Rogue Valley Genealogical Society February Events

Good evening! I’ve attached information about some exciting events during February, and copied below, planned for February. Will you please post these on your website, perhaps share in your newsletter and distribute to your membership?
For those who may not have registered or are unfamiliar with our February 20 seminar, “Profile of a Quaker: Finding a Friend in Colonial America,” I’ve attached the seminar registration form and flyer.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 541-608-8091, or psasseen1@charter.net. And thank you for your support!!!
Pamela Sasseen, Publicity & Public Relations Rogue Valley Genealogical Society psasseen1@charter.net 541-608-8091
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February 4: Planning Your Successful Family Reunion

Do you have a family reunion coming up? Have you started planning for it? If so, you’ve learned planning a family reunion isn’t as easy as one would think. February 4, guest speaker Marilyn Ayers will show you how to plan a successful reunion in these difficult times. She’ll discuss strategies and themes, and help you plan to host in-person, as well as virtual and hybrid, reunions. You’ll learn how to prepare timelines, how to find vendors, locations, plan activities, and much more! Plan to join Marilyn virtually, February 4, and follow her lead as she guides you to a successful reunion!

February 4, 1:30pm to 3:00pm, $20 for non-members, $10 for members. To register, go to https://rvgslibrary.org/FormPage.asp?FormID=10. Once you’ve completed your registration, you will receive an email the day before the presentation with your Zoom link.

February 16:Nectar of the Gods: The Mysteries and Histories of Rogue Valley”

Vitis californica, a wild grape species also known as California wild grape, Northern California grape, and Pacific grape, has grown wild here since time immemorial. Its fermented, fruity, alcoholic brew has long graced our tables. And Vitis vinifera, Europe’s cultivated varietals, brought new opportunities and expectations.

At the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society’s February Program & Members meeting, Author, Researcher and SOU Sociology/Anthropology faculty member, Maureen Battistella presents “Nectar of the Gods: The Mysteries and Histories of Rogue Valley.” The age of modern wine-making was born in Southern Oregon in the 1960s and 70s. While Rogue Valley wineries are well known and their stories often told, Maureen will share with you their back stories – the mysteries and histories that intrigue the mind, engage the imagination and delight the palate. A remote tasting is planned as part of this Zoom presentation to demonstrate the evolution and sophistication of today’s award-winning Southern Oregon wines. Participants, if they choose, can join in the remote tasting to understand the nuance of wine, its structure and nose. This event, as are all RVGS Program & Member meetings, is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, February 16, 1:30pm to 3:00pm. A short members meeting will be held prior to the program. To register, go to https://rvgslibrary.org/FormPage.asp?FormID=19. Once you’ve completed your registration, you will receive an email the day before the presentation with your Zoom link.

February 20: Seminar, “Profile of a Quaker: Finding a Friend in Colonial America”

Nationally known speaker Steven W. Morrison will present this seminar on Quaker genealogy. See RVGS website for details on all sessions. Cost: Members $45, Non-members $55 (Please see attached Registration & Flyer.)

February 22: DNA Class Series, “X-DNA Inheritance Chart”

You have your DNA test results? Now what? Did you just receive your test results from a holiday gift?  Or have you had them for a while but aren’t sure what to do with them? February 11, Lorita Cushman will share some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your test results.

This virtual, online class is one in a series of DNA classes presented the 4th Monday of each month, up to and including May 24. Monday, February 22, 1:00pm to 3:00pm, $10 for non-members, $5 for members. To register, go to https://rvgslibrary.org/FormPage.asp?FormID=20. Once you’ve completed your registration, you will receive an email with your Zoom link the day before the presentation. 

February 23: Heirloom Genealogy, “The Southern Illinois Quilt Puzzle”

The Southern Illinois quilt puzzle began by purchasing a sampler album quilt on eBay.com. There were 30 quilt blocks, each with a name or initials, and one with a date was enough to inspire a quest to find out who the people were and what their relationship was. February 23, guest speaker Barbara MacMillen will tell you more about this fascinating “quilt puzzle,” and share some intriguing discoveries.

February 23, 1:30pm to 3:00pm, $10 for non-members, $5 for members. To register, go to https://rvgslibrary.org/FormPage.asp?FormID=18. Once you’ve completed your registration, you will receive an email the day before the presentation with your Zoom link.

February 24: “Researching Your Ancestors in Family Search”

Run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world. Every year millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. This non-profit offers FREE access to its resources and services online at FamilySearch.org. February 24, Rich Miles will explore how to search for records on FamilySearch.org and other resources it offers.

February 24, 1:30pm to 3:00pm, $20 for non-members, $10 for members. To register, go to https://rvgslibrary.org/FormPage.asp?FormID=10. Once you’ve completed your registration, you will receive an email the day before the presentation with your Zoom link.

Your Genealogical Society and the Pandemic Survey

Received this E-Mail from Jill Morelli and she is doing a program on how has the Covid 19 pandemic affected your genealogy society. Any genealogical society member can take the survey. You might not know exact numbers for members or finances but give what you do know, are less members going to Zoom meetings than came to your last in person meeting? More coming to Zoom meetings?

Jill was asked by a genealogical conference program committee to present a program on “Lessons Learned from the Pandemic.” she needs your help. How has the pandemic affected your society? How do you see your society in 2022 and beyond? 
To properly respond to the title and the direction of the proposal, I have created a 19 question survey for leaders and members of societies to respond to. I was wondering if you would be willing to respond to the questionnaire or distribute it to someone in your organization who might be interested. Multiple individuals from the same society giving their perspective is encouraged.
The societies that respond will get a copy of the completed report and an offer to virtually present the findings to a group of your choice.
Here is the link. I appreciate you taking the time to read this email and submit the questionnaire.
https://forms.gle/3KhKn11MVV7eFjV16

Thanks in advance.
Jill Morelli, CGPast president of Seattle Genealogical Society

Virtual Genealogical Association

Logo
What’s New in February
Upcoming Members-Only Webinars:Tuesday, February 2nd, 8pm Eastern – Ari Wilkins will present “Looking for My Babies: Freedmen Searching for Family”Saturday, February 20th, 11am Eastern – Michael Strauss will present “Influenza: The Twentieth Century’s Deadliest Pandemic”Only VGA members with current annual membership can register for these two events. You only need to register if you’re planning on attending the event live.
Upcoming Event: Genearosity Lecture Series!Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL will give the first “Genearosity” Lecture on Saturday, February 6th, at noon Eastern. She will present “Lost and Found: The Children in Our Family Histories”.Cost is $10 (US) for members and $15 (US) for non-members. All proceeds will be donated to Paul Edward Sulby, Sr. African-American Scholarship of the Board for Certification of Genealogists.After the live event, a recording will be available for those who make the above donations for three months. You can register for this event by clicking here.
Upcoming Event: Indiana Historical Society’s Research RoundtableOn February 6th from 10:30am to noon Eastern join members of IHS and VGA for a virtual roundtable discussion. The topic is: “Black History Is Everyone’s History”. Registration is free and space is limited. You can sign up by clicking here.Follow us on social media for more frequent updates.

Olympia Genealogical Society February Meeting

A VOYAGE ON THE ERIE CANAL

Olympia Genealogical Society member Joyce Ogden lived in a house in Brockport NY for 20 years where the backyard ended at the Erie Canal, but she had no idea then that there was a personal family connection. As she later discovered, however, she had THREE ancestors who had died in the canal in different years and in different circumstances. This presentation will include color photos, black-and-white photos, genealogy charts, a map or two, and newspaper clippings. It may bore you with some spreadsheets, but it will send you out with historical Erie Canal music.

This virtual presentation via ZOOM will be given at Olympia Genealogical Society’s monthly meeting on Thursday, February 11 at 7 pm. Access our website at https://OlyGenSoc.org and look for directions there.

South King County Genealogical Society Judy Russell Seminar

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, June 5, 2021

“LAWS, LEGACIES & LOSERS – A DAY WITH JUDY RUSSELL”

South King County Genealogical Society is pleased to announce a full-day virtual seminar with Judy Russell, a noted speaker, genealogist, and writer with a law degree. We hope you can join us for a fun and informative day. More details will be posted on our website at skcgs.org/seminar.html as updates become available.

Remember to mark your calendars and share the news with your friends.

German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society

The German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS)meeting

When: Friday, February 5, 2020 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm PT – Virtually

Topic: “What’s in a Name: Going from Iowa back to Saxony”

How does someone locate an ancestral village when the original surname has evolved over time? Follow a near beginner as she builds upon clues discovered in ordinary documents and learn how taking some simple actions can be helpful in your family research.        

Presenter: Beth Snyder is a Seattle native who had little interest in genealogy until about 5 years ago when she took a Telos class with Bob Barnes and got the bug. Beth knew little about her father’s side but had come across his baptismal certificate. It was in German and it started her on a path to discover that side of her paternal ancestry. 

More information: https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/ 

Visitors are always welcome. To request an invitation, please use the Contact tab on our website, no later than 2 days prior to our meeting. 

Seattle Genealogical Society News

NOW ENROLLING!

Registration is now open for the next series of “Level I – Genealogy Basics & Beyond” with Valerie Lair. This small-group course includes seven 2-hour sessions, meeting weekly online. It covers how to successfully conduct research in census records, vital records, newspapers, city directories, churches, cemeteries, military records; using major online resources along with libraries and archives; and so much more. The course will challenge you in perfecting your genealogy skills.

The next series is scheduled to meet online March 9 – April 27, 2021, Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm PT (8:00 pm CT). It is limited to five registrants. 
Register for Level I – Genealogy Basics and Beyond

 YOUR CHANCE TO WEIGH IN ON
MOVING THE ARCHIVES

Here an excerpt from a press release from the Attorney General of Washington State, as well as a link to the rest of the release.     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.”

For more info and the meeting link, visit: 
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-host-remote-public-comment-meeting-national-archives-facility-and?fbclid=IwAR1_4fF-pFXPs9LnQt0StVycvkorFojw1WNwsJOdoCe3LOKqNgg_Kn7SAug   
SGS RECRUITING EFFORT
The Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) Board of Directors is recruiting for the following positions for the Board of Directors for the fiscal year of 2021-2022: 

  • Operations 
  • Library 
  • Volunteers
  • Secretary* (A Bennett is willing to serve if no other candidate)
  • Membership* (C Schomaker is willing to serve if no other candidate)
  • Publications*  (We have editors for The Journal and eNews! )
  • Communications 

Anyone interested in serving in one of these positions is asked to fill out a Nomination Acceptance Form. Please contact the SGS Secretary by February 7, 2021  at secretary@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org for a form,  or if you have any questions. 

Candidates for the upcoming May 2021 election will be presented at the virtual March 13, 2021, Membership Meeting scheduled for 12:30 pm. See the SGS website for details : seagensoc.org 


* SAVE THE DATE *

COMING UP ARE TWO EXTRA SPECIAL
ONLINE EVENTS YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS





Presented by KCTS 9 – speakers will be:
Knute “Mossback” Berger of Crosscut,
Warren KingGeorge – Muckleshoot Oral Historian,
Dr Quintard Taylor – African American History in the American West specialist,
professors Margaret O’Mara and Dr Josephine Ensign
Free Event * RSVP required
Register here: 

https://crosscut.com/event/finding-your-roots-washington-old-growth-new-beginnings



YOU ARE INVITED TO THE 
2021 INTERNATIONAL
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY EVENT 





Registration required.  This event is free to the public, or become an Event Patron, supporting the Holocaust Center for Humanity, by purchasing a Patron Ticket. 

https://www.classy.org/event/2021-international-holocaust-remembrance-day-event/e312327 

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 20, 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. 

Tuesday, Jan 26, 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 27, 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, 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.

Wednesday, Feb 3, 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, Feb 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, Feb 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, Feb 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, Feb 10, 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, Feb 13, 2021,  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Second Saturday Series:”How Healthy is Your Family Tree: Discovering Health Issues”, presenter will be Janice Lovelace

Wednesday, Feb 17, 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. 

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. 


NOT A MEMBER YET? JOIN NOW FOR 1 1/2 YEARS!   During the first quarter of 2021,  January 1st – March 31st, new members may join the Seattle Genealogical Society with a membership that extends through May 31, 2022. Obtain a year and a half of discounted class and event registration fees, free research requests, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Dues are $60 individual, $75 dual. Read more…
Join Online Now

MyHeritage Genetic Groups

Knowledge Base

With the release of Genetic Groups this month, the MyHeritage DNA test now offers the richest and highest resolution ethnicity reports in the industry. You can now pinpoint your origins across 2,114 geographic regions, right down to specific cities or districts. This feature is the result of 3 years of hard work and meticulous research by MyHeritage’s Science, Product, and R&D teams.Medium

The Knowledge Base resources below offer deeper insight into DNA analysis and how MyHeritage is able to produce such comprehensive results.

The Founder Populations Project: How MyHeritage Estimates Your Ethnicities: This article explains how MyHeritage is able to identify where your ancestors came from based on your DNA.

The World Wide DNA Web: In this webinar, Alon Diament Carmel, Ph.D., from the MyHeritage Science team explains how MyHeritage uses its vast database of DNA Matches to identify genetic groups.

How Does a DNA Test Work? The Basics of DNA Explained: This webinar with Diahan Southard of Your DNA Guide offers a layperson-friendly explanation of the scientific principles behind DNA testing.Happy_New_Year_01

The new year is the perfect time to approach your family history research with fresh eyes and make new discoveries. We hope that you find your new and improved results inspiring — and that the above resources help deepen your understanding and appreciation of the wealth of information you can gain from DNA testing.

Did you know that you can now buy a MyHeritage membership as a gift for a family member or loved one? It makes a perfect gift for a special occasion, and is one they are sure to treasure. Click here to learn more about the MyHeritage gift membership.

Happy New Year!

Daniel Horowitz
Genealogy Expert

Tri-City Genealogical Society January Meeting

Meeting is at 7 pm January 13.

Bill Floberg is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Bill Floberg’s Personal Meeting Room
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/3968123414?pwd=ajZtdnRtVU5JRnhFT2pyaXUwdWlhUT09
Meeting ID: 396 812 3414

Passcode: 255626

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Dial by your location       

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

Tri-City Genealogical Society

Wishing all a happier year than yester-year and a suggestion.  With the year 2021 starting with us still semi-isolated, now may be a good time to review published information that helps do genealogical research. A membership in TCGS provides access to the Members-Only Section of the website. In that Section, there are available 52 years and still counting of the Society Bulletins. The Bulletins contain articles of helps for doing research as well as genealogical history and research challenges met by authors. In the last four years, articles related to doing research included those about DNA analysis, general record keeping, Native-American History Research, National Graves Registration, secondary source problems, researching WPA Records, finding Revolutionary War ancestors, The Mayflower Voyage and travelers, and effective searching techniques. Some specific examples focusing on the subject of DNA are:

November 2017: (1) Understanding Your DNA, page 72; (2) Raw DNA Data, page 77; (3) The DNA Painter, page 78; and (4) Leaving Your Own Records of Where You Plan to Go, What You Did, and Your Hopes for the Future, page 78.

July 2018: (1) Researching WPA Records, page 42; (2) How to Better Determine Relationships of DNA Matches, page 50.

November 2020: (1) Next Steps: Organizing Your DNA Matches, page 72; (2) Bulletin Articles about DNA, page 76; (3) Identifying DNA Matches, page 78; and (4) Effective Search Techniques for Genealogy, page 80.

So join Tri-City Genealogical Society,  if you have not already, and be healthy, stay positive, Covid negative, and do research in 2021,

Loren