The Silversword plant mirrors the human tale. At least to me.
The silvery hairs, fleshy leaves and low-growing rosette form the Haleakala Silversword (‘ahinahina in Hawaiian) and grows only in hot, dry cinder slopes……… like the Haleakala Crater on Maui. These plants live between 3 and 90 years. They flower once, sending up a spectacular flowering stalk and then soon die, scattering drying seeds to the wind.
We humans are rather like this magnificent plant. We start as seeds, we grow in special locations for an allotted span of years and then we die. Our progeny, like Silversword seeds, have scattered to the wind.
If you go to Maui, do drive the twisty road to the top of Haleakala and take a stroll on the cinder paths among these fantastic plants.
Fort Walla Walla Camp 3– Nov 1 meeting Press Release. FWW 3 of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War will hold their 4th quarterly meeting Nov 1, 2025 at Pasco, WA in the Air Terminal upstairs conference room. Member spouses and guests or public also invited. Meeting led by Camp Commander Clifford Peterson.
Time; is Saturday, Nov 1 at 11:30 to 12:30 For social gathering and free lunch of Pizza and salad. Park at short term parking and bring in the parking stub for free parking validation. Other Camp 3 info at <www.suvpnw.org> can RSVP number for attendance and lunch to djsuvcw@gmail.com
At 12:30 Business meeting and election of 2026 officers. At 1:00 pm, Doug Jonas of Spokane will present an excellent program on Major Robert Anderson, the first Civil War Commander of a Civil War battle at Fort Sumter. The interesting life of Anderson will be followed from his birth in Ky to a military family and service in the Blackhawk Indian War 1832 and Mexican American War up to his assignment by President Buchanan To Charleston after Lincoln’s election. Following the meeting, attendees may also choose to attend the Pasco Aviation Museum 1.5 miles away.
Written and released by Don L Jameson Past Camp Commander and Camp Council Chairman Any Q on this to Don 509 945 0549 (cell)
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat Meeting
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom
Please join us and let’s chat! Open discussion this month. This is your chance to celebrate the breaking down of a brick wall in your research, or ask questions of others that can help you find records or relatives or talk about family history.
This is a monthly opportunity to connect with others and talk about anything and everything genealogical. The value of this meeting increases with the participation of each person that attends and contributes to the conversations. This is your chance to celebrate the breaking down of a brick wall in your research, or ask questions of others that can help you find records or relatives. Everyone, members and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate.
Meeting invite with links in file attached below.
Date & Time: Every month on the Third Tue, from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM Pacific Time
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Our monthly PSGS Program this month will be witches! Join us on Wed, Oct. 22 at 1pm (PT). Our topic: “The Witches of Salem: There are no Witches – Are there? Of course not!” with Jerri McCoy.
This will be hybrid. Join us in person at the Sylvan Way Library or on Zoom. No cost and open to the public. The Zoom link will be posted the day before on our website (psgsociety.org) and our Facebook page.
We of the twenty-first century are very much aware that hags do not fly across the moon on brooms. But in 1692 Charity and Mercy and plain good sense were all thrown into the fire of zealotry. Like Autumn brush fires, the witch hunt would swell and burn through Salem Village and neighboring towns. How were witches Identified? What happened to them? And who were those that were executed that terrible year in Salem? Come learn a little bit about them and their accusing neighbors.
If you have Georgia research to do, you must investigate the Virtual Vault, an online feature of the Georgia State Archives. This is where records of interest to genealogists are digitized and made available for research.
The masthead of the website states that this is “your portal to success to some of Georgia’s most important historical documents, 1733 to present. The Virtual Vault gives access to manuscripts, photographs, maps, and government records.
My research interest lies in Troup County. When I entered that into the search box, some 600 entries appeared before my eyes! I also need info from Wilkes County; wouldn’t this make your fingers twitch??
How about this category (one of 53 collections/categories):
If you have Georgia ancestry, do check out the Virtual Vault!
