THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
20 September 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for August 2017, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
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Write It Up! Saturday, October 21st, 2 – 4pm

Presenter: Marti Dell, Co-Editor, GFO Bulletin

You’ve been meaning to write up your family history stories and findings, but with several thousand people on your tree, the task is overwhelming. Never fear, though, because help is here! The GFO’s own Marti Dell, Co-Editor of The Bulletin, can help you identify just one thing you really need to share with others, then write it up! Does anyone else know how your grandma and grandpa met? Why are so many of your female relatives named “Oney”? Some day your 9-year-old grandson will want to know about your family history trip to Sweden. You won’t get everything written until you get one thing written.

And since you’re writing up just one thing anyway, consider sending a copy to The Bulletin for publication. We have editors and proofreaders who will make sure your commas are in the right place and your source citations are formatted properly. What we don’t have, but need, is your story.
This is one of GFO’s monthly GenTalks, which means it’s completely FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
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Celebrate your German Ancestry during Octoberfest!

Family Tree has some amazing deals this month to help you save 40% on their German research resources.

“There is more to Oktoberfest than beer and loud music. With these must-have German research resources, you can learn how to trace your German ancestors, how to interpret and use German-language records, and much more! Even if you can’t be physically in Germany for Oktoberfest 2017, you can still immerse yourself in your German heritage with help from Family Tree. Sale ends September 26, 2017.”
See all the savings and selections HERE.
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Special Upcoming Learn & Chat Sessions at the GFO

Wednesday, October 4th, 10am – noon

Getting the Most out of GFO’s Website and Online Catalog

Our very own Laurel Smith will demonstrate some tricks to navigating the GFO website. She’ll show off how to use the website as a tool to bolster your research. And she’ll demonstrate how many new features the website offers. Then she’ll give examples of how accessing GFO’s online library catalog can uncover hidden resources and improve your productivity during your GFO Library visits.
Wednesday, October 18th, 10am – noon

Gerry Lenzen will demonstrate the use of Family Search to view unindexed records online. See a case study of land records researched for John Day, Grant County, Oregon. Bring questions regarding your personal need for any type of record of interest. We’ll do specific searches for your problems during the session.

As one of our Special Interest Groups (SIG’s), these are free meetings, open to the public.
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Still some books to review! Get ’em before they fly off the shelves!!

The following titles need to be reviewed for our Insider publication. Let Joan know if any catch your eye!
1. Dobson, David. SCOTTISH-AMERICAN GRAVESTONES, 1700-1900, Volume II.
2. Mills, Elizabeth Shown. QUICK SHEET, CITING ONLINE HISTORICAL RESOURCES, Evidence Style.
3. Mills, Elizabeth Shown. QUICK SHEET, CITING ANCESTRY. COME DATABASES AND IMAGES, Evidence Style.
4. Mitchell, Brian. THE TOP 300 SURNAMES OF DERRY-LONDONDERRY.
5. Murray, Sonia Bennett. THEY CAME TO BELIZE, 1750-1810. Compiles from Records of Jamaica, the Mosquito Shore, and Belize at the British and Belize National Arches.
6. Ports, Michael A. GENEALOGY AT A GLANCE,GEORGIA GENEALOGY RESEARCH.
7. Ports, Michael A. INDIAN WARS OF THE AMERICAN SOUTH, 1610-1858. A Guide for Genealogists and Historians.
8. Thode, Ernest. SWISS PIONEERS OF SOUTHEASTERN OHIO. The re-Discovered Settlements of Jacob Tisher, Baron Rudolph de Steiguer, & Ludwig Gall (plus John Joseph Labarthe in Louisiana).
9. Kemp, Thomas Jay. INTERNATIONAL VITAL RECORDS HANDBOOK. 7TH EDITION. Births, Marriages, Deaths. Application Forms and Ordering Information for the Vital Records You Need for Driver’s Licenses, Passports, Jobs, Social Security, Proof of Identity, etc.

