Tri-City Genealogical Society January General Meeting

by Charles Hansen

  Please join us for Tri-City Genealogical Society’s January General meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14.  The presentation will be at the Richland FamilySearch Center located at 1314A Goethals Dr.  Entrance is down the ramp from the parking lot that is to the north of Dairy Queen.  The presentation will also be on Zoom so you can join in from your home.  See below for the Zoom link.

  January’s presentation will be from FamilySearch and presented by Savannah Larson on the topic of Start Organized, Stay Organized.  From Savannah’s LinkedIn about page:

   Hello! I’m Savannah and I’ve always been fascinated by stories of heritage and connection. After earning my bachelor’s degree in family history with an emphasis in Scandinavian studies from Brigham Young University, I became accredited for research in Sweden.
  Throughout my career, I’ve worked on a variety of projects, including researching for LDS ancestry projects, military repatriation, and society applications. I’m particularly proud of my work translating the letters of John and Anna Widtsoe for the publication of Saints volume 2.
  With fluency in Swedish and proficiency in Danish and Norwegian, I’m comfortable researching in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, the United States, and Canada. In my free time, I enjoy painting, reading, and spending time with my growing family.

  Thank you to everyone who has already joined TCGS for 2026.  For those who would like to join, the online application can be found at https://tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/q/join/join_renew/ and a printable application can be found at https://tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/q/wp-content/uploads/2023TCGSBrochure.pdf .

Topic: TCGS General Meeting Wednesday January 14 at 7 p.m.

Time: Jan 14, 2026 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81729032650?pwd=CxSOAouTRnokniD4Lavwj6CecX7Lzj.1

Meeting ID: 817 2903 2650

Passcode: 367962

Heritage Quest Research Library Using City Directories in Your Research

by Charles Hansen
Explore the Exceptional Genealogy Classes at HQRL! Join us online via Zoom or in person at HQRL and connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts who share your curiosity and drive—together, we can explore the fascinating world of family history! Just a reminder of upcoming class January 8th! Don’t miss out, sign up today!
Using City (and Other) Directories in Your Research  Thursday, January 8, 2026 Janice Sellers
Directories were not only for cities. Many counties and rural areas had directories, as did locations in other countries. You can also find professional directories, social directories, and more. Learn what they contain and how they can be used to flesh out your family’s lives and track them through time. 
Click Here to Sign-up
Janice M. Sellers is a professional genealogist and international speaker whose grandparents told her she is related to actor Peter Sellers and to John of Gaunt, son of a king and father of a king. Unfortunately, they were wrong, but that’s why she has been researching her family for 50 years and now helps others finds the right pieces to fit their genealogical puzzles. She specializes in Jewish, Black, dual citizenship, and newspaper research. She has done research and appeared on camera for the television series The Dead Files.
A New Strategy for Brick Walls Thursday, January 22, 2026 Kim Richardson

Ever feel like you are engulfed by a pile of research? Do you ever think, “If I could just get organized, I could solve this mystery?” If so, this presentation is for you! This session explains why complex genealogy problems feel overwhelming and how to overcome it through a new way of organizing. Click Here to Sign-up
Kim Richardson enjoys serving the genealogy community by coaching and enabling others to do their own research successfully. She assists other genealogists to accomplish their goals and helps clients solve genealogy mysteries. Kim created the Brick Wall Buster Cards to show others her secret to solving tough genealogy problems. She regularly writes for various genealogy society magazines and wrote the “Mississippi Research Guide” for Family Tree Magazine and researches for Finding Your Roots and Who Do You Think You Are?

Click Here to See All of Our 2026 Classes! HQRL.com / Classes & Events / Contact
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week Expand Search Phrases

by Charles Hansen

TIPS OF THE WEEK –
EXPAND SEARCH PHRASES

Think beyond full names when querying records databases.

Names are useful, but try applying them in different ways. Instead of searching just for the full name of an ancestor try a combination of just an ancestor’s first name with their spouse’s (or other family member’s) first name — with no surnames. This method might help get around spelling irregularities in their last name.

Try searching for an ancestor’s address in a city directory — this method may discover other individuals living at the same address.

