Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Research Help

by Charles Hansen

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society
To Offer Genealogy Research Help by Appointment

  BURLINGTON – The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS) now offers free, one-on-one research assistance by experienced genealogy volunteers. To schedule a family history research consultation call 360-840-3002. This new consultation by-appointment offering replaces SVGS’ former program of volunteers being available on first Saturdays of the month at the Burlington Library.

SVGS also offers educational programs by genealogy experts on the second Saturday of the month, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Avenue. The public is invited to attend SVGS’ membership meetings and programs.  No meetings are held in July, August and December. For details and to become a member of SVGS visit skagitvalleygenealogy.org or email: genealogy0715@gmail.com.

SVGS’ September 14 program will be an introductory tutorial about using a new software program called DNA Painter. SVGS’ DNA genealogy expert Barbara Johnson will be the guest speaker. This new software tool will help genealogists to easily clarify DNA matches by defining the common shared ancestor in a DNA match.

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday E-News

by Charles Hansen
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition June 27, 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
Half-Day Workshop: Adding Historical Context
Adding Historical Context: A Hands-On Approach Join GFO’s Kate Eakman July 14 from 9:30 a.m. – Noon for a half-day of learning about how to add historical context to your genealogical research to make it richer and more interesting. In this workshop you will: ▪ Practice identifying items, events, and topics ripe for historical research. ▪ Once the questions have been asked, learn how to find the answers. ▪ Discuss how to add this new-found information to one’s family’s history. Take advantage of Early Bird pricing. Register by June 30 and save $5.00!
Register Now
Local Screening of Film of Genealogical Interest
Peace of the City Film series in partnership with Northwest Film Center and NW Documentary, are extending an invitation to the staff, board, and any patrons of the GFO to the season opener of their summer documentary series. The film, entitled Thank You for Coming will be screened on Tuesday, July 9th from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Whitsell Auditorium in the Portland Art Museum. This film documents filmmaker Sara Lamm’s personal journey to find her biological father after learning, as an adult, that she was donor-conceived. The film prominently features the deep and rewarding genealogical work that ultimately leads Sara to her sperm donor. Sara herself will be coming from LA to Portland to present the film on the evening of July 9. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the film’s trailer here.
Surplus Book of the Week: Sons of the American Revolution Register
On this July 4th, here’s how you can own some history of American independence. A National Register of the Society Sons of the American Revolution was published 117 years ago. This 1902 volume compiles information from state SAR societies which could not afford to publish on their own. As the forward states, “While it is no wise a complete history of the Society or its aims, it does contain the entire list of the membership of the National Society to December 31, 1901, including deceased members, with their line of descent from their Revolutionary ancestors. This alone will make this work a valuable one, and it will be used as a standard book of reference for many years to come.”
This surplus book feels like history in your hands. It features a single gilt edge on the top in gold, ragged page edges and a damaged cover which has been taped back together. The pages themselves are as dark, crisp and readable as the day they were printed. Photos intersperse this 1035 page tome. A previous owner’s bookplate and a few library stamps on pages in the front and back. All other pages are free of any markings. Our price:
$30 if you pick up at the GFO
$40 if we mail it to you If interested, please email booksales@gfo.org. (Please contact them first; don’t just show up at the library to purchase.)
Survey Results: Family Scandals are Often True
Last week we asked if you had a family story about a scandal or black sheep. 3/4 of you say, “Yes!” And of those, nearly 83% say your research proved the scandal really did happen!
You shared stories of cattle thieves, domestic abusers, two murderers, several bigamists, and out of wedlock births (a scandal by the standards of a century ago.) One reader’s great uncle killed two people on Pikes Peak in 1892; he later died in prison. We received more replies than we can include here. Read them all here.
If you haven’t found a scandal, black sheep, or skeleton lurking in your family closet yet, you haven’t been researching long enough. We’re all descended from people and none of us are perfect. If you are having trouble embracing your less-than-perfect ancestors and worry about balancing historical truth with sensitivity, here are a couple of articles that you may find helpful: Scandal! Dealing With Skeletons In Your Family Tree and
Keeping It Secret: Revealing the Secrets in Your Family History.
New Survey: Native American Heritage
One of the most common family stories is that of having Native American heritage. If this story runs in your family, please take our survey now.
Take the Survey
Support the GFO when you Shop Amazon Prime Days!
Did you know you can help the GFO financially every time you shop on Amazon, especially during the upcoming Prime Days sales on July 15 and 16?
Be sure to use smile.amazon.com/ch/93-6026015 each time you start shopping. Save that bookmark! Register the Genealogical Forum of Oregon as your non-profit of choice. We’ll then get a small donation for every purchase you make! It does not raise the price you pay.
This week at GFO …
Saturday, July 6th
German Interest Group 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
The topic / das Thema: feed back from the international German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) conference in Sacramento last month.

