TPCGS will hold our monthly meeting this coming Tuesday, November 12th, at Bates Community College, South Campus.
6:00 pm Member Networking and Sharing 6:30 – 8:30 pm Business Meeting and Program
PROGRAM: Finding Your Ancestors in Fraternal Records.
SPEAKER: Steve Dunkelberger
Hope to see everyone there!
TPCGS
monthly meetings are held September through June from 6 pm to 9 pm,
usually at Bates Technical College, South Campus, Building E, 2201 South
78th St, Tacoma.
Guests are always welcome, so bring a friend! For more information check our website at www.tpcgs.org.
Whatcom Genealogical Society will meet Monday, November 11 at 2 pm
at the Bellingham Elks Lodge, 710 Samish Way, downstairs. The speaker
will be Lori Lee Sauber, Professional Genealogist. She will present
“Even Our Plain Quaker Ancestors Lived Colorful Lives — How to Write
Interesting Family Histories”. Visitors welcome! Contact:
360-733-8300.
TIP OF THE WEEK – ARE YOUR “SAVED” RECORDS “SAFE”?
Most people who keep their family tree on Ancestry regularly attach
records/images to an individual in their tree using the ‘Save to a
person in my tree’ function, thinking they have really saved the record
to their tree, and it will be there forever and ever. Fun and easy?
True. Forever and ever? Not true. What has really happened was a link
was created from their tree to that record/image in a database. So once
they stop subscribing to Ancestry, they will still have access to their
family tree kept there, but they will no longer be able to view any
record/image attachments “saved” from a paid database — which most are.
The bottom line, if these records/images are important to you, by all
means, “Save to someone in my tree” as you have been doing, but also use
the “Save to my computer” function. Name the record/image file you
saved something meaningful, so it can easily be identified later, and
keep it organized in a folder on your computer. A good practice might be
to create a folder on your computer for each of your family surnames.
SGS SURVEY COMING YOUR WAY! Watch your email inbox for a short two question survey from the SGS Library Trustees. It will be sent out on November 3, 2019.
Whether you are an SGS Member or not, if you are a user of the SGS Library, your opinion is important to us. So please take the time to respond to the survey and email it back. Thank you in advance for your time. Click here to access survey
WELCOME, JIM SECAN, SGS VICE PRESIDENT
On
October 12, 2019, at the regular SGS Board meeting, the Directors
voted, as is allowed by the Bylaws, to instate James “Jim” Secan as Vice
President. Jim will be responsible for non-social media publicity and
serve as Board contact for the Nominating committee for this next cycle.
Jim is presently our grants writer, but will need to relinquish that
position in light of this assumption of new duties.
Jim
was an Army brat, and as a result never lived near any of his parents’
families (in Pittsburgh, PA, and Tupelo, MS). That lack of connection
with cousins, combined with his maternal grandmother’s family tree (for
her DAR application) and an almost complete lack of detail on his
father’s paternal side (Croatian immigrants from c. 1880) are the basis
for his late-in-life interest in genealogy.
Jim
retired from NorthWest Research Associates, Inc., (NWRA) a small
research company with headquarters in Redmond, in 2014. He joined NWRA
in 1989 after a ten-year stint in the US Air Force where he had begun
his life work in the area now known as space weather, most specifically
on the effects of the earth’s ionosphere on satellite communication
systems. When Jim retired, he was a Senior Research Scientist and Vice
President responsible for NWRA’s operations in other states (Colorado
and California). After a lifetime spent doing scientific research, the
transition into a retirement doing genealogical research was a natural.
Jim
and wife Lisa have three grown sons, two living in the Seattle area (a
Bothell fire department lieutenant and a Seattle-based architect) and
one living in Vancouver, WA (a supervisor for a “boutique” moving
company). They lived in Bellevue, Redmond, and what is now Sammamish
while their sons were growing up, moved to Tucson, AZ, for the college
years (go Arizona Wildcats!), and care for aging parents. They returned
to Seattle in 2009 and plan to stay.
Please give Jim a hearty welcome when you meet him. Jim, thank you for volunteering for Vice President!
SECOND SATURDAY SPEAKER SERIES: IS IT TRUE? USING MANUSCRIPTS AND FAMILY RECORDS FOR GENEALOGICAL PROOF Steven Morrison will be the speaker at our last Second Saturday Speaker Series presentation for 2019.
Steven has been a professional genealogist since 2006 and has served on the board of the Puget Sound chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists. He is a member of multiple local and national genealogical societies and is a past president of the Olympia Genealogical Society.
In this presentation, Steven explains how family records (including diaries, letters, and personal photographs) can be perceived as having little genealogical value, but nothing could be further from the truth! Come explore how original information can shine new light on undiscovered facts or family relationships. Hope to see you there, Saturday, November 9, 2019, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm in the SGS Library.
SAVE THE DATE
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, LDS Factoria Bldg, 4200 124th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA Monday, November 11, 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 available
Free admission and refreshments
At this meeting, Michael Saunders will present “Digging Deep: Doing Historical Research”
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 from November 24, 2019 through December 2, 2019, for the Thanksgiving Holiday. NOVEMBER Saturday, November 2, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree for Family Search Interest Group, with leader Lou Daly.
Sunday, November 3, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright. Q&A first hour, while focus second hour in on Genome Mate Pro.
Saturday, November 9, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Maker Interest Group, with leaders Reiley and Jess. Saturday, November 9, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Second Saturday Speaker Series – Using Manuscripts and Family Records for Genealogical, with Steven Morrison
Wednesday, November 13, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Mac Computer Interest Group, with Lisa Marker, held at the Fiske Genealogical Library in Madison Park, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112, jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings are open to the public and will address topics and resources helpful for those using MacIntosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion program in their genealogy research. $3.00 library use fee applies.
Saturday, November 16, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish Interest Group, with Jean Roth Saturday, November 16, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German Interest Group, with Jean Roth
Saturday, November 16, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Digging Deeper: Comparing Genealogical Software, presenters will compare Legacy, Family Tree Maker, and RootsMagic. Come see which one is right for you.
Tuesday, November 19, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Family History Writers’ Group, contact Gail Stevens for more info at stevens_gail@hotmail.com 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 Potluck – watch for details
The Twin River Genealogy Society meeting Nov 14th at Orchard’s Methodist Church on Burrell Ave, in the back side basement entrance at 6:30pm visitation and meeting at 7:00pm with Pamela Thorson, she will be talking about Arrow Idaho. She will be talking about the people of the area and her book “Arrow”. This is also our election of officers after the presentation. We would love to have you join us.
Pam Thorson is a
licensed practical nurse, author, speaker, and full-time caregiver.
She and her husband raised their family in a log cabin overlooking
the Clearwater River at Arrow, Idaho. She authored her first book,
Song in the Night (2008),
after their son’s spinal cord injury in 1997. Her second book, Out
from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver,
was released in 2014. Her latest book, Arrow:
The History and People of an Idaho Community,
Volume1 (2019),
presents the rich history of her beloved community.
Pam speaks at
various venues and writes a weekly article for the Christian music
website, CMADDICT.com. She is a full member of the Advanced Writers
and Speakers Association (AWSA). As a member of the Idaho Caregiver
Alliance, she served on the Family Caregiver Work Force, tasked by
the Idaho legislature to research and craft recommendations to
support family caregivers.
She and her
husband have five grown children and four grandchildren.
Pam Thorson is a long-time resident of
Arrow, Idaho, and she has spent nearly thirty years compiling the
stories of her beloved Clearwater River valley community. This first
volume presents the rich and varied history of Arrow, from its first
known native inhabitants to the coming of Lewis and Clark, the
opening of the reservation to settlement, and its development as a
railroad station. Its stories are gleaned from many written sources,
elder accounts, and the author’s own experiences that made Arrow both
wild and wonderful.
Whether
you want to scan just a few photos, have inherited a box of photos, or
plan on visiting a relative who might have photos, this class is for
you. We will briefly discuss scanners and then learn how to scan and
archive those precious photos and documents, as well as how to file the
scans. We will also touch on the basics of touching up your scans. Join Lori Washburn for our next free GenTalk on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 2 – 3 p.m. at the GFO Library
Free Monday Reminder
Don’t forget, the GFO Library is free to everyone on the First Monday of each month. That’s next Monday, November 4th.
What if all GFO’s members came together on just one day to give? For GFO, GivingTuesday isn’t about fundraising. It’s about banding together to accomplish one large task.
Please save the date: December 3rd and come to the GFO all or part of the day to help. GFO will provide pastries, fruit, and coffee in the morning, pizza and pop in the afternoon. You provide the people power. Please help.