Artificial Intelligence has brought powerful new tools to family history research. AI can efficiently summarize documents, reliably extract information from large texts, and accelerate your research. These tools offer fascinating possibilities for enhancing and simplifying your family history.
On Friday, October 17th at 10AM, Mark Thompson, will come to us via Zoom, with his beginner friendly presentation, Best Uses of AI for Genealogy.
A nationally-known expert in the use of artificial intelligence for family history applications, Mark will explain how to use these powerful tools to find, analyze and organize our data. He will also highlight areas where caution is critical and traditional research methods remain essential.
You are invited to join us! No membership necessary. Go to the BIGS website to register and receive the Zoom link: bigenealogy.org/events
Overview of Lineage Societies: An Introduction to Heritage and Membership
Tuesday, October 14th
1:00 pm
SVGS Library
6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA
Our speaker at the library this month will be SVGS society member, LeAnne Koliha. This event will be in person only. Everyone is welcome to attend this free presentation.
Our business meeting will follow the presentation at 2 PM.
LeAnne’s topic: Overview of Lineage Societies: An Introduction to Heritage and Membership
Lineage societies are organizations whose membership is based on proving descent from a particular ancestor or group connected by bloodline, historical event, or notable accomplishment. These societies, often rooted in historical preservation and civic engagement, function as both social organizations and custodians of heritage. Members typically trace their lineage through careful genealogical research, sometimes requiring documentation that connects them to figures from wars, colonial settlements, or other significant moments in history. Examples include the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Mayflower Society, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Through meetings, commemorations, and educational outreach, lineage societies foster a sense of identity and continuity, helping members honor their ancestors while promoting historical awareness and community service in the present day.
Bio:
LeAnne has been an active member of SVGS since 2022. She serves as the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Washington State Committee Chair for E Pluribus Unum, focusing on uncovering and honoring forgotten patriots, including African Americans, Native Americans, and women. As a member of the DAR State Review team, she assists in reviewing applications and supplementals before their submission to the National level. LeAnne is also the secretary of the Lady Stirling Chapter in Bothell. As a member of the National Society of American Colonists (NSDAC), she serves as chapter registrar for the Pilchuck chapter, where she guides potential members through the application process and supports their research by helping locate necessary documentation.
DIG – DNA Special Interest Group
Also join us at the SVGS library on the third Thursday of the month from 1-3pmfor our DNA Special Interest Group (DIG). This group works together to develop a better understanding of DNA techniques and strategies for finding relatives, discuss and review new DNA developments and tools and help members with their research problems.
All DNA skill levels are welcome to attend.
If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for this group, please sen an email info@stillygen.org
Also, if you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for the DIG group, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the DIG email list.
New England Interest Group
The SVGS New England Interest Group (includes New York and Pennsylvania) that meets at the SVGS Library on the first Tuesday of the month is now hybrid!
If you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for this group or wish to attend via Zoom, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the New England Interest Group email list and receive monthly Zoom invitations.
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Mystery Book Club Saturday, October 18, starting at 4:00 pm via Zoom
Please join us as we discuss a fictional genealogical book, Gold and Gunslingers by Susan Finlay.
More information at: Amazon: Gold and Gunslingers
TPCGS Book Club Zoom Meeting Every month on the Third Sat beginning at 4:00 PM Pacific Time Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting Tuesday, October 14, 2025, starting at 6:00 pm
This month’s presentation: Cyndi’s List in Practice presented by Cyndi Ingle. Sometimes overwhelming to beginners and sometimes underused by veterans, Cyndi’s List is a research tool that is robust with resources helpful in everyone’s research. Using specific examples for beginners, as well as more advanced researchers, we will explore the site and point out how to make the most of the categories and the links found within.
This meeting will be hybrid and we encourage everyone who is able to attend in person at our new meeting location:
University Place Library 3609 Market PL W. University Place, WA 98466 and via Zoom for those unable to attend in person.
Attend virtually via Zoom: Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
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