Five members attended the week long conference. Some of them will share their experiences, what they learned at some of the lectures, and more.
Questions may be sent to German@gfo.org.
Sunday, July 7th
Library Work Party 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Explore our manuscript, personal papers and Bible collection while we organize, scan and create finding aids. Drop by at the time that works for you. Questions? Send a note to manuscripts@gfo.org.
Tuesday, July 9th
Board Meeting 6:10 – 8:10 p.m.
Wednesday, July 10th
Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK
 NEW GOOGLE MAPS TOOL  
Randy Majors, creator of the much loved “Historical U.S. County Boundaries Map”, as well as the tools “County Lines on Google Maps” and “City Limits on Google Maps”, has done it again. He just released a new tool, “Township Range on Google Maps”. 

If you need to map Township/Range/Section, you can map them all the way down to the quarter quarter section. These townships are part of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) found in roughly 30 states in the USA. Search by address, place, GPS coordinates, or do a reverse find by Section, Township, Range. 

His website https://randymajors.com is a good place to read about and sample all his tools, as well as the place to stay abreast of what he plans to develop and release next.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen
OUR NEW WEBSITE IS HERE! We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website — https://seagensoc.org !

Creating a new website has been on our “to do” list for several years. The new website means that SGS members, and visitors alike, can benefit from our online content. It is easier to navigate and offers quick and easy access to essential information and features. 

The new site offers SGS greater flexibility for incorporating changes and smoother administrative operations, which results in more benefits that we can pass on to our members, our supporters, and our website visitors. We hope that you will spend some time on the site to get an idea of the offerings, where to find your old favorites, and discover some new ones as well. 

Special note to SGS members: As a benefit of membership, you have a secure individual account to access members-only content on the new website. Watch your email for a notice from SGS with your login information. When you receive the notice, please visit the new website and login to activate your account. 

Check us out! https://seagensoc.org   URGENT! 
MORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE
PACIFIC NORTHWEST SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
We still need volunteers to help at the Seattle Genealogical Society booth during the Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games in Enumclaw, July 27 & 28. 

If you can help, please contact us ASAP. Send along your name, email address, phone number to : volunteers@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org 

You also may contact Jean Roth with any questions at 206 782-2629.
   FAMILY HISTORY WRITERS’ GROUP 
Interested in creating your family history stories and sharing them with others in an effort to improve your writing? 

The Family History Writers’ Group SIG will resume meeting from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, on the third Tuesday of each month, beginning on Tueday, September 17th.  For more information contact Gail Stevens at:
stevens_gail@hotmail.com 

Everyone is welcome.  Come check it out.     SAVE THE DATE
“Researching Family in Pennsylvania”,
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA
July 29-August 2, 2019 Do you have Pennsylvania ancestors? Is a research trip to Philadelphia on your wish list? If so, here is an opportunity for a one-week immersion in Pennsylvania record sources, in the heart of Center City Philadelphia.
 
Geared to all researcher levels, with a focus on original record sources as well as the outstanding holdings in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Library, this course will deepen your research skills and acquaint you with Pennsylvania¹s unique resources. Course highlights:
  * Pennsylvania court and vital records 
* Land and tax records 
* Revolutionary War and militia records 
* Early German, Moravian, and Quaker and Welsh settlers 
* Western Pennsylvania research        
 
The Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown, 1305 Walnut Street, has rooms available for registrants at $144.00/night. To reserve a room call: 215-735-9300 and mention HSP.   
 
