And speaking of the NWGC…Kenyatta Berry, APG’s Past President, was a keynote speaker at the NWGC in 2017.
Click here for a complete list of the APG’s at-large board and nominating committee members.
The Association of Professional Genealogists, established in 1979, represents more than 2,700 genealogists in various genealogy-related businesses. APG encourages genealogical excellence, ethical practice, mentoring, and education. The organization also supports the preservation and accessibility of records useful to the fields of genealogy and history. Its members come from all fifty U.S. states, Canada, and forty other countries.
Looking for that last minute Christmas gift for someone — or yourself? How about a WSGS membership? It’s only $12/year whether an individual or couple — only $1 a month! We need your membership support so we can continue sponsoring this WSGS Blog; promote local genealogical meetings, workshops and conferences; and — it’s the right thing to do to support statewide organizations like the Washington State Genealogical Society.
It’s easy to join (or renew). Just click here to join (new members) or here to renew (current members must log in).
The German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS) will meet on Friday, January 4, 2019, from 1 to 3 pm in the Relief Society Room of the Latter-day Saints Church at 10675 NE 20thSt, Bellevue, WA 98004 with doors opening at 12:45 pm for networking. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings. Topic: “A Research Experience in the Rheinpfalz region in Germany” – Carol Stromberg will share her research story in discovering more about her Schwarzwalder family, wine growers in Rheinpfalz region in southwestern Germany. She will share her approach to her research, her travel to Germany and include her experiences meeting with her cousins and fellow genealogy researchers, her visit to the regional archives and photos of her ancestor’s home and workplace. Presenter: Carol Stromberg is a local genealogist who has been a member of EGS for 10-15 years. She became interested in genealogy in 1996 when she was planning a trip to Germany. Starting with two pieces of paper containing family information, she wrote directly to Germany asking questions and requesting documents. She loves learning about her ancestors and their stories. Her presentation is the results of her latest trip to Germany in 2018.
There
is a wonderful on-line resource for people researching in Lewis County,
Washington: the website for the Lewis County Historical Museum: http://www.lewiscountymuseum.org/research-library/
Their web page includes links to a
searchable index of their obituary collection, with obits from 1880 to
2016; and a biographical and family history database for Lewis County as
well. The links to the latter database are currently not working, but
one can email the library, and they’ll provide a search for free: director@lewiscountymuseum.org
WOOHOO!
OUR 1000th SUBSCRIBER
Recently
the SGS eNews! reached a milestone – our 1000th subscriber, Peg Boyle
Morgan. Peg is a new member of SGS. She is interested in learning more
about her father’s Irish Boyle clan, who migrated to New Brunswick,
Canada, in the early 1800’s. More urgently, she is searching for the
identity of her maternal grandparents. Of SGS she says, “Thank you for being so welcoming and helpful!”.
Peg is also enthusiastically exploring the volunteer opportunities at SGS. Welcome to SGS, Peg!
SGS ANNUAL APPEAL – REMINDER
Membership
dues cover less than half of the costs of maintaining the unique SGS
research library, educational programs, and family history services that
enrich our broader community. So, each year SGS makes an appeal to our
generous members and friends for the contributions that are needed to
sustain the society. Our annual appeal request went out via email on December 12th, but it bears repeating.
SGS
turned 95 on October 18th. Please make a tax-deductible contribution
today to provide much-needed sustenance for SGS as we look forward to
the even grander age of 100! For your convenience you may make your
donation online with a credit or debit card at the link below. Thank
you in advance for your support. Donate Now
* SECOND SATURDAY SPEAKER SERIES * Here’s what is coming up next quarter for the Second Saturday Speaker Series.
Saturday, January 12, 2019, with Mary Kircher Roddy, “Ins and Outs of Indexing” – Indexes for county records are the key to finding deeds, probates and more. As FamilySearch digitizes more and more records, it’s crucial to be familiar with different indexing systems and how to use them. The same skills are necessary for onsite courthouse and archive research. Learn about 15+ indexing systems. Discover strategies to use when you can’t find the index or instructions to use it.