Remember, the Portland Mac Users Group events are free for the GFO members and take place at 6 p.m. at the GFO library.
We are delighted that Portland Center Stage is offering friends of GFO a special offer for a currently running play that happens to revolve around genealogy! Redwood
is billed as “a beautiful, humor-filled excavation of our shared
history. When Steve Durbin sets out to chart his Black family’s ancestry
online, his revelations unwittingly throw his entire family into
turmoil.”
Redwood runs from now through November 17 at Portland Center Stage at the Armory. PCS has a deal for Friends of the GFO: October 27-November 17: Use promo code “COMMUNITY” for $10 off tickets. Get tickets here.
Are you a member of the Ohio Genealogical Society?
If you are, please send a message to the library committee at library@gfo.org.
News from the Library: Ghosts to Ghost Towns and things in between
Since
this edition of the eNews is delivered on Halloween, we thought it
would be fun to see what a search for “ghost” turned up in the GFO online library catalog.
Some of the results surprised us. While call numbers aren’t shown, the
items are in call number order so those in the same geographic area are
listed together.
▪ Ghost of the past: the colorful Ames ▪ The
old ghosts and family skeletons: family history from Byzantine Emperors
to the Pilgrims and men and women named Fairchild, Halsted, Everett,
Perkins, Delano and many others ▪ The ghost walks: a chronological history of Blacks in show business, 1865-1910 ▪ Dust in the wind: a guide to American ghost towns ▪ Ordinary heroes: the story of Shaftsbury : with a chapter on the Vermont ghost town of Glastenbury ▪ South Jersey towns, history and legend ▪ Woodside,
the north end of Newark, N.J: its history, legends and ghost stories
gathered from the records and the older inhabitants now living ▪ Ghost towns of Talbot County ▪ Virginia ghosts ▪ Wording your way through Texas ▪ Place names and ghost towns of Bay County [Michigan] ▪ Gray ghosts of the Confederacy: guerrilla warfare in the West, 1861-1865 ▪ Ghost town album ▪ Ghost town trails ▪ Ghost Towns of the West ▪ A guide to western ghost towns ▪ Western ghost towns ▪ Unique ghost towns and mountain spots ▪ Colorado ghost towns: past and present ▪ Ghost towns of the Colorado Rockies ▪ The lost cities of Colorado ▪ Colorado : a guide to the highest state ▪ Ghost towns and mining camps of New Mexico ▪ Ghosts of the pioneers: a family search for the Independent Oregon Colony of 1844 ▪ The Cochise County Historical Journal: ghost towns of Cochise County Arizona ▪ The historical guide to Utah ghost towns ▪ Virginia City: its history– its ghosts ▪ The story of early Mono County: its settlers, gold rushes, Indians, ghost towns ▪ Ghost towns of the Pacific frontier ▪ Oregon ghost towns ▪ Ghost
towns of the Pacific Northwest : your guide to ghost towns, mining
camps, and historic forts of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia ▪ Ghost towns of the Northwest ▪ Willamette landings, ghost towns of the river ▪ Lumber ghosts: a travel guide to the historic lumber towns of the Pacific Northwest ▪ Lakeport, ghost town of the south Oregon coast ▪ Past and present towns of Linn County, Oregon
▪ This old rooming house: Maxwell Hall and the ghosts of our neighborhood ▪ Shaniko: from wool capital to ghost town ▪ Southern Idaho ghost ▪ The galloping ghosts of Galena ▪ Gold town to ghost town : the story of Silver City, Idaho ▪ Ghost towns : Washington ▪ Ghosts of the gold rush : a walking tour of Fairbanks
George
Ernest Bowman founded the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower
Descendants in 1896 and he spent half a century attempting to trace the
ancestry of each Mayflower family. Mayflower Marriages compiles marriages extracted from Bowman’s extensive files. It contains 10,000 entries and spans five centuries. This
surplus copy is a library copy, with corresponding library marks and
labels. Someone apparently took notes onto pages 210 and 211.
This paperback has a sound spine, and other than the marks inside, is in decent shape. Pick up at GFO Price: $20Ship to You Price: $25 If you are interested in this book, please contact booksales@gfo.org
Survey Results: Library Features
When
we asked about the features you’ve used in our online library catalog,
most of the respondents said they have used it to see what we have and
to find the call numbers. Did you know that almost every item now has an
image that can also help?