If you’re interested in reviewing one of these titles, please email Joan at bookreviews@gfo.org.
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This Week at the GFO…

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd

British Interest Group 1 – 3pm

Researching in the British Isles, including England, Wales, Scotland, and Scots-Irish. We try to have speakers who provide interesting experiences or online databases for research in these countries. One hour of the two hour meeting is devoted to Brick Wall questions. Anyone with an interest in English/Welsh/Scottish research is welcome to join us.
Questions may be directed to: Duane Funk at duanefunk@comcast.net.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th

Library Work Party 9am – noon

There’s another work party at the GFO library today for those of you who can come. There’s lots to do and we’d love to have your help. Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so and you’re welcome to do the same. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
13 September 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for August 2017, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***
Calling all Members – Bulletin Editorial Group Meeting

Interested in helping to make sure the Bulletin can continue to thrive??

All GFO members interested in keeping the life-blood of the Bulletin pumping, are invited to attend next week’s BEG (Bulletin Editorial Group) meeting.

WHEN? Wed, Sept 20th, 3:30pm
WHERE? GFO Library
WHY? To discuss the current status of the Bulletin, especially its publishing and content needs.
WHO? Why the BEG and all interested GFO members of course!
Bottom-line is we need content content content, which means we need YOU, YOUR STORIES, YOUR INSIGHTS, YOUR PERSPECTIVES! Hope to see you there.
Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
6 September 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for August 2017, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***
Follow Us On Facebook and Stay Informed!

Click to start following today!
Are you on Facebook?

If you are, well then you can help the GFO by doing just two things:
▪ Go to the GFO Facebook Page and click “Like.”

OR, even better:
▪ Go to the GFO Facebook Page and click “Follow.” This will ensure you see our posts.

We regularly share genealogy tips from around the country and bring you reminders of all of GFO’s upcoming events.

https://www.facebook.com/gfo.org/
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Better hold on tight! It’s the fastest library tour ever!!

CLICK TO WATCH THIS 15 SECOND TOUR OF THE GFO LIBRARY NOW
***
Just A Few Seats Left for Saturday’s Session, Oct 14th!

GFO’s Fall Seminar is filling up fast! Sunday’s Workshop, Oct 15th, is full.

TOPIC: Breaking Down Brick Walls with DNA

REGISTER FOR SATURDAY HERE or Get on Sunday’s Waitlist HERE

WHAT: GFO’s Fall Seminar (two days!)
WHEN: Saturday, Oct 14th
WHERE: Saturday at the Milwaukie Center (map), and Sunday at the GFO Library
WHO: The fabulous CeCe Moore! DNA Extraordinaire!!

CeCe Moore helped unravel Alice Collins Plebuch’s century-old DNA mystery (news article here), and she’s coming to lend her wealth of DNA research knowledge for GFO’s Fall Seminar goers this October. Don’t miss it! Sign up today!!
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Genealogical Hot Links This Fall…

Genealogical Society of WA

The Genealogical Society of Washington County Oregon will hold its monthly meeting from 10am to noon, Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the Hillsboro Brookwood Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway.

Speaker Don Anderson will talk about “From Native American to Scottish – The Journey to Find My First Parents”. The event is free and open to the public. GSWCO is not limited to research in Washington County, and promotes the study of genealogy in all parts of the world. For further information, call 503-640-4431.
JGSO Cemeteries Program

This month’s program is an interactive event. Instead of just learning about Jewish genealogy we will participate in documenting and preserving it for future generations. This is a fun and educational project that can be performed by all members of the family. We are excited that you will play a part in it!

We will meet at the Kesser Israel Cemetery at 10:30 AM. It is located at 6509 SE Nehalem St Portland, Oregon 97206. See map and directions HERE.
Manifest Destiny

Monday, October 9th, at the LDS Factoria Building. Free admission and refreshments, with doors at 6:30pm. The presentation starts at 7:15pm. Come early to use our extensive JGSWS library and network with other attendees.
JGSWS presents an interactive Ellis Island experience: “Manifest Destiny: Names at Ellis Island,” presented by Joel Weintraub.
Oregon Historical Newspapers

Did you hear?! Have you seen!?! Oregon Historical Newspapers’ website got a complete makeover. Check out all the new bells and whistles HERE.
***
Don’t be shy! We know you love reading and reviewing all those new books at the GFO!

The following titles need to be reviewed for our Insider publication. Let Joan know if any catch your eye!
1. Dobson, David. SCOTTISH-AMERICAN GRAVESTONES, 1700-1900, Volume II.
2. Mills, Elizabeth Shown. QUICK SHEET, CITING ONLINE HISTORICAL RESOURCES, Evidence Style.
3. Mills, Elizabeth Shown. QUICK SHEET, CITING ANCESTRY. COME DATABASES AND IMAGES, Evidence Style.
4. Mitchell, Brian. THE TOP 300 SURNAMES OF DERRY-LONDONDERRY.
5. Murray, Sonia Bennett. THEY CAME TO BELIZE, 1750-1810. Compiles from Records of Jamaica, the Mosquito Shore, and Belize at the British and Belize National Arches.
6. Ports, Michael A. GENEALOGY AT A GLANCE,GEORGIA GENEALOGY RESEARCH.
7. Ports, Michael A. INDIAN WARS OF THE AMERICAN SOUTH, 1610-1858. A Guide for Genealogists and Historians.
8. Thode, Ernest. SWISS PIONEERS OF SOUTHEASTERN OHIO. The re-Discovered Settlements of Jacob Tisher, Baron Rudolph de Steiguer, & Ludwig Gall (plus John Joseph Labarthe in Louisiana).
9. Kemp, Thomas Jay. INTERNATIONAL VITAL RECORDS HANDBOOK. 7TH EDITION. Births, Marriages, Deaths. Application Forms and Ordering Information for the Vital Records You Need for Driver’s Licenses, Passports, Jobs, Social Security, Proof of Identity, etc.

If you’re interested in reviewing one of these titles, please email Joan at bookreviews@gfo.org.
***
This Week at the GFO…

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th

Mexican Ancestry Group 11:30am – 1:30pm

Finding your Hispanic ancestors from Mexico, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. This Special Interest Group (SIG) will pertain specifically to Mexican ancestors from Mexico and the American Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California).

Beginning and intermediate researchers are very welcome. Some subjects will include online parish records, Hispanic genealogy societies, Family History Library/FamilySearch.org. Ancestry.com, solving genealogical problems, methodology of organizing your research, etc. Of course this group will also be about sharing our research experiences, and having fun.

If you know of any other people interested in Hispanic genealogy tell them about the up and coming group. They don’t have to be a GFO member to participate.
For questions or comments, please email Vince at sw@gfo.org.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th

Finding Your People Past and Present 9:30am – noon

Come hear Mary Kircher Roddy give a workshop about researching through City Directories by signing up HERE! Learn also all about how to connect with cousins you never knew you had!

Writers’ Forum 1 – 3pm

This is a peer group of genealogists, who meet to learn about writing and to share our writing with each other. Peggy Baldwin facilitates this group and can be reached at peggyrbaldwin@gmail.com or 503-916-9410.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th

Maps Work Party 9am – noon

We are planning to continue working on this project on the second Sunday of the month from 9:00 am until noon or whenever. Come when you can. Doris Cruickshank, map project coordinator.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th

Free First…uhm, Second Monday! 10am – noon

Not a GFO Member? No problem! Come check out the GFO Library for free (no pesky $7 day-fee needed) every first Monday of every single month! Well, unless there’s a national holiday that falls on that first Monday, then it’s the second Monday you’ll want to keep an eye out for on your calendar! Bring your friends and family (or even your arch nemesis, if you insist) to show them the wonder of the biggest genealogical library between Seattle and San Francisco. We’re open from 9:30am until 5pm!

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
30 August 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for August 2017, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
23 August 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for August 2017, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
16 August 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for August 2017, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***

Eclipse Library Closure

Due to anticipated traffic and nearby events, the GFO Library will be closed from 9:30am until 1pm on Monday, August 21st.
See you on the other side of the sun!
Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
9 August 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for August 2017, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***
GFO’s Upcoming DNA Speakers in the News!

Subjects of a recent Washington Post article, featured also on the front page of The Oregonian’s Living section are coming soon to the GFO!

She thought she was Irish until…. This recent news article recounts the wonderful true story of how Alice Collins Plebuch’s family research encountered a stunning breakthrough using DNA test results. And both Alice and the genetic genealogist, CeCe Moore, who helped her solve her 100-year-old family mystery are both coming soon to the GFO!
Sept 16th – GenTalk (free)

Come out to GFO’s free and open to the public GenTalk next month to hear Alice Collins Plebuch’s story firsthand!

WHAT? SWITCHED AT BIRTH – Unraveling a Century-Old Mystery with DNA
WHO? speaker Alice Collins Plebuch
WHERE? at the GFO Library (map)
WHEN? Saturday, Sept 16th, 2 – 4pm
Oct 14th & 15th – Fall Seminar with CeCe Moore

Come out to the GFO this fall and learn from the same DNA expert who helped Alice find her true ancestral line.

WHAT? Genetic Genealogy
WHO? speaker CeCe Moore
WHERE? Saturday at the Milwaukie Center (map) & Sunday at the GFO (map)
WHEN? Saturday, Oct 14th, 10am – 4:30pm, and Sunday, Oct 15th, 9:30am – noon
HOW? Click HERE to sign up for one or both days.
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Call for More Volunteer Superheroes! Save the Bulletin!

The GFO’s quarterly publication, the Bulletin, needs your help!

We’re searching for two to three very special volunteers to help with layout duties (about 50 hours total per quarter) for the Bulletin. Our Bulletin is published in September, December, March, and June each year, featuring about 40 to 50 pages each issue jam packed with genealogical tips, brick-wall breakthrough stories, highlights from our library’s collections, Bible transcriptions, book reviews, and much much more.

Our current layout specialist volunteer, who is likely shortly retiring from his Bulletin duties, has been utilizing InDesign software to do the Bulletin layouts, but we’re open to other methods and softwares that will also prove to do the trick!

If you’re interested in or are already an expert of graphic design, or even if you’d like to learn something new to contribute to the GFO community, please email bulletin@gfo.org today!
Without a layout specialist volunteer, we won’t be able to continue the Bulletin publications! Don’t let this happen on YOUR watch!
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Beginners’ Boot Camp!?! Only with less wooden ducks.
RSVP Me Now!

Better lace up quick!

August 12th at the GFO from 9:30am to 5:00pm

Join Laurel Smith for a day of beginning genealogy. There will be classes about the census, vital records, immigration and naturalization, discussions about genealogy software and database use, organizing your research and more–all geared toward beginners. Bring a sack lunch so the discussion can continue while we eat.

GFO members may attend for free, non-members $20 at the door.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops, but it is not required.
Please let us know if you plan to attend by sending a message to RSVP@gfo.org. The handouts will be emailed in advance.
***
Mexican Special Interest Group This Friday at 11:30am!

Researching Mexican ancestry within the regions of Mexico, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California and even farther south!

The group meets the second Friday of every month from 11:30am to 1:30pm in the multi-purpose area at the back of the library. Please check the GFO calendar for updates and more information.

This Special Interest Group (SIG) pertains specifically to Mexican ancestors from Mexico and the American Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California). Beginning and intermediate researchers are very welcome. Some subjects will include online parish records, Hispanic genealogy societies, Family History Library/FamilySearch.org. Ancestry.com, solving genealogical problems, the methodology of organizing your research, etc. Of course, this group will also be about sharing our research experiences and having fun.

If you know of any other people interested in Hispanic genealogy tell them about the group. They don’t have to be a GFO member to participate.

The Facilitator is Vincent Ramirez. For questions or comments, please email Vince today!

Like all our SIG’s this group is free to join whenever you have time! And psst! It’s at the GFO!
***

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11th

Mexican Ancestry Group 11:30am – 1:30pm

As noted just above, come on out this Friday for this monthly SIG meeting to learn all about your Hispanic ancestry and how to research this part of your heritage. Hope to see you there. Remember, this is a free group, so ANYONE can literally just come and join the discussion!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12th

Beginners’ Boot Camp! 9:30am – 5pm

Join our fearless president, Laurel Smith, for a day of beginning genealogy. There will be classes about the census, vital records, immigration and naturalization, discussions about genealogy software and database use, organizing your research and more–all geared toward beginners. Bring a sack lunch so the discussion can continue while we eat.

GFO members may attend for free, non-members $20 at the door. RSVP@gfo.org before it’s too late.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13th

Library Work Party Party Party!!! 9:30am – noon

Come on in and help out. We’re currently labeling books for all the counties in Oregon and we can use all the help we can get! The Maps Work Party, which usually meets on this date, will resume in September.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16th

DNA Q&A 1 – 3pm

Lisa McCullough leads a discussion on various DNA related subjects, with each meeting focused on a particular subject. General questions are welcome at the end of each planned discussion. This and all our Special Interest Groups are FREE to the public!