Conference details and registration can be found at:   www.hsp.org/events   
      

“2019 Northwest Genealogy Conference”, 
Stillaguamish Valley Genealogy Society, 
Byrnes Performing Arts Center, 
18821 Crown Ridge Blvd,
Arlington, WA 
August 14-17, 2019 

As they do every year, the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogy Society kicks off their summer genealogy conference by offering free Beginning Genealogy classes on Wednesday, August 14th, from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.  

For complete details on the offerings of this multi-day, premier conference, visit their website: 
https://stillygen.org
  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. In observance of Independence Day, our library will be closed July 4th – July 8th.
JULY  
Saturday, July 13, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Maker (FTM) Users Group –  Special presentation: Using Source Templates in Family Tree Maker, presented by Janet Stroebel, leader of the FTM Users Group at the Eastside Genealogical Society. Come learn how the templates in Family Tree Maker can help streamline the important and often challenging process of creating source citations.

Sunday, July 14, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Scandinavian Special Interest Group, with Karen Knudson.  Bring your projects and share your discoveries with others. We’ll look at what’s new in Arkivdigital for Swedish researchers and review the best way to use Digitalarkivet for Norwegian researchers. If you are researching in Finland or Denmark, come and share your expertise.
  Thursday, July 18, 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, “DNA Learning Series”, at Mountlake Terrace Sno-Isle Library,  
Seattle and Sno-Isle Genealogical Societies are co-sponsoring the “DNA Learning Series.” 
Class 4 of the seven series is “Understanding your Autosomal DNA & DNA inheritance.” 

Pre-registration required. To register send an email to sgsdnasig@gmail.com Deadline to register is July 15, to allow you time to complete the required assignment. Class assignments are part of the learning experience and you must be on our list to receive them by email.
 

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday E-News

by Charles Hansen
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition June 27, 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
Half-Day Workshop: Adding Historical Context
Adding Historical Context: A Hands-On Approach Join GFO’s Kate Eakman July 14 from 9:30 a.m. – Noon for a half-day of learning about how to add historical context to your genealogical research to make it richer and more interesting. In this workshop you will: ▪ Practice identifying items, events, and topics ripe for historical research. ▪ Once the questions have been asked, learn how to find the answers. ▪ Discuss how to add this new-found information to one’s family’s history. Take advantage of Early Bird pricing. Register by June 30 and save $5.00!
Register Now
3 Days Left to Beat Dues Increase!
You have until Sunday night to join or renew your GFO membership before the price of dues goes up. Our fiscal year begins July 1, along with a new budget which takes into account our increasing costs, especially our rent.

