Whatcom Genealogical Society Using DNA to Determine Relationships
Glen McNay Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023
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 Glen McNay of North Bend, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS).
Glen has been a generous volunteer to EGS with time and talent. This year Glen took on the treasurer position mid-year. He updated the financial report, clarified the on-line donation process and worked with board members on a new deposit process. Glen took on these new duties while he was already performing the webmaster duties. As webmaster, Glen continued to update the EGS website. He also implemented Google Workspace and trained board members on its use.
Glen creates and runs the announcement slides for EGS monthly meetings and often volunteers for those extra jobs. As an EGS member, Glen participates in society activities engaging the wider community. He actively welcomes and advises the new attendees. His contributions at board meetings are thoughtful. He has expertise in computers that he shares with board members.
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.
Let’s Talk About…. Gold Rush Ancestors?
This 33-cent stamp, issued in 1999, commemorated the California Gold Rush. Did you have an answer who “went west” to make his fortune…….. but didn’t…… and possibly was never heard from again?
I won’t recount the history of how gold was discovered; that’s easy finding-reading. I will explain that those eager gold seekers from the East who managed to make it to California by the end of 1849 numbered about 90,000.
Life in the gold fields was pretty rough; mining work was hard and most finds were minimal. Within a year or two many gave up and, if they had the means, returned home.
The fall 2009 issue of New England Ancestors, carried an article on this topic, written by Nancy Peterson, CG. I quote:
“No official documents collected the names of fortune seekers who traveled to California. No comprehensive governmental passenger lists recorded the names of the fortune seekers who sailed to California via Panama or San Francisco. We learn of journeys to the gold fields from diaries and letters, from California newspaper listings of new arrivals, and from reminiscences written many years later. Newspapers “back home” often printed news and letters from the California-bound adventurers.”
The article continued, “Perhaps the most comprehensive resource about the Overland route is J.S. Holliday’s The World Rushed In. This book is based upon accounts by more than 500 men about their westward journeys and early lives in California. The book’s sources serve as an excellent starting point in the search for these emigrants.”
Certainly, there are other resources to be found; use Google. Check out CyndisList and the FamilySearch.org/Wiki.
At the conclusion of her article, Peterson states: “for a comprehensive well-annotated source covering all aspect of the gold rush, see Kenneth N. Owens, Riches for All: The California Gold Rush and the World, published in 2002. I just checked (Dec 2023):
Heritage Quest Research Library Cindi’s List in Practice
Cyndi’s List in Practice Sometimes overwhelming to beginners and sometimes underused by veterans, Cyndi’s List is a research tool that is robust with resources helpful in everyone’s research. Using specific examples for beginners, as well as more advanced researchers, we will explore the site and point out how to make the most of the categories and the links found within.  Cyndi Ingle, a genealogist for more than 43 years, is a creator and innovator behind the award-winning and globally recognized CyndisList.com. Cyndi is an expert in using technology for genealogy, research in the US and bringing together traditional methodology with organization, computers, software and the Internet. March 7, 202411:00 AM to NOON ZOOM $20 Members $25 Non-members Go to hqrl.com and click on the HQRL Store. Be sure to sign in as a member to receive the discount. Finding Your Female Ancestors with M. Diane Rogers is scheduled for March 27, 2024. More information coming soon! Along with information regarding the re-opening of the library! |
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Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Digital Archives
Saturday, March 2 DIGITAL ARCHIVES
(EWGS Meetings) 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Hybrid Meeting at The Hive –
2904 E Sprague Ave,
Spokane, WA 99202
| Digital Archives with guest speaker Robert Perret A comprehensive presentation by the new Eastern Branch Manager of the Cheney Archives, Robert Perret. He will cover navigating digital archives, the Washington State Archives and what’s new at the Cheney Archives. DOOR PRIZES AND RAFFLES AND OUR NEW “DDD” fund. Drop a Dollar in our “fund can” when you attend the meeting and get a chance to win 50% of the fund. Must be present to win! Great opportunity to support EWGS and win some extra pocket money. |
Italian Interest Group Dual Italian Citizenship
| Please notify your members of our next Zoom meeting. Dual Italian Citizenship is always a popular subject. Mille Grazie, Stephen Stimac, Webmaster email@egs-iig.com |
 Welcome to Italian Genealogy Let’s explore the world of Italian genealogy together, one person at a time. |
| ZOOM Meeting Topic: Dual Italian Citizenship by Descendancy Presented by: Mike Mechum When: 16-Mar-2024, Saturday Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (PST) |
| Most people may not realize it, but they could actually be citizens of Italy from birth. Italy requires you to prove your Italian ancestry with proper documentation to apply for and obtain Italian citizenship and does not require you to renounce your current citizenship(s), which allows you to hold two or more passports and be a dual-citizen or “multi”-citizen. |
| COUNTDOWN TO THE MEETING: |
 Days Hours Minutes Seconds |
| Eastside Genealogy Group – Italian Interest Group 2410 East Helen Street, Seattle WA, United States of America |
Fiske Genealogical Library March Events
Two upcoming events – Fiske Genealogical Library (Seattle):
Wednesday, March 6
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
19th-Century Women Settlers Confront the Far West
Presented by Janice C. Lovelace
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Women settled the Far West along with their male family members although we don’t learn about them as much. This session will help you learn more and delve deeper into the lives of White, Asian and Black women ancestors who settled in the Far West pre-1900. We will look at women’s lives through their own lenses in letters, diaries and photos as well as what records were generated during their lifetimes.
Wednesday, March 13
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
French-Canadian Records: Beyond Initial Resources
Presented by Judy Nimer Muhn
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
This class will follow on from her class on January 31, including advanced topics such as notarial records and the eastern townships of Quebec. A real opportunity to bring your own specific questions and problems with French-Canadian and Acadian genealogy!
Jo Linker Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023
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 Jo Linker of Aberdeen, Washington, who was nominated by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS).
In 2010, Jo Linker became one of eight new members in Grays Harbor Genealogy Society. Today, she is the only one of those eight who is still active!
Jo works behind the scenes for the good of the society – providing refreshments for meetings, volunteering for special projects, and helping others at the Genealogy Café. In 2013 Jo was part of a committee that organized a successful workshop featuring expert genealogist and popular lecturer Mary Kathryn Kozy. In 2015 and 2016, she served as a trustee.
Jo’s biggest contribution, however, has been as treasurer. In late 2015, the society’s longtime treasurer passed away leaving a huge void and a position no one wanted. Jo stepped up and has held the position for seven years. She has attended a number of statewide and regional genealogy conferences to hone her skills and stay current in the genealogy field.
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.
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA SIG
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA Special Interest Group Meeting
Tuesday, February 27th Starting at 7:00 pm via Zoom
We will be reading Your DNA Guide by Diahan Southard.
This month we will begin with the first 20 pages.
This book is available from the author, the publishers, Amazon, or perhaps through your local public library or via Inter-Library Loan.
Check WorldCat to see what libraries may have copies.
Calendar reminder: TPCGS DNA Special Interest Group Meeting
Every month on the Fourth Tue beginning at 7:00 PM Pacific Time
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82725316888?pwd=MDc3UEZrUVJNbmxmK2ZORmw5YzdDdz09
Meeting ID: 827 2531 6888
Passcode: 811780
One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,82725316888#,,,,*811780# US
+12532158782,,82725316888#,,,,*811780# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location:
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 827 2531 6888
Passcode: 811780
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kIKCyZLQy
Genealogical Forum Oregon Annual Open House
The Genealogical Forum of Oregon is pleased to announce our annual Open House, March 16 – 24, 2024.
Registration and details can be found at https://gfo.org/openhouse.
This year’s Open House features more than 20 classes across a wide variety of interests. Most classes are online, including:
* GFO’s Afircan American Special Interest Group
* RootsMagic, the Swiss Army Knife of Personal Genealogy Software
* Getting Started with Family Tree Maker
* Germans in America – U. S. Records
* Lineage Society Panel – How to Document your Eligibility
* Using the FamilySearch Catalog
* Find a Grave: Fabulous and/or Frustrating?
* Military Bounty Land: 1776-1855
* Getting Started with AncestryDNA
* Getting Started with Latin American Research
* Finding German Church Records at Archion and Matricula
* Following Your Ancestor Through Swedish Church Records
* English Civil Records
* Records and Research in New York State, 18th-19th Centuries
* The Great Lakes, Gateway to Western Migration
* Genealogy Problem Solvers (GPS) Special Interest Group
* Introduction to British Records, and Where to Find Them
* Access to GFO Resources from Home
Both in-person and online events are free of charge.