of volunteer work. She also took on special projects and assisted on many other projects at HQRL. She could always be counted on to support our fund-raisers (e.g. Autumn Quest, Summer Quest, Books on the Road). She was also the internet research person.
photo courtesy MJ Duford and melanfolia меланфолія / Unsplash
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