Most dues go up only $2 to $4.
Eight people have taken the plunge this month to become life members. They’re saving $125! Our Life dues had not risen in 13 years and fell far below the board’s original goal of keeping them at 20 times an annual membership. Becoming a life membership truly invests in the future of the GFO; these dues are placed in our endowment to fund the GFO for years to come.
Renew or Join Now
Volunteer Coordinator Needed
Our Volunteer Coordinator, Cathy Lauer, has selflessly given the GFO her time for a full decade. “Now, it’s time to step down,” Cathy says. We need someone to coordinate our volunteers, mostly the Research Assistants who keep the library open. RAs act as both receptionists and as helpers to assist people in their research. The Volunteer Coordinator makes sure we have two RAs scheduled on duty for each shift.
Without RAs, we cannot open the library. ▪ We’d provide the list of research assistants. ▪ Computer literacy is a must. ▪ You’d need to be comfortable with email and willing to fill in a spreadsheet and a chart on the computer each month. This might even be a perfect job for a couple of friends to share. We’d love someone willing to recruit and do training, too, but that’s not a prerequisite. A few others share those duties now. If you’re an organized type and could help us keep the library functioning, please contact president@gfo.org. Remember, we’re all-volunteer. Thank them next time you’re in, and please join our ranks!
Get in Free to the Oregon Historical Society!
Here’s an extra benefit of being a GFO member: you can get in free to the Oregon Historical Society. This includes access to the new permanent Experience Oregon exhibit, and the special Ladies and Gentlemen… The Beatles! exhibit from May 10 to November 12. The GFO is pleased to be an affiliate of OHS, which grants us two OHS Member passes. We are happy to share these with you as Cultural Passes. Just come in to the library and check them out at the reception desk. You must be an active GFO member to use these. Check out the pass one day and return it the next. One member may check out two passes, so you can take someone with you.
Upcoming SDOP Annual Picnic
Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers (SDOP) will be holding their Annual Picnic at Champoeg State Park near St. Paul, Oregon, on July 13th. Members, family, and friends come together each year to celebrate the founding of Oregon Territorial government, at the very spot where the actual vote took place 176 years ago. Find us at the Champoeg Pavilion, beginning at noon, for food and activities. The event is pot luck, so bring your favorite dish to share, and SDOP provides the beverages. Reservations are not required.
Surplus Book of the Week: Atlas of Ray County, Missouri
This week’s surplus book is another oversized atlas book, focused on Ray County, Missouri. The maps of all the townships, and illustrations of citizens and buildings, were done in 1877. This book is a 1971 reprint by The Richmond News, published for the Ray County sesquicentennial. This book is in good condition physically with intact pages and spine. However, it does have marks in red pen on some pages where a previous researcher highlighted properties of interest.
If you’d like to buy this atlas, contact booksales@gfo.org. (Please don’t come to the library first.) Our Price: $18 if you pick up at the GFO.
$24 if we mail it to you.
Survey Results: Famous Ancestors?
Last week we asked if your family claimed to have famous ancestors. 58% said yes.
42% said no. Do those tales prove true? No, say many of you. Even more say you just don’t know yet. ▪ “2 Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Both cases, total baloney.” ▪ “Actor Peter Sellers: Peter Sellers was from an English line of Sellerses, and our Sellers family came from a German line that was originally Söller.” ▪ “Charlemagne, Holy Roman Emperor – It’d be fun to believe, but I need to see more proof.” ▪ “George Washington – It’s true!” ▪ “Carl Christian Bruhns, 19th c German astronomer – I’ve since met the website owner and that ultimately led to a connection with CCB’s great grandson in Germany who had taken the family back four more generations. We met in 2013 in the ancestral village and I stood on the steps of the family home.” ▪ “Andrew Jackson – So untrue that his Hermitage Library has denied it many times. But some still try to say it is true.”
There are sites that will give you information about famous people, such as FamousKin.com or predict your relationship to the famous like Relative Finder, and there are many others. While these are easy and fun, the best answer is, do the research. These tools rely on the accuracy of your research and that of others—and we all know to be careful when looking at online trees. So, start with yourself to build an accurate family tree. Then, you’ll be better prepared to try some of these tools for hints to your famous relations. Get more advice from this article on Thoughtco.com.
New Survey: Scandal!
Last week we asked about your relation to the famous. This week, we ask if you have a family story about a scandal.
Take the Survey
This week at GFO …
Sunday, June 30th
Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
There’s another work party at the GFO library today for those of you who can attend. There’s always 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, July 1st
First Monday 9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
GFO Library open to non-members for free, open late.
Tuesday, July 2nd
Italian Ancestry Group 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This month’s topic: Italian-Americans: How to find your ancestor’s village in the Old Country!
Your ancestor’s Italian village in the Old Country is the key to opening the bounty of records waiting for you, to help you trace your Italian family heritage. Come join other Italian-American genealogists and learn to begin building your family tree, define what it is that you wish to learn, excavate old documents at home, build a framework with U.S. censuses, and understand cultural clues that might tip off the name of the ancestral village. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but at this lecture you may learn some valuable pointers to launch your campaign to find la famiglia! Ci vediamo! Instructor: Nancy Bronte Matheny.
If you have questions or want more information, email italian@gfo.org.
Wednesday, July 3rd
Open Late to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 4th
GFO closed in observance of Independence Day.

