Category Archives: Society News

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society September Meeting

by Charles Hansen

 

Saturday, September 8
Information about our various user groups  (EWGS Meetings)
12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Spokane Public Library Auditorium, Downtown Spokane
Presenters – leaders of the following groups:
The Genealogy Refocus Group is an ongoing educational workshop for everyone who does genealogy, whether beginner or experienced. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Shadle Park Library, 2111 W Wellesley Ave from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. The group is focusing on the best practices for the organization of files and record keeping, research and analysis of findings, and using new technologies and internet tools that assist in research efforts.
Contact Sonji Ruttan:  sunlugen@gmail.com
The RootsMagic User Group meets the third Monday of each month to learn how to use the RootsMagic software to organize genealogy data in a way that each person finds useful. They discuss ways to attach digital images to ancestors and record information in a way that will help find out more about families. They also learn how to make information available in reports and charts that can be shared with others.
Contact John Wilson: wilsonjb@gmail.com
The Valley Clan Diggers meets at a varying time each month. This group meets in different members’ home to share their genealogical pursuits. The purpose and goals of the group are to share current projects, help each other with ancestral “dead ends” car-pool to workshops and take occasional field trips.
Contact Alice Hostetter for further information: (509) 928-4198
The Ancestry Group (TAG) meets the second Thursday of each month from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Shadle Park Library, 2111 W Wellesley Ave. TAG is a forum for all things Ancestry.com.  Ancestry is always changing and the group is able to share these changes.  There is no single “expert” to present and answer all questions.  If someone in the group is unable to answer a question, another member might look it up on their laptop.  The terms “shaky leaf”, “DNA”, “collaboration”, and “member profile” are common to all. Since Ancestry continues to make changes, the TAG group always has something new to learn. So the next time you see an ad on television about Ancestry or have subscribed to Ancestry.com and want more information, consider attending the FREE TAG meetings.
Contact Marge Mero: margemero@yahoo.com
Further information about these groups can be found on our website ewgsi.org under the heading “Local User Group Meetings.”
Cookies & Social Time: 12:30 PM
Meeting starts at 1:00 PM

Olympia Genealogical Society Ask the Experts

by Charles Hansen

Now through September 22–

For fans of “Genealogy Roadshow”, Olympia’s own version called “Ask the Experts” from Puget Sound Chapter Association of Professional Genealogists is coming Saturday October 27 to the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St NW from 10 am to 2 pm. By registering BEFORE September 22 with only the $20 Olympia Genealogical Society member registration fee at www.OlyGenSoc.org  you, too, can ASK THE EXPERTS.   360-754-6230

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Joyce T. Ogden
jtogden@comcast.net

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

SIRI NELSON,
VOLUNTEER OF THE SUMMER QUARTER

Each quarter, the Seattle Genealogical Society recognizes one volunteer as our Volunteer of the Quarter. Our Summer Volunteer of the Quarter is Siri Nelson, Chair of our Nominating Committee.

Siri Nelson has been a member of the Seattle Genealogical Society for several years, but her interest in genealogy and family history goes back to her childhood. She learned much about her family history from her parents. In 2013, Siri completed the Genealogy and Family History program at the University of Washington. This experience inspired her to deepen her research and led her to SGS. Siri’s research focuses upon Ireland, Norway and New England. Siri takes full advantage of SGS offerings – attending the Second Saturday Speaker Series, Fall and Spring Seminars, Special Interest Group Meetings, and using the online and in-library resources. She also enjoys the camaraderie of the other members, including sharing of information, tips and resources, and occasionally breaking through that brick wall.

A little over two years ago, Siri was asked to join the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee creates the slate of candidates for our April Board elections. This involves reaching out to members by phone, email and in-person to recruit our new Board members each year. Serving as the Chair of our Nominating Committee is a challenging role – Siri contacts many people to find the right match for each critical leadership position. She hopes more people will step up. Although demanding, volunteering on the Board does not have to be all-consuming. The benefits of serving in a leadership role at SGS are rewarding. Siri hopes people using SGS resources will continue to support the organization. If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee with Siri, or discussing a position on the Board next year, you may contact Siri at nominations@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org.

In addition to her time volunteering for SGS and attending our events, Siri takes classes in history and other related fields at the University of Washington. She enjoyed the course on Northwest history since her ancestors traveled along the Oregon Trail to settle in the Pacific Northwest. This summer she is taking Colonial American history.

Siri has a yellow lab puppy, Skadi (Norse goddess of hunting, winter and snow), keeping her busy. Siri also enjoys skiing.

Before retiring and devoting more of her time to genealogy, history and SGS, Siri worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Thank you Siri, for your active involvement in the Seattle Genealogical Society and for your leadership role on our Nominating Committee.

SGS AND FAMILYSEARCH

SGS library just become an Affiliate Library for FamilySearch.org. Ann Wright began working toward this goal in February, and it is now a reality! What this means is when you are inside our library, using either your own computer or our patron computers, you will be able to access the “locked” records on FamilySearch.org. Just sign into your FamilySearch.org account. If you don’t have an account at FamilySearch.org, sign up for one; it’s free.

 

SGS FALL SEMINAR IS COMING SOON!

“Sharpening Your Online Genealogy Sleuthing Skills” featuring Cyndi Ingle, genealogist and owner of the popular Cyndi’s List,  is coming your way October 20, 2018. It will be held at Fairview Christian School, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Brochures are going out in the mail shortly. Online registration will begin September 1, 2018.
THE RAFFLE IS BACK!!

We heard your requests to get the raffle back on the schedule for the Fall Seminar, October 20, and we are now accepting donations of goods or services. In the past, we have gratefully received items such as DNA kits, genealogy books, ballet tickets, quilts, and genealogy tools. Use your imagination. Proceeds from the raffle support the SGS library, and donations are tax deductible. Donated items can be brought to the SGS library or mailed to :

Seattle Genealogical Society
Attn:Ceil
PO Box 15329
Seattle, WA 98115-0329

Also please send an email message to :
seminar@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org  so we know when to expect your donation.

 

SAVE THE DATE

Unlock the Past in Seattle, the “land conference”
Seattle Public Library,
1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA
Thursday, September 6, 2018

Have you heard of Unlock the Past Cruises, genealogy on the high seas? Their 14th conference cruise will be to Alaska, Sept 7-14, and sail out of Seattle. They have put together an all day, companion “land conference” for September 6. It will be held at the downtown Seattle Public Library and it is open to all  – whether on the cruise, or not. Blaine Bettinger, Maurice Gleeson, Cyndi Ingle, and Wayne Shepheard will be the presenters.

If you are interested, see their website :
https://www.unlockthepastcruises.com/

“A Day of Discovery with Lisa Louise Cooke”,
Puget Sound Genealogical Society,
4131 Pine Rd NE (at the Bremerton Elks),
Bremerton, WA
Saturday, September 22, 2018
8:30am – 3:30pm

Cost is $50 for PSGS members / $55 for non-members. Lunch is included and will be catered by the Bremerton Elks. For  more information and the registration form see www.pusogensoc.org/psgs/seminar2018

 

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 SGS Library will closed September 2-4 for Labor Day.

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 8, 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 (Sept 2018, Nov 2018, Jan 2019, Mar 2019, May 2019). Family Tree Maker is the genealogy software long associated with Ancestry.com

Saturday, September 8, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Beyond the Pie Chart: Making the Most of Autosomal DNA, our Second Saturday Series starts up again with Karin Borgerson presenting this program.

Sunday, September  9, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson, Swedish and Norwegian Workshop – bring your laptops and your research. We will have resources available to help you with your hunt for your Scandinavian ancestors.

Wednesday, September 12, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Ask the Genealogist, Have you hit a brick wall? SGS and Shoreline Library teamed up for a new program.  A volunteer genealogist from SGS will be available to answer your questions at the Shoreline Library located at  345 NE 175th St., Shoreline, WA.

Wednesday, September 12, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, MAC SIG, Sponsored by SGS and Fiske, this group meets at the Fiske Library in Madison Park. Meetings are open to the public and will address topics and resources meant for those using MacIntosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion program in their genealogy research. $3.00 library use fee applies.
Saturday, September 15, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Irish SIG, with Jean A Roth
Saturday, September 15, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, German SIG, with Jean A Roth
Monday, September 24, 10:30 am – 7:00 pm, SGS Volunteer Recognition Day, the Board of Directors will host a Volunteer Appreciation Day for all 2017-2018 volunteers. Refreshment and a raffle. Stop by for an hour, or stay for the whole day! No need to RSVP.

 

Saturday, September 29, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm,  DNA SIG, this group meets quarterly at the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle. Co-chaired by Cary Bright and Herb McDaniel. For more information
contact SGSDNASIG@gmail

 

FGS September Class

by Charles Hansen

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is pleased to announce the September 2018 webinar, “Using Classes and Research Trips to Expand Your Membership,” presented by Pat Stamm.
Societies are always looking for ways to expand their membership. One of the best ways is to offer benefits. Two potential added values are educational classes and research trips. Learn how to establish these types of programs.
This webinar will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, and will be recorded for viewing on the FGS website shortly after its conclusion. Please register in advance.

Register here: Complete Flyer 

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society September Program

by Charles Hansen

I’d like to let you know about an upcoming educational program we are offering on September 8, 2018 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in partnership with Skagit Valley Genealogical Society. The topic of the program is “Google Tools for Genealogists” and will be presented by George Ridgeway. This event is free and open to the public. I’ve attached a flyer with more information. Please feel free to forward or post on any wall you wish! We appreciate your help in getting the word out, because we would like as many people as possible to benefit from our programs.

 

Hope to see you there!

