Seattle Genealogical Society News

VOLUNTEER AT SGS SGS is a member-driven and volunteer-run organization. We could not succeed without the support of our members, and the talents and dedication of our volunteers. The benefits of volunteering include camaraderie with fellow genealogists, sharing genealogical tips, enhancing your current skills, and discovering skills you never knew you had.

Help Wanted!

SGS has several upcoming events and projects and we need you.

Japanese Genealogy Seminar on February 2-3, 2019, at the Central Branch of the Seattle Public Library. We need several volunteers the week prior to the event to assemble handouts. On both days, we need volunteers to arrive by 8:45 am and greet attendees. We also need volunteers to distribute lunch on Saturday, February 2nd. 

Spring 2019 Seminar on May 18-19, 2019,  with Diahan Southard – the Seminar Committee needs help prior to the event to mail brochures, transport supplies to the venue, purchase snacks; and on the day of the event – help with set-up and break down. We also need lunchtime table hosts to facilitate conversations.

Board Elections are coming up! We need several members to join our Nominations Committee. Committee members are elected each spring along with the Board of Directors. If you want to assume a leadership role on the Board or help recruit new Board members, send an email to nominations@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

2020 Suffrage Centennial in Washington State – SGS will submit a grant for $5,000 this April to develop and deliver commemorative programs in 2020. Do you have an ancestor who was a suffragette? Or a female ancestor who lived in Washington state in 1920? We are seeking pictures, letters, journals, stories and family history. Help us plan one or more events focusing on the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment. Want to learn more? Check out the Washington State Historical Society’s website .

100th Anniversary of SGS in 2023 – it is not too early to begin planning now. What events and programs do you envision to commemorate our 100th anniversary? What role do you want to play? Help us plan events to celebrate 100 years of SGS.

Indexers – we have more indexing projects lined up this winter and spring. Index when you want and where you want. Help SGS get those records online and searchable!

If you are interested  in volunteering with SGS, please contact Heidi L Mair, Director of Volunteers, volunteers@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org to set up a time to discuss your interests and our opportunities.  

FREE JAPANESE GENEALOGY SEMINAR
with Linda Harms Okazaki
February 2-3, 2019
Seattle Public Library,
1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA

Join the Seattle Genealogical Society and our partners for a weekend of learning how to research Japanese American ancestry. This seminar is funded through the generosity of the Heritage Grant program.

SGS is proud to sponsor one of the first seminars in the region to assist those interested in learning how to research Japanese-Americans heritage. While the program is free, registration is required. Sign up now.  

Entry level family historians are encouraged to attend  Saturday’s all-day program “Exploring Our Nikkei Genealogy” geared toward novice researchers. A box lunch ($15.00) may be ordered in advance. Those who attend this session are invited to return Sunday afternoon, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, for “Ask a Genealogist”.

Intermediate and advanced level researchers are encouraged to attend Sunday morning’s program “Japanese American Research for Genealogists”. Those who attend this session are asked to volunteer their research skills on Sunday afternoon, helping Saturday’s novice researchers  to get started on their family history journey by talking to an experienced researcher.

Click this link to register online:  Register for SGS Japanese Genealogy Seminar  

SAVE THE DATE
  Strategies for Breaking Down Brick Walls, 
With Mary Kozy,
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State,
LDS Factoria Church Building
4200 124th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98006
Monday, February 11, 7:15 pm

  Doors open at 6:30 pm for all to enjoy the extensive JGSWS library’s genealogical resources. Free Wi-Fi, admission, and refreshments.  Come early to network with other attendees. Presentation starts promptly at 7:15 pm.               SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather.  JANUARY    Saturday, January 19, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, Jean Roth, leader  Saturday, January 19, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German SIG, Jean Roth, leader 

Saturday, January 26, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, DNA SIG, this group meets quarterly at Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, co-chaired by Cary Bright & Herb McDaniel. For more info contact SGSDNASIG@gmail.com
FEBRUARY    Saturday, February 2, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly is leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Sunday, February 3, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright. Q&A first hour, while focus second hour in on Genome Mate Pro.

