TIP OF THE WEEK – ORDERING A DECEASED PERSON’S SS-5 FOR GENEALOGY The first time you order a copy of the Social Security Application (SS-5) for a Deceased Person, the process may feel a little daunting. What do I order? How do I order it? Will I be spending money and getting nothing?
Judy Russell, the Legal Genealogist, has written a nice little article, “Ordering the SS-5 : 2020 Style”, that will walk you through the process in detail.
Her key points are:
You have to make a request using Form SSA-771. Do this online if you are comfortable filling out forms online, making payments online, and attaching supporting files. If you aren’t comfortable with the online process, you can print the form, fill it out manually, attach supporting documents, and mail it back.
Always choose the option “Photocopy of Original Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5) for a Deceased Individual”; it costs $21. Do NOT choose the the Computer Extract of Social Security Application (Numident) for a Deceased Individual that costs $20.
Expedited processing? Answer NO.
Certification? Answer NO.
Supporting files? That depends on a couple of factors, including the age of the deceased person. Read the details in Judy’s article at:
The combined efforts of 35 Northwest tribes, congressional delegates from the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, as well as Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, and NARA patrons like yourself, have paid off. The sale of the National Archives Facility in Seattle is halted!
The difference in sentiment of the current Administration vs the outgoing administration is also a major contributing factor. In a letter, the acting director of the the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Shalanda D Young, said, “But the process that led to the decision to approve the sale of the Federal Archives and Records Center is contrary to this Administration’s tribal-consultation policy, and I am accordingly withdrawing OMB’s approval of the sale of that facility.”
For now, the National Archives and Records Administration in Seattle, directly across the street from the Seattle Genealogical Society library, is staying put. Hopefully it won’t be long before we genealogy enthusiasts can get back to using both these resources in person.
Are you knocking on the right door?
Do you know where to search next?
If you’re seeking ancestors in England and throughout the United Kingdom, this event is aimed at bolstering your knowledge of how and where to research across the pond.
Join us Saturday, May 15, 2021, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm PDT for A Day of English Research!
Are you Lost? Using Maps and Gazetteers for English Research:Learn what maps, gazetteers and directories are available for researching your ancestors in England. Learn from examples how to make good use of these tools to find where your ancestors are, what they did, when, where, and why they may have moved.
Effective Use of England’s National Archives Website:Learn how to effectively use the research tools, indexes, educational tools and catalogs on this large website to find your ancestors and to put them into their correct historical context.
English Parish Registers: How to Access, Use and Interpret:Learn how to access, use, and correctly interpret the information found in the christening, marriage, and burial registers of the English parish church. See examples of the problems to watch for and the clues given for further research. Learn what to do when your ancestor is not found.
Buried Treasures: What’s in the English Parish Chest:The English parish was both an ecclesiastical and a civil jurisdiction. Both jurisdictions created informative records and kept them in the Parish Chest. This presentation will examine the breadth and wealth of information that can be found, going well beyond the baptism, marriage, and burial registers.
About our Speaker
Paul Milner, a native of northern England, professional genealogist and international lecturer. He teaches English and Scottish research tracks at SLIG, IGHR and the British Institute. Paul is a recipient of UGA Fellow Award (2018) and the FGS David S. Vogels Jr Award (2019). He is the author of six publications providing how-to guidance for English and Scottish researchers. He is the past-president of the BIGWILL, and board member of the APG, FGS and GSG. Paul focuses on British Isles resources and methodology on his blog at www.milnergenealogy.com
* SAVE THE DATE * The Rogue Valley Genealogical Society, “Research Like a Pro” virtual seminar, April 24, 2021 10:00 am – 4:00 pm PDT
Author of Research Like A Pro, A Genealogist’s Guide, Diana Elder, will present morning classes outlining steps to develop a research plan and organizing what research you have using solid methodology. In the afternoon, learn about the types of probate records created at the death of your ancestor and what tax records reveal. This is a virtual seminar using Zoom.