FGS Society Tables

by Charles Hansen
  Reminder: Introduce your society to the nation at our Society Showcase
Act now to get your preferred table! FGS invites its members to set up tables at our 2019 Conference Society Showcase in Washington D.C., August 21-24. In addition to regular Exhibit Hall booths, Society Showcase tables are gathered in one area near the Exhibit Hall for the great price of $50. Handouts may be offered, but no sales are permitted. All Society Showcase participants will be featured in conference promotional material, especially the Onsite Conference Guide and the Conference Voice blog. Conference details are available on the FGS Voice blog and on our website at https://fgs.org/annual-conference/. In the meantime, if you have a question, please contact the Society Showcase Chair at societyshowcase@fgs.org or visit https://fgs.org/conferences/society-showcase/ for more details. Win! Decorate your table with an attractive theme to be eligible to win a one-year FREE membership in FGS for your organization. Tables will be judged and winner announced by Friday afternoon. Door Prizes: Societies are encouraged to offer door prizes. Door prize winner names should be given to the Exhibit Hall Co-chairs daily by 4:30 pm Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and by 1:00 pm Saturday. Winners will be posted on the bulletin board located near the Society Showcase area or at the FGS booth. Lecture Breaks: Thirty minute breaks are scheduled between lectures, plus more than two hours for lunch each day (12:15-2:30 pm) so attendees have ample time to visit the exhibit hall and Society Showcase area each day. Exhibit Hall Schedule: Wednesday, 21 August: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday, 22 August: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday, 23 August: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, 24 August: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm FGS Website: Visit https://fgs.org/annual-conference/ to view full program and registration materials, the Exhibit Hall Map, and click here to go directly to the Society Showcase form: https://fgs.org/conferences/society-showcase-registration/.

DNA Painter – A Cool New Tool

by Charles Hansen

Have you found a DNA match but you can’t figure out how you are related? Who is your Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA)? DNA Painter is a fairly new tool that just might solve the puzzle.

DNAPainter.com is a free on-line program that “paints” (pastes, really) your DNA comparison with a match. It uses a chromosome browser from 23andme, MyHeritage or FamilyTreeDNA. It will not work with Ancestry.com DNA as that site does not have a chromosome browser. And you will need permission from your match to share chromosome information.

First of all, read the tutorial which will walk you through the step-by-step process. It takes about an hour to do the tutorial. You don’t need to completely understand the science of what all those numbers mean. Just remember: the greater the number of centiMorgns (cMs) you share with a match, the more closely you are related.

You then begin painting matches into Painter. I recommend starting with a known cousin to use as a control. I chose a known maternal cousin and a known paternal cousin.

When you paste a match into DNA Painter, the shared segments show up as a colored line on various chromosomes. As you paint more and more matches you will see where the segments overlap. It is a very graphic visual that shows those overlapping segments in a very visual pattern.

Using known cousins gives you clues as to which side the unknown matches are on. Once you know which side of the family your match is on, you can then start searching for documentation. Of course, you will be emailing back and forth with your match to exchange more information.

If you don’t have any known cousins, don’t worry, Painter still can help you. Once you have painted several matches you will begin to see patterns. Since several of the DNA testing sites also ask you for your ancestors’ birth places, you can compare that information with your matches. Also, your ethnicity and your matches ethnicity estimates provide clues.

DNA Painter is not the be all and end all of genealogical research. It is a very helpful tool. Give it a try. You just may get hooked!

This is from Barbara Gorham Johnson the WSGS Region 1S representative. Thanks Barbara. You too can have your blog post published here, just contact me charlesmike4903@gmail.com

Heritage Quest Research Library Upcoming Seminars

by Charles Hansen
Autumn Quest Seminar, Registrations
Get your registrations in early

Registration Fees Early Bird seminar fee (by July 1) is: $65 per person for HQRL members $75 Non  Members. Lunch is included. After July 1 HQRL Members $75 Non members $85. Lunch is included. Register at Door $95 Space and Lunch not guaranteed.  
Dee Fournier Presents:
Social Media: Facebook & Pinterest for Genealogy Tuesday, July 9, 2019
1:00 to 3:00 PM Social Media is one of the fastest growing resources for discovering your family history.  It allows you to connect with family, friends and colleagues online, as well as meet people with similar interests and hobbies.  This class will focus on Facebook, including how to protect your privacy, and Pinterest.
$20.00 members / $25.00 non-members
Janet O’Conor Camarata
Wednesday, July 24
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Making Sense of 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 (cause 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
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CLASSES ARE HELD IN THE LIBRARY UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. 
If you have already registered for a class and are unable to attend, please give us a call so that we may remove your name from the list.

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday E-News

by Charles Hansen
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition June 20, 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
Nanci Remington Named to GFO Hall of Fame
This year, the board of directors is proud to name Nanci Remington as the GFO’s 2019 Hall of Fame honoree. We’ve almost lost track of all the hats Nanci Remington has worn during her decade of volunteering at the GFO. Nanci is more than just a Research Assistant. She has her own fan club. Patrons make a point of coming down on days they know she will be at the library.
GFO President Vince Patton presents the Hall of Fame Award to long time volunteer Nanci Remington.
Among her many other hats over the years: ▪ She goes above and behond answering emails sent to info@gfo.org. ▪ Served as Education Chair and headed the Open House for several years. ▪ Filled the gap when the Seminars Committee lost its co-chair and filled that role all on her own for several well-organized years. ▪ She founded the German Special Interest Group. ▪ She was also one of the key players in the predecessor or our current Problem Solvers Special Interest Group—the Hunting and Gathering SIG. ▪ Formed and still co-leads the Manuscripts Committee, helping to make the treasures within available to researchers worldwide. ▪ She’s been writing interesting articles for the Bulletin for ages, and most recently agreed to become its co-editor. ▪ Our good fortune seems to be that if she burns out of one role, she always pops up in another. For her true leadership, service, and accomplishments, we are proud to add the name of Nanci Remington to the GFO Hall of Fame.
Italian Ancestry Group Returns
We are pleased that the Italian Special Interest Group is returning from hiatus! It will meet on a new day, under the leadership of GFO member Nancy Matheny. Nancy has set up a series of topics to fill the rest of the year. ▪ Jul 2 – Lecture #1: Italian-Americans: Find your ancestral home in the old country ▪ Aug 6 – Lecture #2: Italian-Americans: Find your ancestor’s passenger list ▪ Sep 3 – Lecture #3: Italian-Americans: Find your ancestor’s naturalization records ▪ Oct 1 – Lecture #4: Italian-Americans: Find your ancestor’s Italian civil records ▪ Nov 5 – Lecture #5: Italian-Americans: Find your ancestor’s Italian church records ▪ Dec 3 – Lecture #6: Italian-Americans: Find your ancestor’s Italian military records The Italian group will meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to Noon at the GFO Library. All meetings are free and open to the public. Questions? Contact Italian@gfo.org
Half-Day Workshop: Adding Historical Context
Adding Historical Context: A Hands-On Approach Join GFO’s Kate Eakman July 14 from 9:30 a.m. – Noon for a half-day of learning about how to add historical context to your genealogical research to make it richer and more interesting. In this workshop you will: ▪ Practice identifying items, events, and topics ripe for historical research. ▪ Once the questions have been asked, learn how to find the answers. ▪ Discuss how to add this new-found information to one’s family’s history. Take advantage of Early Bird pricing. Register by June 30 and save $5.00!
Register Now
PMUG Clinic Debuts at the GFO
June 26th 6:00 – 7:45 p.m. in the GFO Classroom. If you missed our meeting on June 12th, Portland Macintosh Users Group will be repeating one of our most successful events at the GFO – the PMUG Clinic. The Clinic is a friendly place where you can bring in that Mac/iPad/iPhone that is giving you problem for free diagnostics, as well as help with many other issues. Some examples of how PMUG Clinic can help you include:
• If you have questions on one of the basic Apple software apps, you don’t need to take a whole class to get your questions answered.
• If you are having problems with your Mac/iPhone/iPad, you can bring it in for a free diagnostic.
• If you want to find the best backup system for your genealogy archives, you can get a custom recommendation based your actual needs. No need to register, just show up during clinic hours: Bring your Mac or Apple mobile device. If you would like additional information for attending PMUG Clinic, please email us at college@pmug.org.
Help Us Finish the Year with a Cushion!
In our personal lives, June doesn’t typically trigger us think to think about the money we’re spending. At the GFO, this is the last month of our fiscal year. We see how some expenses rose more than we expected. In fact, we learned recently we must replace three computers which are on death’s door. This is an unexpected expense. We’re all volunteer. No one gets paid. Every dime of your support goes directly into the GFO’s operations. The GFO preserves heritage in our 50,000 holdings, and offers more than 180 classes during the year. Please make a gift today to help us fuel the lifelong learning genealogists enjoy.
Contribute now
FGS Family History Conference Early Registration closing soon
Federation of Genealogical Societies’ FGS 2019 Family History Conference is just two months away (August 21 – 24) in Washington, DC, and now is the time to lock in the advance registration discount rate while it lasts! Five Reasons to attend FGS 2019:
▪ Four full days of inclusive topics presented by the nation’s top family history experts with sessions aimed at strengthening your research skills regardless of your level or area of expertise. ▪ Pre-conference opportunities to visit and research at the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and the DAR Library. ▪ A variety of tracks such as American’s Resources, Mid-Atlantic Region, Colonial History and Settlement, Women’s studies, and three DNA tracks to cover DNA foundations, methods, and practice. ▪ Ten luncheons to network with fellow genealogists and enjoy lighter presentations from sponsoring organizations such as Family Search, My Heritage, and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. ▪ An Exhibit Hall featuring the latest software, books, maps, and gadgets for genealogists as well as information about genealogical organizations. When you register by June 30th you save $30 on full conference registration, or $10 on single day registration. Attendees who provide 8 hours or more of volunteer service during the conference are eligible for partial refunds of their registration fee!
Register Here
Surplus Book of the Week: Historical Atlas of Indiana
Here’s a treat for map lovers or anyone with Indiana roots. This week’s surplus book is the Illustrated Historical Atlas of Indiana. The maps are from 1876, depicting every county in the state at that time. It includes the plat of Indianapolis and a sampling of illustrations. This handsome, oversized volume measures 14 inches by 17 1/2 inches and is in perfect condition.
Note: This is a 1968 reproduction by the Indiana Historical Society of the original 1876 publication. We have found this atlas for sale online for $50 to $100. Our price: $30 if you pickup at the GFO. $37 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: Correcting Errors on Ancestry.com
Well done!
Nearly 76% of our survey respondents know that it is possible to submit corrections to errors on Ancestry and they’ve done just that. 16% didn’t know, but say they’ll send in corrections now. 8% said they did know about the feature but have never submitted a fix.
New Survey:
Davy Crockett, George Washington, Queen Victoria … Do family stories say you are related to a famous person? Take our survey this week to tell us more.
Take the Survey
This week at GFO …
Sunday, June 23rd
Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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, June 19th
PMUG Clinic 6:00 – 7:45 p.m.
For the month of June, the Portland Macintosh Users Group will bring one of our most successful events to the GFO – the PMUG Clinic. The Clinic is a friendly place where you can bring in that Mac/iPad/iPhone that you are having problems with for free diagnostics, as well as many other issues.

GU272 Memory Project

by Charles Hansen

American Ancestors has started the GU272 Memory project which is a project that several EWGS Members form Spokane have worked on. Patricia Bayonne-Johnson a former EWGS president had found out with the help of a paid genealogist that her Butler family had been born in Maryland, were Catholic and ended up in Louisana. She formed the Butler group in Spokane and wrote a blog post on the information they had found.

This is 7 of the 8 members of the Butler Group Pat formed at the Spokane Public Library. Georgetown was pretty sure none of the 272 slaves they had sold had lived until they found the blog post Pat had done on finding her family from Maryland.

Today the GU272 Georgetown project has found more than 8000 descendants of the original slaves sold to start Georgetown University and they are still searching for more. Check here to see how to search to see if you have an ancestor connected with the GU272 Memory Project or to help with the project.