Try searching an ancestor’s profession in their community. There may be guilds or other organizations that could give insight into an ancestor’s life — perhaps records of that organization are available.

As more details about an ancestor emerge use those details to explore other possible search queries. These may lead to even more discoveries.

Seattle Genealogical Society January 2026

by Charles Hansen
image of a church cemetery with records overlayed on top and the title 'Look into the Grave' CEMETERY & FUNERAL HOME RESEARCHSecond Saturday: Jan. 10, 1:00 p.m.Join us in welcoming Lisa Gorrell, CG, presenting on researching cemeteries and funeral homes.
 
This presentation will be broadcast at the SGS library in conjunction with the holiday open house. If you’ve been missing in-person meetings, this is an opportunity to share your thoughts with other members face-to-face.
 
Lisa Gorrell has been an instructor for a range of genealogy programs, where she has taught intermediate and advanced hands-on courses. She also volunteers with the Contra Costa Historical Society as a board member and archives assistant, and has held leadership roles with both the Contra Costa County and California Genealogical Societies. Additionally, she has led research trips to Salt Lake City for CGS. Sign Up Today!NEXT MONTH’S SECOND SATURDAY: “Lost in Translation: Deciphering Foreign Names, Places, & Documents,” presented by Margaret Fortier. Sign up separately for this event held Feb. 14.
Correction:There was a glitch with the Zoom registrations for upcoming events that may affect you.

The Zoom link for the March 14th membership meeting and Second Saturday presentation was provided in error as the registration for the Second Saturday presentations in January and February. The correct links are on the SGS website and provided below for your convenience. 

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cemetery & Funeral Home Research 
Presented by Lisa Gorrell
To view via Zoom, register here.

Saturday, February 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Lost in Translation: Deciphering Foreign Names, Places, & Documents
Presented by Margaret Fortier
To view via Zoom, register here.

Saturday, March 14, 2026, noon
March membership meeting and TBA Second Saturday presentation
To view via Zoom, register here.

Hope to see you at all three events, and apologies for any inconvenience. image of church cemetery courtesy of Oleg Yudin / Unsplash
document images courtesy Library of Congress Organizing for Genealogy class starts February 3

 


  GET ORGANIZED WITH HELP FROM SGS CLASSManaging all the information that is collected when recording family history is a challenge. Papers, both physical and digital, accumulate and can be easily lost. To help researchers SGS will be offering an “Organizing for Genealogy” class in February. Through targeted and thoughtful presentations and exercises, instructor Susan McKee will help participants create a system of organization, or adapt their current system, to meet their specific research needs.

Successful organization starts with organizing ourselves. Over the course of four sessions we will look at why and how we research as the foundation of an effective personal organizational system.

Questions about who, what, where, and when we research clarify how best to apply our time, energy, and resources. This enables us to create and maintain a system of organization that best supports our needs as we engage in genealogical research.

Four weekly, two-hour class sessions: Session 1: Organizing Our Self – Our thoughts, actions, time, and space Session 2: Organizing Our System – Paper systems and Digital Systems Session 3: Organizing Our Workflow – Research, Records, and Resources Session 4: Pulling it all together – Developing a tailored organization system
Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., February 3–24, 2026
Online via Zoom
Limited to 20 participants
Class Fee: $100 (SGS members $80)Sign Up for the Class
 Holiday Open House, January 10, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., SGS Library, Good Shepherd Center   HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSEJoin Us for Our Annual Holiday CelebrationWith the holiday rush over, let’s celebrate the New Year. Bring cookies to share and say hello to your SGS friends in person at the library. Come early, come late (not too late). Stay and join us for the Second Saturday Zoom presentation at 1pm Catch (or ask for) a demo of library subscriptions and/or equipment Sneak in a little research (It’s World Logic Day!) Celebrate National Dress Up Your Pet Day (but you must leave that rascal at home) Contact Volunteers@seagensoc.org if you would like to help with this event.
 image courtesy Ksenia Yakovleva / Unsplash   UNLOCK THE STORYTELLER INSIDE YOU Year-Long Writer’s Workshop for Genealogical Writing Launching SoonLisa ObergLisa Oberg Have you ever noticed how easy it is to click through hints and match names—yet how hard it can be to write about the discoveries you make and the mysteries you solve? Have you discovered that when you practice a new skill—and get a little coaching from someone more experienced—you get better, faster, and more confident?

