Whatcom Genealogical Society Technology and Methodology Help Session

May4 by Charles Hansen

Heritage Quest Research Library America 250 Patriot Celebration Dinner Auction

May2 by Charles Hansen

Heritage Quest Research Library Beginning Your Family History

May2 by Charles Hansen

Let’s Talk About: I Love Lucy

May1 by Donna Phillips

Did you grow up with I Love Lucy on TV? Perhaps watching it with your mother? Perhaps you still watch it today? And what does this TV show have to do with genealogy? Lots!

When you’re scribbling your memories, have you thought to include how these early TV shows impacted your life? The first TV show I remember watching (on our little B&W screen) was 1954-1955 series Flash Gordon……….. remember Ming, the evil emperor? That show planted the Sci-Fi seed in me and Star Trek still is my favorite. Shouldn’t I have written in my memories how these shows impacted me?

I Love Lucy ran for six seasons, 1951-1957, 180 episodes, and has never been off the air since. The show’s syndication was the brainchild of Desi Arnaz. Getting money from re-runs of a TV show was a new concept pioneered by Desi Arnaz.

A new book, Desi Arnaz, the Man Who Invented TV by Todd Purdun, was the topic of a video that I watched recently. The book tells the story of Desi, born in Cuba in 1917, and grew up in Florida when his parents emigrated. He struggled with his music career and his big break came only after his marriage to Lucy in 1940 (they eloped). Lucy was already a rising star, with a radio show “My Father’s House,” which was morphing into a TV show. They wanted Lucy to continue with the show but she would agree only if Desi were her husband.

That presented a problem in those days. A white woman married to a Cuban? But this problem was overcome; the people loved the show. When their son, Desi, Jr, was coming, they wrote the pregnancy into the show. This was the first time “sex” had been hinted at and a pregnant woman featured. The show of “Little Ricky’s” birth in January 1953, was seen by 44 million Americans.

Well, the couple had a volatile relationship even as their businesses and fortunes grew. They founded Desilu studios which still produces movies and TV shows. But apparently the strain was too much for Desi; they divorced in 1960 and Desi died in 1986 of lung cancer. Lucy died in 1989.

What was the most memorable I Love Lucy show to you? To me, it was the “vitameggavegimine” show where Lucy became drunk during the many takes of the ad she was filming in her quest for her own stardom. Yes, I Love Lucy was part of my younger life. What about YOU?

Lisa Battern Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

Apr29 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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Lisa Battern of Edmonds, Washington who was selected by the Sno-Isle Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Lisa spearheaded a project to scan and organize our extensive collection of marriage and anniversary announcements. Her rapid mastery of the scanning equipment was critical to the success of the project, but equally important was her ability to work through the logistical, organizational, and indexing challenges to make the collection more accessible. Lisa then shared her newly acquired knowledge about the book scanner by developing a presentation for members and guests on how to effectively use the tools for family history.

With that work complete, Lisa is now collaborating with a team to enhance the SIGS website, focusing on improving content and user experience. Lisa’s tireless work behind the scenes significantly benefits our community, enabling us to more easily pursue our mission of advancing genealogical research.

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.

Important Deadlines for Society Awards

Apr29 by Roxanne Lowe

Local societies, don’t forget the following deadlines for Outstanding Volunteer/Team awards, Supportive Grants and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Outstanding Volunteer/Team awards: Due July 1. Every year, WSGS supports the nominations of local society members and teams that make societies better.
Supportive Grants: Due July 1. Two grants for $250 each may be awarded to projects that support the work and mission of local societies.
President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement: Due August 1. This award is given to single out that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations.

Questions? Email Outreach@wasgs.org (Supportive Grants) or Info@wasgs.org (Outstanding Volunteer/Teams and President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement).

South King County Genealogical Society May 2026

Apr28 by Charles Hansen

Happy Summer!

SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for [Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal’s presentation at the end of this email. *if you expected to find the code but do not see it, your SKCGS Membership has expired. Renew on our website: https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership

David Spangler has offered to take on the role of President, and the Board will officially appoint him at the May board meeting to finish out the current term. We’re grateful for his willingness to lead.

Since no one was nominated for Vice President or Secretary before nominations closed, the Board plans to appoint Valorie Zimmerman as Vice President and Tracy Arnold as Secretary beginning June 1, 2026. Thanks to all our new and continuing leadership.

Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus 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 platform for discussion and information sharing:

we communicate and share information with each other
other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Main library branches.

Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request.

Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. https://www.skcgs.org

MAY to Early JUNE 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Friday, May 1, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Locating Records from Poland Online” by Julie Roberts Szczepankiewicz. Visitors welcome and more information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/rp2zubuw.

Finding records from Poland for genealogical research is a critical step in exploring our Polish ancestry but Poland’s complex history and the language barrier can be confusing. After a brief overview of Poland’s changing borders and their impact on the languages in which historical records were created, Julie will explain the process of identifying one’s ancestral village and illustrate the use of gazetteers to determine the parish and civil registry offices. She will introduce key websites for locating historical records online and offline, with an emphasis on sites that offer indexed records and digital images. Julie will suggest strategies to help you get around the language barrier, and demonstrate how you can trace your Polish ancestry from the comfort of your own home. Julie Roberts Szczepankiewicz is a genealogist, writer, and speaker with nearly 30 years of experience in researching her family’s origins in Poland, Germany, the U.S., and Canada

Saturday, May 2, 10–11am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Join our free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, May 5, 2pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. All interested Members are invited to; write Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link. Note the new meeting time.

Monday, May 11, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online).Topic: Proving your Family Tree with DNA Evidence. See DNA in Action 1 of 6: Proving Your Pedigree with DNA: https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/dna-in-action-1-of-6-proving-your-pedigree-with-dna.We are genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, May 13, 2–3pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Powering Wikitree with your DNA data, easily & safely. Start here: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:DNA. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, May 14, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

Friday, May 15, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop. SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center: 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610)

Saturday, May 16, 10–11:15am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online): Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal “Research at the library…without leaving home!”

Looking for books about your family history? You may be able to find them without leaving the comfort of home! Millions of books have already been digitized and are free to use and download to your personal library. Learn where to find the best digital book collections, how to search them strategically, and how to save your finds for later reference.

Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal, Certified Genealogist^®, is a researcher, writer, educator, and national genealogical speaker. Her specialties include methodology, technology, and online research resources. Since 1987, Elizabeth has made it her goal to research, share, and preserve her family stories. She is a co-host of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast (https://branchingout.show) and the author of the family history lifestyle website Heart of the Family™ (https://www.thefamilyheart.com). Her mission is to help others make the past part of their present.

Meeting opens at 9:30 am PT for social time.

Monday, May 18, 1–2:pm PT: Tech User Group (Online).Topic: What’s the Process? Analyzing & improving work flows. Are you using new tools, new sites, AI, or some nifty gadgets to make your research more fun, accurate, or more foolproof? The Tech User Group share knowledge and learn about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Thursday, May 21: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer.

11am–1pm PT: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA
2 – 4pm: Federal Way Main Library, 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA

Tuesday, June 2, 2pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. All SKCGS Members invited; write to Board@skcgs.org for Zoom link. Note that the time has changed.

Friday June 5, 12:30–2:30pm PT, German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Striking Gold: Using Cluster Research to Identify an Unknown Father by Dana Palmer, CG^®, CGL^® Visitors welcome and more information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/432j5fvu

Blended ethnic families can be tough to trace. Be successful finding your German ancestor’s parents by using cluster research techniques and free online tools. This case study presentation will show how an unknown father of a German Catholic family who lived in Cincinnati was found by searching for others with the same name who were living in the same location and belonged to the same church.

Discussion will show how analyzing church records, obituaries, cemetery and other records led to the discovery of the unknown father and his origins in Germany. This is a great example of using cluster research to find elusive ancestors.

Presenter: Dana Palmer, CG^®, CGL.^®Dana specializes in Midwestern research, lineage society applications, and publishing family books. In addition to her client work, she is part of the Mayflower Silver Books team, and lectures at RootsTech and the National Genealogical Society (NGS) conferences. Her book Ultimate Guide to Mastering Family Search was released in print and digitally in November 2025.

Saturday, June 6, 10–11am PT:Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Monday, June 8, 1–2pm, PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: What’s New at Gedmatch? See Getting Started with GEDmatch Tier 1 Tools | One-to-Many Essentials & Match Strategies: https://youtu.be/8sgPRq_9ud0?si=3uWYnUC4U7AEOWjl. We are genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: ttps://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, June 10, 2–3pm: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Tools to improve your WikiTree profiles and move your research forward. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, June 11, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA

Monday, June 15, PT: Tech User Group. Topic: Firm foundation for trees: Research notes. Strategies to create notes you will use, accessible everywhere. The Tech Users Group share knowledge and learn about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

June 20, 2026: Steven W. Morrison, MPA presents “Digging Up New Dirt – Part 1: Unearthing the REAL New England Immigrant; Part 2: Finding, Proving, and Publishing“

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SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. F

September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe “Write Your Own Obituary”
October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
November 15 2025: Mags Gaulden “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
January 17 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
February 21 2026: Robyn N. Smith “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People”
March 21 2026: Winona Laird “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
April 18 2026: Robbie Johnson “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History”
May 16 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal “Research at the library…without leaving home!”
June 20 2026: Steven Morrison Part1, “Digging Up New Dirt: Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2, “Finding, Proving and Publishing”

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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. 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.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society Michigan Research

Apr28 by Charles Hansen

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society

1901 So. 12th Avenue

Union Gap, WA 98903

Phone: (509) 248-1328

Email: yvgs@yvgs.net

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society

General Meeting

Date: Saturday. May 2, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Judy Schuster will be giving a presentation on ways to research the state of Michigan. First settled by the Paleo Indians, the French. Not to mention the British. With the many rivers and lakes making Michigan a resourceful state in the region of the Great Lakes. Your family may have lived or toured through Michigan. Come join us in learning how to expand your ancestry.

Coffee and water will be provided.

Carla Adams

Social Media

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Legacy Family Tree Software SIG May 2026

Apr28 by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Legacy Family Tree Software SIG Meeting

Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm virtual via Zoom

We will be continuing thru Siri Nelson’s SIG Notes. This month it’s all about Events.

This is our monthly meeting to share tips & tricks, problems & solutions. Sometimes we will watch videos or share our screens to aide in learning more about using Legacy Family Tree software.

Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the learning. If you are just thinking about trying Legacy for the first time, you’ve been using it for a year or two or you are an old pro with many years of experience using Legacy this is the group for you.

We look forward to meeting with you, every month on the First Tuesday at 7:00 PM Pacific Time

We look forward to meeting with you, every month on the First Tuesday at 7:00 PM Pacific Time

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

Monthly Calendar Reminder: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYpfuyuqDovHNwtBgxtQjWKOjDQ8k5Q9bPD/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqjIvHNKUtR-PRpwQBor4Z-7wpn5Ygo1KiD3iGzRiaDTdGehmA-p0RemJ

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82495661568?pwd=dy85YmluVzF5aEU4SzFTcTUrVDlTUT09

Meeting ID: 824 9566 1568
Passcode: 715731

One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,82495661568#,,,,*715731# US
+12532158782,,82495661568#,,,,*715731# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 824 9566 1568
Passcode: 715731

Find your local number:
https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcphK19I1E

Olympia Genealogical Society Researching American Indian Ancestry

Apr28 by Charles Hansen

Date: May 14, 2026Time: 07:00 PM to 08:30 PM Location: Zoom or in-person

May 2026 General Meeting

Billie Stone Fogarty: Researching American Indian Ancestry

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1925 Boulevard Rd SE, Olympia, WA.

A link to the 7:00 pm Zoom meeting (starts at 6:30 pm for social time) will be posted here on the day of the meeting. Non-members are welcome to attend. A recording of the meeting will be made available to OGS members.

PROGRAM:

You may have heard the family legend about American Indian ancestry but how do you find the facts? Use these important steps to unlock the keys to discovering your Native American ancestry.

SPEAKER:

Billie Stone Fogarty, a professional genealogist since 1979, has taught genealogical skills to audiences of all ages on all levels from local through national and international both in person and virtually. She is founder and co-creator with Matt McCormack of a learning retreat for professional genealogists called Gen-Stock. She also, along with Dr. David McDonald, created the Genealogy Symposium, an intensive, state library & archives-based genealogy methods program based on the theme “Thinking Genealogically”. The inaugural Genealogy Symposium was hosted by the Oklahoma State Archives and the Oklahoma Historical Society of which Billie has been a statewide-elected Board member since 2007. She is the founder and principal of the family history research firm, HeritageTrackers, based in Oklahoma City, OK.

Supporting family historians in the South Puget Sound since 1974

PO Box 1313, Olympia, WA 98507-1313, USA

info@olygensoc.org