Join us
for a great Pasta Luncheon at Mukogowa. Enjoy an informative webinar:
“Do You Have Brick Walls?” from the New England Historic
Genealogical Society (NEHGS). And Honor and visit with our past
Presidents.
When:
January 4, 2020. Time: Doors open at 11:30 Lunch at 12:00-
Your
support is essential to providing all the resources, records, and
education that the Genealogical Forum of Oregon offers. We are striving
to remain relevant in a climate where some believe “it is all online.”
(In fact, we have a big announcement coming soon about more digitally
searchable GFO resources.)
We’re 100% volunteer. No paid staff. No paid fundraisers. So every penny goes to support the GFO’s mission. A month ago, our website service unexpectedly jumped 22% to $1968 per year. Database subscriptions rose 10% to $5370 per year. Rent increases $1200 each year. Member dues cover only 24% of our budget. Will you please help us fill the gap? We ask this only once a year. We seek to raise $28,500 during this annual appeal. ➢ Your $75 donation could pay for two months of our website cost increase. ➢ Your $100 donation would offset one month’s rent increase. ➢ Your $448 donation would cover one month of database subscriptions. Please make your tax deductible gift now:
Will one of your 2020 New Year’s Resolutions be to start working in earnest on your family history? If
so, join Laurel Smith on Saturday, January 9 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at
the GFO for a day of beginning genealogy. There will be sessions about
the census, vital records, discussions about genealogy software and
database use, organizing your research, using Ancestry.com, and more —
all geared toward beginners — but basic computer skills are a
prerequisite.
All
communications are done via email, and you must be able to download and
print the class notes. Bring a sack lunch, snacks, and a beverage so
you can keep going as the class does. GFO members may attend for free, non-members $20.
Need a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person? We have a special offer! If you give a GFO membership as a gift, we’ll give you two extra months on your current membership! If you give two gifts, you’ll get four extra months. Give the meaningful gift of family history this holiday season with a membership to the GFO. It’s so easy. Just click below for more details.
We are pleased to announce our Spring Seminar, “Solve Puzzles with DNA,” on April 4 & 5, to be presented by national genetic genealogy author and educator Karen Stanbary, CG®, MA, LCSW.
Karen
is best known as a course coordinator at three national week-long
genealogy institutes: GRIP (Chromosome Mapping), IGHR (Intermediate
DNA), and SLIG (Meeting Standards Using DNA Evidence). She received the
National Genealogical Society Quarterly Award for Excellence for her
complex evidence case study incorporating traditional research and DNA
analysis (June 2016 issue), and was a contributor to Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies
by Debbie Parker Wayne, ed. (2019). Karen holds the credential
Certified Genealogist from the Board for Certification of Genealogists,
where she serves as a Trustee and is chair of the standing DNA
Committee. Additionally,
Karen was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in her first career, and
she will share her insight and expertise with us on managing
conversations about unexpected DNA results during the Saturday program. Registration for the Spring Seminar will begin Dec. 21. More information can be found here.
GivingTuesday a Great Success!
Jane McGarvin greeted new arrivals and handed out visitor passes. 48 energetic volunteers + 4 dozen donuts and a dozen bagels + 40 cups of coffee + 9 large pizzas + some miscellaneous goodies = 218.5 hours of laughter, discovery, and library organization! That’s
what GivingTuesday was all about. The books in the library are now
better organized and should be easier for everyone to find. Some
participants stated that they didn’t realize the depth of the
collection—and that they wanted to come back to research in the books
they saw.
Lots of folks tackled inventory. Cathy Lauer worked diligently to fix mistakes in our catalog.
Thank you to those who came to help. But the work’s not done! Many missing books were located. More missing items were identified.
Now, the library team will use the markers placed to get things in even
better shape. And we’d love to have your help if you have time to give.
There are lots of different jobs. Just send us a message library@gfo.org if you’d like to help.
A
couple of weeks ago on our Facebook page we told you about plans by
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) to increase fees for
genealogy records by over 400%.
A group of genealogists, historians and records access advocates created a website, “Records, Not Revenue,” to help people protest these hikes. “Records, Not Revenue” writes, “Many
of these records should already be publicly accessible under the law.
USCIS is essentially holding them hostage, demanding individuals pay
exorbitant fees to access documents of our immigrant ancestors.” Comments on the fee hikes are due by December 16, 2019. Learn more about this issue and how you can make your voice heard by clicking on the button below.
Come shop for the holidays in the shops above our heads at the GFO Library. The Ford Building is hosting a holiday pop-up market on Dec. 7. Businesses participating include: ▪ Tendue – Suite 255 ▪ Whimsy Wondering ▪ Levity CBD – Suite 113 ▪ Hannah Naomi Jewelry Design – Suite 250 ▪ Airtype – Suite 313 ▪ Artist Aretha Ryan – Suite B-05
News from the Library: Something new
You’ll soon be seeing more of these at the GFO–shelf markers to insert between books when a book is removed from the shelf. President
Vince Patton saw something similar at a library in California, and Mac
McGarvin has taken on the job of creating shelf markers for us. (Thanks
to Vince and Mac.) They will be hanging on hooks in the aisles. Take a book off the shelf … insert a shelf marker … reshelf a book … pull the marker and return it to the hook. Hopefully, this will help with getting books back to the right spot after our inventory. They are already getting rave reviews!
Survey Results: Family Traditions
As expected, many of us honor family traditions, either in what we do or what we eat.
Here are some of the comments that were shared: Great-great-grandmother’s phenomenal cranberry sorbet![survey editor wants the recipe!]A spinach casserole that is too decadent to qualify as a vegetable–cream cheese, sour cream, and bacon are featured![survey editor wants this recipe too!]We
always have what I have started calling “Sacred Rolls”. If you mess up
when it’s your turn to make them, or, God forbid, you change the recipe,
you might be excommunicated from the family! The recipe has been in the
family for 4-5 generations now.My
mother’s family has had a tradition that lasted over 50 years:
Football! My grandfather, born and raised in Nebraska, was a great
Nebraska football supporter. His brother, also born in Nebraska, moved
to Oklahoma and became a great Sooner supporter. Every year the two
families would get together on Thanksgiving, one year in Norman
Oklahoma, the next year in Lincoln, Nebraska. When the rivalry became
hottest, Thanksgiving dinner was moved from Thursday to Wednesday,
because it was not clear if everyone would be talking to the other side
after the game.This
year we are skipping the turkey and making dishes from the countries
our ancestors came from including Italy, Germany, France and England. We
are thankful for our ancestors, wouldn’t be here without them.
New Survey: Sweet Traditions
Your
survey editor is still thinking about the sorbet and spinach dish
mentioned in last week’s replies. I want those recipes! And so,
continuing with a food theme this week, we’re asking about cookie,
candy, or treat recipes that you may have that have been handed down
from you ancestors.
Saturday, December 7th Virginia Interest Group 10:00 a.m – Noon Join us as we have a short discussion about West Virginia history and research followed by a time to get together and discuss genealogy. Share your research, ask questions, and let us know what the group can do to help you. Talk about your brick walls or your successes. Generally, for our December meeting, some of us elect to bring snacks/finger food to get the holiday season going. Please do not feel obligated to do so. We want this to be a fun time of sharing with no one rolling their eyes as we talk genealogy! For more information see our blog: “Virginia Roots and Vines.” If you would like more information about this group or have questions, please contact Judi Scott or Carol Surrency at:virginia@gfo.org. German Interest Group 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The German Interest Group is intended to be a source of information and inspiration for anyone with German speaking ancestors. One goal is to provide information on a variety of topics related to Germanic history and migration. We also will provide time for members to share their research journeys and connect with others who may be researching the same region or time period. If you have any questions, email group facilitators Mike Fernandez and Tia Cobb at: german@gfo.org. Sunday, December 8th Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – Noon There’s lots to do and we’d love to have your help. Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there. Tuesday, December 10th GFO Board Meeting 6:10 – 8:10 p.m. Wednesday, December 11th PMUG Free Class: Photos on Apple iOS Devices 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Portland Macintosh Users Group will meet at the GFO for a class focused on tips for creating photos using an iPhone, iPad, or iTouch. Registration is required for this class. • Terms: iOS devices are the iPhone, iPad, and iTouch • Explore how to edit Photos on iOS devices • Explore optional photo editors on iOS devices • Watch demos of alternative photo programs • See ways of organizing and storing photos on iOS. For additional information or to register: Call 503-228-1779 or email: college@pmug.org. Bring your iPhone, iPad, or iTouch to participate with instruction. GFO Library Closes at 8:00 p.m.