Saturday, February 9, 2019, with Steven Morrison, ”Using Manuscripts and Family Records for Genealogical Proof” – To some, family records, diaries, letters, and personal photographs may be seen as having little genealogical value. Nothing could be further from the truth! Explore how original information can shine new light on undiscovered facts or family relationships. Saturday, March 9,2019, with Lisa Oberg, “Finding Your Female Ancestors” – Come learn some helpful techniques to use when trying to track down your elusive female ancestors. Correction to SGS Board Meeting Time The SGS Board has changed the hours for their monthly board meeting. Generally the Board will meet on the 2nd Monday of each month from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
SAVE THE DATE SGS JAPANESE GENEALOGY SEMINARwith Linda Harms Okazaki, Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA,February 2-3, 2019 Join the Seattle Genealogical Society and our partners for a weekend of learning how to research Japanese American ancestry. The program is free, but registration is required. Registration is now open. Register for SGS Japanese Genealogy Seminar
Saturday’s all-day program “Exploring Our Nikkei Genealogy” is geared toward entry level family historians who have friends or family with Japanese ancestry. A box lunch ($15.00) may be ordered in advance. Those who attend this session are invited to return Sunday afternoon, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, for “Ask a Genealogist”.
Sunday morning’s program “Japanese American Research for Genealogists”, is designed for intermediate and advanced researchers. Those who attend this session will volunteer their research skills on Sunday afternoon, helping Saturday’s registrants to get started on their family history journey by talking to an experienced researcher.
This seminar is funded through the generosity of the Heritage Grant program by 4Culture, the cultural services agency of King County.
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 holiday closure in December will be from December 21, 2018 through January 1, 2019. DECEMBER While there are no SIG meetings or programs scheduled for the remainder of December, the library will be open during regular hours through December 20. JANUARYSaturday, January 5, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly is leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org
Wednesday, January 9, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, MAC SIG, Sponsored by SGS and Fiske, this group meets at the Fiske Genealogical Library in Madison Park. 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, January 12, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, (FTM) Family Tree Users Group, Reiley Kidd & Jess Ramey co-leaders, this group will begin meeting on the 2nd Saturday of every odd month (Jan 2019, Mar 2019, May 2019). Family Tree Maker is the genealogy software long associated with Ancestry.com
Saturday, January 12, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Second Saturday Speakers Series – “ Ins & Outs of Indexing” with Mary Kircher Roddy – for more info this program and the other Second Saturday Series programs coming up, see the featured article in this issue. T
Featured speaker Ron Barron will share the story of his search for his father at the Olympia Genealogical Society January meeting. Thursday January 10, 2019 7 pm, at the Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 152. Info, Kathy Erlandson, 360-754-6230. www.OlyGenSoc.org
======================================================================= Joyce T. Ogden jtogden@comcast.net
Bet if I would ask you “what is the flower of December?” you would answer “the poinsettia!” But you would only be kinda-sorta-half right.
According to The Ultimate Authoritative Answer To Everything, Wikipedia: The narcissus is the December birth flower and symbolizes good wishes, faithfulness and respect. The narcissus can often be confused with the daffodil, the birth flower for March, which is a type of narcissus.
You Rock! Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our Annual Appeal! We are 2/3 of the way to our grand goal of $25,000! We’re confident you can help us make it to the finish line. Please make your tax deductible donation to the GFO today! Member dues cover only 24% of our budget. Your donations are vital to GFO’s basic operations.
GFO is proud to be part of the Oregon Cultural Trust. Any donation you make to GFO could lead to a state tax credit (not just a deduction) if you give the same amount to the Oregon Cultural Trust. “Make
your donation to the Cultural Trust by December 31st to earn the tax
credit on your entire Cultural Trust donation. That’s right – you get
your entire matching donation to the Cultural Trust back. Double your
impact for free.” Learn more here!
Join Library Tour for Hispanic Heritage Resources
Do you have an interest in Hispanic heritage? GFO’s Mexican Ancestry Group invites you to join a tour of the Multnomah County Library’s Hispanic genealogical resources.
The tour begins at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, December 17that Multnomah County’s Central Library 801 SW 10th Ave. There is paid parking across the street and in the area. PLEASE RSVP by emailing sw@gfo.org.
GFO’s 2019 Open House is right around the corner. Mark you calendars for March 23rd through 31st! We are looking for presenters to give 50-minute sessions on any topic that may be of interest to beginning genealogists. Opening weekend: Saturday will be devoted to Irish research and is being planned by the Irish Special Interest Group. Sunday will be a Beginners’ Boot Camp. The closing Saturday and Sunday will be DNA Days planned by Emily Aulicino and team and will feature a very special guest. Stay tuned for more information. The theme on Wednesday will be finding biological family
and additional participants are being sought. There will be panel
discussions and presentations relating to questions about whether to
search for biological family. There will also be resources available on
topics such as how to make first contact. If you are an adoptee, a
biological parent, or someone seeking a biological relation and would
like to share your views or provide a presentation, please contact laurel.smith@gfo.org. There are still a few presentation spots open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Check out the open slots at our website calendar. Again, if you can participate by leading a session at GFO’s 2019 Open House, please send a message to laurel.smith@gfo.org. Presenters will be compensated with profuse gratitude! GFO will print and provide any handouts for attendees. We don’t know of any other genealogical organization that provides a 9-day event, packed with content, absolutely FREE to all attendees. But we need your help to make it happen!
