Seattle Genealogical Society News

 HAPPY NEW YEAR AT SGS

  Start out 2021 on the right foot, don’t miss the first Second Saturday Series of the new year, on Saturday, January 9, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.   

In this presentation, Carolyn Schott, will be following  the footsteps of the Billigmeier family, who left the Pfalz region after the “Year Without a Summer” to immigrate to Russia in search of a better life. After years of peaceful prosperity in the Beresan (Odessa) area, the fate of two branches of the family diverged. One branch went to Bessarabia and then on to homestead in North Dakota. The branch that remained in the Odessa region had their farms seized and collectivized, suffered during the famine genocide, and finally faced arrest and execution. Some family members were exiled to Kyrgyzstan.

The presentation blends historical events and the story of a specific family. It will also review the documents that were used to re-create the lives of this family, from church records. to local histories, to copies of KGB/NKVD files.

Carolyn Schott has researched her German ancestors for 20 years. She’s a founder of the Black Sea German Research Community, a former board member of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society, and author of the book, “Visiting Your Ancestral Town.”  


IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY
  As some of you may have heard, the owner of the company that hosts our SGS website, EasyNetSites.com (ENS), has run into legal problems. The result is that ENS will only be hosting websites through the end of June 2021 (at best).  Our Webmaster, Ann Wright, has formed a small team to identify a new host and plan a transition of our website to the new host. If you, or someone you know, has experience with current website technology and would be interested in consulting on this effort, please contact Ann at webmaster@seagensoc.org.

David Rimmer,
Director of Technology


SAVE THE DATE“A Post-Holocaust Genealogical and Family History Journey:
From the USA to Ukraine”, 
Jewish  Genealogical Society of Washington State,
Bellevue, WA
Monday, January 11, 2021 
6:00 PM PST


Notice the time is earlier than normal. Visit their website for final info and to get the meeting id. 
https://www.jgsws.org

RootsTech Connect 2021 (Virtual),
hosted by FamilySearch International
February 25-27, 2021


This 2021 virtual conference is free. They do ask that you register. Something for everyone, no matter your age or experience:

  • Genealogy Classes
  • Food and Cultural Demonstrations
  • Mind-break Activities, Exercise and Relaxation
  • Travel and World Heritage 

Visit the website for more info and registration. 
http://www.rootstech.org/?lang=eng
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

* In consideration of COVID-19 social distancing recommendations, the SGS Library is closed until further notice and SGS in-person events have been replaced with online events.
** Go to the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links and for any last minute updates or changes to the schedule.  


Saturday, Jan 2, 2021,  10:15 am – 12:15 pm, FamilySearch Interest Group with Lou Daly, Discover the many ways to use Family Tree and FamilySearch. At each meeting a different aspect of the website will be featured. There will be time for Q & A.  Want to join the mailing list? Email Lou: loudaly@nwlink.com

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, 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. 


Saturday, Jan 9, 2021,  10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Maker Users Group, Learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker 2017 by Software MacKiev . Want to join this SIG? Email operations@seagensoc.org. Chaired by Rob Sexton.
Saturday, Jan 9, 2021,  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Second Saturday Series:”From Church Archives to KBG”, presenter will be Carolyn Schott founder of the Black Sea German Research Community 

Sunday, Jan 10, 2021,  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Scandinavian Interest Group, chaired by Karen Knudson, Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research.

Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcomed. No appointment necessary. Visit www.seagensoc.org Calendar of Events for the Zoom meeting link. 


Wednesday, Jan 13, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, 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. 

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2021, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, MAC Computer Interest Group (Virtual),  Chaired by Lisa Marker and Diane Hettrick, these meetings address topics and resources helpful for those using MacIntosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion program in their genealogy research. The link to logon will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. People wishing to attend should email dhettrick@earthlink.net to be added to the mailing list.  

Wednesday, Jan 20, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, 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. 

Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcomed. No appointment necessary. Visit www.seagensoc.org Calendar of Events for the Zoom meeting link. 

Wednesday, Jan 27, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, 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. 

Saturday, Jan 30, 2021,  10:00 am – 12:30 pm, SGS DNA Interest Group workshop , will be meeting via Zoom.To be included you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join. Link to be sent to the email group prior to the meeting along with the pdf handout.

