Paola Aguilar and Florida Memory / Unsplash
and Library of Congress

BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS STARTS
TUESDAY, MAY 13 

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 May. This class fun, online and interactive will give you the tools to succeed in your research.
 
This class includes four weekly sessions online 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, both start on May 13, and both will be taught by Kathy Weber and Cecellia Rogers:

• Afternoon class, Tuesdays 1:00-2:30 p.m.
• Evening class, Wednesdays 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 and Register

Stock image by Rochelle Lee / Unsplash
 

TWO EXCITING TOURS FROM SGSJoin SGS Tour of UW Special Collection April 8

Join a private tour of University of Washington Archives and Special Collections. See what’s in the Special Collections and hear how this unique collection was built. Gain first-hand perspective on how to access these records of original Pacific Northwest sources for your genealogical research. SGS Vice President Lisa Oberg, Director of Special Collections of the UW Library, will share insights into the resources available in this fascinating collection.

Exact details about when and where to meet will be delivered several days in advance to those who register for the field trip. The tour will start around 10:30 a.m. Optional lunch on campus to follow.
 
Registration fee: $20 (SGS Members $10)

Register Now

Lisa Oberg received her Master of Librarianship degree from the University of Washington, where she is the Director and History of Science and Medicine Curator for Special Collections in the UW Libraries. Lisa regularly gives genealogy-related lectures at the Seattle Genealogical Society, across the country virtually, and teaches an online course aimed at library staff serving genealogists through the University of Wisconsin’s School of Library and Information Studies.
 

Explore the Secrets of Seattle’s
Disappearing Denny Hill May 14

Between 1898 and 1930, Seattle completed its most audacious engineering change by eliminating Denny Hill at the north end of downtown. By the end of the project, Seattleites had washed and scraped more than 11 million cubic yards of landscape, reducing the previously 240-foot-high mound to its present pancake topography. Join author-naturalist David B. Williams on May 14 as he guides attendees on this walking tour of this historic part of Seattle. Williams will discuss the full scope of this massive regrade project, point out often overlooked but still existing evidence of the topographic changes, and explain how this reshaping of the Seattle’s landscape continues to shape Seattle and those who call it home. 
 
The walk covers about two miles of flat terrain and lasts between 90-120 minutes, depending on how many questions we ask.

Registration fee: $40 (SGS Members $30)

Register Now

David B. Williams is an author, naturalist, and tour guide whose award-winning books include Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound and Too High and Too Steep: Reshaping Seattle’s Topography, as well as Seattle Walks: Discovering History and Nature in the City. His newest book, Wild in Seattle: Stories at the Crossroads of People and Nature is a best of collection from his free weekly Substack newsletter, the Street Smart Naturalist.edc.

FAMILY HEIRLOOMS SHED LIGHT ON
A FAMILY’S FRIENDSHIP WITH THE LINCOLNS

This April is the 160th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Join Caroline Van Deusen for Second Saturday April 12 at 1 p.m. as she explores how family heirlooms rediscovered in attics, archives, and personal collections helped piece together a fascinating story of a family’s enduring friendship with the Lincolns. She will read excerpts from her great-grandmother’s diaries and letters, offering a firsthand account of her friendship with Mary Todd Lincoln.

Register Now

Caroline Welling Van Deusen specializes in custom curatorial services, preservation, project management, and digital stewardship. She is the Private Archivist and Project Director for the E-Archives-Collection of Henry Austin Clark Sr. and has worked with multiple repositories. Caroline is a contributor to the Armchair Historians Podcast and an author and contributing editor for the White House Historical Association. Her blog is Lost + Found History.

NEXT MONTH’S SECOND SATURDAY: “Jewish Genealogy 101,” presented by Rhoda Miller. Sign up separately for this event held May 10.
Photos courtesy of Library of Congress

SGS MEMBERS – VOTE!