Registration is now open. For more details, or to register, visit : www.rvgslibrary.org
Seattle Genealogical Society Spring Seminar, with Paul Miner May 15. 2021, 9:00am – 3:00pm PDT
This seminar will be virtual online. Paul specializes in British Isles research. See the feature story in this eNews! for details and registration.
Southern California Genealogical Society, Jamboree 2021, June 11-12, 2021
There is lots going on at SCGS in June : multiple conferences, Genetic Genealogy, June 4-5, and Jamboree 2021, June 11-12, plus mid-week special events, June 7-10. Too much to mention here. All of it virtual, online this year. Check out their website to learn more about it.
https://genealogyjamboree.com
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!
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.
Tuesday, April 20, 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, April 21, 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, April 28, 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, May 1, 2021, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, FamilySearch Interest Group with Lou Daly, Discover the many ways to use 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, May 2, 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, May 4, 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, May 5, 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, May 8, 2021, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Maker (FTM) , with Rob Sexton, learn and share tips & tricks for using Family Tree Maker 2017 by Software MacKiev. Want to join this SIG? Email operations@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org Saturday, May 8, 2021, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Second Saturday Series: “Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy”, presenter will be Dr Penny Walters
Wednesday, May 12, 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, May 12, 2021, 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm, MAC SIG Interest Group, Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske, this group meets every other month from October through June on the second Wednesday of the month. 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-Chairs: Lisa Marker and Diane Hettrick
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 9:00 am-3:00 pm PDT, SGS 2021 Spring Seminar with Paul Milner, all details and registration at: www.eventbrite.com/e/seattle-genealogical-society-spring-seminar-2021-tickets-140606494811 Tuesday, May 18, 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, May 19, 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, May 26, 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.
Camp Members will automatic receive a meeting notice/Zoom link 5 days before the meeting.
Agenda
Field trip-VFW parking at 10:30 then on to historic Ft Wright founded in 1895, and cemetery, also stop at Evergreen Cemetery.
12:15 -12:45 Set up and no-host lunch at VFW with fellowship opportunities.
12:45 Start of meeting and Zoom link, welcome, treasurer report, etc. Open of Divine Blessing
1:00 Commence program with Mike Inman a CW re-enactor as a surgeon on the medical procedures during the CW and how an out-break of diseases would be handled. Mike has been doing living history for 30 years. He has presented in many venues, and has done many talks for organizations. His primary interests have been in the 1850’s to 1900 era of America. His presentation includes many interesting medical too artifacts. This is an out-standing presentation.
2:00 pm
Business topics, [guests for program only –free to stay or depart]
~~Updates on the new Department web site—www.suvpnw.org and its benefits to members.
~~Decisions on Camp fees for supplemental ancestor registrations.
~~ Committee reports-several- and on Graves Registration activities to date
and discussion on new stone placement dedications.
~~ Initiation & Badge pinning ceremony for any new brothers attending or via the Zoom link. [let Commander know of interest before meeting date]
~~ Discussion of next events, as 22 May Dept encampment, summer meetings, dedications.
~~ Topic of Patriotic Instruction, by Br Bob Manning.
~~ Other as come up.
~~ In recollection of an old Son’s tradition-group sing of The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
In conjunction with the 2021 Virtual Family History Conference, and instead of our traditional in-person gathering (for the second year in a row), the 2021 Annual Meeting will be hosted online. The meeting will be held at 5:15 pm ET on Wednesday, 19 May 2021. Additional details on how to access the meeting will be provided at www.ngsgenealogy.org. You do NOT need to register for the Family History Conference to attend. Speakers will include NGS President Kathryn Doyle; Treasurer Deborah Lebo Hoskins; Vice President of Society & Organization Management Cheri Hudson Passey; Membership Chair Bernice Bennett; board member Andre Kearns; and Executive Director Matt Menashes, CAE.
If you are unable to join us on 19 May you will be able to view a recording via our YouTube channel at a later date.
The purpose of the Annual Meeting is: to provide updates on the direction of the National Genealogical Society, including information about new programs and activities focused on genealogy organizations following the completion of the merger with the Federation of Genealogical Societies last October to provide a financial update to take questions from attendees. We look forward to seeing you online for the annual meeting next month.
To learn more about the NGS 2021 Virtual Family History Conference’s weeklong events, 17-21 May, visit the conference website and download a copy of the program brochure.
Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society inspires, connects, and leads the family history community by fostering 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. The Falls Church, Virginia, based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian.
Help Your Genealogy Society to Thrive Genealogy societies provide an indispensable and invaluable service to aspiring and experienced genealogists alike. Continuous development of volunteer leaders is necessary for every society to not only survive, but also to thrive and grow membership.
Focus on Societies, the National Genealogical Society (NGS) all-day virtual program on 21 May, offers an excellent opportunity for genealogy societies. Current society leaders will learn new management strategies, and attendance may encourage other society members to step up to serve on a committee or the board.
Registration for individuals is $35 for the 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. event, or take advantage of the NGS group rate of $100 to register up to five society members. Societies do not need to be a NGS Member to register and attend this event. Registration closes 12 May. Learn more at https://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/focus-on-societies/.
Lecture topics include: Lessons Learned from the Pandemic Finding Good Material for Society Newsletters Incorporating Special Interests and Study Groups in Your Society Website, Content, and Social Media Strategies Using Your Email List to Grow Society Membership Getting and Keeping Your Volunteers Preparing and Presenting a Cemetery Tour Introduction to Event Management for Local Societies Growing Your Society with Quality Events Moving into the Virtual World of Meetings Using an Open-Sourced System for Your Society’s Digitization Digital Marketing for Societies Register today at https://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/focus-on-societies/. # # #
Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society inspires, connects, and leads the family history community by fostering 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. The Falls Church, Virginia, based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian.
International German Genealogy Partnership Hello German genealogists,
Only 93 days until the conference, and we are getting very excited! Please read this entire e-mail as there is a lot of news – including a special coupon, an exciting contest, and introductions to specific presentations.
$50 Coupon Savings: Missed the special Early-Bird pricing, but still want to attend the conference?Now until April 30, use the coupon code “EARLY” at check-out to get $50 off the package of your choice!
Rabatt von 50€: Es sind weniger als 100 Tage bis zur 2021 IGGC virtuell und es gibt bereits heute viele Interessierte die teilnehmen werden. Bis zum 30. April gibt es jetzt mit dem Coupon-Code „EARLY” einen Rabatt von 50€ auf das von Ihnen gewählte Paket. Registrieren Sie sich auf: https://playbacknow.regfox.com/iggp-2021-euro bis zum 30. April mit dem Code “EARLY”.
Facebook Share Contest: WIN A FREE USB WORKS Package ($299 value) to the virtual German Genealogy Conference this summer by sharing the Facebook contest post, which you can find on our Facebook page!
Details: Everyone who shares the post (or its German version) by April 30 will be entered in a raffle to win a free USB Works Package ($299 value, full conference access + lifetime access to all conference presentations) to the virtual German genealogy conference this July. And if you have already bought your ticket, you will be refunded your money.
FACEBOOK GEWINNSPIEL: Gewinne ein Komplettpaket (im Wert von 252,00 €) für die virtuelle International German Genealogy Conference. Einfach den Facebook Gewinnspiel Beitrag teilen und dadurch am Gewinnspiel teilnehmen!
Details: Jeder, der diesen Beitrag (oder die englische Version) bis zum 30. April teilt, nimmt an einer Verlosung teil um ein kostenloses Komplettpaket (im Wert 252,00 €, vollständiger Konferenzzugriff + lebenslanger Zugriff auf alle Konferenzpräsentationen) für die virtuelle International German Genealogy Conference zu gewinnen. Wenn Sie bereits ein Ticket gekauft haben, wird Ihnen der voll Kaufpreis erstattet. Getting excited about the presentations? Check out our most recent blog posts on speakers and presentations here. All presentations will be in English or German, with subtitles in the opposite language (Please Note: Just because a video on the blog is in German does not necessarily mean the presentation will be given in German during the conference. These videos were originally made for a German-speaking audience).
