Category Archives: Society News

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Mapping your Ancestors

by Charles Hansen

Upcoming educational program on October 13, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in partnership with Skagit Valley Genealogical Society. The topic of the program is “Mapping Your Ancestors” and will be presented by Janet O’Connor – Camarata.

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.
Please contact me with any questions or feedback. Thank you for helping us spread the word about these free and valuable community
resources.Hope to see you there!

Kathleen Headden, Reference Librarian
Burlington Public Library
820 E. Washington Ave.
Burlington, WA 98233
360-755-0760, ext. 7906
SVGS 10.13.18 Meeting Flyer

Clark County Genealogical Society October Classes

by Charles Hansen

LEGACY GENEALOGY SOFTWARE USER GROUP

Mon, Oct 1, 2018: 10 am-noon

CCGS Education Center

If you use Legacy Family Tree Software for tracking your genealogy research,
there is a Legacy Users Group that meets monthly to discuss tips, tricks and
problems. You will always come away with some new ideas. The meetings are
held regularly on the first Monday of the month. Members and non-members are
welcome.

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH BOOK CLUB

Mon, Oct 1, 2018: 12-1:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

There are many “research rich” books of genealogical historical collections,
as well as “how to” books on methods, collection and data storage of
genealogy research. This group delves into one book at a time and discusses
how to make the best use of it. Join this casual group as they delve into
their favorite topic of books on family history discovery and sleuthing.
(Brown baggers welcome!)

FINDING THE WOMEN IN YOUR FAMILY TREE GENEALOGY CLASS

Tues, Oct 2, 2018: 10 am-12 noon

CCGS Education Center

Where are the women in your family tree? Half of your ancestry comes from
women, yet we tend to focus our genealogical searches on men because their
last name seldom changed. This class will focus on the importance of
including all the women in your search as well as the where and how to find
them. Genealogist Barbara Shrag will show you ways to locate your missing
ladies! Classes are $12 for CCGS members and $15 for non-members. To
register in advance call the CCGS library, 360-750-5688. (Classes with
insufficient registration may be cancelled.)

REMOTE RESEARCH IN THE DATABASES OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH SYSTEM WEBINAR

Wed, Oct 3, 2018: 11 am – 12:30 pm

CCGS Library

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has been
collecting genealogical information since 1890 to support both the
application process for membership and to honor the service of Patriots. The
Society operates a marvelous library in Washington, DC. Over the last few
years they have scanned and provided public access to extensive online
resources. This Legacy Family Tree webinar will show you how to tap into
some of those resources for your family history research.

Unfocused Genealogy Discussion Group

Thu, Oct 4, 2018: 1-3 pm

CCGS Education Center

There’s no meeting agenda, no special topic, just a group of curious people
bringing genealogy research notes, questions, brick walls, etc. to share
with the group. Get ideas for the next steps you should take in your
research.

WRITING YOUR OWN OBITUARY Plus FIND-A-GRAVE ONLINE RESEARCH TIPS GENEALOGY
CLASS

Tues, Oct 9, 2018: 10 am-12 noon

CCGS Education Center

How reliable do you think obituary records are? It depends who wrote them
although it is usually the survivors or descendants. They might not know the
decedant’s birth date or birth place. With the help of instructor Lela
Miller, you’ll learn how to write your own or another’s obituary so that it
is factual and published correctly. The second segment of this class is
taught by genealogist Alice Allen and it will delve into using Find-A-Grave
online research, access tips and how to connect with Find A Grave
information providers. Classes are $12 for CCGS members and $15 for
non-members. To register in advance call the CCGS library, 360-750-5688.
(Classes with insufficient registration may be cancelled.

SCANDINAVIAN ROOTS FOCUS GROUP

Thu, Oct 11, 2018: 10-11:30am

CCGS Education Center

If you want to discover your Scandinavian roots, attend this monthly meeting
and learn how to conduct your research. Meet with other like-minded
individuals who have discovered their ancestors going back many generations.
Geographic areas include Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and the
Faroe Islands. This group meets regularly on the second Thursday of the
month, September-May. Members and non-members are welcome.

GENEALOGY AND THE LAW CLASS

Tues, Oct 16, 2018: 10 am-12 noon

CCGS Education Center

Your genealogical research has located an ancestor in documents with terms
such as fieri facias or maybe guardians in socage. What are these words?
Legal terms and the law not only determined your ancestor’s decisions and
actions but also where you may locate them through records in buying and
selling land, writing wills or paying taxes. Instructor Dale Deatherage will
teach you how to navigate some common and uncommon legal terms that
determined your ancestor’s futures. Classes are $12 for CCGS members and $15
for non-members. To register in advance call the CCGS library, 360-750-5688.
(Classes with insufficient registration may be cancelled.