Writing is one of the most powerful tools we have as family historians. It’s how we share our discoveries with relatives, preserve our stories for future generations, and contribute to the wider community of researchers.

That’s why we’re launching a 2026 Writer’s Workshop for Genealogical Writing — a hands-on, supportive space to help you grow your writing skills, find your voice, and gain the confidence to see your work in print.

Whether you’re just beginning to write or already drafting family stories, this workshop is for you. You’ll start from where you are and build toward sharing your discoveries in a clear, professional, and compelling way.

What to Expect A Writer’s Workshop is a small, committed group—about ten participants — each setting a personal writing goal. There will be monthly meetings (likely on Saturday mornings), both in person and virtually, under the guidance of Lisa Oberg, experienced genealogist, family historian, and SGS Vice President. Along the way, you’ll receive ongoing support, feedback, and encouragement. 

So — have you ever solved a research problem and thought, I should write that up someday? This is your opportunity to make “someday” happen. Join us and let your research discoveries take their place in the record.

Follow eNews and the SGS website for sign up information.SGS LIBRARY NEWS A Troll Through the SGS Bulletin (now the Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society) By Kathi, SGS Director of LibraryOn numerous occasions during 2025, I found I was searching through old issues of the Bulletin looking for information on SGS activities. SGS started publishing a two-page weekly Bulletin in 1952. Initially, the content was mainly devoted to announcing upcoming meetings, listing members (54 in 1952) and being a resource for members to exchange information – the infamous Queries section. By 1955 the content had expanded to include member submitted transcriptions of Bible records, maternal and paternal lineages, family histories, census indexes, early King County marriage records, as well as other odds and ends. Not all content published in the Bulletin was related to Seattle, King County or Washington, and one may find a transcription of a Virginian’s will or probate, a Revolutionary War or Civil War Pension application from Kentucky or New York, a survey of cemeteries in Ohio and a myriad of other transcribed material. I’ve searched for information from some of the Bulletins and, in some cases, I was unable to locate the specific item on Ancestry, FamilySearch or any other genealogical-related website. In conclusion, don’t overlook genealogical society publications, such as the Bulletin. Seattle Public Library (SPL) has a large collection of society publications from most, if not all, states.

An index of both the Bulletin and the Journal is available at the SGS website. Through a collaboration with SPL, one can access issues of the Bulletin and Journal through the SPL website.

 Show Your Research Chops With January 2026 ChallengeWhat was the Borrowed Time Club of Seattle? When was the Club established? What was the purpose of the Club?

Send your responses — with short, informal source citations — to research@seagensoc.org. 
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS 
Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206 522-8658Hours :  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday   
** 10:00 a.m .- 3:00 p.m. **  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. Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.   All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted 
Saturday,Jan. 3, 2026,10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. FamilySearch SIG, Discover the many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email SGSFamilySearchSIG@seagensoc.org to join the mailing list
Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 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. See SGS Calendar for more information. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.

Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Organizing for Genealogy SIG, Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey. Contact Susan McKee at sgsOrganizingsig@seagensoc.org to join. 

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,  Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.
Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org NOTE: Meeting date change this month only and New Zoom link.

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.
Saturday, Jan. 10,2026, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Holiday Open House, Join us for our annual holiday celebration in the SGS library at the Good Shepherd Center.
Saturday, Jan. 10,2026, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Cemetery & Funeral Home Research” Presented by Lisa Gorrell. Register here.

Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 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. See SGS Calendar for more information. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.
Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.,
Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. NOTE: Zoom link alternates between 2nd and 4th Tuesday.Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., MAC Computer SIG,  Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings address topics and resources for Macintosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software program. A link to login will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. If you would like to join, send an email to macusersig@seagensoc.org to be added to the email list. 

Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m. Family Tree Maker SIG, Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. Share information and discuss Irish ancestral research. View SGS calendar for details on joining this group.
Saturday, Jan. 17 2026, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Register on the SGS website.

Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 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. See SGS Calendar for more information. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-noon, “Pass It On” Writers’ Group, Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. The group may be accepting new members. Send queries to SGSPassItOn@seagensoc.org.