We wanted to let your group know about the 3rd annual Research Your Way to Genealogy Answers virtual conference coming up on Saturday, 5th June 2021 The past virtual conferences were very successful and had great attendance. Speakers will be talking about the following:Research Over My Shoulder: A Practical Guide to Researching Your Ancestors (Devon Noel Lee) How To Effectively Research Newspapers For Your Ancestors (Lisa Lisson) How to Research German Ancestors from the US to their Hometown (Miles Meyer) Dissecting a Civil War Pension Record-Union & Confederate (Jill Morelli)The online sessions will begin at 10am Eastern Time on Saturday, 5th June 2021. Some answers to common questions that people have asked us:
1. Yes, the sessions are live. These are not pre-recorded, so if you have questions, then please ask them in the chat during any of the sessions and we’ll get them answered.
2. Yes there are door prizes.
3. No, you don’t have to be watching the live presentations to win (although we hope you do), everyone who is registered will be eligible to win the door prizes.
4. Yes, recordings of the sessions will be available for 30 days after the virtual conference so even if you can’t make the live session, register so that you can watch the recordings.
5. Yes we use our webcams. You don’t have to watch slides all the time. You also get to see people.
6. Yes, this event is open to anyone who wants to register. No need to travel or even change out of your pajamas if you don’t want to.
As with past events there will be a 5th hour panel discussion where you can ask questions about any of the topics or even anything else related to genealogy and research. Early bird registration is only $19.99 until May 22nd. The regular registration price is $24.99. Learn more at the website (https://www.familyhistoryfanatics.com/researchconference) and register today. Feel free to post this information on your website or Facebook page and let your members know. If you would like graphics to post, let us know and we can send them to you. Thanks,Andrew & Devon Noel Lee Family History Fanatics Humble, TX | 346-704-1433familyhistoryfanatics.comYouTube: Family History Fanatics | Twitter: @FHFanatics Facebook: Family History Fanatics | Twitter: @FHFanatics |
As we all process the last year of tremendous challenge and change, there is an opportunity to reflect upon our lives in the context of history and our ancestors. Many of us have heard family stories about the tough times they lived through. Wars, pandemics, oppression, displacement, economic crisis– our foremothers and fathers often had it rougher than we do now.
In the spirit of finding inspiration and strength from those who came before us, we’ve asked our members and visitors to share interesting family stories for a new online gallery–”Ancestor Strong.” The memories provided thus far are a testament to the courage, tenacity, and faith of generations past.
To date we’ve received nearly 50 responses and are looking for many more. We’re hoping you can help us get the word out about the call for entries to your members and constituents, as well as give these stories a wider audience. Anyone can visit the site, and via a simple form, submit a story on behalf of an ancestor who inspired them.
Please take a few minutes to page through the gallery to see the existing submissions. You can scroll down on the home page to see the “Share Your Ancestor’s Story” button, which leads to a submission page.
Thank you for your time and consideration and we look forward to receiving more stories!
American Ancestors and New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) is the nation’s most comprehensive resource for family history research. Members have access to expert family history services through the organization’s staff, original published scholarship, its data-rich website at AmericanAncestors.org, outstanding online educational opportunities, and a state-of-the-art research center located in downtown Boston. American Ancestors helps family historians of all levels explore their past and understand their families’ unique place in history.
American Ancestors, 99-101 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116, 1-888-296-3447 Manage preferences
Newspaper records include announcements, obituaries, anniversaries, legal notices, letters to the editor and social columns filled with personal news of the daily experiences and lives of your family and their neighbors. Learn to access a variety of historical newspapers to see your ancestors as part of a larger community.
Due to technical difficulties in March, we are pleased to re-present a program by Winona Laird of the South King County Genealogical Society. All the best,
Saturday, May 8 The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Upending …. 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm – Main Palm Beach Co. Public Library Author Libby Copeland will discuss her new book,
The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Upending Who We Are
. Preregister at or http://events.pbclibrary.org/node/17371
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