Five Societies Awarded Supportive Grants

by Roxanne Lowe

The WSGS Board of Directors awarded 2026 Supportive Grants to five local societies. LeAnne Koliha, WSGS Vice President, announced the awards at the WSGS Annual Meeting on August 27, 2026.

The grants were awarded to:

Clallam County Genealogical Society — CCGS is in the process of having a mural painted on their building. It will feature historical figures of those who lived on or came to the North Olympic Peninsula, including Native tribal images. The purpose of this mural is several fold: to honor the 250th anniversary of the Constitution; to increase the visibility of the Genealogy Society; and to increase visitor traffic. The estimated cost of the mural is about $32,000.  So far CCGS has received donations of $14,000 from members and the public. They have applied for a $10,000 grant, but it is not yet known if it will be approved. CCGS has contributed $5000 to date from their coffers.  They continue to do fundraising. 

Clark County Genealogical Society — The society plans to replace and upgrade essential office equipment. Their current equipment is outdated, and the printers are costly to operate. Specifically, they are seeking funding for a black-and-white laser printer and a new telephone system. The ink for their current color inkjet printers is expensive; a laser printer would better meet daily needs at a lower operating cost. Replacing their old phones will improve range and voicemail, making communication more dependable during the transition to a new location.

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society — LCGS hopes to provide speakers for their online meetings. They have decreased from ten speakers per year to nine, partly due to cost. With rare exception, their speakers are from outside the area. Speaker fees continue to go up. The grant will help them obtain quality speakers with an eye to increasing membership as well as educating their members. Over the last three months, LCGS has had 27 guests out of 68 attendees, and they have had two new members. 

Mason County Genealogical Society — Will use their grant to purchase two or three photo scanners and a supply of flash drives to support their two ongoing community outreach programs. The first project is a monthly family photo scanning event with their partner, Mason County Senior Center. This helps preserve old family photos and gets them out of decaying photo albums and shoeboxes. In the 18 months that MCGS has been conducting this project, they have served over 60 community members. Several MCGS volunteers have worn out their own scanners and have purchased new ones. The other community project is their Genealogy Café where they partner with the Shelton branch of Timberland Library. MCGS wants to give visitors a flash drive to preserve the genealogical discoveries and the sources used in the findings and take with them at the end of the session.

Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society — WAGS plans to upgrade their digital preservation capabilities. The total project cost is $500, and WAGS will match the grant 100% with $250 of their own funds to purchase a pre-owned Sony Alpha 6000 digital camera and macro lens. Buying this equipment used is a deliberate, practical choice that lets them get high-quality, professional imaging gear at a fraction of the cost new. It will serve as the core upgrade for their library’s Digitizing Station, replacing an eight-year-old donated camera that is at the end of its lifespan and can no longer capture the crisp clarity needed for archiving.

For more information about the Supportive Grants, click here.

2026 Outstanding Volunteers and Team Announced

by Roxanne Lowe

Congratulations to the amazing individuals and teams who contributed to Washington’s local societies. The announcement was made on Thursday, August 27, at the WSGS Annual Meeting. Fifteen local society members and four teams were recognized with Outstanding Volunteer and Team awards. The volunteers and teams were praised for their commitment and energies to promote their local societies, family history and cooperation in their local communities.

Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society

  • Holly Ardinger

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society

  • Diane Hunter Boyd
  • EWGS Program Team (Carol Anderson, Lynda Keenan, Donna Potter Phillips, Juanita McBride, Dolly Gorrod Webb, Lola McCreary, Lynn Krogh, Margie Beldin)

Eastside Genealogical Society

  • Mary Dematteo Sangalang
  • Jane Wickert

Grays Harbor Genealogical Society

  • Polly Thomas

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society

  • Lynda Jean Newman Mathers

Olympia Genealogical Society

  • OGS Technology & Website Team (Bob Monn & Joe Brookshier)

