The Friends of the St. Helens Public Library in cooperation with the Columbia County Museum Association is pleased to announce registration has opened for its third biennial Columbia County Genealogy Conference: Rivers of Wonder, September 15-17. This free conference will be available both online and limited to eighty in-person attendees per day. You can select your desired type of attendance by day. On Friday and Sunday, speakers Dave Sprau, Lee Van Duzer, and GFO member Tricia Oberndorf will lead sessions to show how to understand our ancestors in their own time by examining their professions and professional relationships. On Saturday, GFO’s Laurel Smith will lead a total of five sessions discussing how to build successful searches on FamilySearch and adding those results to an existing record to build stronger profiles within FamilySearch. In addition, she will highlight techniques to differentiate between people and whether FamilySearch or Ancestry will provide a better result based on the question asked of it and type of answer needed. Links to daily schedule, session descriptions, and speaker backgrounds, provide additional detail. More information Click Here
If you are like me none of my ancestors was in Washington Territory before Washington became a state in November of 1889, but we estimate over 350,000 people were in Washington Territory in 1889.
There is a lot of pioneers in our Pioneer Pursuit Index ( https://wasgs.org/cpage.php?pt=110 ) and you may be related to one of them and not know it without checking the index.
Presented by the Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society, Orting Branch Pierce County Library, and Orting Valley Senior Center
Tuesday, August 15 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Want to learn how to start mapping out your family tree? Join us at the Orting Valley Senior Center to begin the journey of exploring the pages of your past.
Event Location: Orting Valley Senior Center, 112 Varner Street SE, Orting, WA 98360
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat
15 August 2023 at 7:00 pm
Do you have thoughts, ideas, questions, or comments about anything related to genealogy? Then this is for you. Please plan to attend, share, and expand your knowledge of all thing’s genealogy from the comfort of your own home.
Everyone is welcome and the more you participate the better the chat becomes. We look forward to seeing and chatting with you!
Topic: TPCGS Genealogy Chat 3rd Tuesday Each Month
In April 2023, I was blessed to take a deep dive into the history, geography, geology and culture of the far northeast corner of America, the Canadian Maritimes and the St. Lawrence River and Seaway. Con su permisio, as they say in Spanish, I would like to share with you some of what I learned in these blog posts over the next couple of months. Hope you benefit and enjoy!
A short bus ride from Halifax, Nova Scotia, is the little fishing/lobstering village of Peggy’s Cove. Peggy’s Cove was named by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who explored Nova Scotia in the early 1600’s. He named the region, St. Marguerite’s Bay, after his mother. Marguerite’s Cove, was the name originally given to the cove. (Wikipedia)
The famous lighthouse, perched on a huge outcropping of granite rocks, was a delight to visit. I was fascinated as much by those rocks as the lighthouse itself. You’ll see in the photo that there was a bagpiper there playing for us tourists.
On the left top, is the watercolor painting that I purchased from a local artist. On the bottom right is our ship’s painting activity lady’s watercolor of that lighthouse and on the left is my pitiful attempt to duplicate it.
Here’s the funny postscript to the story. I had the business card of that artist fellow and called him to share the photo of the three lighthouses. He was thankful and polite, of course, but said that at that very moment there was a lady from Olympia standing in his shop! What a small world indeed.
To further that “small world” realization, I had the best ice cream cone I’ve ever had from a shop there in Peggy’s Cove and the young lady scooping the ice cream was from South Africa!
We’re pleased to announce the return of Beginning Genealogy Classes starting September 4. Instructor Winona Laird will provide practical advice for researchers of all skill levels. A new topic is presented each month, September through March, and classes are conveniently offered online in the daytime and evening. Free for SKCGS members; non-members may attend for $20 per class. Find more information at https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes/bgc
Also, the free online program “Introduction to Genealogy” hosted by King County Library System featuring Winona Laird continues each month through December. The August 16, 2023 topic is: “Vital Records, Birth, Marriage, Death and Adoption.” For details, visit https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes/kcls
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PROGRAM UPDATES
All meetings are online via Zoom except the in-person Genealogy Help at the Auburn Library
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 or use links below. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.
