Clallam County Genealogical Society 2023 Speakers

by Charles Hansen

The Clallam County Genealogical Society would like to announce our programs for 2023.  We hope you will join us and enjoy hearing these outstanding speakers

These presentations will be available to the public via Zoom and inhouse at the CCGS Research Center in Port Angeles, WA.   We do not charge for most of the presentations, the exception being our Spring and Autumn Seminars. 

We encourage all to become members of CCGS, even if you do not live in the Pacific Northwest.  You will receive email notifications about the events, get discounts for the seminars, and support our speaker programs.

The programs take place on the second Saturday of the month and begin at 9:45 am, with the exception of Seminars.  To receive the Zoom codes for a meeting, please call or email the Society about a week prior to the meeting. 

Phone:  360-417-5000         email: clallamresearcher@gmail.com or askus@clallamcogs.org.

January 14 —  Claudia BrelandFinding and Using Historic Newspapers

February 11 – Steve MorrisonWestern Overland Trails

April 8 – Lisa Alzo    Spring Seminar:  It’s About the Women in Our Families

                Session I               Silent Voices: Telling the Stories of Your Female Immigrant Ancestors

                Session II             Finding Your Femme Fatales

                Session III            Chasing Genealogy Clues to Find Elusive Female Ancestors

May 13 – Judy Russell                                    Topic TBA

June 10 – Mike Karson                                   Topic TBA

July 8 – Claire White                                       Topic TBA                               

September 9 – Virginia Majewski              Topic TBA

October 14 – Jill Morelli   Fall Seminar     Topics TBA

November 11 – Sarah Cochran                   Topic TBA

For more information about the speakers, their topics and credentials, visit our website: www.clallamcogs.org

Clallam County Genealogical Society

402 E. Lauridsen Blvd.

Port Angeles, WA 98362

360-417-5000        

www.clallamcogs.org

Let’s Talk About: Sears Catalog 1897

by Donna Phillips
Bust cream or food for only $1.46? ” unrivaled for developing the bust, arms and neck, making a plump, full, founded bosom, perfect neck and arms, a smooth skin which before was scrawny, flat and flabby.” 

You could have your very own sewing machine for only $22.50! Note that it was a foot-powered model but it did come with a 10-year guarantee!

Only $39.90 for a Michigan A Grade Family Wagon…. “we must sell 1000 of these vehicles before the close of the season.” And a 3% discount was offered if you pay in full with your order. Horses not included. 


“The Most Stylish Suit Ever Sold!” The dresser has a fancy pattern shaped mirror, 30×36 inches in size. All drawers are fitted with fancy brass handles. The bed stands 
6-feet high and 4’6″ wide (full size today width is same), and is made from the choicest quarter-sawed oak. The footboard is one solid piece……  all three of these pieces, plus a washstand (not pictured) would set you back $59.00. Imagine! 

PS-APG Bylaws Revision Team Named One of 2022’s Outstanding Teams

by Roxanne Lowe

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.

Today we’re introducing the Bylaws Revision Team who was nominated by the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (PS-APG).  The team was comprised of Nancy Cordell and Karin Coppernoll.

Karin Coppernoll
Nancy Cordell

Nancy is a family historian specializing in DNA analysis and African American research. In 1991 she attained a Ph.D. in anthropology. She received a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and attended the Advanced Genealogy Course at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. She is a past President of the Olympia Genealogical Society. Ms. Cordell serves the needs of her clients with her firm “Diggin’ Our Past.”

Karin has over 30 years of experience researching family history. She attained a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and a Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies in American Records from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Karin takes on the genealogical brick walls and dead ends for her clients as “Brick by Brick Genealogy.”

Nancy and Karin both joined Puget Sound Chapter of the PS-APG in 2015. Nancy became an active member and volunteered as an expert in three “Ask the Expert” events. She currently serves as the PS-APG Chapter president. Karin has served as the chapter treasurer since 2017. She was the chapter coordinator for an “Ask the Expert” event and volunteered in several others as an expert. She became a National APG Director in 2022.

Nancy and Karin greatly aided the PS-APG chapter by updating its bylaws. These revisions were important and timely since they allowed members to attend meetings online.

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.

WSGS Vice President and Treasurer Nominee Statements

by Roxanne Lowe

Valorie Cowan Zimmerman of Kent has been nominated to serve a second term as WSGS Vice President. To learn more about Valorie, click here.

Additionally, Frank McLean of Yakima has been nominated for another term as Treasurer. To learn more about Frank, click here. The term of office is 01 Jan 2023 through 31 Dec 2024.

Online voting for the slate will begin 18 Dec 2022 and run through 24 Dec. All WSGS members will receive an email with a Google link to their anonymous ballot. Members are asked to vote for each position. Write-in nominations are allowed.

Valorie’s candidate statement:

I’m proud to have served as the Vice President of the WSGS for the past two years, which have seen enormous changes in the genealogy landscape of the state and country. WSGS has changed as well, now focusing solely to serve the genealogy societies and individual genealogists around the state. It has been exciting to see the enthusiasm and online participation grow around the state in many, if not all, societies, and more and more “lone” genealogists finding societies where they can both learn and contribute. Helping the Pioneer Pursuit roll out across the state has been inspiring. I see this program not only as a way to increase our knowledge of our Washington Territorial pioneers, but also to strengthen our partnership with other heritage and history groups around the state and beyond. Check out the Washington State Genealogy and Family History group at https://groups.io/g/Washington-State-Genealogy and see what researchers are working on. I’m happy to say that we have rekindled our membership in the National Genealogical Society as well, and see our role there growing over the coming years. I ask for your vote to continue this work.

Frank’s candidate statement:

I have been a member of WSGS since 1988 and have served in nearly every office, including President and Treasurer. I have a vested interest in seeing the society become a more useful organization to local societies and individual genealogists.

Over the years, I have seen a lot of changes in WSGS, but am hoping for more. I am particularly interested in making WSGS an organization that provides value to societies. WSGS is interested in what services and opportunities it can provide. I also hope we can generate interest in expanding individual participation, maybe serving on the board or helping some other way. I would appreciate your support in moving WSGS in a positive direction.

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Chat

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat

Tuesday December 20th 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 all from the comfort of your own home.

We look forward to seeing and chatting with you Dec 20th, 2022 07:00 PM Pacific Time

Every month on the Third Tue, until Dec 19, 2023, 16 occurrence(s)

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly Calendar Invite: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMldOCprTsqGtSoVglOBTElUaBRgTq5IEgI/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvpjgjG9eVsBmHRpwEGojCXevztmJfjbdukyniDw9xVib6A-NgALVLAY35

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87839130000?pwd=dGdHY2wrZ0d1bDNRTEQ4Uk15OVk0Zz09

Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000

Passcode: 836216

One tap mobile

+12532158782,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

 Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000

Passcode: 836216

Tri-City Genealogical Society Cool New Features in Family Search

by Charles Hansen

Wednesday, January 11, 2023, TCGS member Veronica Anguiano will be presenting on Cool New Features in FamilySearch.  Presentation will be on Zoom.  Link to be sent out next month. 

  Planning continues for further speakers in 2023 with the intention to have the presentations continue to occur on the second Wednesday of the month.  Please mark your calendar.

  Everyone is encouraged to join and / or renew their membership in TCGS.  The links for renewal are on the TCGS web site at http://tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/q/join/join_renew/ or http://tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/q/wp-content/uploads/TCGSBrochure.pdf

Let’s Talk About: Sears Christmas Wish Book

by Donna Phillips


How many of us remember drooling over the pages of the Sears catalog Christmas Wish book? I do!

The first Sears Christmas Book debuted in 1933 and came in the mail for 60 years, until 1993 (when Sears went totally out of the catalog business). 

Through the decades, the items offered varied. In 1937, tractor sets and Shirley Temple dolls were offered. By 1949, Western TV shows and movies exploded and the book offered a wide variety of Roy Rogers inspired gifts and even school supplies. As America entered the space race in 1968, children everywhere dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Marking America’s Bicentennial in 1975, nostalgic theme toys appeared: fife and drum sets, Colonial dolls and models of the USS Constitution.  Transformers exploded on the scene in 1984. 

What likely did your grandparents or parents or YOU order from the Sears Christmas Wish Book???

Ruth Caesar Named One of 2022’s Outstanding Volunteers

by Roxanne Lowe

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.

Ruth Caesar

Today we’re introducing Ruth Caesar of Arlington, Washington, who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS).

During the last two years of pandemic lockdowns, mandates and uncertainty, Ruth has been the “glue” that has held the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society and Library together. Along with fulfilling her own duties as society president, she has taken on many tasks that others have been unable to perform. During discussions considering “boxing up the books and shutting down the library,” Ruth continued to advocate for maintaining our community presence, which has been successfully accomplished. She was also able to work with the City of Arlington to secure rent relief during the lockdown as well as continuing to lead fundraising efforts which have been instrumental in paying for necessary services.

The SVGS library is now back open, welcoming staff and visitors and the business of the society is being conducted as before, thanks to Ruth’s leadership and commitment.

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.

Heritage Quest Research Library Fire Update

by Charles Hansen
ATTENTION!
Good News! 
We’re Still Here! We are happy to announce that while the library has received damage from the fire and the entire contents are out for cleaning, we are still here.   Many of you have been following us through personal connections, phone calls, connections with some of the library volunteers or the latest newsletter.  We wanted everyone to know that we are still a viable genealogical resource and that we have not given up.

The library space at 1007 Main Street in Sumner Washington has been given over to the building owner from whom we rented the unit.  They will be doing extensive repairs to the space due to the fire next door.  Those repairs may take as long as a year. 

What that means for us, is that we are now tasked with finding another space for our library and bookstore. You can help us in that endeavor by keeping an eye on what’s happening in your neighborhood.  We will continue to keep you informed as we move forward in our search for a new home. 

We will continue to offer ZOOM classes on a monthly basis.  Our Beginning Genealogy “A” class will be held on January 5, 2023, and on January 19, 2023, Caron Prima-Brennan will speak on “Where Did I Put Great-Grampa? Organizing for Genealogists”. 
We hope you will continue to follow us through our webpage at www.hqrl.com or by email at research@hqrl.com. You can also find us on Facebook.  

At the beginning of October, we celebrated our 40th anniversary and we certainly hope to celebrate 40 more.

International German Genealogy Partnership 2023 Conference

by Charles Hansen
INTERNATIONAL GERMAN GENEALOGY PARTNERSHIPANNOUNCES 2023 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEESThe International German Genealogy Partnership has announced registration fees for its 2023 hybrid conference, to be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, June 9-11 next year.
You will have access to more than 100 presentations. Almost 70 presentations are expected to be given live on-site and/or virtually, along with a large number of on-demand, recorded programs.
Participants also can attend IGGP Connection Sessions, where individuals can talk with and learn from other attendees interested in shared topics. And Whova, the conference app, offers a multitude of ways for individual participants to make their own connections.
In addition, you will be able to visit our sponsors and exhibitors both on-site and virtually.
A reminder that hotel information is posted on the IGGP website. We’ve added to the number of rooms available at a conference rate, so take a look.
Registration for the conference will open in early January with an “early-bird” discount period. Fees will increase after that ends. So it’s worthwhile to register early.
Here is the list of registration options.
● Early-bird in person = $250 (for the person traveling to Fort Wayne)● Early-bird virtual = $225● Normal pricing in-person = $325 (after the early-bird period closes)● Normal pricing virtual = $300 (after the early-bird period closes)● USB conference works = $50 (buy as an add-on to your registration)
The USB conference works will have all the available recorded presentations. NOTE: This USB will be sold ONLY to those who register and pay for the conference. It will not be sold as a separate option to attendees or the general public after the conference ends.
In addition to the general IGGP conference, June 9-11, there are two special events being held on Thursday, June 8.
● IGGP Librarians Day is being hosted by the Allen County Public Library for librarians, archivists and others who assist patrons with genealogy research questions. The speakers will provide advice on how to assist patrons in their German research specifically. The programs will be available for those who attend in person or virtually. Registration costs $10 and is separate from the general conference.
● IGGP Leadership Day is for representatives and other leaders of the societies that are partners in the IGGP. These activities are available for those who attend in-person as well as virtually. Registration costs $25 if attending in-person to cover the cost of catering. Virtual participants may attend at no cost. Again, this registration is separate from the general conference.
Attendees will register through Whova, using a debit or credit card, when the early-bird period opens. As part of registration, you will set up your Whova account. When the conference goes live, you’ll be able to follow announcements, meet fellow attendees and set up your personal schedule of activities in Whova – whether you are coming in person or through cyberspace.
We believe we are providing a unique conference experience that is accessible to the greatest number of attendees. But some people may look at the fees and find them too high for comfort. So let’s take a minute to explain what your registration is paying for:
● The largest portion of your fee covers the cost of putting together a team of highly qualified, experienced speakers. The range of topics is tremendous, and we are proud to offer presentations in languages other than English. The cost of bringing you these speakers is the same whether you attend in-person or virtually.
● If you attend in-person, the remainder of your fee covers the cost of the facilities in which we will meet and the staff to make sure things run smoothly.
● If you attend virtually, the remainder of your fee pays for the technology and staff to get you connected and ensure you can participate.
As many societies, small and large, are discovering … hybrid is not easy or cheap. We all sort of know how to put on an in-person conference and have done it with the help of hundreds of volunteers. But when you bring virtual into the picture, you hire people with the expertise and experience to ensure success.
When you break down the cost vs. benefit, we hope you will agree that registration for the 2023 IGGP conference is a bargain! So stay tuned for the announcement that registration is open and get in early. Questions may be emailed to info@iggp.org.