Saturday, February 9, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Second Saturday Speakers Series – “Using Manuscripts and Family Records for Genealogical Proof” with Steven Morrison

Saturday, February 16, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, Jean Roth, leader  Saturday, February 16, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German SIG, Jean Roth, leader 

Clark County Genealogical Society January Meetings

CCGS HOURS

Thurs, 21 Feb 2019: 6-9 pm

CCGS Library

Do you find it hard to get to the Clark County Genealogical Library during daytime hours? Come in on Third Thursday to tap into our richest resource: knowledgeable librarians who can help you with your family history search. We won’t do it for you, but we will provide guidance. One librarian has Scandinavian research expertise. The library has over 10,000 books and resources, and free access on our computers to Ancestry.com and AmericanAncestors.com. Bring your own computer and use our free wifi.

GENEALOGY ENTHUSIASTS GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Tue, 22 Jan 2019:  10 am to noon

Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, Washington 98660

Cemeteries can be a rich source of information for genealogists, but how do you identify the right cemetery and where do you find it? What preparation should you make to prepare for a cemetery visit? Presenter Laurel Smith will help you answer these questions and share tips. Some resources to help you answer these questions will be shared by Laurel Smith. Smith is past president of the Genealogical Forum of Oregon.

USING ONE NOTE WITH YOUR GENEALOGY WEBINAR

Wed, 23 Jan 2019: 11 am-12:30 pm

CCGS Library

OneNote has been one of Microsoft’s best kept secrets. Whether you use other software/applications in the Microsoft productivity family OR you want to use OneNote separately, it is a robust program to use in conjunction with your genealogy management software. Come learn how to get the most out of this great note-taking program in this Legacy Family Tree webinar presentation.

YOU CAN DO THIS: PHOTO ORGANIZING AND PRESERVATION WEBINAR

Wed, 30 Jan 2019: 11 am-12:30 pm

CCGS Library

Are you sitting on a pile of old family photographs, slides, negatives or home movies and wondering how to maintain them? As Baby Boomers take on the task of organizing family history materials, how do we preserve these with all the technology available? Participants in this Legacy Family Tree webinar taught by expert Thomas MacEntee will learn the best ways to organize and keep family photos including outsourcing as well as the DIY approach. Starting with quick and easy inventory and organizing tips, we’ll move on to creating a strategic plan to finally get this photo project done!

“The good things you do and throw in the river of life, will be returned to you in the desert of life.” Sa’adi

German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society Meeting

The German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS) will meet on Friday, February 1, 2019, from 1 to 3 pm in the Primary Room of the Latter-day Saints Church at 10675 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA 98004 with doors opening at 12:45 pm for networking. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings.



Topic: “Using the Online Catalogs for the University of Washington Suzzallo & Allen Libraries” –  Learn to use the advanced search functions of the card catalogs in preparation for our field trip to Suzzallo & Allen Libraries in March. Learn to develop quality search terms, access research guides and the university wi-fi network, obtain a copy card or use printing services and asking for assistance from the librarian.

Presenter:  Janet Camarata is a genealogist with over 30 years’ experience. She is a seminar presenter, educator and trainer in genealogy societies, libraries, retirement centers and senior centers across Washington and supported genealogy by volunteering in a variety of ways – presenter, educator, newsletter editor, program coordinator, publicity and past-president of South King County Genealogical Society (SKCGS).   She currently leads the SKCGS Technology User Group designed to address the technical needs of genealogists in the today’s world of online and offline genealogical research. She is also an instructor of a year-long, 6-week series of classes, Genealogy: Discovering Your Ancestors at Pierce College and Puget Sound Genealogical Society that addresses both topics – genealogy and technology support research in today’s world. Janet is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, a graduate of the University of Washington Genealogy and Family History program.  She has a B.A. (Education) degree from Central Washington University and a master’s degree from Antioch University.  She also taught within The Boeing Company and at the University of Phoenix.

For more information, kindly visit our website at https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/  .

Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society Family Search Wiki

The Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS) presents Family Search: WAYS WITH THE WIKI on Friday, January 18 2019, at 10am to noon at the Bainbridge Island Pubic Library.  The presenter is Joleen Aitchison, BIGS member, noted Puget Sound researcher and expert on the Family History Library. Learn how best to use the FHL WIKI to navigate the internet and further your genealogical research. Free to members, a $5.00 donation is suggested for nonmembers. For more information go to https://bigenealogy.org/. BIGS is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Parking available in the Madison Ave lot and the High School Road lot.

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society Plat Maps

As we begin the new year, Please join us for a shared presentation by Paul Galli, plat map expert with Cowlitz county, together with Joseph Govednik, director of the Cowlitz county museum.

They will help us learn the creation and function of plat maps over the years, which can help us

locate our ancestors in ways many of us were unaware.

LOWER COLUMBIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~walcolgs/

SOMERSET RETIREMENT APARTMENTS

2025 TIBBETTS DRIVE, LONGVIEW

DINING ROOM 7:00 PM

JANUARY 10, 2019

Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

LORI LEE SAUBER, 
VOLUNTEER OF FALL QUARTER
  Each quarter, the Seattle Genealogical Society recognizes one volunteer as our Volunteer of the Quarter. Our Volunteer of the Fall Quarter is Lori Lee Sauber.

Ms. Sauber joined SGS about two years ago. She had recently launched her business, LSquared Innovations, and was searching for a “home” genealogical society. Impressed with the programs SGS offers, she joined. She enjoys attending our seminars, workshops, and classes; especially our Second Saturday Speaker Series. Lori Lee also attends other regional, local, and national genealogy conferences, to soak up knowledge, as well as sell her product, the L2 Scrollio. Her Scrollio is a clever, retractable & editable, scrolling family tree.

We thank Lori Lee for her contribution to the success of our Fall Seminar with Cyndi Ingle. Sandra Stark, SGS Seminar Chair, had a conflict for the Fall seminar.  She asked Lori Lee to take over in her absence. Sandra did the preliminary planning then handed the reins to Lori Lee. Both Lori Lee and Sandra did such a spectacular job –  it went seamlessly.

What does it take to plan and manage one of our seminars? The tasks are too numerous to list here, but include communicating with the seminar speaker, the caterers, venue staff, volunteers, attendees and serving as the emcee for the event. Managing our seminars requires strong communication and logistical skills, while maintaining a calm and welcoming presence. Lori Lee enjoyed making the event flow. That Friday, she did not go home until she knew every detail was nailed down for the seminar on Saturday. At the seminar it was evident that not only does Lori Lee enjoy public speaking, she has a talent for it. 

Lori Lee has been researching her own family for over 20 years and has helped many others with their research. All four of her grandparents’ lines first arrived in America prior to the Revolutionary War. Anyone with colonial roots knows the challenges and rewards in dealing with early American records. She is currently tracing her father’s matrilineal side. Her ancestors migrated as Puritans, then became Quakers in Massachusetts, and throughout the east coast. Her family was part of the 19th century westward Quaker migration into Indiana, Iowa and Kansas. By the late 1800’s, they had found their way to Idaho.    

Prior to founding her company, Lori Lee’s background includes 35 years in the apparel industry. With her new business and genealogy, she has little time for any hobbies, but she does enjoy cooking and she volunteers as an usher at a performing arts theater.

Thank you so much, Lori Lee Sauber, for taking on that large volunteer role for the Fall Seminar.   
A COUPLE OF REMINDERS
  Karen Knudson, leader of the Scandinavian SIG that meets at SGS, wants to remind you that beginning in 2019  the SIG plans to meet quarterly instead of monthly. The first meeting of the year will be Sunday,  January 13 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Then the second meeting of 2019 will be Sunday, April 14. Researching Scandinavian ancestors? This is the group for you.  

Mary Kircher Roddy kicks off our 2019 Second Saturday Speaker Series with “Ins and Outs of Indexing”  on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at 1:00 pm. Indexes for county records are the key to finding deeds, probates and more. As FamilySearch digitizes more and more records, it’s crucial to be familiar with different indexing systems and how to use them. The same skills are necessary for onsite courthouse and archive research. Learn about 15+ indexing systems. Discover strategies to use when you can’t find the index or instructions to use it.  

SAVE THE DATE
SGS JAPANESE GENEALOGY SEMINARwith Linda Harms Okazaki,
Seattle Public Library,
1000 4th Ave,
Seattle, WA,February 2-3, 2019 
Join the Seattle Genealogical Society and our partners for a weekend of learning how to research Japanese American ancestry. The program is free, but registration is required.  Registration is now open.  
Register for SGS Japanese Genealogy Seminar

To read the brochure:  Seminar Brochure

Saturday’s all-day program “Exploring Our Nikkei Genealogy” is geared toward entry level family historians who have friends or family with Japanese ancestry. A box lunch ($15.00) may be ordered in advance. Those who attend this session are invited to return Sunday afternoon, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, for “Ask a Genealogist”.

Sunday morning’s program “Japanese American Research for Genealogists”, is designed for intermediate and advanced researchers. Those who attend this session will volunteer their research skills on Sunday afternoon, helping Saturday’s registrants to get started on their family history journey by talking to an experienced researcher.

This seminar is funded through the generosity of the Heritage Grant program by 4Culture, the cultural services agency of King County.              

 SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. The holiday closure in December is from December 21, 2018 through January 1, 2019. JANUARYSaturday, January 5, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly is leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Wednesday, January 9, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, MAC SIG, Sponsored by SGS and Fiske, this group meets at the Fiske Genealogical Library in Madison Park. Meetings are open to the public and will address topics and resources helpful for those using MacIntosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion program in their genealogy research. $3.00 library use fee applies.

Saturday, January 12, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, (FTM) Family Tree Users Group, Reiley Kidd & Jess Ramey co-leaders, this group will begin meeting on the 2nd Saturday of every odd month (Jan 2019, Mar 2019, May 2019). Family Tree Maker is the genealogy software long associated with Ancestry.com   

Saturday, January 12, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Second Saturday Speakers Series – “ Ins & Outs of Indexing”  with  Mary Kircher Roddy – for more info this program and the other Second Saturday Series programs coming up, see the featured article in this issue. 

Sunday, January 13, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Scandinavian SIG  with Karen Knudson, Researching Scandinavian ancestors? This is the group for you.   

Saturday, January 19, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, Jean Roth, leader  Saturday, January 19, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German SIG, Jean Roth, leader 

Saturday, January 26, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, DNA SIG, this group meets quarterly at Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, co-chaired by Cary Bright & Herb McDaniel. For more info contact SGSDNASIG@gmail.com 

German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society Meeting

The German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS) will meet on Friday, January 4, 2019, from 1 to 3 pm in the Relief Society Room of the Latter-day Saints Church at 10675 NE 20thSt, Bellevue, WA 98004 with doors opening at 12:45 pm for networking. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings.
Topic:  “A Research Experience in the Rheinpfalz region in Germany” – Carol Stromberg will share her research story in discovering more about her Schwarzwalder family, wine growers in Rheinpfalz region in southwestern Germany. She will share her approach to her research, her travel to Germany and include her experiences meeting with her cousins and fellow genealogy researchers, her visit to the regional archives and photos of her ancestor’s home and workplace.
Presenter:  Carol Stromberg is a local genealogist who has been a member of EGS for 10-15 years. She became interested in genealogy in 1996 when she was planning a trip to Germany. Starting with two pieces of paper containing family information, she wrote directly to Germany asking questions and requesting documents. She loves learning about her ancestors and their stories. Her presentation is the results of her latest trip to Germany in 2018.


For more information, kindly visit our website at https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/  .

Seattle Genealogical Society News

WOOHOO! 
OUR 1000th SUBSCRIBER
Recently the SGS eNews! reached a milestone – our 1000th subscriber, Peg Boyle Morgan. Peg is a new member of SGS. She is interested in learning more about her father’s Irish Boyle clan, who migrated to New Brunswick, Canada, in the early 1800’s. More urgently, she is searching for the identity of her maternal grandparents. Of SGS she says, “Thank you for being so welcoming and helpful!”.