The title of this item is a book, but the image tells you right away that the information is on a microfilm.
The listing for this journal tells you we have 138 of them on our shelves; clicking on it will tell you which volumes.
And
this listing, when clicked on, not only shows the image and lists both
volumes, but gives dimensions and informs that there are illustrations. When asked what they like best about the catalog, here’s what a few people had to say:
* I love being able to check off the most promising books, and then use
the instant list (bibliography) the site creates. It’s so handy to do
this at home, print it, and know exactly what I want to get off the
shelves when I walk in. * Finding what’s on the shelf (or in the drawers) fast. * It’s pretty easy to use.
New Survey: Halloweens with family …
Most
of us have spent Halloweens with parents and children, but we’re
curious if you’ve spent Halloweens with grandparents and/or
grandchildren. And we want to hear your stories. Please, take the survey now.
Saturday, November 2nd Virginia Interest Group 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Timelines and Spreadsheets for Genealogy Of the many techniques we have for genealogy research, some of the simplest can be the most effective. From the straightforward chronological list of events to large, complex spreadsheets of data, we use these tools to organize and analyze our research. In doing so, we may see areas to expand the research or find answers to questions we have about our families. This month we’ll discuss a variety of timelines and spreadsheets, how to use them, and share a variety of examples and templates. For more information, see our blog. You can reach this group’s leaders, Judi Scott and Carol Currency, at virginia@gfo.org German Interest Group 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. This 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. This group is facilitated by Mike Fernandez and Tia Cobb. Questions may be sent to German@gfo.org Sunday, November 3rd Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – Noon There’s another work party at the GFO library today for those of you who can come. 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. Monday, November 4th Free First Monday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. GFO Library open to non-members for free. Tuesday, November 5th Italian Interest Group 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Your Italian ancestor’s Roman Catholic church records offer the second largest group of records from which to uncover your ancestral past. The church parish was the epicenter of your ancestor’s life from cradle to grave. From the church sacraments of baptism, confirmation and marriage to the last rites, your ancestor’s religious past is recorded in the church parishes of Italy awaiting your discovery! We’ll review types of church archives, how to find your ancestor’s parish, types of ecclesiastical records, and where and how to find Italian church records. If you have questions or want more information, email italian@gfo.org Wednesday, November 6th Bulletin Meeting 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Learn and Chat 10:00 am – 12:00 p.m. Learn and Chat is a “genealogy self-help” group. Please bring tales of your latest genealogy related adventures and a wish list of subjects to build our calendar. Contact facilitators Jeanne Quan and Sandy Alto with questions: learnandchat@gfo.org DNA Q&A: Beyond the Basics 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Greg Wick will be joining us and presenting his talk “Learn How To Analyze Your Big Y Test Results”. Have you taken a Big Y test at FamilytreeDNA, or are thinking about taking one (or testing a male relative) and would like to learn how to better utilize your results? This presentation will cover the basics of Big Y testing, including do-it-yourself dating techniques and analysis, and will examine a case study between two closely matching Big Y testers with no previously known genealogical connection. This meeting is for those who have already taken a Y-DNA test, or have a general understanding of Y-DNA testing and are interested in learning how to interpret Big Y test results. General questions are welcome at the end of each planned discussion. Lisa McCullough leads this group.. Questions? dna_qa@gfo.org GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.
The Archives Fair at the Seattle City Hall, October 30 from 10 to 2pm. It is located in the Bertha Knight Landes Room on the main level of the City Hall 5th Ave entrance. I am attaching the flyer. There will be 19 Archives represented tomorrow.
It’s time to sign up for our Fall Class offerings
Now that the weather has changed and we’re no longer basking in the warm days of summer, it’s time to get back to Genealogy!
Have you always wanted to get started? Well, here is your opportunity!
Maybe you have already started your research and have questions regarding your sources. We have that covered too!
Tuesday, October 29th, 3-5 p.m. Dee Haviland Fournier presents a FREE Beginning Genealogy Class Take a tour of our unique library, which contains over 15,000 books. Then learn how to begin the search for your family. This class will concentrate on Vital Records and Censuses. For Reservations please call 253-863-1806 or stop by HQRL and register in person. After reserving a seat, if you are unable to attend the class, please call to cancel so that others may attend.
Join us on Monday, November 4th 6:30 p. m.
