| — NEWS RELEASE — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  |
| Dec. 29, 2020 AG Ferguson to host remote public comment meeting on National Archives facility and records Feds did not solicit input in the Pacific Northwest before deciding to sell the building and move the region’s records SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced he will host a remote public meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, so the public can share their comments on plans by the federal government to sell Seattle’s National Archives building and move the records thousands of miles away. The federal government did not hold any meetings of its own in the Pacific Northwest, and did not consult with state, local, or tribal leaders in the region prior to announcing its decision to sell the Archives facility. One member of the Public Buildings Reform Board (PBRB) recently said the sale would allow the Archives building to “become a part of the community, as opposed to what it is today.” The office will record the public comments and forward them to the PBRB. Ferguson will also formally invite the PBRB members to attend the remote public hearing. The public meeting will be held via Zoom from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2021. Zoom link: https://atg-wa.zoom.us/j/83852186385?pwd=amIvSHA4MHJJdzRVcDgzRSthQjdpQT09 Meeting ID: 838 5218 6385 Passcode: 426894 Phone: 253-215-8782, 838-521-863-85# Find your local number: https://atg-wa.zoom.us/u/kBnoJrmI5 Individuals with questions about the meeting or looking to provide assistance with the case should use this form. “The federal government continues its complete indifference for the communities, tribes and individuals impacted by its plan to sell the National Archives facility and export archival records out of the region,” Ferguson said. “The bare minimum American taxpayers should expect is the ability to provide public comment before bearing the brunt of important government actions that cannot be undone. Unfortunately, in this matter, the federal government utterly failed to meet that low bar, which is why my office is forced to do it for them. I’m inviting Washingtonians to tell the federal government what this building, and the millions of records it houses, means to them and their communities.” On Thursday, Dec. 4, Ferguson announced that his office recently uncovered a dramatic change in the plan for the proposed sale of the National Archives building buried in a 74-page meeting minutes document from October. During the October meeting, the PBRB disclosed that it would move to immediately sell the Archives facility, along with a “portfolio” of other federal properties, in early 2021. It had planned on selling the properties individually over the next year. Ferguson’s legal team is finalizing a lawsuit to stop the federal government from proceeding with an expedited sale of the National Archives facility in Seattle. Additionally, Ferguson’s office already filed four lawsuits seeking access to public records about the PBRB’s decision. Judge Robert S. Lasnik of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington will preside over the four cases. On Dec. 10, Ferguson filed a motion for summary judgment in the records case against the PBRB. Decision to sell the Seattle National Archives building Last year, the PBRB identified a dozen federal properties around the U.S. as “High Value Assets” and recommended their sale in a manner that will “obtain the highest and best value for the taxpayer” and accomplish the goal of “facilitating and expediting the sale or disposal of unneeded Federal civilian real properties.” Among those properties — many of which involved abandoned or unused warehouses or buildings — was the National Archives building in Seattle, a building housing critical historical documents of the Pacific Northwest, including extensive tribal records. No local, state or tribal officials were consulted in its initial selection. In January, OMB approved a recommendation from the PBRB to sell the building on Sand Point Way in Seattle. The board’s recommendation included removing the contents of the Seattle archives and relocating them to facilities in Kansas City, Mo., and Riverside, Calif. The Seattle archives contain many records essential to memorializing Washington’s history, including tens of thousands of records related to the Chinese Exclusion Act, records of the internment of Japanese Americans, and tribal and treaty records of federally recognized tribes throughout the Northwest. Researchers, historians, genealogists and students routinely use these records. Washington’s tribal leaders, historians and members have noted the federal government has excluded them from most discussions on selling the building and moving documents — many of which are the only tribal treaties or maps in existence — more than a thousand miles away. Notably, tribal officials were never consulted regarding the proposed sale notwithstanding agency tribal consultation policies requiring such consultation. |
| – 30 – The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more. Contacts: Brionna Aho, Communications Director, (360) 753-2727; brionna.aho@atg.wa.gov |
The Year in Review
I was not really surprised by number 1 as many subscribers just click on the blog, but I was totally surprised by number 2 as it was written by Roxanne Lowe in June of 2015 about an upcoming genealogy class at the university of Washington. I do know it popped into the top ten most clicked on posts several weeks during the year.
Number 3 on the list continues to be read and I hope it has helped a lot of societies that use Easy Net Sites.
Number 4 on the list is 2020 Seminars-Conferences which was pretty much a disappointment to everyone this year.
Number 5 and 6 are on how we are changing from in person conferences to online conferences.
Number 7 and 8 was kind of new as I had shied away from posting about the Payed genealogy sites before this. Should I cover them more in the blog?
Number 9 is kind of sad for me as it was on the death of my cousin Myra Vanderpool Gormley. Myra is probably the reason I am here blogging, and I was amazed by E-Mails I received from all over the USA after I wrote this blog post. Myra will be missed.
Number 10 is from Skagit Valley Genealogical Society one of the societies that has switched to online meetings.
Merry Christmas
I want t wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Special thanks goes out to everyone that has kept sending me the information for monthly meetings, seminars, and general genealogical news.
Charles Hansen
German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society January Meeting
Rest in peace, Fred Pflugrath
Rest in peace, Fred Pflugrath
The genealogy community throughout the state will be saddened to know that Fred Pflugrath passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, December 17.
Fred joined the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society in 1995. He edited our Appleland Bulletin for many years, and was one of our senior researchers. In the spring, before the snakes came out, he could be found walking old cemeteries throughout North Central Washington, and WAGS members always looked forward to his cemetery tours. He was a human encyclopedia of local history (especially the Upper Wenatchee Valley), and fulfilled numerous speaking engagements at area museums and retirement homes.
Perhaps his best-remembered contribution will be his Civil War research. He single-handedly identified, researched, and documented information on almost 2,500 Civil War veterans from all over Eastern Washington. Much of this research is available in 35 binders in the WAGS Library with an index available online. Additionally, he took the extra step of submitting this information to the National Grave Registration Project (part of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War). Fred considered it part of his mission to connect families with their Civil War ancestors, arranging for headstones and markers, and orchestrating dedication and memorial ceremonies.
Some say his heart was even bigger than he was! He always willingly shared data, resources and expertise with anyone wanting information, whether inside or outside Chelan and Douglas counties.
In 2015, Fred was the first recipient of the Washington State Genealogical Society’s President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement, a recognition designed to single out that rare individual who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations. Those who were blessed to have known Fred will agree that he good-naturedly and self-deprecatingly fit this description to a T, and we will miss seeing him hard at work at his computer over in the corner.
Susan Rumble
WAGS President
Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week Google Search
TIP OF THE WEEK – GOOGLE SEARCH BY CATEGORY
An SGS member reported that he found this article on Google Searches by the Legal Genealogist very helpful
https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2020/11/24/google-that-but/
Possibly you have never noticed that when you do a Google Search it is, by default, searching “All”, or everything. If you look under the Search Box you see you can search by a category/subset such as :
- All
- News
- Images
- Maps
- Shopping
- More … where you will find these categories/subsets :
- Videos
- Books
- Flights
- Finance
Experiment with it. For example, sometimes it may make more sense to search the category (subset) “Books” or “News” instead of searching “All”, which would return so much irrelevant data.
Seattle Genealogical Society News
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SGS
The Board of the Seattle Genealogical Society wishes you a happy holiday season.
While we are taking a break from classes, meetings and presentations, now is a great time to take advantage of our website resources.
Take a look at the Women’s Suffrage page, including our Resource Guide, stories of female ancestors and 57 Washington women suffragists.
Read recent issues of the Journal of SGS and eNews!
Check out our Member Surname Registry – available for review whether or not you are a member. We currently have 218 names on record. Now is a great time for members to add family names. Here is your chance to begin a collaboration with someone in our own organization.
View recordings of our Fall 2020 Second Saturdays (members only).
Get ready for 2021! Check our Calendar of Events for more Special Interest Groups, Second Saturdays and classes. There you will find our full listing of offerings through June 2021.
If you have not checked out our new meetings, mark your calendars now:
Tech Tuesdays will next meet after the holidays on January 12th at 10:00 am PST and continue on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. Bring your challenge or question and one of our rotating facilitators will be on hand to help. Brags and Bricks, our informal social hour and exchange of genealogical gems will resume on January 6, 2020 at 10:00 am PST and meet every Wednesday.
Have a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in 2021. Heidi L. Mair Director of Education Seattle Genealogical Society https://seagensoc.org
HOLIDAY SPECIAL GIFT PACKAGES FROM NGS
Looking for a special and meaningful gift for a family member or friend? Have you been promising yourself a gift to learn more about an area of genealogy that will help advance your own family history?
The National Genealogical Society (NGS) has holiday special packages for some of their most popular genealogy courses with great savings for both NGS members and non-members. All of the courses are online using an e-learning system so students can join from home or on-the-go, and complete coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Hurry! The holiday sale starts December 7 and ends January 5, 2021. To find out more visit their
Web page :
https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/holiday-special-gift-packages-from-ngs/
SGS 2020 ANNUAL APPEAL LETTER
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support the Seattle Genealogical Society and Library during our Annual Appeal this holiday season. Send your check to SGS, PO Box 15329, Seattle WA 98115-0329, or use your credit/debit card to:
Donate Now Online
If you have a Paypal account, you may donate to SGS via the Paypal Giving Fund. The transaction fee will be waived and your gift will be matched with an additional 1% by the fund. Go to:
Paypal Giving Fund – SGS
Thank You!
SAVE THE DATE“Finding Your Roots: Using the Entire Genealogy Tool Box”, Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State,
Bellevue, WA
Monday, December 14, 2020
7:00 PM PST
Coral Grant will be the presenter for this online, virtual meeting. The “room will open” at 7 PM and the meeting will begin at 7:15 PM. Visit their website for more info and the meeting id.
https://www.jgsws.org
RootsTech Connect 2021 (Virtual),
hosted by FamilySearch International
February 25-27, 2021
This 2021 virtual conference is free. They do ask that you register. Something for everyone, no matter your age or experience:
- Genealogy Classes
- Food and Cultural Demonstrations
- Mind-break Activities, Exercise and Relaxation
- Travel and World Heritage
Visit the website for more info and registration.
http://www.rootstech.org/?lang=eng
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, Jan 6, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 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, Jan 9, 2021, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm,
Family Tree Maker Users Group, Learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker 2017 by Software MacKiev™ . Want to join this SIG? Email operations@seagensoc.org. Chaired by Rob Sexton.
Saturday, Jan 9, 2021, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm,
Second Saturday Series:”From Church Archives to KBG”, presenter will be Carolyn Schott founder of the Black Sea German Research Community
Sunday, Jan 10, 2021, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm,
Scandinavian Interest Group, chaired by Karen Knudson, Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research.
Tuesday, Jan 12, 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, Jan 13, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 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, Jan 13, 2021, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm,
MAC Computer Interest Group (Virtual), Chaired by Lisa Marker and Diane Hettrick, these 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.
Wednesday, Jan 20, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 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, Jan 27, 2021, 11:00 am-12:30 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, Jan 30, 2021, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm,
SGS DNA Interest Group workshop , will be meeting via Zoom.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 along with the pdf handout.
Please Read if Your Society Uses an Easy Net Site
You may have heard recently that the owner of Easy Net Sites (ENS), Tom Ryder, has been accused of serious crimes in Florida. He is currently being held without bail in the Hillsborough County Jail, awaiting a hearing on 21 Dec 2020.
I understand many of your concerns about the future of your website. In light of this unsettled time, I suggest you watch Thomas MacEntee’s free “Genealogy Society Town Hall” that was live on Monday, 14 Dec 2020, 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Thomas will discuss options available to you to move your society’s website host to a new host. He will cover all the options available (WordPress, Wix, Weebly, Wild Apricot). Current charges against Tom Ryder will not be discussed nor will comments about the charges be permitted. Thomas’s town hall is not an attempt to undermine another genealogy vendor’s business or to capitalize on an unfortunate situation. He is providing information so we (societies using ENS) can make informed decisions about our websites, and you can consult your board once you have options.
| MY APOLOGIES for those of you who could not get into the Genealogy Society Town Hall last evening! We had 776 registrants with what was supposed to be 500 participants but Zoom only set me up for 300! Please see the links below and PLEASE SHARE with your fellow gen soc board members and regular membership! Genealogy Society Town Hall December 14, 2020 HANDOUT Genealogy Society Town Hall December 14, 2020 VIDEO Genealogy Society Town Hall December 14, 2020 SLIDES |
Please thank Thomas MacEntee for the links.
MyHeritage Norway Census
I am delighted to announce the addition of two new collections of Norway Census records — the 1875 Norway Census and the 1870 Norway Census. Digitized in collaboration with National Archives of Norway (Arkivverket), the 2 million records in these collections include high-quality scans of the original documents.
Search the new Norwegian Census Records
The collections hold particular interest as they cover a unique time in Norwegian history. The largest single wave of emigration from Norway occurred between 1879 and 1893. Spurred on by the promise of new opportunities, 250,000 Norwegians left Norway for other countries like the U.S. The 1875 census offers the opportunity to catch a snapshot about these Norwegian ancestors while they were still in Norway. For those in the U.S. and abroad with Norwegian heritage, this census collection may unlock important details about their Norwegian roots.
Beyond their historical significance, the collections are important as they contain details that are not often found within a typical census collection. In addition to listing the person’s name, residence, position within the family, gender, marital status, and occupation, the census also includes information on languages spoken, birthplace of the residents, and their birth years. In specific cases, even medical conditions are listed. Also included are individuals who were temporary residents of the household or those registered to a household who may have been absent at the time of the census count. This means that a single individual may have been listed in more than one entry, if they were visiting another home at the time the census was taken.
Please find the official blog post here with some nice example records from this collection.
We would be grateful if you share this news.
With the release of these collections, and the recent release of 42 million Norway Church records, MyHeritage now offers 246 million records from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, making MyHeritage the market leader for Scandinavian family history.
Searching the Norway Census Records on MyHeritage is completely free. If you have a family tree on MyHeritage, our Record Matching technology will notify you automatically if records from these collections match your relatives. To view these records or to save records to your family tree, you’ll need a Data or Complete subscription.
Enjoy,
Daniel Horowitz
Heritage Quest Research Library Holiday Shopping
| It’s time for Holiday shopping! We had such a great response from all of you that we have made an effort to be OPEN for the next 2 Saturdays in December. We hope that you will come on in and check out the USED BOOK SALE in the classroom. We are also continuing to offer “no sales tax on “our Bookstore items. Saturday, December 12, 2020 – We OPEN at 10.00 AM Saturday, December 19, 2020 – We OPEN at 10:00 AM |