I’ve
scheduled a three-month genealogy series to delve into the
extraordinary lives of our female ancestors, in particular, those born
during the early 20th century when the women’s suffrage movement led to
the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The workshop
will last about an hour with informal sharing, so bring your bagged
lunch as we have the room until 12:00 p.m.
FINDING YOUR FEMALE ANCESTORS AT HAYDEN LIBRARY Saturday, Jan 11 at 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Where Were Your Female Ancestors Celebrating the Vote: 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage
Saturday, Feb 8 at 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Finding American Women’s Voices through the Centuries: Letters, Diaries, Journals, Newspapers, and Court Records
Saturday, March 14 at 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Nineteenth Century Women Settlers Confront the Far West
“The
Seneca Falls Convention framed a national discussion about women’s
rights in America and marked the beginning of a massive civil rights
movement that would span the next 70 years. The right to vote was seen
as the first step to change the traditional and unjust systems that
existed. Women worked for equal rights.”
You might want to get your hands on a good book or two for “light” reading. I’d recommend The Ladies of Seneca Falls: The Birth of the Woman’s Rights Movement (Studies in the Life of Women). You could goggle using the terms: “books on women’s suffrage” or just read websites.
Please join us on Tuesday, December 10th for our Holiday Gala, beginning at 6 pm.
This is always a “fun” event. A chance for us to socialize, share some
great snacks, and maybe even play some genealogy games. Bring a friend
— or two! This is a great way to introduce family and friends to
TPCGS.
Bates Technical College South Campus,2201 S 78th St, Building E, Tacoma, WA.
Take exit 129 onto Tacoma Mall Boulevard; Turn left and go to 78th Street; Turn right into the college: 2201 S 78th St.We look forward to seeing you there!
TIP OF THE WEEK – DIGITAL LIBRARY AT FamilySearch
Thanks to Dick Eastman and his free online genealogy newsletter for
reminding us about the FamilySearch Digital Library and its collection
of more than 440,000 digitized genealogy and family history books and
publications right at our fingertips.
At the Digital Library, you can dive into family histories, county and
local histories, genealogy magazines, gazetteers, and even medieval
histories and pedigrees. (You do have your free FamilySearch account,
right? Be sure to be logged in.)
Visit FamilySearch.org, and click Search in the top menu. Then, in the drop-down menu, click Books.
The content of the digital library is freely viewable. On the home
page of the Digital Library, use the simple search bar to search by a
surname, historical events, groups of people, book title, or names of
places. Go ahead! Try it.
Check back often as more and more books are being added to the Digital Library every day.
KIM WAGGIE, VOLUNTEER OF SUMMER QUARTER Each quarter the Seattle Genealogical Society recognizes one volunteer as our Volunteer of the Quarter. Our volunteer for Summer 2019 Quarter is Kim Waggie, one of SGS’s dedicated Desk Volunteers.
Kim’s interest in genealogy began 20 years ago. As she became more enthralled with genealogy, she enrolled in & completed the certificate program in Genealogy & Family History at the University of Washington. Her research focuses on Germany & the Midwest, especially northwest Iowa. Kim’s final paper was about her great-grandmother who moved to Iowa with her second husband. She also researched a Scotch-Irish line in her family that migrated, beginning in late 1700’s Virginia, to Tennessee, Kentucky, and finally landed in Southern Illinois. Kim has conducted research while on trips to Newell, Iowa to see family. She uses online Iowa cemetery & newspaper records, and resources at the local historical society. Other favorite resources are the SGS Library (of course!), Ancestry, and FamilySearch. Kim is currently researching her 3rd great grandfather from Southern Illinois. At age 50, he volunteered to fight in the Civil War, although military records list his age as 44. He contracted typhoid fever in Pittsburgh and died just months after enlisting.
About five years ago, Kim joined the Seattle Genealogical Society. For two plus years, she has served as a Desk Volunteer, primarily on Fridays. Kim likes meeting other genealogists and helping visitors to the SGS library explore the resources, including Seattle city directories and college yearbooks.
Kim enjoys writing. At the SGS spring seminar, she hosted the table session focused on writing family history where, she reports, there was a lively discussion. Kim appreciates our SGS Seminars, Second Saturday series, and SIG meetings. She feels volunteering at SGS affords her the opportunity to meet and help others, while continually learning and improving her own genealogical research skills.
Besides genealogy, Kim plays French Horn in community orchestra and bands. She is a board member of Rain City Symphony. Kim Waggie is an example of the highly qualified, well-informed, helpful Desk Volunteers who make a visit to Seattle Genealogical Society Library worthwhile.
Next time you visit the SGS Library and see Kim at the desk, say hello. She will be glad to assist you.
SGS HOLIDAY GATHERING Saturday, December 14, 2019 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Join in the fun at the SGS Library. Bring your favorite cookies and genealogical gems to share!
IT’S THE GIVING SEASON! Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support the Seattle Genealogical Society and Library during our Annual Appeal this December. SGS 2019 Annual AppealDonate 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
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, LDS Factoria Bldg, 4200 124th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA Monday, December 9, 2019
Doors open at 6:30 PM and the presentation starts promptly at 7:00 PM
Come
early to network with other attendees and to enjoy the extensive JGSWS
library resources, including FREE access to the FHC computers and
genealogical websites
Free Wi-Fi, admission, & refreshments
At this meeting, Cary Bright will present“DNA PAINTER: Cousin Matching and Its Five Tools”. Cary also chairs a monthly DNA Workshop at SGS
Spring 2020 SGS Seminar with Fritz Juengling, Fairview Christian School, 844 NE 78th St, Seattle, WA Saturday, May 16, 2020 Mr Juengling is the German, Dutch and Scandinavian Research Specialist at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. SGS is happy to have Fritz as the presenter for our spring seminar.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. The Library will be closed Dec 21, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020 for the Winter Holiday. DECEMBER
Saturday, December 7, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree for Family Search Interest Group, with leader Lou Daly. Saturday, December 14, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Second Saturday – Holiday Gathering – bring your favorite cookies and genealogical gems to share.
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Special Edition November 28, 2019
We Give Thanks…
I hope you enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday. Please know how grateful all of us at the GFO are for all of you who support the Genealogical Forum of Oregon. Tracing family history has become one of the most popular hobbies in the country. We’re making very personal connections, not only to history, but to distant living relatives we never knew before. (Thank you, internet connections and the explosion of DNA testing.) My deepest thanks go to the more than 100 volunteers who keep the GFO alive. This is not a mere platitude. The GFO literally would not exist, nor keep the doors open daily, without volunteers. They greet you, help with research, handle membership, index records to make them searchable, number and catalog more than 50,000 holdings and provide countless classes all year long so we can share what we’re learning with each other. I’d also like to offer my gratitude to the volunteers who serve on our Board of Directors. They give even more time, monitor our modest finances, guide the organization and strive to keep us relevant in this increasingly digital (and often impersonal) world. Finding family is personal. Meaningful. Fun! Thank you for helping the GFO to preserve and share heritage since 1946.
This is a postcard to my grandmother Anna (Dillingham) Hansen from Allie. Allie is Alice Costello (DeRemer) Hansen, wife of Peter Hansen, the older brother to my grandfather Anton Hansen. Peter was the first of five Hansen brothers to come to Austin Minnesota from Denmark in the 1880s. Four of the brothers never left Minnesota, but my grandfather was the one that went west, first to Columbus Montana and then to Blanchard Idaho.
Anna’s Dillingham family came to New England in 1632, and they were Quakers. They later married into six Mayflower families, Alden, Cooke, Doty, Hopkins, Mullins, and Soule.
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