 

Kathleen Headden, Reference Librarian

Burlington Public Library

820 E. Washington Ave.

Burlington, WA 98233

360-755-0760, ext. 7906

Seattle Genealogical Society is Now a Family Search Affiliate Library

by Charles Hansen

GREAT NEWS!
We have just become an Affiliate Library for FamilySearch.org. This means that when you are inside our Library either using your own computer or our Patron Computers you will be able to access the “locked” records on FamilySearch.org. You will be prompted to sign up for a FREE account through FamilySearch.org, or to sign in to your own account and then you can access the records. We are very excited about this affiliation with FamilySearch.org.

Sue Schack Jensen

Library Director
Seattle Genealogical Society
6200 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
206-522-8658

Jewish Genealogical Society September Event

by Charles Hansen

Dear Genealogy Friends,

 

You are invited to attend our upcoming free genealogy event, on
Monday evening, September 17, 2018.

 

We would also appreciate it if you could help us publicize this event using this email or our flyer, attached below, by emailing or posting it on your bulletin board or calendar, and/or website,
or handing out flyers to or sharing this email with those you think might be interested.

Flyer: 9-17-18 Flyer for Janice M. Sellers–Using Online Historical Jewish Newspapers for Genealogical Research

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State is pleased to present our February meeting program

 

Using Online Historical Jewish Newspapers for Genealogical Research
By Janice M. Sellers, Professional Genealogist

 

DATE: Monday, September 17, 2018 (this is the 3rd Monday of September)

LDS Factoria Church Building
4200 124th Ave SE

Bellevue, WA 98006

(just off I-90 and I-405)

  • Doors open at 6:30 p.m., for all to enjoy the extensive JGSWS Library’s genealogical resources!
  • Free Wi-Fi available and come early to network with other attendees
  • Presentation starts promptly at 7:15 p.m.
  • Free admission and refreshments

 

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM: “Using Online Historical Jewish Newspapers for Genealogical Research”    

Many historical Jewish newspapers are now available online, with more being added regularly. Most are on free sites. This presentation gives an overview of which ones are online and where they can be found, suggests access strategies, discusses what to do if you don’t read Hebrew or Yiddish, and shows sample search results.

 

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Janice Sellers, a professional genealogist, has been researching her family since 1975 and has conducted genealogical research for others since 2005. She is the editor of four genealogical periodicals: ZichronNote, the journal of the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society (SFBAJGS); The Baobab Tree, the journal of the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC); The California Nugget, the semiannual journal of the California Genealogical Society; and the CSGA Newsletter, the newsletter of the California State Genealogical Alliance. She is also the vice president and publicity & programming director for San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society, board member and journal committee chairman for AAGSNC, board member for CSGA, and a staff member of the Oakland Regional Family History Center since 2000.

Janice has a B.A. in French with minors in Spanish and Russian and has completed graduate studies in library and information science, computer programming, and music. She has worked as an editor, indexer, and translator since 1983. Her genealogical areas of specialization are in family history research for the 18th-21st centuries, specializing in Jewish, black American, newspaper, and forensic genealogy.

 

 

Please visit our website at http://www.jgsws.org to join or to donate to JGSWS to help support the incredible speakers and workshops we bring to you, to view library listings, download handouts, or for more information.  JGSWS is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. Membership dues and donations are tax deductible.

 

Thank you very much and we look forward to seeing you, your friends and family!

Karen vanHaagen Campbell
Secretary & Publicity, Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State
www.jgsws.org

 

Puget Sound Civil War Roundtable

by Charles Hansen

September 13, 2018 Meeting

 

First meeting for this season will be at China Harbor (6:00 pm).
The speaker will be Kent Hickey, he will discuss the 1865-66 travels to Appomattox and throughout the South by young Northern journalist John Richard Dennett, whose essays first appeared in the Nation and were later collected in The South as It Is 1865-1866.  During part of his talk Mr. Hickey will portray the journalist Dennett in character, especially in reporting on the Freedmen.   Mr. Hickey will also tell what it is like to work in living history for the National Park Service, based on his volunteer service as a historical interpreter at Appomattox during summers.  For the rest of the year he is the President of Seattle Prep.

See Website for more information and to make a reservation.

Olympia Genealogical Society September Meeting

by Charles Hansen

No waiting in line this year to hand in your membership check! With our new Website (www.OlyGenSoc.org) accepting membership payments there’s no need to bring a check in person (or put on a stamp to send it in the mail). So come, get acquainted, and hear about upcoming Special Interest Groups (SIGs). We’re expecting to form groups on Ancestry; DNA; Family Tree Maker; Legacy; RootsMagic, and maybe FamilySearch.  Which one (or more) is for YOU? Join us on Thursday Sept. 13 at 7 pm at Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 152.  360-451-1059

JOYCE OGDEN, PUBLICITY

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Joyce T. Ogden
jtogden@comcast.net

360) 754-8625

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