Peg is also enthusiastically exploring the volunteer opportunities at SGS. Welcome to SGS, Peg!


SGS ANNUAL APPEAL – REMINDER
Membership dues cover less than half of the costs of maintaining the unique SGS research library, educational programs, and family history services that enrich our broader community. So, each year SGS makes an appeal to our generous members and friends for the contributions that are needed to sustain the society. Our annual appeal request went out via email on December 12th, but it bears repeating. 

SGS turned 95 on October 18th. Please make a tax-deductible contribution today to provide much-needed sustenance for SGS as we look forward to the even grander age of 100! For your convenience you may make your donation online with a credit or debit card at the link below.  Thank you in advance for your support.
Donate Now


* SECOND SATURDAY SPEAKER SERIES * 
Here’s what is coming up next quarter for the Second Saturday Speaker Series.  

Saturday, January 12, 2019, with Mary Kircher Roddy, “Ins and Outs of Indexing” – Indexes for county records are the key to finding deeds, probates and more. As FamilySearch digitizes more and more records, it’s crucial to be familiar with different indexing systems and how to use them. The same skills are necessary for onsite courthouse and archive research. Learn about 15+ indexing systems. Discover strategies to use when you can’t find the index or instructions to use it.

Saturday, February 9, 2019, with Steven Morrison, ”Using Manuscripts and Family Records for Genealogical Proof” – To some, family records, diaries, letters, and personal photographs may be seen as having little genealogical value. Nothing could be further from the truth! Explore how original information can shine new light on undiscovered facts or family relationships.  
Saturday, March 9,2019, with Lisa Oberg, “Finding Your Female Ancestors” – Come learn some helpful techniques to use when trying to track down your elusive female ancestors.  Correction to SGS Board Meeting Time
The SGS Board has changed the hours for their monthly board meeting. Generally the Board will meet on the 2nd Monday of each month from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

SAVE THE DATE
SGS JAPANESE GENEALOGY SEMINARwith Linda Harms Okazaki,
Seattle Public Library,
1000 4th Ave,
Seattle, WA,February 2-3, 2019 
Join the Seattle Genealogical Society and our partners for a weekend of learning how to research Japanese American ancestry. The program is free, but registration is required.  Registration is now open.  
Register for SGS Japanese Genealogy Seminar

To read the brochure:  Seminar Brochure

Saturday’s all-day program “Exploring Our Nikkei Genealogy” is geared toward entry level family historians who have friends or family with Japanese ancestry. A box lunch ($15.00) may be ordered in advance. Those who attend this session are invited to return Sunday afternoon, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, for “Ask a Genealogist”.

Sunday morning’s program “Japanese American Research for Genealogists”, is designed for intermediate and advanced researchers. Those who attend this session will volunteer their research skills on Sunday afternoon, helping Saturday’s registrants to get started on their family history journey by talking to an experienced researcher.

This seminar is funded through the generosity of the Heritage Grant program by 4Culture, the cultural services agency of King County.            

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. The holiday closure in December will be from December 21, 2018 through January 1, 2019. DECEMBER While there are no SIG meetings or programs scheduled for the remainder of December, the library will be open during regular hours through December 20.  
JANUARYSaturday, January 5, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly is leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Wednesday, January 9, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, MAC SIG, Sponsored by SGS and Fiske, this group meets at the Fiske Genealogical Library in Madison Park. Meetings are open to the public and will address topics and resources helpful for those using MacIntosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion program in their genealogy research. $3.00 library use fee applies.

Saturday, January 12, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, (FTM) Family Tree Users Group, Reiley Kidd & Jess Ramey co-leaders, this group will begin meeting on the 2nd Saturday of every odd month (Jan 2019, Mar 2019, May 2019). Family Tree Maker is the genealogy software long associated with Ancestry.com   

Saturday, January 12, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Second Saturday Speakers Series – “ Ins & Outs of Indexing”  with  Mary Kircher Roddy – for more info this program and the other Second Saturday Series programs coming up, see the featured article in this issue.  T