MyHeritage Year in Review

Throughout an exceedingly difficult year, family history became an increasingly important outlet for people and helped them remain connected to their loved ones. At MyHeritage we worked hard to fill that need by developing new features, adding historical records, and giving back to the community. Read more about what we did in 2020 in our year in review blog post: https://blog.myheritage.com/2020/12/2020-myheritage-year-in-review/   Please feel free to share the link to the blog post, and the following info graphic, with your followers.

2020 Year in Review

I wish you and your family the best for this coming 2021!

Happy New Year!

Daniel Horowitz
Genealogy Expert

MyHeritage Ltd., P.O.Box 50, 3 Ariel Sharon Blvd., Or Yehuda 60250, Israel 60250, Israel, +972-3-6280000

Rogue Valley Genealogical Society Civil War Classes

Happy New Year! January 8, the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society hosts the first of two virtual classes, “Was My Ancestor in the Civil War?” Renown genealogist and speaker, Brian Rhinehart, will show participants how to discover if their ancestor participated in the Civil War. Attached is a photo of Brian. We would appreciate it if you will share this with your members, and possibly post on your website and in your newsletter.

Thank you for your support! If you need more information, please contact Pat Jenkins at 541-415-0465, or pjenkins2364@gmail.com.

Pamela Sasseen, Publicity & Public Relations

Rogue Valley Genealogical Society

psasseen1@charter.net

541-608-8091

********************************************

Do you know if your ancestor was in the Civil War?

Brian Rhinehart, graduate of Boston University’s Certificate in Genealogy Research course, and professional genealogist and speaker, is a direct descendent of six Civil War soldiers. He specializes in Civil War, and War of 1812, records at the National Archives in Washington DC. January 8, Brian will teach the first of two classes on researching Civil War records, “Was My Ancestor in the Civil War?” It is possible, as about 9% of the US population fought in the Civil War in the 1860s. In this class, Brian will share tips on how to determine if your ancestor was in the Civil War, using (mostly) free resources.

January 8, 1:30-3:00pm, $20 for non-members, $10 for members. To register for this virtual presentation, go to https://rvgslibrary.org/FormPage.asp?FormID=10. Once you’ve completed your registration, you will receive an email the day before the presentation with your Zoom link.

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society January Luncheon

Saturday, January 9, 2021 Annual Luncheon and Officer Installation (EWGS Meetings) 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Meeting via Zoom
We will have a “virtual” luncheon, meaning prepare your own favorite dish for lunch and why not include a fun beverage 😉 We will acknowledge past presidents and install new officers for 2021.


Janice Fritsch, PLCGS will present on the Civil War
Bio: What began as the task of completing a family tree for a family reunion turned into a lifelong passion. Over 25 years ago Janice Fritsch began her genealogical journey with her mother, sister Lynda Keenan, and her twelve year old daughter. It has been quite a journey taking her places she had not anticipated.
Her experiences include: ​
Serving as the president of the Illinois State Genealogical Society 2010-2012
Served as a board member of the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2011-2016
Formed “It’s Relative”, a research/lecturing business with Jane Haldeman
Certification from National Institute of Genealogical Studies in American Records & Methodology in Aug 2009
Hundreds of research road trips throughout the U.S and Ireland
Days spent in cemeteries, libraries and archives

January with South King County Genealogical Society

Saturday, January 2, 2021, 10am-noon PT

Family Tree Maker User Group

Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM. Go to https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG for meeting link, meeting reminders and discussion. This is a virtual meeting with closed captioning available. Dial-in (audio only) is also available.

Monday, January 4, 2021, 1pm-3pm PT

Persons of Interest #Research Opportunity

Join us to help tackle the brick walls in your family tree! Go to https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Research-Group for meeting link, meeting reminders and discussion. This is a virtual meeting with closed captioning available. Dial-in (audio only) is also available.

Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 6:30pm-8:30pm PT

Board Meeting

SKCGS Board Meeting. All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Friday, January 8, 2021, 12:30pm-2:30pm PT

German Interest Group (EGS)

Topic is: “The Anabaptists and Finding My Brallier Roots in Alsace.” Speaker Paul Brallier will discuss how wars, politics and religion led to the formation of the Anabaptists and how his ancestors played a part. Visitors are always welcome. Request an invitation at least 4 days before the meeting: https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Monday, January 11, 2021, 1pm-3pm PT

Genetic Genealogy/DNA

“How to Get Started with Your New DNA Results.”