HO TO CALIFORNIA! THE DRAW OF THE GOLD RUSH WEBINAR

Wed, Oct 17, 2018: 11 am – 12:30 pm

CCGS Library

Few events in America have had the impact of the California Gold Rush and
the desire to have a better life; an event that lasted seven short years.
The Gold Rush swelled the population of California by the hundreds of
thousands. And, it was all for the little flecks of gold that shone so
brightly. People rushed in from all over the world. This Legacy Family Tree
webinar will help you find out if your ancestors headed West to make their
fortune.

THIRD THURSDAY EVENING HOURS

Thurs, Oct 18, 2018: 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.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING FOR GENEALOGY ENTHUSIASTS

Tues, Oct 23, 2018: 10am – 12 pm

Presentation: “What’s New in the Family Search Website”

FamilySearch.org recently added their two billionth image to their website.
Some images are of microfilm reels; others are newly acquired. This
presentation will assist you in finding the digital records of most interest
to you. Indexing cannot keep up with the volume of records made available
and tips will be given for using sleuthing methods that often yield the best
results. A 30+ year researcher, speaker Tom O’Brien is involved in many
Portland-area genealogy groups and has specialties in Irish and German
Research.

10 EASTERN EUROPEAN GENEALOGY RESOURCES YOU MIGHT BE MISSING WEBINAR

Wed, Oct 24, 2018: 11 am – 12:30 pm

CCGS Library

While church registers are the most popular and useful sources for tracing
most Eastern European ancestors, and civil registration of births,
marriages, and deaths provide even more details, there are other record
groups to be searched that may prove useful, especially in the absence of
church and vital records for your locality. This Legacy Family Tree webinar
will discuss available census, tax lists, land, military, and other records
and how to access them.

RESEARCHING MISSOURI RECORDS GENEALOGY CLASS

Tues, Oct 30, 2018: 10 am-12 noon

CCGS Education Center

Instructor: Brian Runyan

You’ll learn best practices for researching hidden Missouri records to trace
your family history in this class taught by CCGS president, Brian Runyan.
The state of Missouri is a true crossroads state and has an early settlement
history. French Canadians arrived via river travel between 1764 and 1803.
With statehood in 1821, more settlers seeking land arrived from the east.
Chances are, you had ancestors who traveled through or settled in Missouri.
Classes are $12 for CCGS members and $15 for non-members. To register in
advance call the CCGS library, 360-750-5688. (Classes with insufficient
registration may be cancelled.)

PRIVACY ISSUES WITH ONLINE FAMILY TREES

Wed, Oct 31, 2018: 11 am – 12:30 pm

CCGS Library

Privacy remains a huge issue for many genealogists and their family members.
This Legacy Family Tree webinar will discuss the varied approaches to the
question of privacy, focusing on legal and ethical considerations. As
genealogists increasingly utilize public, or semi-public online
collaborative genealogy platforms, these questions are becoming more common.
The lecture will use real-world examples to analyze the problems and
proposed solutions.

Eastern Washington Genealogy Society October Meeting

by Charles Hansen

 

What's New at Family Search?

Saturday, October 6
What’s New at Family Search?  (EWGS Meetings)
12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Spokane Public Library Auditorium, Downtown Spokane
Presenter –  Donna Potter Phillips
Donna will tell us what is happening and what is new with Family Search. This website is evolving daily!!
Donna Potter Phillips has been a member of EWGS since 1976; twice president; now vice-president of WSGS; has given presentations to societies all over the northwest, her passion is genealogy 100%!  She helps her dachshund, TIka, with her Tika Thinks page on Facebook.
Cookies & Social Time: 12:30 PM
Meeting starts at 1:00 PM

Jefferson County Genealogical Society Brick Wall Problems Solved

by Charles Hansen

BRICK WALLS: THE PROBLEM OF COMMON NAMES
Once a year Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS) members have an opportunity to ask for help with their research problems. The 2018 Brick Wall Program will focus on the problem of “common names”. Members have been invited to submit their “common name”  Brick Walls to a panel of “experts” who will do their best to point them in the right direction. Join us for the fun of learning  some tricks and hints. Public is invited. Free. Saturday morning, October 20th, 9:30-11:30 at the Tri-Area Community Center, 10 W. Valley Rd, Chimacum.  <www.wajcgs.org>

Puget Sound Civil War Roundtable Meeting

by Charles Hansen

Upcoming PSCWRT Meeting

October 11, 2018
The renown writer and historian, Walter Stahr returns to Seattle to tell the story of his latest book – Stanton: Lincoln’s War Secretary. Stahr captures the essence of the controversial Edwin M. Stanton who, while a staunch Democrat, revered the Republican Lincoln and supported the war effort with all his considerable talents.

Stanton was at the epicenter of the Andrew Johnson impeachment as he sought to advance the cause of freedmen during the dark days of the Lincoln assassination and reconstruction.  This will likely be the most influential discussion of the season.

Mr. Stahr is also the author of Seward: Lincoln’s Indispensable Man and John Jay: Founding Father. Mr. Stahr practiced international law for 25 years, including seven in Hong Kong and five with the SEC.
http://walterstahr.com/

Social hour begins at 6:00 pm, Dinner at 6:45 pm, and program at 8:00 pm.  Click the button below to make a reservation. Students may attend free without a dinner.

PSCWRT Website

Latest on Grays Harbor Research Library

by Roxanne Lowe

Fire at Aberdeen Armory, home of the GHGS Research Library, 09 Jun 2018

The Grays Harbor Genealogical Society has had a few ups and downs recently as they begin to rebuild their research library. As you may remember, their library was destroyed by a three-alarm fire that destroyed the Aberdeen Armory on 09 Jun 2018. The fire also destroyed much of the Aberdeen Museum of History, Coastal Community Action Program and the Aberdeen Senior Center.

What GHGS lost

While it may take years to determine everything that was lost, the society is particularly saddened about the loss of:

  • More than 22,000 hard copy obituaries that were taped to index cards and stuffed tightly in metal file cabinets. Fortunately, a digital newspaper obit index was stored off-site. Efforts are being made to find area obituaries at other locations, such as local libraries.
  • Thousands of mortuary records from now closed Whiteside and Elerding Funeral Homes, for funerals from 1907 – 2015. The Washington State Library has graciously offered to scan their collection of over 200 four-inch binders.
  • Birth, marriage and death records from the 1970s to 1907.
  • Chehalis County Marriage Index from the 1850s to 1990s.
  • Unique compilations of cemetery inventories for outlying cemeteries.
  • Tables, chairs, pencils, pens, notepads, wastepaper baskets, bulletin boards, photographs, signage…you get the idea.

Current situation

The cause of the fire is still undetermined. In addition, we are still unable to get inside the building. At last report, the City of Aberdeen (owners of the building) need to hire a structural engineer to assess the building’s integrity. After that, a separate company will be hired to clean up the building, then a third company to carry out the recovery. The City has activated a Board of Museum and History to discuss the future of the Aberdeen Museum.

Thanks to the generous donations from fellow genealogical societies and individuals, we were able to purchase a photocopier and two computers. We were also able to find a temporary space, compliments of the Hoquiam Library. Due to a remodeling project at the library, however, we have had to move again — into members’ spare rooms and storage.

What we’re looking for

Donation from Clallam County Genealogical Society

We’ve been extraordinarily grateful to those local societies and individuals who have offered financial aid and resources. We have suspended our Go Fund Me page, but donations may still be made directly to GHGS, P.O. Box 916, Aberdeen, WA 98520.

We’re very much on the lookout for Grays Harbor-related materials like old city directories, telephone books, school yearbooks, family histories, obituaries, etc. No donation is too small. Many societies have scoured their holdings and sent us area-specific books. If you have materials related specifically to Grays Harbor or Chehalis Counties, we’d love to hear from you at Info@GraysHarborGenealogy.com.

What’s next

We are sponsoring a workshop fundraiser on Saturday, October 13, from 1:00 – 3:15 at the American Legion Hall, 115 W. First Street, Aberdeen. Professional genealogist Pam Vestal from the Portland area has donated her time and talent for the two-session workshop fundraiser. The cost is $25 per person. Those that sign up early may attend a free class with Pam in the morning. For more information, contact Info@GraysHarborGenealogy.com.

Final word

No update on our situation would be complete without thanking all those who have contacted us to express their sympathies and support. Every message, donation and kind word has been humbly appreciated.

Eastside Gen Soc Uses Innovative Grant for Workshop

by Roxanne Lowe

Maureen Taylor (left) and Celia McNay, Eastside Genealogical Society President

The Eastside Genealogical Society threw itself a 40th birthday party on Saturday, 15 Sep 2018. The society has been celebrating every month this year in a small way, but really hit the big time hosting Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, in an all-day workshop in Bellevue. The workshop was free to EGS members as a thank you for 40 years of support, while others paid a small fee. Ms. Taylor presented Photo Detecting 101, Google Images and Beyond and Discovering Genealogical Clues in Photographs. Well done, value-added presentations all around.

EGS used its 2018 WSGS Innovative Grant to help fund the workshop — an excellent use of the grant. Besides the Eastside Genealogical Society, the four other successful 2018 grant winners were:

  • Lower Columbia Genealogical Society to purchase genealogical books to donate to the Longview Public Library for public use. Lower Columbia has generously donated books for a number of years, using money from membership dues and their coffee stops.
  • Okanogan Genealogical Society to help purchase supplies to repair and preserve books holding the “Tonasket Times” newspaper from 1913 – 1952.
  • Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society to help publish a book on “Early Stillaguamish Valley Schools” in the Arlington Area.
  • Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society for digital preservation of family records, library holdings and archival documents.

More information about the deadlines for the 2019 Innovative Grants will be publicized in the coming months.

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Educational Program

by Charles Hansen

I’d like to let you know about an upcoming educational program we are offering on October 13, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in partnership with Skagit Valley Genealogical Society. The topic of the program is “Mapping Your Ancestors” and will be presented by Janet O’Connor – Camarata.

 

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.
Please contact me with any questions or feedback. Thank you for helping us spread the word about these free and valuable community resources.
Hope to see you there!

SVGS 10.13.18 Meeting Flyer

 

Kathleen Headden, Reference Librarian

Burlington Public Library

820 E. Washington Ave.

Burlington, WA 98233

360-755-0760, ext. 7906

 

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

WATCH YOUR MAIL …
2018 FALL SEMINAR BROCHURE IS
COMING TO YOUR MAILBOX VERY SOON!

We are excited, honored, and very fortunate to be hosting Cyndi Ingle as the speaker for our 2018 Fall Seminar. Cyndi is the owner and creator of Cyndi’s List of Genealogy Sites, a categorized index of over 336,000 online resources. Her award-winning site helps millions of visitors worldwide.

 

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 20, 2018. The seminar will be at Fairview Christian School, 844 NE 78th St, Seattle, WA from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Cost: $55 for SGS members, $65 for all others.  Lunch will be available by pre-order. Fill out your seminar brochure right away and get ready to enjoy a fascinating series of lectures by one of genealogy’s prominent teachers.
There are two ways to register. Fill in your registration form and mail it back, or you may Register online for the SGS 2018 Fall Seminar

SGS MEMBERSHIP MEETING,
OCTOBER 13, 2018
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

Please join us for our October Membership Meeting! Hear from the SGS Board. The business meeting will be followed by a presentation from our Second Saturday Series.

FGS DIRECTOR’S AWARD GOES TO CDG SERIES

SGS president, Jill Morelli, was so pleased to have her Certification Discussion Group series recognized nationally by FGS (the Federation of Genealogical Societies). She was informed that the CDG series has been awarded a Director’s Award. “Totally unexpected”, she said.  Jill thanks all the people that helped make this possible – Angela McGhie, Cari Taplin, the SGS Board, Christine Schomaker, and others.

If you are working toward certification as a professional genealogist, or simply want to learn more about the CDG series, or want to put your name on the waiting list, visit:
theCDGseries.wordpress.com

SAVE THE DATE

“Using Online Historical Jewish Newspapers for Genealogical Research”,
Jewish  Genealogical Society of Washington State,
LDS Factoria Bldg,
4200 124th Ave SE,
Bellevue, WA
Monday, September 17, 2018
7:15pm

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.

“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

​“Harvest Your Family Tree”,
The Kelowna & District Genealogical Society Conference 2018,
Kelowna, BC
Friday, September 28 – Sunday, September 30

There will be plenty to see and learn at one of Western Canada’s largest genealogy conferences – eleven speakers on 31 topics. Featuring Louis Kessler, programmer,
genealogist, member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and Genealogical Speakers Guild (GSG) will be speaking about Double Match Triangulation, the program he developed for autosomal DNA analysis. His program won third place at the 2017 RootsTech Innovator Showdown.

 

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.

SEPTEMBER

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

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 6, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian SIG, come join David Robert, group leader, for help researching your Canadian ancestors.

Saturday, October 6, 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, October 7, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright, First hour focuses on questions that group members bring; second hour focuses on Genome Mate Pro

Saturday, October 13, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, October Membership Meeting & Second Saturday Speaker Series, short business meeting, hear from the SGS board, followed by a presentation

Sunday, October 14, 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.

Saturday, October 20, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, “Sharpen Your Online Genealogical Sleuthing Skills”, with Cyndi Ingle of Cyndi’s List fame. This is the SGS Fall Seminar and will be held at Fairview Christian School in Seattle. The SGS library will be closed on this day so volunteers may attend the seminar.

Saturday, October 27, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, with Jean A Roth
Saturday, October 27, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German SIG, with Jean A Roth

Saturday, October 27, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Digging Deeper Workshop: Researching Washington’s World War I Honor Roll,  with Lisa Oberg, at the University of Washington

 

 

Olympia Genealogical Society October Meeting

by Charles Hansen

Thurston County Home front During World War 1″ will be the topic of Jennifer Crooks’ presentation to the Olympia Genealogical Society’s October meeting. She is a local historian specializing in early 20th century and History Writer for ThurstonTalk.com.  Join us on Thursday October 11 at 7 pm, Thurston County Courthouse, 2000 Lakeridge DR SW, Olympia in Building 1, Room 152.

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Joyce T. Ogden
jtogden@comcast.net