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group  to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Sheyna Watkins at sgsWriteItUpSIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month
Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 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. See SGS Calendar for more information. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. NOTE: Zoom link alternates between 2nd and 4th Tuesday.
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Mexican SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research. Email Diane Hughes-Hart at SGSMexSIG@seagensoc.org to join. NOTE: New Zoom link starting this month.

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DNA SIG (Virtual), Join our quarterly meetings to discover what’s new in genetic genealogy and learn more about select, in-depth topics. Email SGSDNASIG@seagensoc.org to join.

Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026,  1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join. 
Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 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. See SGS Calendar for more information. NOTE: New Zoom link for January – June.
Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Organizing for Genealogy SIG, Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey. Contact Susan McKee at sgsOrganizingsig@seagensoc.org to join. 
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,  Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website. NOTE: New Zoom link for the rest of 2026.
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email SGSFamilySearchSIG@seagensoc.org to join the mailing list. NOTE: New starting time!

Monday, Feb. 8, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 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. See SGS Calendar for more information.

Monday, Feb. 8, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. NOTE: Zoom link alternates between 2nd and 4th Tuesday.Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. NOTE: New Zoom link for 2026.Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Lost in Translation: Deciphering Foreign Names, Places, & Documents” Presented by Margaret Fortier. Register here. 
OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND  
 “Getting Started with AI in Family History” with Andrew Redfern Eastside Genealogical Society
Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:00 p.m. (virtual) (Zoom open at 6:30 p.m.)

Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just getting started, this talk will provide you with valuable insights and strategies for using AI to uncover your family’s unique story. Learn more and register.“Latest MyHeritage Technologies for Genealogy” with Daniel HorowitzJewish Genealogical Society of Washington State
Sunday, Jan. 18, 11:00 a.m. (virtual) (Zoom open at 10:30 a.m.)

MyHeritage is constantly introducing new features and content to help users take their research to the next level. In this session, Daniel will give a detailed walkthrough of the latest features, show you how to make the most of them, and give a peek behind the scenes at how they were developed. Learn more and register.


GRIP Registration for 2026 Opens
Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Feb. 3

This year the GRIP offers two sessions of classes: June 22-26, 2026, on Zoom and July 12-17, 2026, in-person! Learn more and here.“Decoding Your Ancestors: The Tech Edition” with Cyndi Ingle Olympia Genealogical Society
Saturday, Feb. 7, 8:50 a.m. — 2:30 p.m. (virtual)

Four one-hour presentations focused on technology tools for genealogy. Learn more and register. Lower Columbia Genealogical Society
Various Fridays, 9:45 a.m. (virtual)

February 13: The 1890 Census
Speaker: Sara Cochran

March 13: Your Ancestor’s Occupation: Exploring the 1821 Irish Census.  
Speaker: Steven Morrison

April 10: Jumping the Pond: Connecting Immigrants to Their Homeland.  
Speaker: Mary Kircher Roddy

Learn more and register here.   
TIPS OF THE WEEK –
EXPAND SEARCH PHRASES
Think beyond full names when querying records databases.

Names are useful, but try applying them in different ways. Instead of searching just for the full name of an ancestor try a combination of just an ancestor’s first name with their spouse’s (or other family member’s) first name — with no surnames. This method might help get around spelling irregularities in their last name.

Try searching for an ancestor’s address in a city directory — this method may discover other individuals living at the same address.

Try searching an ancestor’s profession in their community. There may be guilds or other organizations that could give insight into an ancestor’s life — perhaps records of that organization are available.

As more details about an ancestor emerge use those details to explore other possible search queries. These may lead to even more discoveries.
 Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page
and click the green renew membership button.

 DONATE TO SGS
Your donations represent a significant part of the SGS budget. Your continued generosity helps us increase our financial security and expand our services for everyone. We make it easy for you to contribute appreciated stock from your portfolio. We have a brokerage account established and ready to receive your donation from any firm. For details, write treasurer@seagensoc.org. For questions about our needs and our vision, write president@seagensoc.org. 
 
January 2, 2026

SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!

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Fiske Genealogical Library Winter 2026 Virtual Classes

by Charles Hansen

Here is the information for the first six of our Winter 2026 virtual classes

Happy New Year!

Kenneth V. Peterson

Education Coordinator

Fiske Genealogical Library

https://fiskelibrary.org

Wednesday, January 7

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Travel Your Tree: Walking in Your Ancestors’ Footsteps

Presented by Lisa Vogele

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Explore the world of family history travel beyond the confines of television shows like

Finding Your Roots. Discover how you can personally trace your ancestors’ paths,

whether it’s visiting battlefields where your forebears fought, exploring ancestral

villages, or connecting with distant relatives. Join us to uncover expert tips for

planning your journey and forging meaningful connections along the way.

Wednesday, January 14    

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

How to Leave Your Genealogy

Presented by Lisa S. Gorell

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

What will happen to all your genealogy research, both in paper form or as digital files, when you pass on? You might have a relative that will continue the research, or you might be able to donate it to a library or an historical society. Now is the time to make a plan to increase the chance that your work is saved for future generations.

Wednesday, January 21    

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Organizing for Genealogy

Presented by Susan McKee

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Successful organization starts with organizing ourselves. Over the course of four sessions we will look at why and how we research, building the foundation of an effective personal organizational system. Questions about who, what, where, and when we research clarify how best to apply our time, energy, and resources. This enables us to create and maintain a system of organization that best supports our needs as we engage in genealogical research.

Wednesday, January 28    

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

AI for Genealogy Research – Best Practices

Presented by Claire Smith

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Find out how to use powerful new AI tools to work more effectively on your genealogy research without compromising the quality of your work. Learn how to use AI for cross-document querying, indexing, and analysis, translating / transcribing documents, enhancing images and photos, and more.

Wednesday, February 4    

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Where Does This Go? Organizing Your Genealogy Gems

Presented by Sara Cochran

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Whether you’re just starting to climb the family tree or you’re an experienced researcher, come learn practical tips to organize your genealogy treasures and create an easy-to-maintain system that lasts!

Wednesday, February 11  

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Browsing & Clustering with MyHeritage DNA Tools

Presented by Beth Swartz

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Examine how the DNA Tools in MyHeritage currently work, in preparation for the new features coming in RootsTech 2026.

Fort Walla Walla Camp 3 of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War

by Charles Hansen


The Fort Walla Walla Camp 3 of The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) will hold their (Saturday) Jan 24th, 2026
Installation meeting at McAllister Museum of Aviation. Social time  and furnished meal 11:30 to 12:30, [A meal lunch count RSVP
appreciated to 509 945 0549.] *** Some special music will be provided by member/Brother Hank Cramer III of C.W. Ballads and stories.***
Museum open for viewing. After meeting adjournment, a Guided tour to be given by ExDir Lynn Harden.
 Museum opens at 11:00 am and closes at 4:00+ Located at 2008 South 16th Ave, Yakima,WA 98903.

Business meeting starts at 12:30 with new Officer Installation and routine business items and a Video Program of Civil War history of the GAR and the
 development of the SUVCW. Camp members and spouses invited. Public also invited.  No charge to attend. More SUVCW info at <www.suvpnw.org>
Questions to CC Peterson;   cbsapiary@live.com  or cell/ text  509 969 8844

Submitted by Don Jameson FWW # 3   PCC, Camp Council Chr.  cell 509 945 0549

Let’s Talk About: Moran Prairie Cemetery

by Donna Phillips


Jennifer Braddock Duskey stands by the graves of her great-grandparents, Otto E. Hubenthal (died 1941) and his wife, Pauline Snyder (1854-1941). The place is the Moran Prairie Cemetery. The flat stone also states “and children.” These two words have grabbed Jennifer’s imagination and she is now hooked on finding her family history. “Who were those children?” she quips, “I want to know!” We agreed that it looks like a large enough plot for several grave sites.

Moran Prairie Cemetery (in southeast Spokane) was established around 1889. It became the final resting place for many early settlers including Joseph Moran (born in 1824 in St. Antoine, Canada, and died in 1890….from being gored by an angry bull). The cemetery is currently at capacity with almost 1000 graves. 

Once again, Jennifer and I urge you to seek out your ancestors and learn their stories! Each one of us HAS a story to tell. 

Sizer and Scott Re-Elected For Two-Year Terms

by Roxanne Lowe

Congratulations are extended to Kathy Sizer and Jill Scott who were elected recently as WSGS President and Secretary, respectively. Their terms run through Dec. 31, 2027. Kathy will be serving her third two-year term, while Jill is serving her second term as Secretary. Jill’s election was unanimous and Kathy’s was almost unanimous — someone with a sense of humor wrote in “anyone, but me.”

Kathy and Jill, and the rest of the WSGS Board, are anticipating a year filled with growth and service to its members. WSGS members are invited to attend (virtually) the monthly board meetings which are the third Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. The minutes of each meeting are available in the Members’ Area of the website.

For more information about participating in WSGS, email Info@wasgs.org.

South King County Genealogical Society January 2026

by Charles Hansen

January 2026 to early February 2026 with South King County Genealogical Society

Happy New Year! 

SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for Mary Kircher Roddy’s “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity” 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 

Are you passionate about SKCGS’s mission and looking for a meaningful way to volunteer your skills? Start the new year by stepping up!

We’re searching for a leader to move into the role of President and help keep our small but mighty nonprofit running smoothly! The best part? You won’t be doing it alone! You’ll be supported by a dedicated, hands-on board and fantastic volunteers who are ready to help. to Board@skcgs.org to help.

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 Highland 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.

JANUARY TO EARLY FEBRUARY 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated 

Saturday, January 3, 2026, 10–12 am PT: SKCGS 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

Tuesday, January 6 2026, 6:30 pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). Interested SKCGS Members write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 11am–1 pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 2801 NE 10th Street, Renton WA

Friday, January 9, 2026,  12:30–2:30 pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online) Topic: “Free Websites for Germany Genealogy” by Josiah Schmidt. Visitors welcome. More information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ Registration is required:   https://tinyurl.com/ypmc7kyx        

Monday, January 12, 2026, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group. Topic: Strategies for Success in 2026. How will all your new matches answer your research question? Join our free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree User Group (Online). Topic: Digging Deeper: How to use Wikitree to move your research forward. Wikitree Users create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, January 15, 2026: 11am–1pm 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. 2–4pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer; 34200 1st Way S Federal Way, WA

Friday,January 16, 2026, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop. For SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center: 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (253) 631-3252

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10–11:15 am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online). Join at 9:30am PT for social time. Topic: Putting Your Learning to Work: Get the Most from an TEducational Opportunity – Genealogists are constantly learning. Societies and libraries around the world offer webinars and courses galore. With each opportunity you take, you spend your most precious resource – your time. How can you decide what to watch and how to get the most out of any educational opportunity? Discover ways to make what the presenter told you part of your research toolbox. 

Mary Kircher Roddy, Certified Genealogist, is also a Certified Public Accountant. She lectures in Washington State and across the US, and is a regular presenter for LegacyFamilyTree Webinars.  She has written for Internet Genealogy, NGS Magazine, FGS Forum, Family Chronicle, The National Genealogical Society Quarterly and numerous society publications.  Mary served as Treasurer for the Association of Professional Genealogists.  She is currently a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists.  She is also co-editor of The National Genealogical Society Quarterly. You can read more about her at MKR Genealogy – www.mkrgenealogy.com

***

Monday, January 19, 2026,1–2pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). MaryLynn Strickland will present “Homestead: Land of My Own.” Her handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7MYlQbH_7fVjKOZff0OV2QXoIsRSIIE/view?usp=sharing. The Tech Users Group is for sharing knowledge and learning about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Please join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Monday, January 26, 2026,1–2pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Register at SKCGS.org 

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. Interested Members are invited; write Board@skcgs.org for the zoom link.

Friday, February 6, 2026,12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Swiss Essentials: Locating Church Records & Understanding the Impact of Citizenship” by Charlotte Noelle Champenois, AG®, AGL™. Visitors welcome. More information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ Registration is required:   https://tinyurl.com/yfyrt6yw  

Saturday, February 7, 2026 10–11am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: Question and Answer for the Family Tree Maker program. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG. 

Monday, February 9, 2026, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: Get Ready for RootsTech. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 2–3pm PT. WikiTree Users  (Online). Wikitree Users create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, February 12, 2026, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person)

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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.

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SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY