The German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS)meeting
When: Friday, March 5, 2020 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm PT – Virtually
Topic: “Connect Your Family: Useful Research Strategies”
Do you have a broken branch or stump in your family tree? Come learn some useful research strategies to find your brick wall ancestors.
Presenter: Dana Palmer, CG®, CGL(SM) has been a genealogy instructor since 2010 and has spoken at many genealogy events and conferences. She specializes in Midwestern research and has experience in Germany, Denmark, and the U.K. She loves problem solving and tracking down those elusive ancestors.
– Small Town Papers This tip came from a member of the Seattle Genealogical Society Networking private group on Facebook. If you would like to become a member of the group, just ask; use the Facebook search to find the group and then click on the JOIN GROUP icon.
Karen P. turned us onto a website she found, www.stparchive.com , which is a “Master List of all newspaper archives hosted by SmallTownPapers”. This list is sorted by newspaper name, or by state. Karen says, “I just found this website on small town newspapers. Click on the newspaper, Then Browse will give you the years the have digitized. Search will let you search. As always finding things are hit and miss, but it looks like a good source.”
JENNIFER WELLS, VOLUNTEER OF WINTER QUARTER Each quarter, the Seattle Genealogical Society recognizes one member as our Volunteer of the Quarter. Our Volunteer for Winter 2021 Quarter is Jennifer Wells.
Jennifer is being honored for her work writing grant proposals. Our most recent grant from 4Culture enabled the society to purchase sneeze guards, thermometers, and other materials to enable safe reopening of the library when State COVID restrictions allow.
Jennifer has been a member of Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) since April 2018. She has attended SGS seminars and Second Saturday events and participates in the DNA Special Interest Group (SIG). She always appreciates opportunities to learn something new about genealogy, which might be access to new historical resources, techniques to analyze and organize genealogical research, or sharing of genealogical research and family stories with other members. She particularly enjoyed Herb McDaniel’s presentations at the DNA SIG.
In her personal genealogical research, Jennifer has many examples of (not uncommon) family secrets kept by relatives born in the 1920s and 1930s. She was able to determine that a DNA match predicted to be a first cousin is her half-niece from a paternal half-sibling, which would have been difficult to determine by genealogical research alone. The secret was shared only after her father’s death. Jennifer has many such stories to tell.
She has also had fun finding new Irish surnames. On a visit to Ireland in 2019, she met an elderly gentleman who may be distantly related (shared surname and ancestral location). The trip was not intended for genealogical research, but rather to see where her ancestors may have lived, so stumbling onto a possible relative was just a lucky coincidence. DNA suggests she also has Scottish and Northern Irish ancestors. The future holds more research and perhaps a trip to Scotland.
Jennifer has been the grants coordinator since January 2020. She says, “I like to find money for SGS so that a variety of programs and resources can be offered to its members and guests.” We can all appreciate that.
Congratulations, and thank you, Jennifer! A PEEK AT THE SPRING SEMINAR! The SGS Spring Seminar is scheduled for May 15, 2021, and the guest speaker will be Paul Miner.
Paul, a professional genealogist and internationally known lecturer, is a native of northern England who specializes in British Isles research. He has been designing genealogy workshops, writing books, and lecturing for over 35 years. Paul holds an advanced degree in Theology and is particularly knowledgeable about the church and its role in record keeping. As a genealogist he speaks on a variety of topics relating to research in the British Isles, migration to North America, and research methodology. Stay tuned. Details and registration for the seminar will appear in the eNews! and on the SGS website seagensoc.org within the next few weeks. HOPE FOR THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES IN SEATTLE On Friday, February 12, 2021, a US District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction to halt the sale of the National Archives property on Sand Point Way NE in Seattle. In coalition with 29 tribes and community organizations, Washington AG Bob Ferguson filed suit on January 4, 2021, seeking to declare the sale of the property to developers illegal. The injunction will allow time for the suit to work its way through the courts. * SAVE THE DATE * The International German Genealogy Partnership presents,a “Researching Together Worldwide / Weltweit Gemeinsam Forschen”, the first ever International German Genealogy Virtual Conference, July 17-24, 2021
Is German genealogy one of your New Year’s resolutions for 2021? If so, be sure to mark your calendars for July 17-24, 2021. The IGGP Conference, which only takes place every two years, is your chance to take a deep dive into all things German genealogy – and learn from the experts themselves. This year, the conference will be virtual, which means you can tune in from anywhere in the world!
Don’t miss the “Early Bird Special” price. To learn more about this event, sign up for the conference newsletter on their website:
https://iggp.org
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS*
In consideration of COVID-19 social distancing recommendations, the SGS Library is closed until further notice and SGS in-person events have been replaced with online events. ** Go to the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links and for any last minute updates or changes to the schedule.
Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
Tuesday, Feb 23, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcomed. No appointment necessary. Visit www.seagensoc.org Calendar of Events for the Zoom meeting link.
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 pm, 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.
Wednesday, March 3, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
Saturday, March 6, 2021, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, FamilySearch Interest Group with Lou Daly, Discover the many ways to use Family Tree and FamilySearch. At each meeting a different aspect of the website will be featured. There will be time for Q & A. Want to join the mailing list? Email Lou: loudaly@nwlink.com
Sunday, March 7, 2021, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, To be included you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcomed. No appointment necessary. Visit www.seagensoc.org Calendar of Events for the Zoom meeting link.
Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, MAC SIG Interest Group (Virtual), Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske, this group meets every other month from October through June on the second Wednesday of the month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Meetings address topics and resources helpful for those using MacIntosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion program in their genealogy research.
The link to logon will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. People wishing to attend should email dhettrick@earthlink.net to be added to the mailing list. Co-chaired by Lisa Marker and Diane Hettrick
Saturday, March 13, 2021, 10:15 am – 12:00 pm, Family Tree Maker (FTM), chaired by Rob Sexton, Learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker 2017 by Software MacKiev™ . Want to join this SIG? Email operations@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, March 13, 2021, 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm, SGS Membership Meeting – Virtual, The March SGS Membership meeting is the time that the Board presents the slate of nominees for Board positions in preparation for the May election. We expect to have some open positions, so remember that nominations may be made by the membership at any time, including at this meeting.
In addition, there are two major interconnected projects underway we will discuss. First, we are working to reduce the physical size of our library, part of which is a plan to move large parts of it online to facilitate access by SGS members and the genealogy community at large. Second, as mentioned at earlier meetings, our lease runs out this year and we have been looking for a new location. We will be providing information about both of these topics and asking for feedback from the membership.
Saturday, March 13, 2021, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Second Saturday Series:”Why They Left, Where They Went, and the Tales Their Journeys Can Reveal”, presenter will be Pam Vestal
Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcomed. No appointment necessary. Visit www.seagensoc.org Calendar of Events for the Zoom meeting link.
Wednesday, March 24, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 pm, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. Saturday, March 27, 2021, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, DNA Interest Group, with Cary Bright & Craig Gowens, to be included you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join. Link to be sent to the email group prior to the meeting with the pdf handout
Did you get a DNA test for Christmas? Even while waiting for your results to arrive, there is much you can do to make your test results useful to you as you research your family. We’ll begin with creating a profile, show you how to get started with your tree and where you can research for free! See what your “match list” looks like and how to start using that. There will be plenty of time for questions.
Presented by MaryLynn Strickland AND Valorie Zimmerman of the South King County Genealogical Society.
I am happy to share that we’ve just released a new collection: United States, Border Crossings from Canada, 1895-1956, which consists of 12.5 million historical records.
During the late 19th century many immigrants to the U.S. arrived via passage from Canada to avoid harsh inspections at U.S. ports like Ellis Island. The collection, which includes images, is significant as it offers important details of travelers as they made their way to the United States. The MyHeritage index offers additional details not found in other versions of this collection, such as information on family members.
The records include the individual’s name, age, gender, date of arrival, arrival port, marital status, birth date, birth place, last residence, destination, port of departure, and nationality, as well as the names and addresses of family members both in the United States and the home country. In addition to immigrants seeking citizenship in the United States, many of the records in the collection pertain to U.S. or Canadian citizens passing through the border for work or travel.
A Discount Offer from NGS Business Partner [] Dear NGS Members, Genealogical Publishing Company (Genealogical.com) is delighted to offer members of the National Genealogical Society a 20% discount on six publications that command frequent use. Just use code NGS2021 (no spaces) in the coupon box of the checkout process. The publications included in this special offer are:Evidence Explained. Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace. Third Edition Revised, by Elizabeth Shown Mills, is the definitive guide to the citation and analysis of historical sources–a guide so thorough that it leaves nothing to chance. View in Store The Sleuth Book for Genealogists. Strategies for More Successful Family History Research, by Emily Anne Croom, “will not only keep you entertained while you’re learning how to break through those stubborn brick walls, but it will also give you practical advice that really works”–Sharon DeBartolo Carmack, CG, author of You Can Write Your Family History. View in Store Reading Early American Handwriting, by Kip Sperry, is the classic guide to its subject. “The further back in time our research takes us, the more ‘plain English’ looks like a foreign language. That’s why Sperry’s ‘plain English’ guide to not-so-plain English writing is an absolute basic book for every genealogical shelf.”–Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG, FNGS. View in Store History for Genealogists, Using Chronological Time Lines to Find and Understand Your Ancestors. Revised Edition, by Judy Jacobson, is the one history book all family genealogists should own when they are searching for fresh clues or hoping to understand what made their ancestors tick. Revised and expanded in 2016 to include new chapters on “life on the homefront” during America’s 20th-century wars; and “fashion and leisure” in America from its beginnings through the middle of the 20th century. View in Store Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790-1920, by William Thorndale and William Dollarhide, is the award-winning handbook designed to ensure that you conduct your census research in the correct American county. View in Store Indian Wars of the American South, 1610-1858. A Guide for Genealogists & Historians, by Michael A. Ports, is a comprehensive introduction to the conflicts that ensued between Native Americans and their European encroachers from the colonial period to the Civil War—and the records that survived them. View in Store To save 20% on one or more of the above books, simply order online and apply the special discount code NGS2021 (no spaces) in the coupon box of the checkout process. For more information about these specially discounted books, please visit genealogical.com today.
This special offer will expire on March 15, 2021. Sincerely, Joe GaronzikMarketing DirectorGenealogical.com P.S. As an added bonus, you can save all USPS shipping charges on your order, if you purchase more than $50 worth of books in any single order. The mission of the National Genealogical Society is to inspire, connect, and lead the family history community. We foster collaboration and best practices in advocacy, education, preservation, and research. We enable people, cultures, and organizations to discover the past and create a lasting legacy. For generations. Past. Present. Future.
Abraham Lincoln is one of the most prominent figures in the history of the United States, and one of the most influential presidents of all time. Ahead of his birthday on February 12, and President’s Day on February 15, MyHeritage has released a new ad that lets you see Lincoln like never before, as he explores his family history on MyHeritage 🙂
Please watch the video and embed it on your blogs, and share it on your channels.
I hope that you and your audience enjoy the video!
You can also read more about the making of this incredible project on our blog.
Enjoy,
Daniel Horowitz Genealogy Expert
MyHeritage Ltd., P.O.Box 50, 3 Ariel Sharon Blvd., Or Yehuda, Israel 6037606, Israel, +972-3-6280000
International German Genealogy Partnership Hello German genealogists,
We are so excited to announce that registration for the International German Genealogy Conference is now open! The conference will be held virtually from 17 July to 24 July 2021.
Register with Early Bird Discount Four different packages are available for the conference. While the IGGP LIVE! Package includes the eight live lectures by an all-star lineup of genealogy experts (Early Bird $119, Regular $169), and the IGGP OnDemand package features more than fifty prerecorded sessions for you to watch at your convenience (Early Bird $179, Regular $229), the IGGP Combo Package is recommended for the genealogist wanting to get the most out of their virtual conference experience (Early Bird $229, Regular $279).
This recommended IGGP Combo Package includes access to both the eight LIVE sessions – featuring popular speakers Ute Brandenburg, Wolfgang Grams, Timo Kracke, Roger Minert, Judy Russell, Katherine Schober, Diahan Southard, and Michael Strauss – as well as one-year access to the over fifty OnDemand sessions, which include an extensive variety of German genealogy topics hand-selected to best aid your research.
If you would like these sessions indefinitely, the top-tier IGGP USB Works Package includes all of the Combo Package plus a preloaded USB flash drive with all the conference sessions, meaning that you will have lifetime access to these expert-level lectures (Early Bird $249, Regular $295).
All packages include access to the online sponsor and exhibit hall, as well as to the “Connections” breakout sessions that will bring together small groups with similar German genealogy or cultural affinities.
This virtual conference is a must-attend for anyone researching their German ancestors. With expected participation from genealogists around the world, researchers will have a unique opportunity to connect across borders while simultaneously learning from the top experts in the field.
For any additional questions, contact James Beidler at jamesmbeidler@gmail.com, Nancy Myers at n.myers@gmx.net, or Katherine Schober at language@sktranslations.com. Register with Early Bird Discount Please share this information with your genealogy societies and friends! The press releases regarding registration are available in both English and German at the links below. You may either copy the links or download the documents to share. Thanks for helping us get the word out!
You are free to copy articles to any non-commercial web site or message board or printed publication you wish. Don’t bother to ask permission, just do it.
Dear NGS Members, Genealogical Publishing Company (
International German Genealogy Partnership 
Hello German genealogists,