Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.
Jill’s genealogical journey began with “Roots” from the 1970s. It really took off after completing a University of Washington certificate course, which led to the ProGen 19 study group. Along the way, Jill attended numerous national conferences and multiple genealogical institutes. She became a Certified Genealogist (CG) and later a Certified Genealogical Lecturer (CGL). Jill is a past president of the Seattle Genealogical Society, blogger for more than a decade, and co-founder of the Applied Genealogy Institute.
Jill joined the PS-APG in 2014. During 2018-19, the chapter nearly folded due to ailing attendance at onsite meetings. In 2020, chapter meetings went virtual and Jill volunteered to recruit interesting and notable speakers. Her efforts culminated in 2022 when the PS-APG chapter received the “Golden Chapter” award for the most improved APG chapter.
For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.
American Plains Indians who fought against these soldiers referred to the black cavalry troops as “Buffalo Soldiers” because of their dark, curly hair, which resembled a buffalo’s coat and because of their fierce nature of fighting. The nickname soon became synonymous with all African-American regiments formed in 1866. (Wikipedia)
Idaho has strong connections to Buffalo Soldiers. Units from Ft. Missoula and later Ft. Wright participated in restoring order during the 1890s mining wars, as well as help rescue local townsfolk from the Great Fire of 1910.
Wallace, Idaho, in June 2019, hosted a group of Buffalo Soldiers re-enactors. They came to shine a light on a little-known chapter in the annals of U.S. Military History. On 14 June 1897, a force of 20 African American soldiers along with two white officers, a doctor and a newspaper reporter set off on an epic 1900 mile bicycle ride from Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri.
Nicknamed the Iron Riders for both their heavy one-speed bikes and their iron hard constitutions. The intrepid group made the trip in six weeks, having battled poor roads, every kind of weather, meager rations and prejudice. But they did receive a hero’s welcome when they arrived in St. Louis.
Nothing I read explained WHY did they make that ride but it was an extraordinary achievement.
To learn more about the Buffalo Soliders, click on YouTube and search for The Bicycle Corps, America’s Black Army on Wheels. There is also a Buffalo Soldier National Museum in Houston, Texas.
To me, every tidbit of American history, done by ANY of her people, I find fascinating. Hope you do too.
Location: SVGS Library – 6111 188th PL NE, Arlington, WA
Guest Speaker: Neil Anderson of Historic Everett
Neil will be back in person (not available on Zoom) to take us on another tour of old Everett. Last year his presentation took us on a tour of of the numerous mills that once lined the Everett waterfront. This time he will take us on an expedition of the riverside mills and industries when the town was known as “The City of Smokestacks”. Images will be shown of the many prominent companies that lined the Snohomish River from North Everett south to Lowell. Sit back and enjoy the journey down memory lane.
There will be a short break after the presentation with refreshments prior to the monthly meeting.
Welcome to Italian Genealogy Let’s explore the world of Italian genealogy together, one person at a time.
34th Anniversary Of The Italian Interest Group! Celebrate the Italian Interest Group’s 34th anniversary! No-host dinner Saturday, 3/16/24 at 5:00 pm (May vary based on restaurant availability) Location: TBD
We normally celebrate the IIG anniversary with a group dinner at Ristorante Paradiso in Kirkland. We need a head count to make a reservation. Please RSVP to: email@egs-iig.com Include:Your nameYour email addressNumber of people wishing to attend Mille Grazie, Stephen
COUNTDOWN TO THE MEETING:
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Eastside Genealogy Group – Italian Interest Group 2410 East Helen Street, SeattleWA, United States of America
At the May 2024 Annual Membership Meeting, SKCGS will hold officer elections for the positions of Vice President and Secretary. If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please contact nominating-committee@skcgs.org. The position responsibilities will be posted soon on our website.
We’re also looking for a volunteer to lead our Outreach Committee. If you enjoy working with the public, answering genealogy-related questions, coordinating with community groups, and managing publications, please write to president@skcgs.org for more details.
Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io
Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:
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you can unsubscribe at any time
PROGRAM UPDATES
All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at the Auburn and Federal Way Libraries
Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.
MARCH – EARLY APRIL 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS
Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 6:30pm PT SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online) All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.
Monday, March 11, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online) Topic: What’s New and How to Make Use of New Tools
What are your research questions? How can you best use these new capabilities to answer them? Register at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy Friday, March 15, 2024, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Research Workshop (in-person) For SKCGS members Kent FamilySearch Center 12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA Seating is limited RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org
Saturday, March 16, 2024, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program (online) SKCGS General Membership Meeting (Online) MaryLynn Strickland “Women’s History Month–Honoring Disobedient Women” History is made by people who dare to defy authority and follow their hearts for the better of their families, friends and communities. Anne Marbury Hutchinson and Mary Barrett Dyer acted on their personal convictions rather than obey the demands of their Puritan governors. Ultimately their legacies became the foundation for colonial charters and, over a century later, our U S Constitution.
MaryLynn Strickland has been a SKCGS member for over 20 years, being involved with technology interest groups, the newsletter and now, editor of the weekly blog. She has a deep interest in local histories and the impact on her ancestral families. The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests are welcome! Register at https://www.skcgs.org
Monday, March 18, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Technical User Group (online) Topic: After RootsTech: What’s New? How can we use the new stuff to reach our research goals? Register at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG Wednesday, March 20, 2024 ⋅ 6:30pm – 7:30pm PT
Genealogy with SKCGS and KCLS (online) Extra! Extra! I found it in the Newspapers
Join professional genealogist, Winona Laird, from South King County Genealogical Society for a series of programs to help you along on your genealogical journey. King County Library will email a Zoom link no later than 24 hours before the program start time. If you do not see an email, check your Junk or Spam folder. If you need assistance, please contact Jennifer at jwooten@kcls.org. Register at KCLS: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/65565b47bf3fd82800d03af5
Monday, March 25, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Genealogy Chat (online) Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Register at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society
Thursday, March 28, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer 1102 Auburn Way S Auburn, WA 98002 Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org
Thursday, March 28, 2024 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer 34200 1st Way S Federal Way, WA 98003 Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668
Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 6:30pm PT SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online) All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.
Friday, April 5, 2024 ⋅ 12:30pm PT EGS German Interest Group (online) Topic: Germanic Genealogy on Facebook: Prussia, Austro-Hungary, Russia, Denmark, Swiss & more! Presenter Laura Kaatz discusses this Facebook group that was established to provide a forum for those with ancestors from ANY region where German was, or is, spoken.
Saturday, April 6, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT Family Tree Maker Users Group (online) Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM. Register at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG
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MEMBERSHIP: We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. Regarding our programs, even if and when we can meet again in person, we will continue with some virtual programs. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.
You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.
Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.
Today we’re introducing Bob Monn of Olympia, Washington, who was nominated by the Olympia Genealogical Society (OGS).
Joining OGS in 2015, Bob accepted the position of membership lead in 2017. Not only tracking membership and dues, he quickly began suggesting ways to improve the processes of joining and renewing membership and ways to attract new members.
In 2018, Bob took leadership in building OGS a comprehensive new website, adding new features such as a membership directory, access to the library directory, electronic registration for events, and PayPal for payments and contributions. He has been persistent in leading OGS to make use of new technologies to improve and streamline many operations, clearly teaching and gently leading those stuck in old methods and practices.
Working quietly behind the scenes, Bob’s contributions benefit the work of secretary, treasurer, board, newsletter team, publicist, program team, special interest groups, and every aspect of society business practices. With humor and professionalism, he helps OGS to better serve its members and community.
For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.
Have you been to the Inland Northwest Rail Museum just a hoot and holler west of Reardan?? If you’re into trains, train history, engines, different rail lines, anything “railroad,” this is the place to go. While not open every day year round, they have plenty of regular open days and a host of special events. Do check it out.
Coming up on Saturday, May 11th, there are Big Happenings planned for the entire weekend and I will be offering a class on “Did Your Ancestor Work For The Railroad.” Come, enjoy the displays, the train rides and, on that day, the class…… if you happen to be on the east side of the mountains.
Railroad Facts you perhaps did not know (according to a 1990 factsheet I have):
Freight traffic on major U.S. railroads is measured in “ton-miles.” This is a term denoting the movement of one tone of freight a distance of one mile. Our U.S. railroads achieve millions of ton-miles every year
There are no legal limits on how long a train can be but there are practical limits, such as power of the engine.
During WWII, railroads moved practically all the men and supplies of the American Expeditionary Force to seaports.
From 1 Dec 1941 to 30 Aug 1945, U.S. railroads carried approximately 44-million service men and women in special troop trains, hospital trains and in special cars attached to regular trains.
The first known instance of mail being moved by rail occurred in South Carolina in Nov 1831. By 1840, railroads had begun to provide space and facilities for handling of the mail enroute. But as the movement of mail by air grew, the railroads’ mail business declined. The last mail run, between Washington and New York, was in June 1977.
What are the commodities carried by railroads? Coal ranks first in tonage, followed by farm products, chemicals, nonmetallic minerals, food and kindred products, frozen products, lumber and wood products.
Railroads are deemed vital to the U.S. economy. The steel industry depends on railroads to deliver its ore and coat; the car industry depends on railroads to deliver the steel and parts of making cars and then to carry cars to their destination.
There are more railroad-railroading websites available to you than you likely have time for. Use Google and go for it!
The place your railroading ancestor lived
The railroad he worked for
Railroads have historical societies and archives!
Remember all the good railroads have done for our country, and still do, the next time you’re stuck seemingly forever at a railroad crossing.
TIP OF THE WEEK – FULL-TEXT SEARCH OF DEED AND PROBATE RECORDS NOW ON FAMILYSEARCH With all the exciting news coming out of RootsTech 2024, one that may have been missed is that FamilySearch has implemented full-text search technology on their U.S. deeds and probate records as well as Mexican Notary Records. Was a female ancestor listed on a will as a co-grantee or co-grantor? You might be able to find her father or husband’s name thanks to this exciting new technology that reads and searches the handwriting on these documents. The full-text search is still in its experimental phase. It can be accessed from the FamilySearch homepage when viewing on desktop by clicking on the FamilySearch Labs link in the lower right hand corner of the site. What discoveries will you make?
March 1, 2024
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
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Welcome to Italian Genealogy Let’s explore the world of Italian genealogy together, one person at a time.
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