Seattle Genealogical Society

  • Sheyna Watkins

Sno-Isle Genealogical Society

  • Corey Smith

Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society

  • Bill Allen
  • Karen Looney

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society

  • Jean Findlay
  • Genealogy Help Desk Team (Carol Rikerd, Debbi Wigen-Noble, Gail Sanders, Judy Karns, Lisa Weaver, Naomi Ward, Patricia Gwin, Shelby Holland, Tim Ward)

Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society

  • Diane Gundersen

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society

  • Vivian Hunt
  • Gerald & Hilda Shepard
  • YVGS Librarians

For more information about the Outstanding Volunteers and Teams, visit the Washington State Genealogical Society, Local Society Support page or email Info@wasgs.org.

Let’s Talk About: Cemetery Trees Tell Tales

by Donna Phillips

Couple of years ago, a like-minded friend and I spent a delightful day driving in southern Spokane County to the places where her family had lived. 

I snapped this pix in that cemetery (name I’ve forgotten). I was wandering around while she was taking pix of her family’s tombstones. I was immediately struck by the eyes in the tree. Do you see them?

We cemetery-wanderers have often times felt a special kind of feeling when we visit any cemetery and especially when we visit a family cemetery. It’s the sort of feeling nearly impossible to describe but it is real enough, as many would attest.

Is that big tree a “hiding place” for spirits? A resting place? A visiting place? Do the spirits of our dead ever come back to the places of their burials? And we have to ask: why would they? But if they do, they surely have their reasons. 

This photo I took in Fairmount Cemetery in Spokane. Some family member (I surmise) had come to visit and had left this little red ceramic cardinal bird atop their family’s tombstone. Why would they have come to visit…….. and to leave that little red bird………. unless they felt “something,” some connection with their dearly departed. 

Ah, the tales that cemetery trees could tell if they only could. 

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week Let AI Build a Timeline

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK — LET AI BUILD A TIMELINE

By Susan Aumaier

When records pile up, it can be difficult to see how all the pieces fit together. A timeline can reveal problems that are easy to miss when examining records individually.

AI can organize your evidence chronologically and help you spot conflicts, gaps, and events that need further investigation.

Instead of asking:

“Make a timeline of John Smith’s life.”

Try:

“Using only the evidence I provide, create a chronological timeline for John Smith. For each event, list the date, place, event, and source. Do not add facts or fill gaps with assumptions. Flag conflicting dates or locations, events that appear chronologically impossible, and significant gaps that may need further research.”

Attach your records or paste your research notes into the AI along with the prompt.

Review the completed timeline yourself. Pay particular attention to overlapping residences, children born when a parent was unusually young or old, events occurring in distant places within a short period, and long unexplained gaps.

A timeline does more than organize information. It can show you where the evidence does not fit together and help identify your next research question.

Remember, AI is a research assistant, not a genealogical source. Verify the timeline against the records you provided.

Seattle Genealogical Society September 2026

by Charles Hansen
image of a computer with the new SGS website displayed. The word 'New SGS Website Goes Live' is written across the top
 base image courtesy of Kari Shea
/ Unsplash, montage by Sheyna Watkins
 NEW SITE A NEEDED UPGRADEThe Seattle Genealogical Society’s long-awaited website redesign is finally here.”We wanted a new, more modern look, with capabilities for mobile and tablet use,” webmaster Melinda McRae stated. “We also wanted a site that would streamline processes, be user friendly, and not need a lot of hands-on maintenance.”The site is available for patrons to access now at dev.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org, but will soon be available to view at the seagensoc URL.The WordPress platform was chosen for the project because of the large number of design and software options. McRae’s previous experience in web development led her to take on a leading role. “I had been through the design and build process with several websites,” she observed.Important!New Site Changes Event Registration ProcessTo register for a SIG, go to SGS Calendar/Upcoming Events and click on the SIG meeting you want. Use the Register button on that page to sign up for a meeting.
 How to Set Up Your Member AccountIf you had an account on the previous site you do not need to create a new account. To move your account to the new site go to member login and enter the username you used on the old site. Then click lost password. Click to open the form and enter your email or username. Hit send. You will then receive an email with a link to reset your password. You can reuse your old password or create a new one. The new site handles several functions without additional work from SGS volunteers.”In the past, many SIG leaders were responsible for handing out links and sending reminders to members,” McRae explained. “This is now handled entirely by our calendar system. Attendees register on our site, get the link to zoom registration, and then sign up there for the meeting link. Our website sends out reminders before every meeting. This saves work for everyone and adds an extra layer of security for the zoom meetings.”The news site will also be able to handle paid events — seminars and classes — through the calendar.SGS’s databases will also have a new robust searching platform.”We have been able to add more member-restricted databases to the site and more will be on the way,” McRae stated. “Members can now search across all the databases at once, or just the one they need. This was a great improvement.”The site is currently live while final testing is completed.”We are still operating in tandem with the old site as we iron out unexpected kinks, but we are well on our way to making the full switchover soon,” McRae observed.

A woman considers two dates on a white board. The words 'What Date is Right?' are along the bottom of the image base image Walls.io / Unsplash, montage by Sheyna WatkinsNARROWING DATES WHEN VITAL RECORDS ARE NOT AVAILABLESecond Saturday, September 12, 1 p.m.What is a genealogist to do with a research subject, born before the era of vital records, who left a lifetime of documents indicating a year of birth that varied by as much as 15 years? In this case study of an African American woman from South Carolina born in the late 19th Century, the Genealogy Standards for evidence correlation and resolving evidence inconsistencies led to one likely date of birth. Chronological tables and visual charts generated by AI helped identify patterns across sources. Her sibling’s birth dates and probable dates of conception helped narrow down a possible date of birth. 
 
Carolyn holds a Certified Genealogist® credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists® and serves on the Board of Trustees for BCG.  She is also an accredited genealogist professional in African American genealogy from the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen™).  She is passionate about identifying ancestors, learning their stories, and preserving them for future generations.Sign Up
NEXT MONTH: Diana Elder Presents “AI in Genealogical Research: A Practical Approach.” Sign up for this event held October 10.
image of the Good Shepherd Center, home to the Seattle Genealogical Society Library 
The Seattle Genealogical Society Library is located inside the Good Shepherd Center
 
EXPLORE THE SGS LIBRARYDiscover What Your SGS Library Has to Offer
Friday, September 18, 10:30 a.m.Have you wondered what resources are available at the Seattle Genealogical Society Library—or perhaps it has been a while since you visited? Join the SGS Field Trip team for a tour of our own research library at the historic Good Shepherd Center in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.

We’ll begin at 10:30 a.m. with a tour and orientation to the library and its resources. The collection includes books and maps covering every U.S. state and many countries, along with access to subscription genealogy databases and unique SGS resources. As a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, SGS also provides access to some FamilySearch record images that cannot be viewed from home.

Following the tour, there will be time to browse the collection, ask questions, and become familiar with the library. Bring a sack lunch or head out locally for lunch. Those who wish to stay are welcome to spend the afternoon at the library.

Where
Seattle Genealogical Society Library
Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103

Research
Bring a research project and your laptop if you wish. Library computers are available with access to subscription genealogy databases. You can also bring a small scanning project to take advantage of the library’s scanning equipment.

Fee
Free for both SGS members and nonmembers

Limit
15 people

Getting there
Free parking is available at the Good Shepherd Center. Metro routes 62 and 44 also serve the surrounding area.Sign Up for the TourWSGS NAMES SHEYNA WATKINS AS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEARBy Greer GrenleyThe Washington State Genealogical Society (WSGS) has proudly named Sheyna Watkins as one of their 2026 Volunteers of the Year.

Watkins oversees the WSGS monthly e-newsletter, managing everything from finding stories and maintaining the content calendar to editing, formatting and preparing each issue. With 1,316 subscribers, the newsletter serves as the society’s primary communication tool.Portrait of Sheyna Watkins Sheyna
Watkins She also leads the writing group, where she sends out reminder emails and helps new members get comfortable with the writing process.

“We are so grateful for Sheyna’s ongoing contribution to keeping everyone informed about people and events in our SGS community,” says Kathy Weber, Board President of SGS. 

Watkins’ interest in genealogy dates back to elementary school when she created her first family tree. About eight years ago she decided to take a deeper dive into her family history and began writing about her grandfather. “I started telling his story and expanded looking into his ancestors and what shaped his life, and what that meant for the world, the church, and the family,” she says.

Watkins’ background in technology, graphic design and journalism has helped her thrive as a volunteer. She says she likes having solid deadlines, particularly with an e-newsletter that goes out every month.

Looking ahead, Watkins is eager to see how the organization continues finding new ways to serve the community through its library program and can reach more people.

“I’m excited to continue eNews and dive deeper into the content,” she says. She also hopes to one day publish her grandfather’s story.



ADD NEW TOOLS TO YOUR TOOLBOX: SGS DATABASESVirtual Sunday, September 20, 1 p.m.What might the Seattle Genealogical Society’s databases hold for your research?

With the launch of the new SGS website, members now have online access to an expanded collection of SGS databases and indexes. Join us for a tour of these resources, what they contain, how to search them, and—most importantly—what they might uncover for your family history.

We’ll also look at how an index entry can be just the beginning—pointing you toward court files, membership applications, cremation information, and other original sources that may add new details to your research.Register for the Presentation Save the Date: Fall Seminar, November 7, in person! 
image Sheyna Watkins
Watch this space for news about SGS’s Fall Seminar held November 7.image of someone working at a computer with the words Sign Up for Certification Discussion Group: Classes in Fall 2026

 base image courtesy of Thought Catalog / Unsplash additional material courtesy Christina Forst and Archive.org, montage by Sheyna Watkins
 SGS CLASS DEMYSTIFIES THE BCG PORTFOLIO PROCESSAre you considering certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists, or would you simply like to understand the certification process more fully? The Certification Discussion Group offers an opportunity to learn about the requirements, standards, and portfolio elements involved in becoming a certified genealogist.

The next series begins on 2 November 2026 and includes seven virtual sessions, meeting on Mondays and Thursdays. Participants will explore the certification process in a supportive  setting and gain a clearer understanding of what is expected in a successful portfolio.

All classes are held online, making the program accessible from anywhere.

Go to the website for more information and sign up for our registration email (coming in this month).  

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 Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.,  Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.

Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, Sept. 5, 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.

Sunday, Sept 6, 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, Sept. 7, 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July!

Thursday, Sept. 7, 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. 

Tuesday, Sept. 8, 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, Sept. 8, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 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.

Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Publishing SGS Journal, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Which Date is Right?” presented by Carolyn Ladd. Register here.

Monday, Sept. 14, 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July!

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 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.

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., NEW! SIG Interest Meeting: Legacy Family Tree (Virtual), We are exploring the formation of a new Legacy Family Tree Software SIG. If there is sufficient interest, the SIG will meet on the third Thursday of each month, with Siri Nelson as the group leader. See calendar for more information.

Sunday, Sept. 18, 2026, 10:30 a.m-noon., Field Trip – Explore the SGS Library, Join the SGS Field Trip team for a tour of our own research library at the historic Good Shepherd Center in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. Register here.

Saturday, Sept. 19 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, Sept. 19 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.

Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:00 p.m., Virtual Sunday, Genealogist’s Toolbox: SGS Databases. Register here.

Monday, Sept. 21, 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July!

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 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, Sept. 23, 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.

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026,  10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DNA SIG, Join our quarterly meetings to discover what’s new in genetic genealogy and learn more about select, in-depth topics. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join. 

Monday, Sept. 28, 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July!

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, Oct. 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.

Sunday, Oct 4, 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, Oct. 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. NEW Zoom link starting in July!

Thursday, Sept. 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, Oct. 7, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.,  Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Publishing SGS Journal, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “AI in Genealogical Research: A Practical Approach” presented by Diana Elder. Register here.


Check the calendar on the SGS website for the most recent dates and times and for additional events as they are added.
    OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND     “Finding Your Female Ancestors” with Amber Oldenburg
Lower Columbia Genealogical Society
Thursday, Sept 10, 9:45 a.m.

From maps, to archival inventories, and to databases galore, Miriam Weiner’s Routes to Roots Foundation website is a treasure trove of resources to help you find your Jewish ancestors! Come learn about how to use this important tool in your genealogical research. Learn more and register.


“Using Autosomal DNA for 18th and 19th Century Mysteries” with Blaine Bettinger
Eastside Genealogical Society
Thursday, Sept 10, 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m

Even though our 18th and 19th century ancestors have been dead for decades, their DNA still survives in their descendants. Learn how to use autosomal DNA to attack and potentially solve genealogical mysteries and brick walls for ancestors who were born or lived in the 1800’s, 1700’s, and beyond. Learn more and register.


“Finding your Family with Miriam Weiner’s Routes to Roots: Utilizing The RTR Foundation Resources in your Research” with Ellie Vance Christensen
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State
Monday, Sept 14, 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m

From maps, to archival inventories, and to databases galore, Miriam Weiner’s Routes to Roots Foundation website is a treasure trove of resources to help you find your Jewish ancestors! Come learn about how to use this important tool in your genealogical research. Learn more and register.

 TIP OF THE WEEK —
LET AI BUILD A TIMELINEBy Susan Aumaier
When records pile up, it can be difficult to see how all the pieces fit together. A timeline can reveal problems that are easy to miss when examining records individually.AI can organize your evidence chronologically and help you spot conflicts, gaps, and events that need further investigation.Instead of asking:“Make a timeline of John Smith’s life.”Try:“Using only the evidence I provide, create a chronological timeline for John Smith. For each event, list the date, place, event, and source. Do not add facts or fill gaps with assumptions. Flag conflicting dates or locations, events that appear chronologically impossible, and significant gaps that may need further research.”Attach your records or paste your research notes into the AI along with the prompt.Review the completed timeline yourself. Pay particular attention to overlapping residences, children born when a parent was unusually young or old, events occurring in distant places within a short period, and long unexplained gaps.A timeline does more than organize information. It can show you where the evidence does not fit together and help identify your next research question.Remember, AI is a research assistant, not a genealogical source. Verify the timeline against the records you provided. Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page.

 DONATE TO SGSYour 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. 
 
September 2, 2026

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

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Olympia Genealogical Society School Censuses What, When, and Where

by Charles Hansen

Billie Stone Fogarty will present “School Censuses: What, When, and Where” at the OGS monthly general meeting on September 10, 2026.  The Zoom meeting starts at 6:30 pm for social time, with the speaker starting around 7:00 pm.  The meeting information (including the Zoom meeting link) is on the OGS website at https://olygensoc.org/events/september-2026-meeting.  Send an email to info@olygensoc.org if you have questions.

Program: Discover one of genealogy’s most overlooked resources – the school census. These records, often taken long before vital records existed, can fill critical gaps in family research, reveal the answers to family mysteries, confirm family migrations, and give a rare glimpse into daily family life and local history. Learn what they covered, when they were made, and where to find those that still exist. Bring your ancestors’ early years to life – one classroom at a time.

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.

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society The Washington State Library

by Charles Hansen

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society

Monthly Business Meeting & Presentation

The Washington State Library: Bureaucracy to the Rescue

Tuesday, September 8th

1:00 pm

SVGS Library

6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

Our speaker this month will be, Crystal Hicks.

This event will be a live Zoom presentation shown only at the SVGS library. Everyone is welcome to attend this free presentation.

Crystal’s topic: The Washington State Library: Bureaucracy to the Rescue

Crystal will speak about the collections available and how to access the variety of resources at the Washington State Library that may help you with your family research.

Crystal’s Bio:

Crystal Hicks brings a rich background in reference and genealogy services to her current role. Before relocating to Washington from Texas eighteen months ago, she served as Assistant Director of a public library, where she supported patrons with local and family history research and oversaw public-facing reference services

She is now Head of Collections at the Washington State Library’s Central Library in Tumwater, where she manages a broad and varied portfolio; special collections including manuscripts and rare books, newspapers, journals, the Northwest book collection, maps, government publications, and genealogy materials. Her work centers on building, preserving, and expanding access to collections that serve historical research, public accountability, and community memory.

There will be a short break with refreshments.

The monthly meeting will follow.

For more information visit stillygen.org

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society September Monthly Education Meeting

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting

Tuesday, September 8, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

This month’s presentation: Jerry Bordelon a member of Alexander Hamilton Chapter of the SAR, will share with us how he researched his ancestors going back to the Revolutionary War and beyond back to France. He will also share tips for working with pre-1850 U.S. census records. 

This meeting will be held via Zoom only.

Our meetings are held monthly  on the 2nd Tuesday starting at 6:00 PM.

Attend virtually via Zoom:

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

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Meeting ID: 867 1814 3644

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South King County Genealogical Society September Program Updates

by Charles Hansen

Welcome to Autumn

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

SEPTEMBER TO EARLY OCTOBER  2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

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

Saturday, September 5, 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.

Tuesday, September 8,1– 2pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting  (usually monthly on the first Tuesday)(Online). All interested members are invited; Write to Board@SKCGS.org for the zoom link.

Wednesday, September 9, 2– 3pm PT: WikiTree Users. Topic: Space Pages? Creating & Using this flexible tool. Bring your questions and examples. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, September 10, 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.

Friday, September 11, 12:30–2:30 pm PDT: EGS German Interest Group: “1816: The Year Without a Summer & Its Impact on German Migration” by  Carolyn Schott, CG® 

Visitors welcome: https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. 

Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/2s4z4c8z  

The eruption of Mt. Tambora in Indonesia unleashed a volcanic winter that reverberated around the globe, earning the year 1816 the name “The Year Without a Summer.” Immense quantities of volcanic ash drastically altered weather patterns and created unseasonably cold temperatures that caused crop failures and food shortages. This crisis prompted many Germans to seek new opportunities abroad, both in the U.S. and in the Russian Empire, which offered both land and religious freedom.

 This presentation discusses the intertwined environmental, economic, and social ramifications of the Year Without a Summer, highlighting its pivotal role in the history of German emigration.

Presenter Carolyn Schott, CG® has researched her German ancestors for 30 years, following their wanderings through Eastern Europe before arriving in the U.S. She is a founder of the Black Sea German Research Community (www.blackseagr.org), a former board member of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society (GRHS), and author of the book, “Visiting Your Ancestral Town.”

Schott’s research has required her to research records in the U.S., Germany, Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, and Poland. The Black Sea German Research Community, which she helped found, is a website dedicated to helping people with hard-to-find information on their ethnic German ancestors who lived in areas bordering the Black Sea. She has been speaking on genealogy-related topics since 2007 and has been a regular speaker at the International German Genealogy conventions, the Foundation for East European Family History Studies, the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, and other genealogy societies. This presentation will not be recorded.

Monday, September 14,1–2:pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online).  Topic: Using DNA Matches as Clues to Build Your Tree. See Dare to Grab the Gold Ring: https://skcgs.blogspot.com/2024/04/dna-dare-to-grab-gold-ring.html,  How to Use DNA Relatives Clustering at 23andMe: https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/38509301730839-How-to-Use-DNA-Relatives-Clustering-at-23andMe & Building Family Trees with DNA Evidence: Beginner’s Guide: https://www.gedmatch.com/blog/building-family-trees-with-dna-evidence-beginners-guide/. 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 

Thursday, September 17: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (in-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer.

11am-1pm: Auburn Library: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn,

2-4pm:  Federal Way Main Library: 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way.

Friday, September 18, 1–3 pm: Research Workshop (In-person). For SKCGS Members only, In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center: 12817 SE 256th St, Kent. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird: 206-818-7610.

Saturday, September 19, 10–11:30 am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series. Dr. Leah Larkin: “Make the Most of Ancestry’s Pro Tools for DNA and More.” 

Leah Larkin, PhD, is a professional genealogist and educator known for her mathematical and biological approach to genetic genealogy. Dr. Larkin earned her doctorate in biology from the University of Texas at Austin, where she used DNA to study species relationships. She now applies those research skills to solving genealogical questions using DNA. Her brainchild, the What Are the Odds? tool at DNAPainter.com, has become an essential tool in our toolbox thanks to the web design skills of Jonny Perl. She also co-developed the revolutionary BanyanDNA tool for complex pedigrees. In addition to taking private clients, she blogs at TheDNAGeek.com; speaks at the local, national, and international level; and teaches with the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, Applied Genealogy Institute, Family History Academy, and others. 

She said recently “I’ve been making heavy use of Ancestry’s Pro Tools, especially the non-DNA features (for a change).  I’ve also discovered a couple of third-party sites that fill some of the gaps in Pro Tools with powerful analytics for both genetic and traditional genealogy.  I’m excited to share these features with you soon. You won’t want to miss it!”

*****

Monday, September 21,1– 2 pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). Topic: Find A Grave: Use & make it better. See: Find a Grave – Suggesting Edits and More Genealogy Tips & Tricks: https://youtu.be/-6xP-A9Fegk (15 mins). Tech User Group shares knowledge and explores technology tools, media, apps and websites. Join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Monday, September 28 –2pm PT Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Join our free online group for Chat reminders and genealogy discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io.

Friday, October 2, 12:30 –2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS). Topic: “German Research for the Everyday American” by  Karynne Moses. This lecture has three components: Unique sources for finding a German hometown in American records; Determining the exact location of the German town using Meyers Gazetteer and Hansen’s Map Guides; Locating the records available for that town using Archion, Matricula and Basia Famula. These are the basic steps that will help attendees locate their ancestors in German records. Presenter  Karynne Moses: Family history provided the perfect outlet for Karynne’s love of languages.  A German and Portuguese genealogist, she enjoys finding her clients’ ancestors and translating documents. While studying Family History/Genealogy at Brigham Young University (BYU), she worked under the direction of Dr. Robert Minert on the German Immigrants in American Church Records series.  She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2019. Visitors welcome. https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CucqFLrdQzmZ5PFMyCCUPg. 

Saturday, October 3,10–11am 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, October 12, 1– 2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online).  Topic: New Look at FamilyTree DNA. Y, mT & upgraded FamilyFinder. https://blog.familytreedna.com/family-finder-ngs-upgrade/. 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, October 14, 2–3pm PT: WikiTree Users. Topic: OctoberFest! What are you excited to see this year? Let’s check out G2G to find out what’s happening. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, October 15: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (in-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer.

11am-1pm: Auburn Library: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn.

2-4pm:  Federal Way Main Library: 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way.

Friday, October 16, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop. SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center,12817 SE 256th St, Kent. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird 206-818-7610).

SKCGS SPEAKER SERIES

19 September 2026 Dr. Leah Larkin: Make the Most of Ancestry’s Pro Tools for DNA and More

17 October 2026 Steven W. Morrison: Digging Up New Dirt and The Likely  English Ancestry Of Deacon John Doane

21 November 2026 MaryLyn Strickland: Using the New Glorecords.blm.gov site

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.

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SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY