Let’s Talk About: Facebook

by Donna Phillips

Whether or not you use, or even like Facebook, it’s here to stay. Mega-millions of posts every prove that people like you and me are using Facebook for a wide variety of reasons. Like I said, love it or hate it, it’s here to stay so why not use it to your advantage?

Katherine Willson recognized the genealogy potential of Facebook many years ago. She began compiling a list of genealogy and family history groups that have a Facebook presence. As of 2021, it would take 436 pages to download that list of some nearly 17,000 listings. 

Nearly every genealogical and/or historical society in Washington boasts a Facebook page! Wouldn’t you guess that every state has a page or two (or more) of such listings? Don’t you think you might could learn something from them???

To access Katherine Willson’s list, click to 

http://socialmediagenealogy.com/genealogy-on-facebook-list

As of 2021, Willson turned over management and updating of her list to CyndisList. So do check that out, too, for the most recent updates……. all categorized. 

Nominations Sought for WSGS Vice President & Treasurer

by Roxanne Lowe

The nomination period for the WSGS Vice President and Treasurer positions is open through December 5, 2022. Elections will be conducted online in mid-December. The successful candidates will serve from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024.

Both positions serve on the WSGS Board of Directors. The Vice President assists the President and steps in for the President in their absence. The Treasurer maintains and reports all financial dealings. More information is available in the WSGS Bylaws.

The successful candidates must be members of WSGS.

A strong organization is only as strong as its leaders. We encourage you to consider volunteering your time and talent to steer WSGS into a value-added organization. To nominate yourself or someone else or if you want more information, contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Nominations” in the subject line.

Washington, the Beautiful — Share Your Photos

by Roxanne Lowe

We want to showcase your scenic photos on the Blog

Photo contributed by Donna Potter Phillips, Spokane, WA

Have you noticed the Blog banner changes every time you visit? The photos are submitted by readers like you — and Donna Potter Phillips of Spokane (& weekly contributor to the Blog). We’re always looking for scenic photos of our beautiful state for the rotating photo gallery on the blog banner.

Guidelines for the photos are few:
•Landscapes, landmarks, and scenery photos are preferred. If, however, you have a perfect photo that includes people, please obtain their permission to post the photo.
•Photo must have been taken in Washington State (this is the Washington State Genealogical Society blog, after all!).
•Photo will be cropped to 1100 x 250 pixels, so keep that in mind. If in doubt, send it to us & we’ll figure it out.
•You may submit as many photos as you want.
•Final decisions on suitable photos will be made by the awesome WSGS Blog Team.
•There’s no prize if your photo is chosen – just the satisfaction that your photo is being showcased on a blog viewed by hundreds of enthusiastic genealogists.
•There’s no firm deadline to submit photos, just keep ‘em coming. We want to rotate lots of photos to keep the blog fresh.

To submit your photo, please email the image (jpg only, please); what, where, when, and by whom the photo was taken to WSGSBlog@wasgs.org.

Got questions? Email the blog team at WSGSBlog@wasgs.org.Posted in WSGS Programs

Let’s Talk About: Black Sheep!

by Donna Phillips


Looking for the shady characters in your own family tree? Whether they were bootleggers or brothel owners, black sheet are some of the most interesting ancestors you’ll ever trace. Our “10 Things to Know” will help you figure out why…..and where to turn to her your own family’s black sheep.

1. The black sheep of the family is the one who went against the grain negatively. Look at the enumerators comments in the census and elsewhere.  (I have one example: “makes her living by lying on her back.”)

2. Black sheep often have deep paper trails….. newspaper records, court records and even prison records. 

3. Black sheep often surface in family stories…which might or might not be true.

4. Black sheep ancestors often adopted a new name…like escaping the law or a jilted lover.

5. Black sheep are often mentioned in other people’s histories….. if they lived in the same town where your black sheep ancestor roamed, they might have included those stories.

6. Black sheep were more prevalent in the American west which was big and wild and no papers were ever asked for identification.

7. Black sheep had reason to travel…to get away from something. Check out passports, passenger lists and out-of-town newspapers.

8. Black sheep do have mothers….. check census and newspaper records.

9. Black sheep were often tracked by the government…. 1880 census of Defective, Dependent and Deliquent individuals who were imprisoned in prisons or aslymns.

10. Black sheep are often not mentioned by other family members.

*** Thanks to the Ancestry newsletter for this information. 

MyHeritage AI Time Machine

by Charles Hansen

Ever wondered what you might have looked like if you were born in your ancestors’ time? What about how you might look as a Viking? Or an ancient Greek warrior, or a 19th-century lord or lady? Now you can find out! I couldn’t be more excited to announce the release of AI Time Machine™, a groundbreaking and fun new feature that enables you to transform everyday personal photos into hyper-realistic images of yourself as a historical figure.

Imagine the most incredible costume you’ve ever seen. Every detail is perfect, and it looks and feels authentic. What you get with AI Time Machine™ is even better: stunning, seamless images of yourself or a loved one as an ancient Greek warrior, an Egyptian pharaoh, a Victorian lady, or an astronaut in space. There are dozens of iconic historical figures to choose from. You have to see it to believe it!

Check out this video to see how it works.

The feature is very easy to use: simply upload a few photos to get started. The feature will be free to use for a limited time only, so don’t wait — try it now!

Introducing AI Time Machine™

At MyHeritage, our commitment to developing new tools that help users further their family history research is stronger than ever. We also love creating fun features like AI Time Machine™ that increase public interest in history in general and family history in particular, and introduce new audiences to the fascinating world of genealogy.

Please share this exciting feature with friends and followers. Feel free to use the image above, or even better — share your favorite AI Time Machine™ images! You can even use them as highly original profile photos. I can’t wait to see you as your historical figure of choice 🙂

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society December Meeting

by Charles Hansen

Sure hope you will join in the fun!

Saturday, December 3

EWGS MONTHLY MEETING  

12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Hybrid Meeting at Shadle Park Public Library, Spokane Washington

Bring some of your favorite cookies (or desserts) to eat and to share!

Bring an unwrapped toy for the “Toys for Tots” and

“Gold Star Mothers” Toy Drive!

Bring a couple dollars for the Christmas Raffles!

…And most important of all…bring yourself in an ugly sweater!  

You could win a fabulous prize, so be UGLY!!!

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA Special Interest Group

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA Special Interest Group Meeting

Tuesday, November 22 at 7:00 pm via Zoom

Please join us as we begin our discussion of the book Genetic Genealogy in Practice by Blaine Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne. This month we will cover the first two chapters. 

The book is available from the publishers, The National Genealogical Society at:

Genetic Genealogy in Practice

 If you are not a member of TPCGS and wish to attend, please email info@tpcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Book Club Meeting

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Book Club Meeting

Saturday, November 19 at 3:00 pm via Zoom

Please join us as we discuss a genealogical murder mystery.

To the Grave is the second book in the Jefferson Tayte series by Steve Robinson.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1477818537/

Worldcat link: https://www.worldcat.org/title/863194220

We will also discuss the direction in which we would like this group to go and choose future books. If we like this book, we may decide to continue with the next book in the series.

If you are not a member of TPCGS and wish to attend, please email info@tpcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

“YOUR DNA SECRETS REVEALED!”
ON PBS

PBS is debuting a new television show, “Your DNA Secrets Revealed!” on November 26th. Diahan Southard was originally interviewed as a DNA expert by the producers of the show. They liked her so much that they asked her to host the show. She was thrilled and honored, and gladly accepted the invitation.

  
If you are at all interested in DNA, you are most likely familiar with Diahan. You have probably seen at least one, or maybe many, of her presentations on DNA – maybe a webinar or a seminar – maybe you follow her BLOG. Diahan is the author of “Your DNA Guide – the Book” and founder of “Your DNA Guide – the Blog” and “Your DNA Guide – the Academy”. More about all those endeavors can be found at her website  https://www.yourdnaguide.com/

Here is the published description of the new show:  Learn about the science of DNA and the role genetics plays in our longevity, and well-being. Hosted by author, educator and genetic genealogist Diahan Southard, and including interviews with noted biologists and researchers, the program explains why genealogical science is critical to understanding who we really are, and how it can help us make smarter, more informed choices about our health.

In the Seattle area, the show will first air on PBS KCTS-9 on Saturday, November 26th, from  11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. For other locales, check your PBS local listings.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM 
THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER 

SGS has been notified by the manager of the Good Shepherd Center that the elevator in our building will be taken out of service beginning on December 5, 2022 and it will be out of service for most of the month of December. Please plan according. Sorry for the inconvenience. 

SAVE THE DATE

Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, 
usually 2nd Monday meetings
usually 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST

JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 PM unless noted otherwise. 

http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php

“Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration”, 
National Nordic Heritage Museum, 
2655 NW Market St,
Seattle, WA 98107 
Sat-Sun, Nov 19-20, 2022
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Modeled after a traditional outdoor Christmas market, expect all the traditional Nordic holiday goodies. Ticket price for non-members includes entry to the museum.  Julefest is  no charge for museum members. 

https://nordicmuseum.org/events/julefest


“RootsTech 2022”, 
FamilyHistory Library, 
Salt Lake City, Utah
March 2-4, 2023

Choose how to attend; in person or online!
Visit the website for more info and/or registration. 

https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/home

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206 522-8658

New Hours :  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
10:00 am – 3:00 pm ** Please call ahead to make sure our library will be open. We are short on front desk volunteers.  

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, November 19, 2022, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, Irish SIG, with Susan McKee and Jim Ryan. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.

Saturday, November 19, 2022, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm, German SIG, with Carolyn Schott See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.

Monday, November 21, 2022, 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, November 22, 2022, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. 

Monday, November 28, 2022, 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.

Saturday, December 3, 2022, 10:15 am- 12:15 pm, FamilySearch SIG, with Lou Daly. Discover many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email Lou to get on the email list: loudaly@nwlink.com 

Monday, December 5, 2022, 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.

Saturday, December 10, 2022, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, Second Saturday: Border Reivers: The Beginning of Scotch-Irish, with Craig Gowens. 

Monday, December 12, 2022, 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, December 12, 2022, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm, SGS Board Meeting (Virtual), Remember all SGS members are welcome to attend the board meeting. Come see what it’s all about. 

Monday, December 12, 2022, 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, December 13, 2022, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. 

Saturday, December 17, 2022, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, Irish SIG, with Susan McKee and Jim Ryan. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.

Saturday, December 17, 2022, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm, German SIG, with Carolyn Schott See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.

Sunday, December 18, 2022,  1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Virtual Sundays: Something Old, Something New, Just Do It! Self Publishing Your Work,  Jill Morelli is the usual host.

Monday, December 19, 2022, 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, December 26, 2022, 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, December 27, 2022, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary.