Montana State Genealogical Society Annual Conference

by Charles Hansen
MSGSLogo

Montana State Genealogical Society Home Page

30th ANNUAL STATE GENEALOGY CONFERENCE Preserving The Past Delta Hotels Helena Colonial
September 19, 20, 21, 2019 Hosted by the Montana State Genealogical Society and the Lewis and Clark County Genealogical Society Click to download Full Schedule & Registration Form

Featuring National Speakers:

German Life’s Family Research / Familie Forschung columnist James M. Beidler is the author of two successful commercially published German genealogy books (The Family Tree German Genealogy Guide and Trace Your German Roots Online). His newest book is The Family Tree Historical Newspapers Guide. Beidler writes “Roots & Branches,” a weekly newspaper column and blog (at www.roots-branches.com). He is also a research-reports editor for the worldwide research firm Legacy Tree Genealogists.
A Senior Archivist at the Archives of Michigan, where he specializes in family history and Michigan research, Kris Rzepczynski has worked in the genealogical community for nearly 20 years. He holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts in History from Western Michigan University. Kris has presented at national, state, and local conferences, including the Federation of Genealogical Societies, National Genealogical Society, Ohio Genealogical Society, Historical Society of Michigan, Indiana Historical Society, and for dozens of local genealogical societies and public libraries, and is a former Vice-President of Membership for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and a former President of the Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society.

James M. Beidler will present:

TACKLING THE “BORN IN PENNSYLVANIA” PROBLEM: Many researchers will find their research extends to an ancestor said to be “born in Pennsylvania” without additional information. Learn the strategies for making the needle bigger and the haystack smaller in this type of search!
GERMAN IMMIGRANT WAVES: CONTRASTS AND SOURCES:  The 1700’s “Pennsylvania Germans” were a different breed than the “German Americans” who immigrated in the 1800’s. This presentation shows the differences in geography, economic class, religion, and aspirations of – as well as sources about – the two great waves of German immigration as well as reviewing “the basics” of German genealogy.
ZIGZAGGING THROUGH GERMAN CHURCH RECORDS:  Explaining the methodology of using the baptismal, confirmation, marriage and burial records from German church registers most effectively. By utilizing the different bits of information found in each, researchers can zigzag their way to adding centuries to a pedigree.
PIONEERS AND COLONISTS: BACKGROUND OF GERMANS IN EASTERN EUROPE:  Millions of German-speaking people never spent a day in today’s countries of Germany, Switzerland and Austria.  For centuries, German-speaking enclaves existed in Eastern Europe. This presentation introduces and gives historical background about these “Germans outside Germany”.

Kris Rzepczynski will present:

BECOMING AMERICAN: RESEARCH WITH NATURALIZATION RECORDS:  Although one of the most important tools in family history research, naturalization records can often be very difficult to locate. This program will explore naturalization records, the many tools available to assist you in your research, and successful strategies to locate citizenship records, utilizing both online and print resources.
BIG CITY BLUES?  RESEARCHING URBAN ANCESTERS:  Using case studies from Chicago, Detroit, and other cities, this program will explore successful strategies for researching ancestors in large urban centers across the US.
MIDWEST REPOSITORIES AND ONLINE COLLECTIONS:  The Midwest is full of archives and libraries bursting with genealogical records and online content.  This session will explore some of the key research institutions and their collections.
BEYOND NAMES AND DATES: ADDING THE “STORY” TO YOUR FAMILY HISTORY:  Our ancestor’s lives are so much more than just names and dates on a pedigree chart. This program will explore record collections and examples beyond the basics that can provide rich detail and reveal fantastic stories about your ancestors’ lives.

Registration Fees:

2 full days without meals: $70.00
Full Registration with 3 meals (2 lunches & 1 banquet): $134.00
Friday Only without meals: $45.00
Saturday Only without meals:  $30.00

Accommodations at the Conference Hotel:

The Conference will be held at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial, 2301 Colonial Drive, Helena, Montana.  Rates are $109.00/night plus taxes for 2 bedded rooms and $119.00/night plus taxes for king bedded rooms. Over 2 persons per room additional $10.00 each person. Reserve your room, BEFORE 19 AUGUST 2019 to receive these rates. To reserve a room online or Phone: 406-443-2100 and state you are with the MT State Genealogical Society.