Go to https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy for meeting link, meeting reminders and discussion. This is a virtual meeting with closed captioning available. Dial-in (audio only) is also available.

Saturday, January 16, 2021, 9:30am PT Social time, 10am-Noon Program

General Meeting & Speaker

“Armchair Mysteries Solved at Home with Old School Communication and New School Technology” presented by Patti Gillespie, B.A., M.S., of Family Lines & Stories.

Learn tips, tricks and techniques to successfully resolve ancestor mysteries using both online sites and offline sources for information.

For meeting link and meeting reminders, go to https://skcgs.groups.io/g/society

This is a virtual meeting with closed captioning available. Dial-in (audio only) is also available.

Monday, January 18, 2021, 1pm-3pm PT

Technical User Group

“Google Photos for Identification of Mystery People.” Go to https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG for meeting link, meeting reminders and discussion. This is a virtual meeting with closed captioning available. Dial-in (audio only) is also available.

Monday, January 25, 2021, 1pm-3pm PT

Genealogy Chat

Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Go to https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society for meeting link, discussion and meeting reminders. This is a virtual meeting with closed captioning available. Dial-in (audio only) is also available.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

 HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SGS

The Board of the Seattle Genealogical Society wishes you a happy holiday season.

While we are taking a break from classes, meetings and presentations, now is a great time to take advantage of our website resources.

Take a look at the Women’s Suffrage page, including our Resource Guide, stories of female ancestors and 57 Washington women suffragists.

Read recent issues of the Journal of SGS and eNews!

Check out our Member Surname Registry – available for review whether or not you are a member. We currently have 218 names on record. Now is a great time for members to add family names. Here is your chance to begin a collaboration with someone in our own organization.

View recordings of our Fall 2020 Second Saturdays (members only).

Get ready for 2021! Check our Calendar of Events for more Special Interest Groups, Second Saturdays and classes. There you will find our full listing of offerings through June 2021.

If you have not checked out our new meetings, mark your calendars now:
Tech Tuesdays will next meet after the holidays on January 12th at 10:00 am PST and continue on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. Bring your challenge or question and one of our rotating facilitators will be on hand to help. Brags and Bricks, our informal social hour and exchange of genealogical gems will resume on January 6, 2020 at 10:00 am PST and meet every Wednesday.

Have a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in 2021.    Heidi L. Mair Director of Education Seattle Genealogical Society https://seagensoc.org

HOLIDAY SPECIAL GIFT PACKAGES FROM NGS
Looking for a special and meaningful gift for a family member or friend? Have you been promising yourself a gift to learn more about an area of genealogy that will help advance your own family history?

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) has holiday special packages for some of their most popular genealogy courses with great savings for both NGS members and non-members. All of the courses are online using an e-learning system so students can join from home or on-the-go, and complete coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule.

Hurry! The holiday sale starts December 7 and ends January 5, 2021. To find out more visit their
Web page : 
https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/holiday-special-gift-packages-from-ngs/


SGS 2020 ANNUAL APPEAL LETTER
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support the Seattle Genealogical Society and Library during our Annual Appeal this holiday season. Send your check to SGS, PO Box 15329, Seattle WA 98115-0329, or use your credit/debit card to:
Donate Now Online
If you have a Paypal account, you may donate to SGS via the Paypal Giving Fund. The transaction fee will be waived and your gift will be matched with an additional 1% by the fund. Go to:
Paypal Giving Fund – SGS
  Thank You!    


SAVE THE DATE“Finding Your Roots: Using the Entire Genealogy Tool Box”, Jewish  Genealogical Society of Washington State,
Bellevue, WA
Monday, December 14, 2020 
7:00 PM PST


Coral Grant will be the presenter for this online, virtual meeting. The “room will open” at 7 PM and the meeting will begin at 7:15 PM.  Visit their website for more info and the meeting id. 
https://www.jgsws.org

RootsTech Connect 2021 (Virtual),
hosted by FamilySearch International
February 25-27, 2021


This 2021 virtual conference is free. They do ask that you register. Something for everyone, no matter your age or experience:

  • Genealogy Classes
  • Food and Cultural Demonstrations
  • Mind-break Activities, Exercise and Relaxation
  • Travel and World Heritage 

Visit the website for more info and registration. 
http://www.rootstech.org/?lang=eng
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS*

In consideration of COVID-19 social distancing recommendations, the SGS Library is closed until further notice and SGS in-person events have been replaced with online events.
** Go to the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links and for any last minute updates or changes to the schedule.  

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, 

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. 
Saturday, Jan 9, 2021,  10:15 am – 12:15 pm,

Family Tree Maker Users Group, Learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker 2017 by Software MacKiev . Want to join this SIG? Email operations@seagensoc.org. Chaired by Rob Sexton.
Saturday, Jan 9, 2021,  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm,

Second Saturday Series:”From Church Archives to KBG”, presenter will be Carolyn Schott founder of the Black Sea German Research Community 

Sunday, Jan 10, 2021,  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm,

Scandinavian Interest Group, chaired by Karen Knudson, Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research.

Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am,

Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcomed. No appointment necessary. Visit www.seagensoc.org Calendar of Events for the Zoom meeting link. 
Wednesday, Jan 13, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 pm,

 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. 

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2021, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, 

MAC Computer Interest Group (Virtual),  Chaired by Lisa Marker and Diane Hettrick, these meetings address topics and resources helpful for those using MacIntosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion program in their genealogy research. The link to logon will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. People wishing to attend should email dhettrick@earthlink.net to be added to the mailing list.  

Wednesday, Jan 20, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, 

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. 

Wednesday, Jan 27, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, 

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. 

Saturday, Jan 30, 2021,  10:00 am – 12:30 pm,

SGS DNA Interest Group workshop , will be meeting via Zoom.To be included you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join. Link to be sent to the email group prior to the meeting along with the pdf handout.    

MyHeritage Norway Census

I am delighted to announce the addition of two new collections of Norway Census records —  the 1875 Norway Census and the 1870 Norway Census. Digitized in collaboration with National Archives of Norway (Arkivverket), the 2 million records in these collections include high-quality scans of the original documents.

Search the new Norwegian Census Records

The collections hold particular interest as they cover a unique time in Norwegian history. The largest single wave of emigration from Norway occurred between 1879 and 1893. Spurred on by the promise of new opportunities, 250,000 Norwegians left Norway for other countries like the U.S. The 1875 census offers the opportunity to catch a snapshot about these Norwegian ancestors while they were still in Norway. For those in the U.S. and abroad with Norwegian heritage, this census collection may unlock important details about their Norwegian roots.

Beyond their historical significance, the collections are important as they contain details that are not often found within a typical census collection. In addition to listing the person’s name, residence, position within the family, gender, marital status, and occupation, the census also includes information on languages spoken, birthplace of the residents, and their birth years. In specific cases, even medical conditions are listed. Also included are individuals who were temporary residents of the household or those registered to a household who may have been absent at the time of the census count. This means that a single individual may have been listed in more than one entry, if they were visiting another home at the time the census was taken. 

Please find the official blog post here with some nice example records from this collection.
We would be grateful if you share this news.

image4-11

With the release of these collections, and the recent release of 42 million Norway Church records, MyHeritage now offers 246 million records from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, making MyHeritage the market leader for Scandinavian family history.

Searching the Norway Census Records on MyHeritage is completely free. If you have a family tree on MyHeritage, our Record Matching technology will notify you automatically if records from these collections match your relatives. To view these records or to save records to your family tree, you’ll need a Data or Complete subscription.

Enjoy,

Daniel Horowitz

Heritage Quest Research Library Holiday Shopping

It’s time for Holiday shopping!
We had such a great response from all of you that we have made an effort to be OPEN for the next 2 Saturdays in December.
   
We hope that you will come on in and check out the USED BOOK SALE in the classroom.  We are also continuing to offer “no sales tax on “our Bookstore items. 

Saturday, December 12, 2020 –  We OPEN at 10.00 AM
Saturday, December 19, 2020 –  We OPEN at 10:00 AM

 

Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society Christmas Chat

Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society announces our virtual December meeting:


“A Christmas Chat”Monday, December 14, 2:00 p.m. at your computer.

Contact wagslibrarian@wags-web.org to get the Zoom link.
This will be an informal get-together to share our experiences and accomplishments in 2020, and hopes for the new year. You’re also invited to show-and-tell something you have that’s really old. We’re looking forward to finishing our year in this most pleasant manner!

Thank you, Susan Rumble

WAGS