How Do I Know That’s Right? Evaluating Genealogical Evidence
What does a genealogist do when there is so much data and some things
conflict? Or what does one do if there are only a few data points and
they don’t agree? How do you know which one is right? In this
presentation we’ll define the various types of evidence and discuss ways
of evaluating them to come to a sound conclusion. A case study will
help illustrate how points of evidence can come into conflict and
demonstrate methods for resolving that conflict.
Ever been squeezed out of Boot Camp
because the class was full? Hate being in large classes? Worried about
finding parking? Then this may be your best opportunity to attend. There are a few seats left. But act now, because registration closes tonight, Oct. 24, at 11:30 p.m.
Laurel
Smith will cover how to get started, organization, online trees and
database programs, the census, and vital records — 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. Free for GFO members! Just $20 for non-members. Genealogy Boot Camp for Beginners on October 27th has lots of seats still available. Please register today!
What if all GFO’s members came together on just one day to give? For GFO, GivingTuesday isn’t about fundraising. It’s about banding together for a volunteer blitz to accomplish one large task.
Please save the date: December 3rd Come to the GFO for all or part of the day to help. GFO will provide pastries, fruit, and coffee in the morning, pizza and pop in the afternoon. You provide the people power. All
participants are eligible to receive a pass for free admission to the
GFO library–for themsleves or others that can be used later. Please help.
Halloween = Shorter Hours
Just a reminder! The GFO Library will close early at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.
The Missing Link…
Oops! We left a link out of the handout from last Saturday’s GenTalk on death records by Pam Vestal. Click this button:
This
is the International Classification of Diseases decoder key for the
code entered in the cause of death section on death certificates, which
is useful because the handwriting often is unreadable.
Seminar Tables For Sale
As
we mentioned last week, the GFO recently replaced its classroom tables
with ones that weigh less and will be easier to move when reconfiguring
the room. Our old tables are still in great shape. They’re great for crafts too. They’re 6 feet long but only 18 inches deep, making them great for more compact spaces.
Do you know anyone who could use them? Their strong legs are metal and the table tops are laminated wood with rubber edges. All fold-flat when not in use. We have 7 of these tables left for sale and are offering a discount on the set: $20 a piece, or $130 for the set of 7. Please contact library@gfo.org if you are interested. Pickup is required at the GFO library.
We are delighted that Portland Center Stage is offering friends of GFO two special offers for an upcoming play that happens to revolve around genealogy! Redwood
is billed as “a beautiful, humor-filled excavation of our shared
history. When Steve Durbin sets out to chart his Black family’s ancestry
online, his revelations unwittingly throw his entire family into
turmoil.”
On
October 26, GFO President Vince Patton and Director at Large Julie
Ramos, will speak before the performance, at about 6:45 p.m., about all
the GFO offers and why we find building personal links to history so
valuable. Redwood runs from October 26 through November 17 at Portland Center Stage at the Armory. PCS has two offers for friends of the GFO: October 26: Use promo code “GFO” for $25 tickets. October 27-November 17: Use promo code “COMMUNITY” for $10 off tickets. Get tickets here.
Maggie Kitts poured her heart and soul into A Larson/Johnson Family of East Union, Minnesota, published in 1994. This family history runs an impressive 562 pages, tracing families of this region back to the early 1800s. Added bonus: the book begins with Grandma Nilla’s Filled Oatmeal Cookies recipe!
This comprehensive tome is in excellent shape. In fact, the GFO has five copies of this family history in mint condition. Pick up at GFO Price: $10Ship to You Price: $16 If you’d like to buy one, help yourself to one copy on our $10 shelves up front, or contact booksales@gfo.org for the other copies in storage.
Saturday, October 26th Advanced DNA 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Tim Janzen will give a presentation about using autosomal DNA to help trace unknown ancestors who were born in the 1700s or in the early 1800s. He will illustrate the various approaches that one can take to solving these types of genealogical challenges. Multiple case studies will be presented. Please check the GFO Online Calendar for a link to the handout. Sunday, October 27th Beginner’s Boot Camp 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm Join Laurel Smith for her popular full-day class aimed at helping the beginner with getting started, organization, online trees and database programs, the census, and vital records. Basic computer skills are a prerequisite. Registration is required by 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24. Wednesday, October 30th GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 31st Happy Halloween! GFO Library Closes at 1:00 p.m.
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