French Fry ice cream. How does that sound to you? Or Ranch Dressing ice cream? These exotic new ice cream flavors are a reality from a Los Angeles company called VanLeeuwen’s. The idea was that many of us in the past have enjoyed dipping our French Fries into our Malted Milkshakes. Well maybe you, but not me never. Would you try it?
In a very old newspaper clipping from an undated, unidentified newspaper, was this bit: “Abe Kissed 34 Women During His Ceremony.” Quoting Jewell Casey “in the current issue of The Holy Names Journal,” Honest Abe bussed no fewer than 34 girls at his first inauguration….. one from each state.
The article also stated that George Washington was the only president inaugurated in two cities, New York and Philadelphia. He wore a “made in America brown wool suit made from the wool of American sheep.”
John Adams was so galled over the larger popularity of his successor, Thomas Jefferson, that he left Washington early in the morning to avoid seeing Jefferson sworn into office. Then 28 years later, John’s son, John Quincy Adams, got out of town early, too, so he wouldn’t have to watch Andy Jackson, his bitter rival, succeed him.
Thomas Jefferson rode to his inaugural on horseback. Warren Harding was the first to arrive in a motor car….but kissed the same Bible “that had known the lips of George Washington.”
Calvin Coolidge was sworn into office by his own father, a justice of the peace, in a simple Vermont farmhouse lit only by a flickering kerosene lamp. No other father has had that privilege.
Quote from Mark Twain: “Clothes DO make the man; naked people have little of no influence in society.”
She: “What’s that lump on your head?” He: “Oh, that’s where a thought struck me.”
Topic: “Walking in the Footsteps of Your Ancestors”
Visiting places where your ancestors lived can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that opens the door to better understanding your ancestors’ lives. Learn strategies for getting the most out of a visit to an ancestral town and making local contacts. We’ll also talk about genealogy research tips for identifying the place of origin for your ancestors.
Presenter: Carolyn Schott
Carolyn has researched her German ancestors in Eastern Europe 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.”
The Washington Pioneer Pursuit contest is a little over half done. So far, we have more than 250 pioneers identified in our index and many more in the review process. While the contest part (a prize for everyone!) ends October 31, 2023, the program will continue as we march toward identifying every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before Nov. 11, 1889.
We’re sure you’re not the only one with a question or two about the Pioneer Pursuit Contest. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. To see a list of other FAQs, click here.
What is the Washington Pioneer Pursuit challenge?
Our goal is to research and document the family histories of every man, woman and child who lived in Washington Territory on or before Statehood was declared on November 11, 1889.
At a minimum, we want genealogies for the Pioneer, his/her children, and his/her grandchildren – a total of three (3) generations. If you want to include additional generations, please do so.
The family histories are posted online for any interested family history researcher. There is no charge to access the histories and you do not have to be a member of WSGS.
Are Pioneer Pursuit and the Pioneer Certificate program the same?
No, they’re not the same. The Pioneer Pursuit Contest is designed to document every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889. The Pioneer Certificate (and First Citizens) program is a way to purchase a certificate signifying that your ancestor was in Washington Territory on or before statehood. If your ancestor was in Washington on or before December 31, 1900, you may be eligible to purchase a First Citizen Certificate. To get more information about the Pioneer Certificate program, click here.
How do I get started?
Before beginning your research, we suggest you check the WSGS Pioneer Index. You may find the Pioneer you’re planning to research has already been researched. If you do find the Pioneer in the index, please send an email to Washington State Genealogical Society asking to see the genealogical data associated with the pioneer. If you are a WSGS member, you already have access to the complete Pioneer histories in the Members’ Only section. If you’re not a member, we encourage you to join so you have full access to all the data. It is only $12.00 per year.
We also suggest you take a look at the Hints and Helps document available here.
Click HEREfor a video presentation explaining Pioneer Pursuit and answering questions. This video recording is from the Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable discussion, 24 Apr 2023.
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat
Tuesday May 16th from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Pacific Time
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.
We look forward to seeing and chatting with you!
Virtual via Zoom
Date & Time: Every month on the Third Tue, from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM Pacific Time
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
May 20, 2023 10:00am Pacific Time is our Annual Membership Meeting held online via Zoom. During the business portion of the meeting, SKCGS will hold its annual election for the positions of President and Treasurer.
Our last Beginning Genealogy Class with instructor Winona Laird will be Monday, June 5, 11:00am PT. The topic is “Citing your Sources.” It’s free for SKCGS members and $20 for non-members. More information at https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes.
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PROGRAM UPDATES
All meetings are online via Zoom except the in-person Research Group and 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.
MAY – EARLY JUNE 2023 MEETINGS & EVENTS
Friday, May 5, 2023, 12:30 – 2:30 pm PT EGS German Interest Group (online) “19th Century Germany” Presenter Richard Haberstroh will discuss geography, politics, and religion in the context of how they affect the genealogist’s search for family information. Visitors welcome and more information at https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com
Saturday, May 6, 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
Monday, May 8, 2023 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online) “Advances in Y & Mitochondrial testing for Genealogy” Watch in advance: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/session/familytreedna-sponsor-highlight 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, May 15, 2023 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Technical User Group (online) “Beyond the Records: Analyzing and Charting Your Family Tree” After researching for awhile, maybe it’s time to analyze your tree. Doing so will help you find context, which will help you understand why your family developed as it did. We’ll also dig into how tree display and other charting methods can help you explore your family beyond the records. Bring your questions and experience to share!
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 Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 6:00pm-7:00pm PT Airtable as Research Log, FAN Club & DNA Match Tracker (online) We’ll demonstrate Airtable (https://www.airtable.com/) in action, based on Nicole Dyer’s Airtable Universe bases. As you log your research, effortlessly connect the FAN Club members you find in each record. As you work your DNA matches, log your findings and communications with each match. Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvduugrj4sHdbPy_xK3mOmzAxYHCZ65gO9 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Friday, May 19, 2023, 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, May 20, 2023, 9:30am PT social time; 10:00am – 11:30am PT program SKCGS Annual Membership Meeting (online) Election of officers and budget approval followed by Curt Witcher “Using Periodicals and PERSI to Take Your Research to the Next Level” Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpce2tqzIoHtdSuKWLOihH6XB-osShEUYP After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This meeting will be recorded for playback by members. Extremely significant quantities of family and local history data are published in the newsletters, journals, quarterlies, and magazines of the world’s historical and genealogical societies. Yet, so many genealogists leave periodical literature untouched when conducting their research and investigating secondary sources of data. This presentation identifies the major types of periodical literature, what indices are available and how they can be most effectively used, and where one can find specific publications. Special attention is given to the Periodical Source Index as the largest and most comprehensive subject index in the genealogical field, and now freely available from the Genealogy Center’s webpage at GenealogyCenter.org.
Curt Witcher is the Director of Special Collections at the Allen County Public Library, managing the widely acclaimed Genealogy Center as well as the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection of Abraham Lincoln related research materials and the institution’s Fine Books Collection. He is a former president of both the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society, and the founding president of the Indiana Genealogical Society.
Monday, May 22, 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 Thursday, May 25, 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 Friday, June 2, 2023, 12:30 – 2:30 pm PT EGS German Interest Group (online) “Walking in the Footsteps of Your Ancestors” Presenter Carolyn Schott will discuss strategies for getting the most out of a visit to an ancestral town and making local contacts. Visitors welcome and more information at https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com
Saturday, June 3, 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
Monday, June 5, 2023, 11:00am PT Beginning Genealogy Class: Citing Your Sources (online) More details at https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes Tuesday, June 6, 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.
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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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Randol B. Fletcher, the author of Hidden History of Civil War Oregon, will speak on the state of the U.S. military at the start of the Civil War, the formation of Oregon volunteer regiments that replaced the Federal troops withdrawn from Oregon. He will talk about Oregonians who served in the war including Sen. Edward D. Baker and a little known cavalry unit known as Olney’s 40 Thieves that patrolled the Columbia River Gorge. He will also be available for questions and answers.
Randol B. Fletcher, a lifelong student of history, is a fifth-generation Oregonian born and raised in Albany. He graduated from the University of Oregon with degrees in history and political science. Fletcher has been Civil War reenacting since 2003 and is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Karen, and their children, Andrew and Allison. As a member, and past camp commander, of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Fletcher began researching the lives of Oregon Civil War soldiers while leading cemetery restoration projects in Eugene, Corvallis and Portland. His research led him to write a series of Civil War-themed articles for Oregon Magazine. Other publications where Fletcher’s work has appeared include Columbia Magazine and The Banner.
This free program will be in the downstairs classroom. The Cafe is not open at this time. The program is open to the public and there is no museum entrance fee for this event. A $1.00 donation is suggested to off set room rental.
While attending RootsTech the end of February, I sat in on two classes to learn more for myself and to share with all of you. The two presentations were on the FamilySearch Library Catalog and the FamilySearch WIKI.
You most likely cannot read that small print, but there are currently 106,000 articles on the WIKI. . “The WIKI is your online genealogy guide which links you to all known records of the entire world.” Did you catch that? “To all KNOWN records of the entire world.” And new free links and websites are constantly being added. The presenter, Danielle Baston, advised us “to search by locality because that’s were things happen.” Some countries, she said, have pages of links and info (like Denmark) but some (like Bulgaria) don’t have as much. “The FamilySearch WIKI is your Researchers’ Golden Ticket,” Danielle quipped.
Becky Loveridge, another FamilySearch library employee, gave the news that as of Feb 2022 there was a whole new catalog: libcat.familysearch.org/library . There is a new home page making it much easier to narrow down your search to specifics. Most surname books are now digitized but some are restricted to in-library use. The new catalog integrates with the WIKI. And when you click on a specific book, other books are suggested. I think we all need to take an hour or so away from TV and check out the updated FamilySearch catalog. Treasures await!
I did get to spend two days in the library and did explore something “fun.” On the top bar, just to the right of SEARCH, was MEMORIES. This was fun! I went through my pedigree chart’s brick wall problems to see if anybody, anywhere, had posted something new. And I did find some new leads. But let me make clear: these were items from online trees, Ancestral File, Pedigree Resource File, American Ancestors, and other similar databases. Which meant, and I recognized this, that they might or might not be correct. If you want to have some careful fun, search for your chart names under Memories….but do remember the old adage of “buyer beware.”
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