The annual election is upon us! SGS Members, please check your email for your election letter, sent April 1, 2025 (members without an email on file will receive their ballot by postal mail). It has all the information you’ll need to vote for the officers and directors who will lead the society during 2025-26, as well as a proposed change to our bylaws. If you can’t find your election letter, go to the SGS website Members Home area and log in. Look for the link “SGS 2025 Election – Vote!”. All ballots must be submitted by April 30th, 8:00 pm.
 SIG HIGHLIGHTS:AI and Organizing SIG Start This Month

SGS had been starting up a lot of new Special Interest Groups in the past year. In April two more groups will join the line up:
 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy will have its first meeting April 3 at 6:30 p.m.
  The explosive growth in AI has lead to many applications for it in genealogical research. Do you use AI in your research or want to learn more about how to do so? Email: SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org (Subject: AI SIG).
   
• Organizing for Genealogy will kick off Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m.
  Get out from under that pile of papers and digital files associated with your research. Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey.
   

Learn about the many SIGs offered by SGS on our webpage. These include the recently added groups focused on Eastern European genealogy and Mexican ancestry, as well as the Pacific Northwest interest group formed last spring.SGS SIG Leader Advices Backing Up 23andMe Data

The SGS DNA Interest Group advises all members that are 23andMe customers to promptly save their raw DNA file[if not done previously] and any important DNA match information. Given recent financial and leadership challenges within the company, it is always wise to safeguard DNA Test information for future reference.

Misinformation is circulating, often from sources unfamiliar with genetic genealogy. We encourage you to stay informed, avoid unnecessary concern, and focus on preserving your data.

 Discoveries Made at SGS Library

courtesy Jill Morelli
Mary Roddy, CG, CGG discovered the baptismal record of her 3rd great grandfather in the SGS library, using our newest database, Archion. As a bonus she got the next generation as well! Congratulations.

LOOKING FOR MEMBERS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE

Do you use a software program on your computer or tablet to record your family tree (e.g., Family Tree Maker, Roots Magic, Legacy Family Tree)? Would you be willing to share with others information about the program you use? We’re looking for answers to simple questions such as: cost ease of use, learning curve does it interface with online sites such as Ancestry or FamilySearch? what features you like best what it does NOT do so well anything else significant to you as a user. We’d like to put together a panel of 4 or 5 genealogists like yourself for a virtual (Zoom) meeting to present a brief summary — just 10 minutes or so–and then answer questions from viewers. If you would be willing to do this, please email Education@seagensoc.org and tell us what software and what device (e.g., laptop, phone, tablet) you usually use. This would probably be on either a Second Saturday or a Virtual Sunday (3rd Sundays of the month), so let us know if you have any conflicts with those dates in the next 3 or 4 months.

SGS LIBRARY NEWS:

Library Evening HoursLooking for a quiet, friendly place to spend an evening doing research? Look no further — the SGS library is open on the third Wednesday of the month from 6PM to 8:30 PM. Evening hours will continue through June.
Hidden Gems in the LibraryHave you explored our collection of the Postmarked Washington books by Guy Reed Ramsey? In his position as a salesman in the lumber industry, Mr. Ramsey traveled throughout the state compiling historical information on the post offices and the communities served by the post offices. Although some of Mr. Ramsey’s manuscripts were published, the unpublished manuscripts, which were gifted to the Washington State Library for preservation microfilming, are being made available through a State Library project. Find out more about the project here.

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, April 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 website.Thursday, April 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! Artificial Intelligence for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), Join this dedicated community for exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research. For more information or to express interest in this SIG, email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10:15 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 get on the email list

Sunday, April 6, 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, April 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, April 7, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! 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, April 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, April 8, 2025, 10:30 a.m., Tour of UW Special Collections, Tour of University of Washington Special Collections with SGS Vice President Lisa Oberg, Director of Special Collections of the UW Library. Register here.

Tuesday, April 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.

Thursday, April 10 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, April 12, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Lost + Found Friendship” Presented by Caroline Van Deusen. Family heirlooms rediscovered in attics, archives, and personal collections helped piece together a fascinating story of a family’s enduring friendship with the Lincolns. Register here.Sunday, April. 13, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Scandinavian Interest Group SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research. This month will feature two case studies: A Journey to Norway and Finding Gustaf Malmgren’s Parents (Sweden). Register here.

Monday, April 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, April 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, April 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, April 16, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Library Evening Hours, Looking for a quiet, comfortable place to work on your genealogy research? Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of the month during our evening hours.

Saturday, April 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.

Saturday, April 19, 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, March 16, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Topic TBD. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.

Monday, April 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.Monday, April 21, 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.

Tuesday, April 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, April 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.

Saturday, April 26, 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.

Monday, April 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.Thursday, May 1, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), At this first meeting, we will get acquainted, discuss ideas and goals for this new SIG. Topic: “AI and genealogy. What?”, Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10:15 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.

Sunday, May 4, 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, May 5, 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, May 5, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! Organizing for Genealogy SIG, Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey. Contact Susan McKee at sgsOrganizingsig@seagensoc.org to join.

Wednesday, May 7, 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, May 8 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, May 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Jewish Genealogy 101” Presented by Rhoda Miller. Register here.Monday, May 12, 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, May 12, 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.

OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND Family Tree Maker SIG
Eastside Genealogical Society
Friday, April 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.

When Hell Came to Sharpsburg: The Battle of Antietam and its Impact on the Civilians Who Called it Home (Virtual)
North Hills Genealogists
Monday, April 21, 2025, 4:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.

Join North Hills Genealogists and author Steven Cowie as he discusses his book on this Civil War battle. Cowie dedicated fifteen years to researching the Battle of Antietam for this book. Get more information on the website and register here.

Jumping the Pond: Connecting Immigrants to Their Homeland
Lower Columbia Genealogical SocietyThursday, April 10, 2025, 6:45 p.m.

Join speaker Mary Kircher Roddy as she helps make connections between immigrants and the old country. Sign up for Zoom link on their website.

Researching Your War of 1812 Ancestor
Olympia Genealogical Society
Thursday, April 10, 7:00 p.m. (Zoom opens at 6:30 p.m.)

Researching a War of 1812 Ancestor can involve a set of interesting records. Join Craig R. Scott as he examines types of service, compiled military service records, how to compile your own service record, pension applications, settled accounts, and where other records can be found. For more information visit their website.
Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page
and click the green renew membership button.
April 1, 2025

SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month.

Pedro Henrique Santos and Stone Hood / Unsplash
and Library of Congress

COME FOR THE MEMBERSHIP MEETING,
STAY FOR PRESENTATION ON LAND RECORDS   

The March Membership meeting will provide updates on SGS activities and slate of board candidates for upcoming election. The meeting will be followed by a special presentation on land records by Marie Mattson.

Since the RootsTech conference takes place on the day SGS would normally present our Second Saturday presentation we moved that event to Sunday, March 23 — yes, Second Saturday on a Sunday!

The membership meeting begins and 12:30 p.m. with Mattson’s presentation “Land Records: A Trail to Our Ancestors” beginning at 1 p.m. Register once and the Zoom link will get you into both events.
 

Register Now

Candidates for the SGS board will be introduced at the membership meeting and the attending members will have the opportunity to propose additional candidates for any position. After that meeting, any new candidates will be vetted to make sure they are eligible to run, after which the slate is final. Ballots will go out at the end of March (via email or postal mail to those with no email address), and voting will run through the end of April.2025 SGS Board Slate of Nominees

President: Kathy Weber
Vice President: Lisa Oberg
Secretary: Leslie Vogel
Treasurer: Betsey Cotter
Education Director: Stephanie O’Connell
Library Director: Kathi M

NEXT MONTH’S SECOND SATURDAY: “Lost + Found Friendship” — Caroline Van Deusen will share how family heirlooms rediscovered in attics, archives, and personal collections helped piece together a fascinating story of a family’s enduring friendship with President Lincoln’s family. Sign up separately for this event held April 12.

NEW GROUPS FOR ANCESTRY USERS AND PUBLISHING KICK OFF THIS MONTH

Ancestry User SIG to meet March 11

Ancestry.com has become one of the largest genealogical websites available today. With vast records collections and extensive tree building tools, there’s much to explore and optimize. To help users get the most out of this resource SGS is launching a new Special Interest Group.

The Ancestry Users SIG is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Members will share research strategies, exchange tips on using Ancestry’s resources effectively, and collaborate to enhance their understanding of Ancestry’s tools, features, and databases.
 
This group will met monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to express interest, email sgsAncestrysig@seagensoc.org.

 

Publishing SIG kicks off March 13

SGS publishes a journal twice annually. A new SIG is forming to organize the writing and publication of the journal.

The Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society (formerly the SGS Bulletin), has been published as a benefit for our members by the Seattle Genealogical Society since 1952. Currently issued online twice a year, it includes articles about genealogy research and methodology, family history, acquisition notes for the SGS Library and the Seattle Public Library, and transcriptions of genealogical records from the Seattle area and beyond. 
 
This new Publishing SIG will meet monthly on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. 
 
For more information or to express interest in this SIG, email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.
Image credits: Lashawn Dobbs, Brett Jordan, Anna Keibalo, Daniel Lara, Mihai Lazar, Raymond Petrik,  Isaac Quesada, Arno Senoner and Annie Spratt / Unsplash and Gama Films and Library of Congress via Unsplash

LEARN HOW TO ACCESS SGS’S ONLINE RESOURCES

The SGS Library has many resources that can help visitors research their family history. There are so many digital subscription offerings that it can be easy to miss something that could be helpful in your research.

Jill Morelli SGS member and former president Jill Morelli will demo most of the subscription services offered at the SGS library on Saturday, March 15, at 10 a.m. These services include American Ancestors, Find My Past, Historygeo, and Archion. Morelli and other volunteers will be at the library to assist in-person attendees who may want to try out her suggestions on SGS workstations after the presentation.


This event is hybrid. Join Morelli at the library or watch her demonstration via Zoom. 

Register Now

SGS LIBRARY NEWS:

New Books Available About Immigrants in North Dakota
Were any of your immigrant ancestors Scandinavian or Germans from Russia? And did they settle in North Dakota? If so, you may be in luck – SGS recently received a donation of community history books for several North Dakota counties. These books include community descriptions and information on families that lived in

Help Digitize SGS’s Vertical Files

For decades, miscellaneous materials were donated to SGS from its members. These loose papers were grouped according to surname and were filed in file cabinets. We intend to digitize these vertical files and need assistance summarizing the material. If you are interested in assisting with this project, please contact the Library Director at library@seagensoc.org for additional information. The work can be done from home or in the library.

HELP STAFF SGS BOOTH AT IRISH FESTIVAL

SGS is sponsoring a booth at this year’s Irish Festival to be held at the Seattle Center Armory on Saturday and Sunday, March 15–16. There are several time slots available on Sunday. Please contact Jim Ryan at janglinjehu@yahoo.com if you are interested in helping staff our booth.

Signature events of the festival include the lively St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Mayor’s Proclamation Luncheon at the prestigious Rainier Club, and the Irish Festival at Seattle Center, where families can enjoy live performances, cultural exhibits, and workshops.

The Irish Heritage Club is sponsoring events even before the main weekend. For a full listing of all Irish Week events log on to the Irish Heritage Club website located at www.irishclub.org.

SIG HIGHLIGHTS:

Writer’s Group Seeks New Member

“The Pass It On writer’s group has an opening for a new member. The group is kept small (5 members) and focuses on writing our genealogy history or memoirs for personal and family use. We meet monthly to review 3-5 pages of each member’s writing. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon virtually using Zoom. Our focus is to review each member’s monthly submission for content, continuity, and interest for the intended audience. If you are interested in joining this group, please send us an email (sgspassiton@seagensoc.org) including some information about your writing and what you hope to accomplish by being in a writing group. You will be contacted to see if this group is a good fit.”

New SIGs on Organization and AI Coming Next Month

SGS had been starting up a lot of new Special Interest Groups in the past year. In April two more groups will join the line up:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy will have its first meeting April 3 at 6:30 p.m.
The explosive growth in AI has lead to many applications for it in genealogical research. Do you use AI in your research or want to learn more about how to do so? Email: Education@seagensoc.org (Subject: AI SIG).