AUGUST – EARLY SEPTEMBER 2023 MEETINGS & EVENTS
Monday, August 14, 2023 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online) Topic: Useful “3rd Party” DNA Sites for Collaboration & Analysis What might be useful depends upon your research objective. We’ll discuss what you want to know and tools available to help you toward your goal. Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIucuCvqTsqHNcN7wBEC0fB_3-TRYD1rZLm After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy
Monday, August 16, 2023 ⋅ 7:00pm – 8:00pm PT Introduction to Genealogy: Vital Records, Birth, Marriage, Death and Adoption (online) Hosted by King County Library
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 in advance for this meeting: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/6499c314d37885e510b7401d Monday, August 21, 2023 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Technical User Group (online) Topic: Password Managers: Convenience Plus Security Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAucuigqj4uH92bWWD2uycX9Z1uSsRLY4K6 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS Tech User Group email list for meeting invitations and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG Thursday, August 24, 2023 ⋅ 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 Monday, August 28, 2023 ⋅ 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 in advance for this Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUud-uqpzoiGtEMxlqDBQ_fUeS8oZjScF71 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for meeting invitations and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society
Saturday, September 2, 2023, 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 in advance for this Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsdu6uqzgiGdDn7eCsOAgkvdOXktX127sz After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG
Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 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, September 8, 2023 ⋅ 12:30-2:30 PM PT EGS German Interest Group (online) “Wanting to travel to German archives? Hold up! Finesse and Know How Required!” by Annette Unrau. Register at https://tinyurl.com/p323wpt4
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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.
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In April 2023, I was blessed to take a deep dive into the history, geography, geology and culture of the far northeast corner of America, the Canadian Maritimes and the St. Lawrence River and Seaway. Con su permisio, as they say in Spanish, I would like to share with you some of what I learned in these blog posts over the next couple of months. Hope you benefit and enjoy!
In this photo I’m standing on top of Cadillac Mountain overlooking Bar Harbor, Maine. That teeny white oval is my ship and if you look close you can see the sand bar between the mainland and the island which gave Bar Harbor its name. Here’s the story of how Cadillac Mountain got its name: In 1674 a young Frenchman, named Antoine, aged 16, was to be released from prison because he agreed to join the military. He came to New Spain and served under Gen. Frontenac. Eventually he wanted to stay in New Spain and petitioned for a land grant. But not being nobility, his petition was denied. He went back to his hometown in France, changed his name and altered the town crest to suit him. He became Antoine de la Mothe sieur de Cadillac. With this change he again petitioned for land in New Spain and his petition was granted…….. the entire island of Acadia! He lived with his family only a short time on Acadia and, according to the tour guide, became bored with the limited opportunities that the island afforded and moved on. But the mountain bears his name: Cadillac Mountain.
Think about this story in terms of your own genealogy. How many times have you come upon a seeming brick wall because of these ancient undocumented (or nearly impossible to find) name changes???
When you run into a word or term you don’t understand that you believe is related to the time and place your ancestors lived, but you can’t tell the meaning, try searching their local newspaper if it is available. Often some local terms, expressions and even details about policies don’t make it into history books or even Google. Here are a few examples of things that provide context that you can find in the local paper that may not be available elsewhere: the details of the state pension rules, usages of local expressions, when a community opened their poor farm, or the name of a school or church and when it opened.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL THIS SATURDAY! Come out to Meridian Park this Saturday (Aug. 5) for a dish of ice cream to celebrate SGS’s centennial year. This will be a 1923-style social, so come prepared for some cool treats and bring your friends. The event starts at 3:00 pm. Meridian Park is next to the Good Shepard Center.
The library will have extended hours as well that afternoon. It will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Be sure to checkout out the book sale while you chill with some ice cream.
SGS Past-President Jill Morelli has been given the Award of Merit by the National Genealogical Society. This award is presented to an individual or non-profit genealogical or historical organization to recognize exceptional contributions to the field of genealogy over a period of five or more years. Their work must have significantly aided research or increased interest in genealogy. Jill was selected based on her work developing and running the Certification Development Group (CDG), designed to help genealogists who are working to become Certified Genealogists. Congratulations to Jill for this well-deserved award.
APPGEN REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 17
Applied Genealogy Institute Fall Registration will open August 17-23. Registration is open for that week. A lottery system will be used if courses are over-subscribed.
Five courses are available:
Applied Genetic Genealogy — Leah Larkin, PhD
Public Speaking for Genealogists — Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD
Transportation Nation: An Exploration of U.S. Routes & Records for Work and Travel in the 19th to Early 20th Centuries — Pamela Vittorio
Using Land Records to Solve Genealogical Problems — Lisa S. Gorrell, CG
Writing Reports: For Clients, Family Members, Other Researchers, and Yourself — Sara Gredler, CG
For detailed information about each class and how to register, check out https://appliedgen.institute/fall-2023-classes/. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list to get up-to-date information about upcoming courses.
SGS CENTENNIAL MEMBERSHIP
Join the Seattle Genealogical Society today and become a charter member for our second century!
If you are already a member, it’s time to log in to your account and renew your membership for 2023-24 as we continue the celebration of our 100th year.
Participate in special Centennial Events and enjoy discounted class and Seminar fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Your membership will extend through the 2023 Centennial Year and until May 31, 2024.
The Skagit Power Project was in the headlines in July 1923. The sub-headline was “Investigators Show that Demand Will Have to Increase 25 Times to Use Product of $57,000,000 Plant”. The article explained Investigators are skeptical of the need and whether Seattle can afford the cost of Skagit Power project and question whether it will bring industries to the area. They are also concerned that the enormous production of electrical energy will raise consumer costs rather than lowering the cost.
— “Skagit Power capacity Far Beyond Needs”, Seattle Daily Times, 15 Jul 1923, pp 1 and 11, col 5.
* Watch each eNews! issue for “100 years ago”, our new anecdotal series. We will be running it for the duration of 2023, our centennial year.
SAVE THE DATE
EGS Family Tree Maker SIG August 18, 2023, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.
If you want to be on the Eastside Genealogical Society Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group email list, send your request to ftmsig@eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org.
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, usually 2nd Monday meetings usually 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Pacific Time
JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 pm unless noted otherwise. The next meeting is Sept. 11, 2023, topic to be announced. For more information see http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php
Fiske Library Legacy Family Tree User Group September 21, 2023
Learn more about Legacy Family Tree. If you are interested in attending, please send a message to editor@fiskelibrary.org with your email contact information.
SGS100 Birthday Party October 20, 2023
Mark your calendar now! SGS is turning 100. Join the celebration at Dunn Gardens on October 20th. There will be a keynote speaker you will not want to miss!
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658
The elevator is back in service!
Please call ahead to make sure our library will be open. We are short on front desk volunteers.
Hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ** 10:00 am – 3:00 pm **
Masks are recommended inside the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom. Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting.
NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room. The host must take action to let people into each meeting. The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.
All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted
Saturday, Aug 5, 2023, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm, 1923 Ice Cream Social in the Park (Special Events). Come celebrate our heritage, our future, our centennial with a “1923 Ice Cream Social in the Park!” We will be dishing out ice cream to all comers 1923-style in Meridian Park, next to the Good Shepherd Center.
Saturday, Aug 5, 2023, 10:00 am-5:00 pm, SGS Library Open House: Extended Hours (Special Events). Come for the Ice Cream Social (see above) and checkout what’s new at the library. The library will be open until 5 pm in honor of the celebration. There will be a book sale.
Monday, Aug 7, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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, Aug 8, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help.
Monday, Aug 14, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Monday, Aug 14, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Alaine Keisling at keisling@gmail.com
Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Family History Writers’ Group (Social Interest Group), Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. Please note: The Writers’ Group is at the maximum number of participants and is not currently accepting any new members.
Saturday, Aug 19, 2023, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. New Zoom link started in July.
Monday, Aug 21, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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, Aug 22, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help.
Monday, Aug 28, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Sunday, Sept 3, 2023, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join.
You are free to copy articles to any non-commercial web site or message board or printed publication you wish. Don’t bother to ask permission, just do it.
The Friends of the St. Helens Public Library in cooperation with the Columbia County Museum Association is pleased to announce registration has opened for its third biennial Columbia County Genealogy Conference: Rivers of Wonder, September 15-17. This free conference will be available both online and limited to eighty in-person attendees per day. You can select your desired type of attendance by day. On Friday and Sunday, speakers Dave Sprau, Lee Van Duzer, and GFO member Tricia Oberndorf will lead sessions to show how to understand our ancestors in their own time by examining their professions and professional relationships. On Saturday, GFO’s Laurel Smith will lead a total of five sessions discussing how to build successful searches on FamilySearch and adding those results to an existing record to build stronger profiles within FamilySearch. In addition, she will highlight techniques to differentiate between people and whether FamilySearch or Ancestry will provide a better result based on the question asked of it and type of answer needed. Links to daily schedule, session descriptions, and speaker backgrounds, provide additional detail.
