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 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.
In 2011, Flynn became a volunteer librarian with SVGS. She worked with the Northwest Genealogy Conference for three years as a Jackie-of-all-Trades, serving in a variety of roles. Her current projects include creating a four-generation history for a patron who is related to Noah Webster, transcribing a 33-page application for a claim against the U.S. Southern Claims Commission, and attempting to solve a family history mystery in Vermont in the 1830’s.
In Flynn’s opinion, the three most important things to remember when trying to break through a brick wall are “… collaboration, collaboration, collaboration.”
Flynn was born in Toledo, Ohio and moved to Seattle on September 28, 1980. She earned a B.A. from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio (during the Punic Wars) and earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Genealogy Research from Boston University in 2014.
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.”
When you imagine a pirate, Johnny Depp might come to mind. The Mississippi River pirates were real but they weren’t as colorful as Johnny depicted. Between about 1806 and 1844, there certainly were pirates prowling on the Mississippi River. Any of you remember this Walt Disney movie:
I had no idea there were pirates on the Mississippi and when the ship’s education guy told about these fellows, I was really surprised. I never learned about this before! River pirates have operated along rivers all over the world. Quoting from Wikipedia:
“American river piracy in the late 18th and mid-19th century was primarily concentrated along the Ohio River and Mississippi River valleys. River pirates usually operated in isolated frontier settlements which were sparsely populated areas lacking the protection of civil authority and institutions. These pirates resorted to a variety of tactics depending on the number of pirates and the size of the boat crews involved, including deception, concealment, ambush and assaults in open combat near natural obstacles and curiosities, such as shelter caves, islands, river narrows, rapids, swamps and marshes. River travelers were robbed, captured and murdered, and their livestock, slaves, cargo and flatboats, keelboats and rafts were sunk or sold downriver.“
Did your ancestor float down the Ohio or Mississippi Rivers and were they attacked by pirates?
Mary Kircher Roddy CG lectures in Washington State and across the US and is a regular presenter for Legacy Family Tree Webinars. Mary has written for Internet Genealogy, NGS Magazine, FGS Forum, Family Chronicle and other publications. You can read more about her at MKR Genealogy – https://www.mkrgenealogy.com
Ins and Outs of Indexes – Keys to Unlock Probates, Deeds and More
Indexes for county records can be the key to finding deeds, probates and more. As Family Search continues to digitize and make available more and more records, it’s crucial to to familiar with different indexing systems and how to use them. February 16, 2023 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PST) ZOOM Members $20 Non-Members $25 Sign-up and payments: Go to hqrl.com and go to HQRL Store (Sign in as a member to receive the discount)
A ZOOM LINK WILL BE SENT TO YOUR EMAIL 1-2 DAYS BEFORE THE CLASS.
Starting in February, we’re offering monthly online Beginning Genealogy Classes through the first week in June with instructor Winona Laird. The classes are free for SKCGS members and $20 per class for non-members. This is a great opportunity to brush up on skills or learn something new. More information at https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes.
SKCGS members are invited to join the 12-month study group that begins March 20, 2023 with the book “Research Like a Pro with DNA” by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin. Details can be found at https://www.skcgs.org/areas-of-interest/study.
At the May 2023 General Membership Meeting, SKCGS will hold its annual election for the positions of President and Treasurer. The Nominating Committee is pleased to share the slate of candidates and invite additional nominations. Learn more at https://www.skcgs.org/home/nominees.
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:
we communicate and share information with each other
other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
you can unsubscribe at any time
PROGRAM UPDATES
All meetings are online 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.
Tuesday, February 7, 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.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 6:30pm PT Beginning Genealogy Class: Starting Your Genealogy Journey More details at https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes Monday, February 13, 2023 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online) “DNA Study Source Citations” Read or watch:
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 Friday, February 17, 2023, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Research Group (in-person) For SKCGS members Kent Family History Center 12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA Seating is limited RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org Saturday, February 18, 2023, 9:30am PT social time; 10:00am – 11:30am PT program SKCGS General Meeting (online) Horace H Foxall, Jr. presents “The National Register of Historic Places – Beyond the Nomination Form” Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtd-mpqDMvHdZB3HQC6tfXmZ_iCXs4ZSEQ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This meeting will be recorded for playback by members.
Horace will present information on how the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form can help you find information on historical sites that are listed on the National Register. Properties listed in the Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. Information on these registration forms such as historic significance, context and bibliography can assist in finding genealogical and historical information that can be useful with brick walls research. Horace will also present information on the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and the grants that can be applied for by individuals or organizations.
Horace worked for Seattle District, Corps of Engineers, for 30 years; 7 years in the Planning Branch and 23 years in the Design & Military Branches. In his position as the Seattle District Historical Architect and Program Manager of the Corps of Engineers National Center of Expertise (CX) for Preservation of Historic Structures and Buildings, Horace was responsible for Corps of Engineers technical assistance and coordination of national Historic Preservation Projects and Programs. He also assisted the Army and other Department of Defense agencies in developing historic preservation projects and programs.
In February 2011 Horace was appointed to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation by President Barack Obama and also appointed the Board of Directors for the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, Natchitoches, LA – May 2005 to 2019. He also has received four mayoral appointments for the City of Seattle since 1978 and three re-appointments. He served as a commissioner on the Seattle Planning Commission, Seattle Landmark Preservation Board, and Seattle Design Commission and was a member of the Board of Historic Seattle Preservation and Development Authority. Horace served 10 years on the Washington State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
Monday, February 20, 2023 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Technical User Group (online) “Wikitree 101 Workshop” Read or watch:
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, February 23, 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, February 27, 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
Friday, March 3, 2023, 10:30 – 12:30 pm PT EGS German Interest Group (online) “Introduction to CompGen Website and Databases”
Dr. Georg Fertig, Chairman of The Computer Genealogy Society (CompGen), will join us at 10:30 AM, PT, from Germany, to give us an introduction to the organization’s website. He will describe the databases available, and show how to use them – in English, of course. Visitors welcome and more information at https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com
Saturday, March 4, 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
——————
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.
GFO To Hold Open House Celebrating 77th Anniversary
The Genealogical Forum of Oregon is pleased to announce that its 2023 Open House will take place March 11-19.
This year’s annual event celebrates GFO’s 77th anniversary, and features 27 speakers and 29 classes for researchers at all levels. All classes will be offered online.
In addition, the research library in the historic Ford Building in Portland’s east side, 2505 SE 11th Avenue, will be open Sunday through Friday. We invite anyone to use the library’s resources for research during this event. We will also offer tours and beginning research help each afternoon.
All classes and research library activities are free and open to the public for this nine-day event.
For more details and registration, visit our website at gfo.org/openhouse.
You are invited to an educational presentation at our society library. If you prefer to watch virtually, a Zoom link and a syllabus to download can be found on our website www.stillygen.org
Janet Camarata will be speaking in-person and our monthly business meeting will follow the presentation.
Janet’s topic: Difficult Women: The Ways Our Female Ancestors Confound Our Research
The names of our female ancestor’s changed in expected and in some cases, unexpected ways. Onomatology is the study of names. Of all the problems encountered in genealogical research, names are some of the toughest.
Janet’s Bio:
Janet O’Conor Camarata is a genealogist with over 30 years experience. She is a seminar presenter, educator, and trainer in genealogy societies, libraries, retirement centers and senior centers across Washington. She has supported genealogy by volunteering in a variety of ways – newsletter editor, program coordinator, publicity, Education Director and past-president of South King County Genealogical Society (SKCGS). She is the winner of the Washington State Genealogical Society Volunteer of the Year award for 2019. Janet is a graduate of the University of Washington Genealogy and Family History program. She has a B.A. (Education) degree from Central Washington University and a Master’s degree from Antioch University. She also taught at w Pierce College – Puyallup and within The Boeing Company and the University of Phoenix.
Please join us for Tri-City Genealogical Society’s February General meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8. The meeting will be held on Zoom. See below for the link. Michelle Hedgepeth will be presenting on Finding Grandpa – The DNA Connections
Planning continues for further speakers in 2023 with the intention to have the presentations continue to occur on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Currently planned for March 8 is a presentation by Richland Family History Center director Wayne Ross on the FamilySearch Wiki. This presentation will be in person at the Richland Family History Center. Please mark your calendar.
Also in the planning stages are presentations on April 12 by Michelle Hedgepeth, on May 10 by Ryan Bennett who is a volunteer at the East Benton County Historical Society in Kennewick and on June 14 by Margie Belden. Topics, location and Zoom status to be announced as plans firm up.
RootsTech 2023 is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 2 and run through Saturday, March 4. If you cannot attend in person you may register for the virtual presentations at no cost. Search for RootsTech 2023 to register.
Dave Obee will present a program using Google for Genealogy research for the Thursday February 9, 2023 Zoom meeting of the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society
Mr. Obee is an award winning international researcher, Author, Editor, publisher and public speaker.
The public is invited to join the Zoom meeting that will open at 6:30 pm for welcome of visitors and announcements. Program will start at 7:00 pm. For a Zoom link contact
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 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.
Within a short time of joining BIGS in 2018, Andy Hoskins volunteered to serve as newsletter editor, where she helped redesign its content and appearance. She also volunteered to lead the Writers Workshop SIG.
Andrea Hoskins
Andy’s true gifts became obvious when she agreed to serve as president (beginning her term in April 2020) just as the COVID pandemic arrived. Andy has demonstrated effective leadership, adaptability, creativity, and quiet problem-solving, all while effectively conducting the day-to-day business of the organization in extraordinary times. She led the board to clarify major areas of focus and to revise the society bylaws to better define board position responsibilities with an eye toward increasing participation of current and future members.
Andy brings a quiet leadership – leading by example and vision – offering ideas and possibilities for the future of the organization. BIGS looks forward to Andy’s excellent leadership as BIGS continues to evolve post- pandemic.
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.”
No matter where in the world you live, and certainly in America, you’d recognize the “Nothing Runs Like A Deere” logo.
John Deere was born in 1804 in Vermont and moved to Illinois in 1836 and began manufacturing tools. He made pitchforks, shovels and plows. In those days, a product was not made until ordered, which was a very slow business model. By 1857, the company was manufacturing a variety of farm equipment; that year their sales reached 1120 implements per month. John Deere as an American business icon was off and running.
There are three main John Deere museums and a big selling item these days are the John Deere tractor toys.
SPAM is another iconic midwestern product. I always thought the letters stood for “Special Processed American Meat,” meat that was portable and sent to the troops in Europe during WWII. SPAM is a brand of cooked pork introduced by Hormel in 1937. The origin of the name is not fully documented (so maybe I’m right?). SPAM was a lifesaver to U.S. soldiers in Europe because of the difficulty in having fresh meat for the soldiers on the front lines. Some 150,000,000 pounds of SPAM was purchased by the military before war’s end. Nowadays SPAM can be found on grocery shelves in 41 countries.
When was the last time you had fried SPAM? SPAM and eggs? A SPAM sandwich??
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.