Watch this site for additional updates as they become available.

Click Registration Form to download the Complete Schedule & Registration Form.

For more information contact blgsmarket@aol.com page updated 17 July 2019

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society August Meeting

by Charles Hansen

I HAVE MY DNA RESULTS;

……. NOW WHAT???

FRUSTRATED BY FINDING A DNA MATCH BUT NO LINKED FAMILY TREE??? FOR HELP WITH FINDING YOUR MATCHING ANCESTOR, YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THE AUGUST MEETING OF THE LOWER COLUMBIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY.

Member TERRY MATTISONhas pursued this subject extensively, and will be sharing her approaches to the mystery. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend!

LOWER COLUMBIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~walcolgs/

SOMERSET RETIREMENT APARTMENTS

DINING ROOM 7:00 PM

2025 TIBBETTS DRIVE, LONGVIEW

August 8, 2019

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday E-News

by Charles Hansen
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition July 25, 2019
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR.
Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider
September Half-Day Seminar Registration Now Open!
Newspapers can provide information about births, deaths, marriages, moves, business, naturalizations, court cases, and more. The GFO provides access to several newspaper subscription sites, plus additional databases.
Join GFO’s Janice Selllers for a half-day workshop for an overview of what is available and techniques to help improve your chances of finding information about your relatives. Janice is a professional genealogist who specializes in forensic, Jewish, Black, and newspaper research. The session will be held in the GFO Library, Sunday, Sept. 8, from 9:30 a.m. – Noon. For more detailed information, download the flyer. Registration is $25.00 for GFO members, $30.00 for non-members. Register before Aug. 12 and save $5.00!
Register Here
Mark your Calendar for the GFO Fall Seminar!
The 2019 GFO Fall Seminar, featuring Fritz Jeungling, Ph.D., AG, will be an exceptional educational opportunity that we are exited to be bringing to our membership and the community at large. Dr. Juengling is an Accredited Genealogist® (through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists) for Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden, and he is certified by the Verband deutschsprachiger Berufsgenealogen. He is also a German, Dutch, and Scandinavian Research Consultant at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The full-day session on Saturday, October 5th, will be held at the Center for Self Enhancement (3920 N. Kerby Ave., Portland) and will focus on German Research, while the half-day presentation at the GFO Library on Sunday, October 6th, will provide an introduction to Dutch research. Download the flyer for full details. Mark your calendar, spread the word, and register early!
Register Here
Beginners’ Boot Camp Returns
On Tuesday, August 20, join Laurel Smith for a full day of beginning genealogy from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the GFO Library. 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.
Register Here
Summer DNA eConference
Join the GFO’s own DNA group leader, Emily Aulicino, one of the featured speakers at Family History Fanatics’ second annual Summer of DNA eConference coming up on Friday, August 9th.
Featured this year:
Daniel Horowitz – Theory of Family Relativity and Other MyHeritage Tools
Donna Rutherford – Testing Family Members: Why and Who to Choose
Emily Aulicino – atDNA: Verify, Correct, Expand
Leah Larkin – When Your Tree Is a Banyan: Working with Endogamy and DNA The live online sessions will begin at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, August 9th. Live Chat will permit questions during the presentations as well as participation in a fifth-hour panel discussion where questions about any of the topics or anything else related to DNA and genetic genealogy may be asked. Sessions will be recorded and available to all registered attendees for 30 days after the eConference. Early bird registration is only $19.99 until July 31st. Regular registration price is $24.99 after July 31st. Learn more at the website and register today.
Online Registration Deadline approaching for 2019 FGS Conference
The Federation of Genealogical Societies 2019 FGS National Family History Conference is coming up soon at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC, August 21-24. In cooperation with sponsoring local societies, corporate sponsors, and partner organizations, the FGS 2019 conference program offers a new full four-day format jam-packed with topics of interest to every genealogist from beginner to expert. If you are making last minute plans to attend, note that Online Conference Registration for this event closes on August 2, 2019. Mailed in registrations must be postmarked by July 29, 2019. Registrations will be accepted on-site at the Omni Shoreham Hotel starting Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at 3:00 p.m.
Surplus Book: Let Portland History Rub You the Right Way
Here’s a fun piece of Portland History that most people walk right over. In 1983, C.A. Gossett traveled Portland, knelt on corner after corner and made rubbings of the builders names and construction dates stamped into Portland’s sidewalks between 1900 and 1930. He writes, “These “sidewalk signatures” are part of the historic character of many neighborhoods and business districts in Portland.”
Portland’s Historic Sidewalk Signatures” is a 79 page paperback book. Our surplus copy is in excellent condition, with a previous owner’s book plate on a front page. There are no other markings in the book. Our price: $10 if you pickup at the GFO. $14 if we mail it to you. Contact booksales@gfo.org if you’d like to buy it. (Please don’t just come to the library first to get it.)
Survey Results: Genealogy Myths
Wrapping up our series on genealogical myths, 62.5% of respondents reported believing, at one time or another, that the courthouse burned, and all the records are gone. “All” is where this belief turns to myth. The internet has many sites that refute common myths. We even have a page on the GFO website, courtesy of Dick Eastman. Genealogy Myths: Real, Fool’s Gold, or Both?
In our survey, more than one answer could be selected. 62.5% The courthouse burned (or flooded, was destroyed) and all the records are gone.
18.8% Hey look, it’s our family crest!
14.6% Our ancestors came over on the Mayflower.
10.4% Our family always spelled the name as …
10.4% Source citations are just for professionals.
10.4% Three brothers came to America. One went north, one went south and the third went west …
6.3% A town in England, (or Norway, Germany, etc.) is named for our family.
6.3% All the records you need to do your family history are online.
4.2% It’s in print. It must be true!
4.2% Our ancestor was a stowaway on a ship.
4.2% Our ancestor was burned at the stake as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts.
4.2% We have the same surname—so we have to be related.
New Survey: The Impact of Storms
This week, we’re asking about a specific type of natural disaster. Were your ancestors ever affected by a tornado, cyclone, or hurricane? Take the survey now.
Take the Survey Now
This week at GFO …


Saturday, July 27th
DNA Advanced Group 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tim Janzen’s topic: “Auto-clustering Autosomal DNA Tools used for Genealogical Research”. The handout can be downloaded here.
Emily Aulicino’s topic: a discussion among attendees on various aspects of law enforcement using DNA. This will include the views of various people affected by major crimes, the ethics, the law, what your choices are regarding your test, etc. We welcome your opinion in an orderly discussion. Hopefully, for those of you who are on the fence about the topic or are concerned regarding your DNA test, this will help you realize what is happening and what you can and cannot do about your DNA.
If you would like more information about this group or have questions, please contact the facilitators at dna@gfo.org.
Sunday, July 28th
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.
Wednesday, July 31st
Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday E-News

by Charles Hansen
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition July 18, 2019
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR.
Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider
GFO Fall Seminar Registration Now Open!
GFO is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2019 GFO Fall Seminar, featuring Fritz Jeungling, Ph.D., AG. He is an Accredited Genealogist® (through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists) for Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden, and he is certified by the Verband deutschsprachiger Berufsgenealogen. The full-day session on Saturday, October 5th, will be held at the Center for Self Enhancement (3920 N. Kerby Ave., Portland) and will focus on German Research, while the half-day presentation at the GFO Library on Sunday, October 6th, will provide an introduction to Dutch research. Download the flyer for full details. Dr. Juengling is also a German, Dutch, and Scandinavian Research Consultant at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, and GFO is excited to bring this exceptional educational opportunity to our members and the community at large. Mark your calendar, spread the word, and register early!
Register Here
Beginners’ Boot Camp Returns
On Tuesday, August 20, join Laurel Smith for a full day of beginning genealogy from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the GFO Library. 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.
Register Here
GFO Star: Joann Taylor
Hi there, President Vince Patton here.
I’m hijacking this section of the E-News from regular editor Joann Taylor so we can shine the spotlight on her. The Board of Directors has selected Joann as our GFO Star of the Month! You may have seen her at our reception desk or in the research area helping patrons with their searches. Recently she came to the rescue when all our computers ground to a halt. She rebooted our network and the computers, getting the library back in action. Joann wears many hats for the GFO. She compiles this weekly E-News you receive. She has dived in to help with research for our Genealogy Problem Solvers group, particularly with her deep knowledge of Irish genealogy. Joann also volunteers on our Research Team, finding answers to questions sent in from people around the world. Plus, she co-taught a recent Gen-Talk on getting the most from Google Searching. A fellow research assistant nominated her saying, “Joann is amazing!” We agree!
Fall Seminar Needs Raffle Donations
We’re getting ready for the Fall Seminar on German and Dutch research. Can you help? We need items for our raffle. Do you have anything to donate? If your item is not new, it must be in exceptionally good condition for us to be able to offer it. Suggestions include genealogically related books, household decorations, carry bags, certificates toward GFO membership or research costs, and computer items. Leave the item(s) at the library reception desk with a donation form noting that it’s a donation for the seminar treasures raffle. At the seminar, tickets are sold for $1 each or 6 for $5, and they are placed in separate paper sacks for each prize, so you win only something you want. Thanks so much!
The GFO’s own DNA group leader Emily Aulicino is one of the featured speakers at Family History Fanatics’ second annual A Summer of DNA eConference coming up on Friday, August 9th. Last year’s eConference was very successful and had great attendance. This year’s speakers will be talking about the following:
Daniel Horowitz – Theory of Family Relativity and Other MyHeritage Tools
Donna Rutherford – Testing Family Members: Why and Who to Choose
Emily Aulicino – atDNA: Verify, Correct, Expand
Leah Larkin – When Your Tree Is a Banyan: Working with Endogamy and DNA The live online sessions will begin at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, August 9th. This event is sponsored by MyHeritage who will be giving away 4 DNA kits during the presentations. It will be possible to ask questions during the presentations using live chat. For those who can’t watch the live sessions, they will be recorded and available to all registered attendees for 30 days after the eConference. As with past events there will be a fifth-hour panel discussion where you can ask questions about any of the topics or anything else related to DNA and genetic genealogy. Early bird registration is only $19.99 until July 31st. Regular registration price is $24.99 after July 31st. Learn more at the website and register today.
Get Some Beaver History: OSU Yearbooks From ’20s to ’50s
The GFO has an extensive collection of Pacific Northwest yearbooks. Did you know we sometimes have more than one copy? That’s why we have nine copies of the The Beaver from Oregon State University available on our surplus book shelves. We have yearbooks from the following years: 1920, 1922, 1923, 1926, 1927, 1949, 1953, 1954 and 1958. Each yearbook costs only $10. If you’re interested in buying one or more, come in to the GFO and check out our $10 shelves at the front of the library.
GFO Supports Moving Trains
What’s the second worst part of coming to the GFO? (We know parking is number one.) The trains!

Those freight trains can inch back and forth or even just park on the tracks for an hour. This blocks traffic and traps anyone who’s parked in the lot behind the Ford Building where our library sits. The Albina Rail Relocation Project is picking up steam in its efforts to fund a study on how to get Union Pacific to move rail yards out of Portland’s Albina and Brooklyn neighborhoods. Studies are expensive: $25,000. The effort has received endorsements for its efforts from Metro and the mayor of Portland. To pay for the needed study, nearly $8,000 has been raised so far, and neighborhood associations nearby have chipped in. The tracks or the roads need to be raised or lowered, or the rail yards need to be moved out of the area entirely. The GFO Board shares your frustration about the impact of the trains near our library, so we’re going to lend our support too. We have donated $200 to the study and sent a letter expressing our emphatic support.
Survey Results: Ellis Island Name Change Myth
One of the most prevalent myths in genealogy is the tale of names being changed by immigration agents at Ellis Island. Last week our survey asked if your family had a story of a name change at Ellis Island. 87% of you said No.
13% said Yes.
A few replies:
“Not only do I not have that myth in my family (thank goodness!), my maternal grandmother actually knew and told me her father’s original name from when he immigrated.” “Spelling of names changed but due to phonics and ancestors unable to write.” “Actually, it is true. Mr & Mrs Kjemphol of Sykkelven in Norway became Mr & Mrs Pederson early in the 20th century.” If you want to learn more about the myth, here’s a terrific article, Debunking the Ellis Island Myth. But wait! Here’s a story about a name that was changed (but it really wasn’t!) Why Your Family Name Was Not Changed at Ellis Island (and One That Was).
New Survey: Genealogy Myths
Our surveys have examined two of the most widespread genealogy myths in the last two weeks. This week’s survey lists some additional genealogy myths. We’d like you know if you were ever a believer.
Take the Survey Now
This week at GFO …
Saturday, July 20th
African American Group 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.
“Bring Your Own Brick Wall.”
Bring your problems, questions, and documents (copies, please, no originals), and we will brainstorm to come up with information and suggestions that can direct your next steps and may help you solve some of your family mysteries.
For more information, contact us at african_american@gfo.org.
Sunday, July 21st
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.
Family Tree Maker for Beginners 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
This is a beginning class for Family Tree Maker users and for those considering a purchase. It will be repeated quarterly.
Questions? Or if you have Family Tree Maker topics you’d like covered, email Joyce and Laurel at FTM@gfo.org.
Wednesday, July 24th
Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

Grays Harbor Research Library Is Open For Business

by Roxanne Lowe

Great news! After a year of restoration and reorganization, the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society Research Library is open for business on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Hoquiam Library, 420 7th Street, Hoquiam.

The society’s research library was destroyed by a three-alarm fire that destroyed the Aberdeen Armory on 09 Jun 2018. The fire also destroyed much of the Aberdeen Museum of History, Coastal Community Action Program and the Aberdeen Senior Center. The cause of the fire was never determined.

The Grays Harbor Genealogical Society’s Research Library was housed on the 1st floor of the Amory Building.

The losses were catastrophic to the small society which had been housed at the location since 2003. Staffed completely by volunteers, the research library lost:

  • More than 22,000 hard copy obituaries that were taped to index cards and stuffed tightly in metal file cabinets were lost. Fortunately, a digital newspaper obit index was stored off-site.
  • Thousands of mortuary records from now closed Whiteside and Elerding Funeral Homes, for funerals from 1907 – 2015. The Washington State Library graciously offered to scan their collection of over 200 four-inch binders.
  • Birth, marriage and death records from the 1870s to 1907.
  • Chehalis County Marriage Index from the 1850s to 1990s.
  • Unique compilations of cemetery inventories for outlying cemeteries.
  • Tables, chairs, pencils, pens, notepads, wastepaper baskets, bulletin boards, photographs, signage…you get the idea.

Thanks to the generous donations from fellow genealogical societies and individuals, Grays Harbor Gen Soc was able to purchase signage, a photocopier/scanner, computers, shelving, binders, pencils, and furniture. They were also able to find a temporary space, compliments of the Hoquiam Library.

Donation from the Clallam County Gen Soc

GHGS is still very much on the lookout for Grays Harbor-related materials like old city directories, telephone books, school yearbooks, family histories, obituaries, etc. If you have materials related specifically to Grays Harbor or Chehalis Counties, they’d love to hear from you at Info@GraysHarborGenealogy.com.

Heritage Quest Research Library Class

by Charles Hansen

                         WEDNESDAY, JULY 24th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

    Join us for our regularly scheduled Class with Janet Camarata.
                            Making Sense of the Supplemental Censuses  

Besides the Federal Population Census, the U.S. Government also collected non-population, special supplemental censuses: territorial data, agriculture, manufacturing, slave schedules, state, veterans, social statistics, and mortality (causes of death) schedules. Learn how to build a personal guidebook for help in reading and understanding each census. Learn what’s available and where to find them in Ancestry, FamilySearch and the National Archives.
                                         $20.00 members / $25.00 non-members

Time is Running Out

by Charles Hansen

Sunday July 28th the bill passed by the legislature to lock up Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce records starts working. Births for 100 years and Deaths, Marriages and Divorce records for 25 years. You can still get your own record, your parents, grandparents and great grandparents, and the other way your children, and grandchildren, but if you are searching, or are an aunt, uncle, nephew or niece you are out of luck. The cost for a certified record goes up by $5 also. They will have information copies with a big disclaimer that cannot be used for any legal purpose. The information death certificates will NOT have the cause of death. The law did not list a cost for an informational copy.

So if you need a Birth, Death, Marriage or Divorce record right now it is cheaper, and available to all. After July 28th you might not be able to get it unless you wait 25 years or 100 for a birth record.

They did agree to leave the indexes open for research, but finding a Washington birth index is pretty hard. Family Search does have a birth index on microfilm in Salt Lake City from 1907 to 1954 and there are some of the birth certificate microfilms on permanent holds in our state. Problem here is that Family Search does not send out microfilm anymore, so you need to go to Salt Lake City to see the index.

Here is the article with the copy of the bill passed by the legislature.