Category Archives: Monthly Society News

Fiske Genealogical Library September October & November Virtual Classes

by Charles Hansen

Wednesday, September 17

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

Getting Unstuck: Working Through Research Problems

Presented by Claire Smith

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

Break down your genealogy brick walls. Learn techniques to evaluate your sources, mine all of the clues, find the context, and discover your ancestor’s neighbors and friends. Get out of your comfort zone and make progress.

Wednesday, September 24

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

Chasing Claire: The Treasures of Genealogical Travel

Presented by Karin Borgerson

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

Learn about how chasing one ancestor can lead to travel across multiple states, new friendships, and literally getting your hands dirty while doing genealogy! Plus tips for making the most of genealogical travel.

Wednesday, October 1     

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

Canadian Genealogy

Presented by Jenny Warner

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

Learn about the history of Canada, what genealogical records are available, and how to find them.

Wednesday, October 8     

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

AN INTRODUCTION – to Find My Past Records

Presented by Steven W. Morrison

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

Findmypast (FMP) is a subscription website and is one of the BIG FIVE genealogical companies. Across the pond, it partners with several family history organizations, major libraries and archives. As a result, some of its British and Irish records are unique, and unavailable on other genealogy websites. Presented in a case study format.

Wednesday, October 15   

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

Adoption Meets DNA

Presented by Beth Swartz

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

Overview of the availability of Adoption records and the impact of taking a consumer DNA test, which can open doors to finding biological family.

Wednesday, October 22   

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

If These Walls Could Talk – House and Neighborhood Histories

Presented by Mary Kircher Roddy

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

I don’t know of many genealogists who aren’t also historians.  It’s in our natures to be curious of what went on before,  to understand our family’s history – but it’s also interesting to learn more about that place where we spend our daily lives – our homes.  Who was here before me?  How might they have used this home?  What tales did they bring home from their work or school at the end of the day?  Who were their neighbors?  Has my house always looked this way?  Learning about your house and neighborhood can increase your sense of place and help you to connect on a deeper level with that place you call “Home.”

(After Mary’s talk, bring stories of any “hauntings” related to a particular place in your family history!)

Wednesday, October 29   

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

Ancestors Calling: Science, Synchronicity and Sources

Presented by Judy Nimer Muhn

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

Our ancestors want us to find them!  Using our intuition, developing our luck, creating vision boards and using classic detective techniques, YOU can have their help and do thorough genealogical research.  Learn how to tap into some key scientific principles and hands-on techniques to drive your discoveries.

Wednesday, November 5  

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

What the Law Put Asunder: Divorce in America

Presented by Sara Cochran

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

Historically, divorce in the United States was rare, but not unheard of. This class considers changing laws and social attitudes as they relate to marriage and divorce, how those laws and attitudes affect our research and the records, and provides tips for determining if there was a divorce and accessing those records.

Wednesday, November 12

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

Point of Origin: How to Find Your Ancestral Village

Presented by Lisa Vogele

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

Don’t know where overseas your family originated from? This presentation covers a variety of sources to explore to locate your ancestor’s point of origin before arriving in the United States. Examples and strategies will be provided including: resources for locating town of origin, strategies for name changes, tips for boundary changes, and overcoming handwriting & language challenges.

Wednesday, November 19

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

What’s New in Genetic Genealogy

Presented by Karin Borgerson

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

The landscape of genetic genealogy is always shifting. Explore recent updates from DNA testing companies and third-party tools to make the most of DNA for genealogy.

South King County Genealogical Society September 2025 Meetings & Events

by Charles Hansen

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 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.

Members: passcode for the recording of this month’s speaker presentation is at the bottom of this email.

SEPTEMBER–EARLY OCTOBER   2025 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

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

Monday September 1 is Labor Day. No SKCGS events; KCLS Libraries are closed

Friday, September 5, 2025 from 12:30–2:30pm (online)

EGS German Interest Group

Topic: Using German Genealogy Societies/Special Interest Groups to Break Your Brick Wall  Presenter Ann Broihier  explores some prominent German genealogy societies and special interest groups in the US, plus genealogy groups in Germany. Additional information can be found on our Meetings page.

Saturday September 6, 2025, 10am–12pm 

Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)

Topic: Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Monday, September 8, 2025, 1–2pm

Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online) 

Topic: Using all the tools at Family Tree DNA

Start at Your Results & Tools: https://help.familytreedna.com/hc/en-us/categories/1500001411561-Your-Results-Tools 

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, September 10, 2025,  2–3pm

WikiTree User Group (online)

Topic: Using the WikiTree DNA tools. 

See: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:DNA_Tests 

& https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:DNA_Features

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, September 11, 2025, 11am–1pm

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 

Registration not required. In-person event. 

Thursday, September 11, 2025, 5–6:30pm

Special meeting of the SKCGS Family Tree Maker User Group with speaker Mark Olsen. Topic: 2024 upgrade of FTM. We all have the new 2024 version and have lots of questions. 

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5opcBKBQTqSFYd4KMjzCw. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

Monday, September 15,1–2pm 

Tech Users Group (Online)

Topic: What’s the Plan? From your research questions to a workable research process. See: Create Great Genealogical Research Questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr20axYxjT8 (5 mins) & What Your Genealogy Research is MISSING! |Psst! It’s a Plan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zadMApiMgDc (15 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.

Friday, September 19, 1–3pm

Research Workshop (In-person/RSVP req)

SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center

12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA 98030, USA

RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (253) 631-3252

Saturday, September 20, 2025, 9:30am Social time. Speaker: 10–11:30am

SKCGS Speaker Series (online)

Writing Your Own Obituary

Your obituary is probably the most important thing that will ever be written about you. So why not write it yourself? Writing an auto-obituary is a way to make sure you’re remembered the way you want to be remembered. Roxanne will share examples and styles of obituaries. You’ll also get started on your own!


Roxanne Lowe is the proud great granddaughter of Washington Pioneers Daniel and Mary (Donovan) Murphy who came to Chehalis County (now Grays Harbor) in 1888. She is the past president of the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society and webmaster of the Washington State Genealogical Society’s website. She was the 2024 recipient of the WSGS President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. 
The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome! Register

Thursday, August 21, 2025,  11am–1pm

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

Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org

Thursday, August 21, 2025, 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 98003

Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library: https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668 

Monday, September 22⋅1–2pm

Genealogy Chat (Online)

Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!

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 mailing list, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

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SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Seattle Genealogical Society September 2025

by Charles Hansen
SGS 2025 Fall Seminar with 'The Genetic Genealogist'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
Join SGS and Blaine Bettinger 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.Sign Up Now!photos courtesy Francis Odeyemi, Kamila Maciejewska and Maud Beauregard / UnsplashTOUR THE MOHAI ATRIUM WITH SGSAfter a summer break, SGS field trips return with a tour of the atrium at the Museum of History and Industry. Join SGS at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 for this exciting look at Seattle’s history.

A museum guide will utilize several of the largest artifacts in the atrium to trace some of the tensions and contradictions of expansion and industry in Seattle. This includes a focus on the experiences of working people as the city rapidly grew in the late 19th and 20th centuries.There are 5 stops on the tour with several handouts used as tools for discussion and investigation. The guide will  share facts about the artifacts, engage in storytelling, and also have discussion questions for the group. This will be a conversational and active tour, rather than simply lecture based. 

Additionally, the tour will include an overview of the kinds of materials in the MOHAI library and collections, as well how to book research time at the library and access online collections.

Optional lunch at noon at the Lakefront Pavilion (the museum café, which is to the left of the admissions desk, past the museum store). Bring your own lunch or purchase from the café’s menu.

Registration fee: $30 non-members (SGS Members $20)

Limited to 25 participants, so sign up now.Join the TourImage of a German town with a map of Germany overlayed on top with the words Finding Your German Immigrant in GermanyFOCUS 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. Sign Up Today!Come Early for the Membership Meeting There will be a membership meeting just before the Second Saturday presentation on Sept. 13 at 12:30 p.m. Learn about the America 250 writing contest, updates on our new website and more.photos courtesy Roman Kraft / Unsplash, Library of Congress, David Rumsey Map Collection, David Rumsey Map Center, Stanford Libraries and location icon created by kmg design / FlaticonWSGS HONORS SGS’S CEIL ROGERSPicture of Ceil RogersCecellia 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.

Rogers has been researching her family history for more than 50 years. She joined SGS in 2017 soon after moving to the Seattle area and has served SGS in various leadership roles over the years including Director of Volunteers and Director of Education. Rogers leads four of SGS’s special interest groups including Brags & Bricks, Tech Tuesdays, Ancestry Users and the FamilySearch groups. In addition to her leadership roles she works behind the scenes updating SGS’s website calendar of events and the society’s Zoom and Vimeo accounts. 

SGS President Kathy Weber applauded Roger’s contributions. “I am so grateful for Ceil’s dedication to SGS. Under her 3+ years as our Director of Education, we started recording many presentations so our members could watch them later and we greatly expanded our SIG offerings.”

Rogers is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.HELP SPL PATRONS RESEARCH THEIR FAMILIESVolunteers 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 volunteers 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 splvolunteers@seagensoc.org.


NEW BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS STARTS IN OCTOBERpicture of a woman thinking with the words 'What's Your Family Story? New Class Starts Soon'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).Join the ClassJOURNEY BACK IN TIME TO THE YUKON GOLD RUSHVirtual Sunday: Sept 21, 1 p.m.book cover of: From Cheechakos to Sourdoughs by Steven LudinSGS’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.Register Here

 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.   All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted 

Monday, Sept. 1, 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, Sept. 1, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW-ish! 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, Sept. 3, 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, Sept. 4, 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, Sept 6, 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, Sept. 7, 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, Sept. 8, 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, Sept. 8, 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, Sept. 9, 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, Sept. 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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, Sept. 10, 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, Sept. 11, 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, June 14, 2025, 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m., General Membership Meeting, Update on SGS activities and results of the election of SGS officers. The meeting will be followed by the postponed Second Saturday presentation (see entry below). Register here.

Saturday, Sept. 14,2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “German Immigrants” Presented by Kimball Carter, CG. Register here.

Monday, Sept. 15, 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, Sept. 17, 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, Sept. 17, 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, Sept 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, Sept. 20, 2024, 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.

Sunday, Sept 21, 2023, 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Yukon Gold Rush (Virtual), with Steve Lundin. Join us for the compelling true story of Lundin’s grandfather as he journeyed to the gold fields of the Yukon. Register here.

Monday, Sept. 22, 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, Sept. 23, 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.

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 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.

Monday, Sept. 29, 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. 1, 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, 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., NEW-ish! 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.   

OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND    
 “Help! Part 3.25 – I Got My Y-DNA & mtDNA Results…What Do I Do Now?”
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, 
Monday, September 8, 2025, 7:00 p.m. (meeting opens at 6:30 p.m.)

Join JGSWS for an interesting and practical webinar on how to use mtDNA and Y-DNA in genealogy research. Gil Bardige will help attendees understand DNA results and matches at a beginner and intermediate level. This session will be especially useful for people who have tested at Family Tree DNA. Bardige will also recommend which tests to take and whether to upgrade an older test. Learn more and register.


“Probate Records: Wills and a Whole Lot More.”
North Carolina Genealogical Society
Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. PDT

Join the North Carolina Genealogical Society and Annette Burke Lyttle, CG® for this free online session focusing on estate records. Learn more and register.“Researching Oregon Trail Ancestors”
Olympia Genealogical Society
Thursday, September 11, 2025, 7:00 p.m.

From 1840 to 1869, more than 50,000 people traveled to Oregon on the Oregon Trail. Join Dawn Carlile as she covers resources for researching people and their lives as they made the trek. Learn more.


“Genealogy Week”
The Rogue Valley Genealogical Society
Monday, Sept. 22 – Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025

This RVGS event is open to all and will feature a virtual presentation each morning on a different topic, while hosting on-site afternoon help sessions at their library. See the Genealogy Week flyer for class list and registration.   

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

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South King County Genealogical Society August 2025

by Charles Hansen

Volunteers Needed

Can you lend a hand to help get the word out about our events? If you find this monthly schedule helpful, we’d love for you to contribute by volunteering to help create it. Contact publicity@skcgs.org for more info. 

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 Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland library branches.

The monthly online SKCGS Genealogy Chat is on hiatus until September.

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.

Members, the passcode for the recording of this month’s speaker presentation is at the bottom of this email

AUGUST– EARLY SEPTEMBER  2025 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

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

Saturday August 2, 2025, 10am–12pm 

Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)

Topic: Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.

Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Note: Special meeting of the SKCGS Family Tree Maker Users Group in September with Mark Olsen as a speaker. Topic: the 2024 upgrade of FTM. We all have the new 2024 version and have lots of questions. September 11, 2025 at 5:00pm PDT,  for 1 and half hours. Register in advance:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5opcBKBQTqSFYd4KMjzCw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Monday, August 11, 2025, 1 – 3pm

Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online) 

Topic: AncestryDNA® ThruLines®

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, August 13, 2025,  2-3pm

WikiTree User Group (online)

Topic:What’s Next?

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, August 14, 2025, 11am – 1pm

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 98056 

Registration not required. In-person event. 

Monday, August 18, 2025, 1 – 3pm

Tech Users Group (Online)

Topic: Using Ancestry’s Card Catalog

See “Ancestry.com Card Catalog – 5 Pro Tricks”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mY2J0m0Yt0 and “Ancestry’s LEAST Used Resource”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt-cv9I6nRg

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, August 21, 2025, 11am – 1pm

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 98002

Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org

Thursday, August 21, 2025, 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 98003

Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library: https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668

Monday September 1 is Labor Day. No SKCGS events, and KCLS Libraries are closed for the holiday. 

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 mailing list, send an email to skcgfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

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SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Seattle Genealogical Society August 2025

by Charles Hansen
Image of a German town with a map of Germany overlayed on top with the wordsFinding Your German Immigrant in Germany

SECOND SATURDAY SERIES RETURNS SEPT. 13

Focus of Presentation to be German ImmigrantsWe are excited to welcome back Kimball Carter, CG®, for the opening session of our fall Second Saturday speaker series. Kimball will guide 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.

Members Can Access Past Presentations on the SGS Website Although our popular Second Saturdays and Virtual Sundays have been on summer hiatus, many past presenations are available on the SGS website members pages.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.

Sign Up Today!

Come Early for the Membership Meeting There will be a membership meeting just before the Second Saturday presentation on Sept. 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The tentative agenda will include information regarding the America 250 writing contest and updates on our new website.

photos courtesy Roman Kraft / Unsplash, Library of Congress, David Rumsey Map Collection, David Rumsey Map Center, Stanford Libraries and location icon created by kmg design / Flaticon

 CYBELE O’BRIEN NAMED 2025 SGS VOLUNTEER FOR SPRING QUARTER

Cybele O'Brien

Cybele O’Brien Cybele O’Brien has been nominated as our Spring Quarter Volunteer for 2025. This award considers volunteer activities performed during the months of April, May, and June, but O’Brien has been supporting our Society throughout this past year. When she began her role of Secretary in February 2024, she had little guidance as to the scope of the job. She quickly learned how to document the business of the board with her accurate and comprehensive minutes. This requires preparation as well as finalization of the document each month.

O’Brien also assisted the Director of Technology in moving documents onto a new shared drive and improving the organization of its files. She has maintained the digital Bi-laws and Policy Manuals which have replaced binders kept in the library. O’Brien has been timely in her role of managing societal communications including writing numerous thank-you letters and distributing daily Society emails. The Board is grateful for all her work this past year and unanimously nominated her for this recognition.

This award recognizes the time O’Brien spent in Zoom and in-person sessions training the incoming secretary. She shared her knowledge as well as numerous tips learned through experience. Her updated job description has served as a road map during this transition.

O’Brien joined the Society in the 2020-2021 membership year. She is an avid family historian and enjoys traveling. We hope that she finds some time this summer to make new genealogical discoveries.

NEW CLASS TO HELP YOU WRITE AS YOU RESEARCH Got a brick wall? Join past SGS president Jill Morelli and she beta tests a new workshop: Write As You Research. This class will provide a methodology for identifying possible solutions to brick walls. Writing genealogical problems accumulates all known information in one place, aids identifying gaps and overlaps, and provides a written report for future readers. Get started writing more! This workshop provides a format for genealogical reports.

Save the date:
August 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Registration fee: TBD (discount for SGS Members)
Registration opening SOON!

STATE LIBRARY CLOSURE: NOW WHAT?The Washington State Library in Tumwater closed to the public on July 1 due to a lack of state funding. This means there is limited access to the library’s genealogical material for researchers.Leslie Vogel of SGS’s Pacific Northwest SIG shared these tips for researchers at the July meeting and agreed to share them with eNews.

How to Access WSL RecordsContact the Library:
Patrons can still email askalibrarian@sos.wa.gov (which probably will not be a genealogist) or leave a voicemail at 360-704-5221 and within one week they will answer your questions.

Interlibrary Loan:
Some items can be accessed via interlibrary loan to local libraries. Access information through their online catalog to determine if the item is available.

  • Books: Many of the books in the rare and special collections, territorial materials, northwest collection, genealogical collection and reference materials can not be accessed through inter-library loan.
  • Newspapers on Microfilm may be borrowed but only a few local libraries have a microfilm reader available to view them. The only library in the Seattle Public Library with a microfilm reader is the downtown central library!!!

Newspapers via InterLibrary Loan:
The Washington State Library serves as the depository “for newspapers published in the state of Washington thus providing a central location for a valuable historical record.” [RCW 27.04.045] The WSL has 6,500 newspaper titles on 50,000 reels of microfilm from 1850s to present. They had four microfilm readers onsite.

With a Washington State Library Card (apply on the website) patrons can access some digital newspaper databases such as Newsbank. Request through inter-library loan. For more information visit the website.

  • Each library may request up to 10 reels per customer per library for in-library use only.
  • Check the status of the microfilm readers prior to ordering!

Newspapers Available Digitally:
Washington newspapers can also be accessed on Washington Digital Newspapers. Consult this guide to find WSL Newspapers.


Other Digital Resources Through WSL

CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHELLE CHIACHIERE, CG

Michelle Chiachiere

Michelle
Chiachiere SGS member Michelle Chiachiere was recently informed by the Board for Certification of Genealogists that her portfolio was to the standards required for receipt of the credential Certified Genealogist. This rigorous credentialing process requires the submission of multiple examples of her work and is peer-reviewed by at least three judges. As well as being a member of SGS, Chiachiere is also a member of the Puget Sound chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and graduate of SGS’s Certification Discussion Group. Chiachiere takes clients and can be found at her website.

THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL IS COMING!
THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL IS COMING!

Next year, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America! State and national planning is already underway. Seattle Genealogical Society will be sponsoring a writing contest, My American Story, and more details about that will be shared in the coming months. But, that’s just one way we want to celebrate this milestone. If you are interested in volunteering to be a judge for the writing contest, assist with brainstorming or planning events, or have programing ideas please contact Lisa Oberg, SGS Vice President at vicepresident@seagensoc.org.

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTSGood 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

Monday, Aug. 4, 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, Aug. 4, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW-ish! 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, Aug. 6, 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

Monday, Aug. 11, 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, Aug. 12, 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, Aug. 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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.

Thursday, Aug. 14, 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.

Monday, Aug. 18, 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, Aug. 19, 2025, 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. This group is currently accepting new members. Send queries to SGSPassItOn@seagensoc.org.

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 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, Aug. 20, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Write As You Research! (Beta Offering), Join Jill Morelli as she provides a methodology for outlining problems and identifying a solutions. This workshop provides a format for all of your genealogical reports. Cost: TBD, registration opening soon

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 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.

Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, 6:00 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.

Monday, Aug. 25, 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, Aug. 26, 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.

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 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.

Thursday, Aug. 28 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.

Monday, Sept. 1, 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, Sept. 1, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW-ish! 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, Sept. 3, 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, Sept. 4, 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, Sept 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m.- 12:15 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, Sept. 7, 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, Sept. 8, 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, Sept. 8, 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, Sept. 9, 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, Sept. 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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, Sept. 10, 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, Sept 11, 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.NO AUGUST MEETINGS FOR …

The following groups/meetings will not be held in August. 
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG
• SGS Board of Directors Meeting 
• Irish SIGOUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYONDEast European Family History Conference
Foundation for East European Family History Studies 
Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, 7:30 a.m.

More than 60 sessions will be presented in 8 tracks: Polish, Russian, Germans from Eastern Europe, German, Austro-Hungarian, Jewish, DNA and General Eastern European. Early-bird rates available until July 7. Get more informataion and register.


Family Tree Maker SIG
Eastside Genealogical Society
Friday, Aug 15, 2025, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m.

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.

“Summer Seminar 2025: Researching Your German Roots”
The Genealogical Forum of Oregon and the German American Society of Portland
Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
At the German American Society of Portland, 5626 NE Alameda St., Portland, Oregon

Join us for a full-day seminar on researching German records with Katherine Schober, founder of Germanology Unlocked. This in-person seminar is oriented to researchers at the beginner and intermediate level of experience with German records. Get more information and register (early bird pricing ends today).


“Mt. Angel Octoberfest”
Mt. Angel, Oregon
Thursday, Sept. 11 – Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025

The dates have been set for this year’s “largest folk festival in the Northwest.”A full schedule along with a listing of the venues, food & drink, activities, as well as ticket information can now be found online.“Genealogy Week”
The Rogue Valley Genealogical Society
Monday, Sept. 22 – Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025

This RVGS event is open to all and will feature a virtual presentation each morning on a different topic, while hosting on-site afternoon help sessions at their library. See the Genealogy Week flyer for class list and registration.

Join SGS Today * to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page
and click the green renew membership button.
August 1, 2025

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

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Heritage Quest Research Library Introducing American Ancestors

by Charles Hansen
Introducing AMERICAN ANCESTORS This program introduces the viewer to American Ancestors – who we are, what we do, and how we can help you. 
With a focus on what is available to virtual viewers, this program talks about navigating our website, exploring our databases, finding subject guides, research templates and more.  Our online accessible collections cover a wide range of genealogical records from the 17th to 21st century and span geographic locations from New England, the rest of the United States, as well as Canada and Europe. Our services include online courses, AncesTrees -our tree platform, online chat as well as Research for hire. Join this program to learn how American Ancestors can help you accomplish your genealogical goals. 
Claire Vail has twenty years of experience as a digital marketing and content strategist for high-profile institutions in higher education, publishing, and media. 
Her interest in family history stems from finding her great grandmother’s name on a ship manifest from Polermo, a single line that listed her as “housewife” and “illiterate.”
Claire is hoping to continue researching her ancestry back as far as possible.  When:
Thursday July 24, 2025
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where:
ZOOM & Limited in-person (8)

Cost:
$20 members/$25 non-members  Sign up & Payment:
ZOOM
Go to hqrl.com and click on the HQRL Store
sign in as a member to receive the discount
In-Person (8 only)
Call HQRL at 253-863-1806
or 
come into the library located at
2102 E Main, Ste 105, Puyallup WA 98372 Upcoming classes:
August 7, 2025 
“The records housed by NARA at Seattle
More than just the Census!” 
With Eric Flores
September 4, 2025
“Means, Motive, & Opportunity:
The Sad Saga of George Richards”
with Jean Wilcox Hibben, PHD, MA
Copyright © 2025 Heritage Quest Research Library, All rights reserved.
You have told us that you want to receive our news and updates from our library.

Our mailing address is:
Heritage Quest Research LIbrary
2102 East Main Suite 105
Puyallup, WA98372-3205

Heritage Quest Research Library July 2025 Happenings

by Charles Hansen
July Happenings
The Nourish Our Roots Fund-Raising Campaign was a rousing success! The final member donation total $15,321.00 This is truly an amazing outcome. THANK YOU ALL MANY TIMES OVER!!  
Upcoming Events  Genealogical Records Found in New England States 
(Classroom & Zoom) Thursday July 10, 2025 – 11 am-12 noon Jennifer Warner will show you the research recourses and methodology to find information on your ancestors in New England – the oldest distinguished region of the United States. Speaker: Jennifer Warner HQRL Classroom
The Puyallup Farmers Market  Saturday July 12 – 9 am-3 pm  Pioneer Park & Pavilion 330 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA
Management Team Meeting Wednesday July 16 – 12 noon-1 pm HQRL Library Introducing American Ancestors  (Classroom & Zoom) Learn what is available to virtual viewers, how to navigate their website, explore the databases, find subject guides, research templates and more. Thursday July 24 – 11 am-12 noon HQRL classroom Speaker: Claire Vail
MANAGEMENT TEAM POSITION OPPORTUNITIES 
Management Team Secretary; Bookstore Manager; Newsletter Editor

July Bookstore Specials How to Climb Your Family Tree, Genealogy for Beginners By Harriet Stryker-Rodda Covers starting research, finding clues in family keepsakes, and utilizing various records like census, church, and vital records. The book also introduces pedigree charts, family group sheets, and research logs. Was $8, July Special Price $4                 
Unlocking the Secrets in Old Photographs By Karen Frisch-Ripley The author explains methods of analyzing photographs historically. She outlines how you can recognize architecture, clothing, monuments, and other objects in photos and where you can find additional help.    Was $12.50, July Special Price $6.25
Curiosities of Puritan Nomenclature By Charles W. Bardsley A masterly work on Puritan and other English naming practices. Those involved in New England genealogy will appreciate Bardsley’s lively discussion of the eccentricities of Puritan naming practices. Names were frequently derived from the Bible, virtues, or even phrases. (Names like Increase, Reliance, Welcome, and Pardon Merciful, Accepted, Truth, and Temperance). Was $17.50, July Special Price $8.75
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.

Robert G. Harkness, 86, of Puyallup, Washington, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025. He did not do in-library support, though he provided advice.and would step up to help with fixing items. He always had a smiling face when encouraging others.  Bob was an excellent wood craftsman and his creations were often donated to the library for fund raising projects.  
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 E. Main Ave., Suite #105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Seattle Genealogical Society July 2025

by Charles Hansen
image of a magnifying glass with the words: Leverage Full-Text Searchphoto courtesy MJ Duford and melanfolia меланфолія / Unsplash

GET MORE OUT OF FAMILYSEARCH TOOL
FamilySearch’s full-text search keeps getting better. Discoveries are being made in previously difficult to access documents. Beginner? Get Started Here Access full-text search on the FamilySearch Labs page. Be sure to log into your account or create one if you don’t have one. Find “Expand your search with Full Text” in the list of options. Click “Try it” (if it is not activated on your account yet) and then click “Go to Experiment” if it doesn’t automatically take you to the full-text search page. On the full-text search page, search by a name or a keyword — or a combination of both. Hit search. Then filter results by location and date using the options at the top of the page. For more information, including more tutorials and videos see the FamilySearch full-text search article with all these resources in one place.Already Know the Basics? Try These Tips


USE KEYWORDS TO HONE YOUR SEARCH Can’t find the name of a female ancestor? Try searching the husband’s name in the “name” field of the form and add the word “wife”  with a “+” before it (“+wife”) in the “keyword” form field. Wife’s names were often added next to their husbands on deed records. This search technique can help you find them.
  Want to find a parent? Try searching the name of the known ancestor in the “name” field and add “+heir,” “+heirs,” “+son” or “+daughter” in the “keyword” field.
  Want a specific John Smith? Add his name to the “name” field and add another identifier such as a profession or spouse’s name (Ex. “+Mary” or “+farmer” ) to the “keyword” field.
  WILDCARD SEARCHES Want a specific John Smith? Do you have an inconstant spelling in your family? Ex. Harman vs. Harmon. You can search for both using the “?.” Searching for “Harm?n” in full-text search will return results with both Harman and Harmon. Use this same technique when cursive makes some letters look the same (ex. Is that a cursive “a” or “o”?).
  Search the root of a word. Your ancestor’s town was sometimes called Centerville and sometimes Centertown. Search for the root of the word with “*.” Searching “Center*” will return both names.
  FILTER SEARCH TO SPECIFIC RECORD SETS Get specific. Search results can be filtered by date, location and record type using the menu at the top of the results page. But you can also drill down further by searching a smaller record group using the Image Group Number (a number FamilySearch uses to identify records). This number can be found on the catalog item pages (for example: Crawford County, Ohio, deed seen in the screenshot below). In many cases there will be a shortcut icon that will allow you to search only specific parts of that collection.

  Screenshot from a catalog entry on Family Search, clicking on the icon on the far right of each entry allows users to search just that subset of recordsClicking on the icon on the far right allows you to search just that specific record subset. Go forth and make new discoveries using FamilySearch full-text search. 
 Finger Up icon courtesy Icons8


SGS LIBRARY NEWS:New Computer Now Available for Patron UseWe have a new computer in the library for patron use. The computer, a Mac, was donated by SGS member Richard Snook. As with our other computers, the Mac will have access to our subscription websites Ancestry, Newspapers.com, Fold3, American Ancestors and Historygeo. One may also access FamilySearch and The Family History Guide from the new computer.
 Find Free BooksWe are looking to rehome a number of duplicate copies of books and invite you to come to the library to check out our ‘free books’ section.
 Building Maintenance to Occur This SummerWe’ve been notified by the building manager that the floors in the space above the library will be sanded sometime this summer. Since the sanding will be noisy they will try to do the work on Mondays when the library is closed. However, there may be times when the sanding occurs on other days.   

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 Wednesday, July 2, 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 websiteThursday, July 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW-ish! Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), Welcome to the AI for Genealogy SIG, a dedicated community for exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research. Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.

Monday, July 7, 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, July 7, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW-ish! 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. 

Tuesday, July 8, 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, July 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org.

Wednesday, July 14, 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, July 10, 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.

Sunday, July 13, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Scandinavian Interest Group SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research. This month: Two case studies, one for Norway and one for Sweden. The rest of the meeting will be used for discussion and answering questions. Register here.

Monday, July 14, 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, July 14, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 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. This group is currently accepting new members. Send queries to SGSPassItOn@seagensoc.org.
Wednesday, July. 16, 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, July 16, 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. Note the change to Wednesday.

Saturday, July 19, 2024, 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.

Monday, July 21, 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, July 22, 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.
Wednesday, July 23, 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.
Monday, July 28, 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, Aug. 4, 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, Aug. 4, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW-ish! 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, Aug. 6, 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, Aug. 7, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW-ish! Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), Welcome to the AI for Genealogy SIG, a dedicated community for exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research. Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Monday, Aug. 11, 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, Aug. 11, 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, Aug. 12, 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, Aug. 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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.
Thursday, Aug. 12, 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.   
OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND  
 “On the Ground: Top Repositories for Researching Upstate New York”
American Ancestors by NEHGS (Virtual)
Thursday, July 10, 2025, noon—1:00 p.m.

Finding information about New York ancestors can be tricky. In this online lecture, Chief Genealogist David Allen Lambert will discuss go-to repositories for research in the Empire State—including the New York State Library and Archives, the New York Public Library, and more. Get more information and register,Learn more about events offered through American Ancestors.
“Revolution or Gold: What Sent the French to 1850s California”
California Genealogical Society
Saturday, July 12, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

Emigration often has more than one cause, especially when many emigrate at once. Join Anne Morddel as she helps you dive deep into your French roots. Explore the causes that lured people away from their homes, and the causes that pushed them out of their homes. This presentation looks at the two most important causes that induced French people to abandon their homeland and go to California in the 1850s: the Revolution of 1848 and gold. Get more information and register.
Family Tree Maker SIG
Eastside Genealogical Society
Friday, July 18, 2025, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m.

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.

  East European Family History Conference
Foundation for East European Family History Studies  Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, 7:30 a.m.

More than 60 sessions will be presented in 8 tracks: Polish, Russian, Germans from Eastern Europe, German, Austro-Hungarian, Jewish, DNA and General Eastern European. Early-bird rates available until July 7. Get more informataion and register. 

Join SGS Today * to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page
and click the green renew membership button. July 1, 2025

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

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South King County Genealogical Society July 2025

by Charles Hansen

Greetings Friends!

Volunteers Needed
Can you lend a hand to help get the word out about our events? If you find this monthly schedule helpful, we’d love for you to contribute by volunteering to help create it. Contact publicity@skcgs.org for more info. 

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 Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland library branches. The monthly in-person Research Group is on hiatus until September, as is the monthly online SKCGS Genealogy Chat.
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.

JULY – EARLY AUGUST 2025 MEETINGS & EVENTS
All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone
Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless stated otherwise

Saturday, July 5, 2025, 10am–12pm 
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Topic: Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 2–3pm
WikiTree User Group (online)
Topic: Inaugural meeting: Get started in Wikitree. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Subscribe to our free online group to stay in touch: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, July 10, 2025 ⋅ 11am–1pm
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 98056 
Registration not required. In-person event. 

Monday, July 14, 2025, 1-3pm, Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
Topic: What’s New at Gedmatch?
See: Nice New Features at GEDmatch: https://blog.kittycooper.com/2025/04/nice-new-features-at-gedmatch/ and https://gedmatch.launchnotes.io/announcements/new-gedmatch-features-notes-family-tree-visualizer-and-relaunched-forums
This group is for genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Thursday, July 17, 11am–1pm
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 98002
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org

Thursday, July 17, 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 98003
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library: https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668

Monday, July 21, 1–3pm 
Tech Users Group (Online)
Topic: Exploring FamilySearch
See: See: See: Exploring the FamilySearch Wiki: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX_EVzwN1WY – Using the FamilySearch Catalog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9ZAKNaYD9E – I Didn’t Know You Could Search Like That!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q5CTXo0JiY
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.

Saturday, August 2, 2025, 10am–12pm
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Topic: Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.

Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

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 mailing list, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org

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SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Puget Sound Genealogical Society Getting Started in Family History

by Charles Hansen

Up coming events for June.

On June 21, we will finish our series “Getting Stated in Family History” with Cheri Hudson Passey.  This class will focus on Research Plans & Logs, Staying Organized, and Avoiding Mistakes. Class starts at 10:30am.

Our monthly Program on June 25 will be “25 Uncommon Sources for Your Genealogy with Gena Phililbert-Ortega.  The Program will start at 1:30pm.

These will be hybrid, with in person at the Sylvan Way Library (1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton WA), and on Zoom.  The Zoom link will be posted the day before on our website (psgsociety.org)  and our Facebook page.