Organizing for Genealogy will kick off Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m.
Get out from under that pile of papers and digital files associated with your research. Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey.

Learn about the many SIGs offered by SGS on our webpage. These include the recently added groups focused on Eastern European genealogy and Mexican ancestry, as well as the Pacific Northwest interest group formed last spring.

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

Saturday, March 1, 2025, 10:15 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 loudaly@nwlink.com. to get on the email list

Sunday, March 2, 2025, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 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, March 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.

Wednesday, March 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.

Monday, March 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, March 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org.

Tuesday, March 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.

Wednesday, March 12 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, March 13 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, March 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Demo of SGS Library Subscriptions (Hybrid: Zoom or at SGS Library), Jill Morelli will demo most of the subscription services offered at the SGS library (e.g., American Ancestors, Find My Past, Historygeo, Archion). She and other volunteers will be at the library to assist in-person attendees who may want to try out her suggestions on SGS workstations after the presentation. Register for Zoom.

Saturday, March 15, 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. Topic this month: Topic this month: Show & Tell: What is your favorite source for learning more about German genealogy? Register on the SGS website.

Sunday, March 16, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, This month’s topic: “Genetic Genealogy (DNA) for Beginners” presented by Cary Bright. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.

Monday, March 17, 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, March 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.

Tuesday, March 18, 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.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Library Evening Hours, SGS library introduces evening hours on a trial basis through April. Use it or Lose it. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Sunday, March 23, 2025, 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m., General Membership Meeting, Update on SGS activities and slate of board candidates for upcoming election. The meeting will be followed by the postponed Second Saturday presentation (see entry below). Register here.

Sunday, March 23, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday Postponed, “Land Records: A Trail to Our Ancestors” Presented by Marie Mattson. Yes, it’s Sunday, not Saturday. But we were at RootsTech the second Saturday in March, so this is to make it up to you (and to reward you for attending the membership meeting). Register here.

Monday, March 24, 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, March 25, 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, March 26, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 a.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, March 29, 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.

Monday, April. 31, 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, April 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 website.

Monday, March 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), At this first meeting, we will get acquainted, discuss ideas and goals for this new SIG. Topic: “AI and genealogy. What?”, Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10:15 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.

Sunday, April 6, 2025, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 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, April. 7, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! 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, April 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.

** NOTE: There will be no Irish SIG in March — Go to the Irish Festival.

OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND

Registration opens for IGHR 2025 (Virtual)
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 6:00 a.m.

Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) 2025 Virtual Institute classes are scheduled to take place July 27 – August 1, 2025. Get information on courses, instructors, and registration.

Fiske Genealogical Library Classes (Free)
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.

March 5 — "A Civil War Ancestor’s Journey through Letters and Research " with Kenneth V. Peterson 
March 12 — "Your Ancestor's Occupation: Exploring the 1821 Irish Census" with Steven W. Morrison

For more information and links to the meetings see the Fiske Library website.

RootsTech 2025 (Virtual & in person at Salt Lake City)
Brought to you by FamilySearch
Thursday–Saturday, March 6–8, 2025

Join the world’s largest family discovery event. There are live presentations as well as on-demand video learning available. Learn more on the FamilySearch website.

“AI and Genealogy” (Virtual)
Skagit Valley Genealogical Society
Saturday, March 8, 1:00 p.m.

Join Dave Obee, author, journalist, and genealogist. Dave has written a dozen books and has given more than 700 presentations at genealogy and history conferences. Can’t make it to the Burlington Library, request a zoom link by emailing genealogy0715@gmail.com.

Irish Week 2025
Various locations around Seattle
Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16, 2025

Celebrate Irish Week 2025 with the Irish Heritage Club of Seattle. See the website.

Family Tree Maker SIG
Eastside Genealogical Society
Friday, March 21, 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.

Join SGS Today

• to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page
  and click the green renew membership button.
  March 1, 2025

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

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