Friday, December 14thMexican Ancestry Group 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Finding your Hispanic ancestors from Mexico, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California! This Special Interest Group (SIG) pertains specifically to Mexican ancestors from Mexico and the American Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California). This will be our last meeting of the year. Lets share our successes and discoveries for this past year and what you are hoping to accomplish for 2019. I will share a few successes in my research and how I obtained records online. Also want to talk about our upcoming library tour for Monday December 17, 12:30-1:30 at Central Library downtown Portland. This will be Hispanic genealogical resources available through the library. Bring your questions for our tour guides, Enrique and Kim. They are willing to answer any additional questions and assist you in find genealogical resources after the tour. If you know of any other people interested in Hispanic genealogy tell them about the group. They don’t have to be a GFO member to participate. For questions or comments, please email Vince at sw@gfo.org. SUNDAY, December 16th 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 Users’ Group 1 – 3 p.m. Join other users who want to work through the 2017 Companion Guide to Family Tree Maker. Bring your laptop with 2017 version of FTM installed and an empty USB thumb drive. Facilitated by Joyce Grant-Worley, who can be contacted at FTM@gfo.org. WEDNESDAY, December 19th DNA Q&A 1 – 3 p.m. Lisa McCullough leads a discussion on various DNA related subjects, with each meeting focused on a particular subject. General questions are welcome at the end of each planned discussion. Questions? Send Lisa a note at dna_lm@gfo.org.
P.O. Box 15329 Seattle, Washington 98115-0329 10 December 2018Dear Members and Friends,
The Seattle Genealogical Society celebrated a milestone this year, reaching the grand age of 95 on October 18, 2018. We thank you again for your generous donations in the past and request your support as we continue to improve access, lend assistance and supply resources to the ever wider community of those seeking to discover and preserve their family history. A few recent accomplishments: The SGS Library has over 17,000 catalogued items and just this year acquired almost 400 new books. The library is open to the public six days a week at no charge. Come take a look! The library is now a FamilySearch affiliate. When you visit you may access, at SGS computer workstations or on your own portable computer, the extensive digitized microfilm records of the LDS Family History Library, many of them not generally available online. SGS launched successful online classes in introductory genealogy and DNA, and received an FGS Directors award for our nationally recognized online Certification Discussion Group Series. We’ll be rolling out a new website in early 2019 – watch for individual accounts for each SGS member, a convenient new page listing upcoming education and events, and exclusive online access to the indexes and databases our volunteers have been busy putting together this year. Our popular Seminars, Interest Groups, and Second Saturdays continue – next up: “Ins and Outs of Indexes” on Jan. 12, 2019, and our first-ever Japanese Genealogy Seminar, Feb. 2-3, 2019.Please make a tax-deductible contribution today to provide much-needed sustenance for SGS as we look forward to the even grander age of 100! Fill out the form below and return it with your check or money order. Or make your donation online with a credit or debit card at the link below.
Seattle Genealogical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, charitable organization registered in the state of Washington. Tax ID#91-0850085. Contributions are tax deductible. ————————————————————————————————————————-
Please send this form with a check or money order payable to: Seattle Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 15329, Seattle, WA 98115-0329 ———————————————————————————————————————— Yes! I would like to support the Seattle Genealogical Society with a gift of:
Benefactor $250 and up □ ___________________ □ My employer (Enter name): Patron $100 – $249 □ ___________________ Sponsor $50 – $99 □ ___________________ ___________________________ Contributor up to $49 □ ___________________ will match my contribution to SGS.
Today, a most delicate subject. Most of us in our ancestral pedigree, have a history of one or more of our male ancestors being termed a drunkard. Perhaps this has seemed shameful to you at worst, or most uncomfortable at best. But today I invite you to think of this in another way.
Think of our modern medicine today…….. we have fixes for arthritic knees and hips. We have medicines for most any ailment all with the aim of making the patient better and more comfortable. Prior to 1900 our ancestors had no real help at all for their ailments and surely they did suffer the same ailments as we do today, don’t you suppose? And on the whole, our ancestors had to work physically way, way, WAY harder than we do today. Don’t you suppose they were in pain lots of the time? Yet, they had to get-up-and-go and resume work for no down time was available to them. (Cows had to be milked, etc. A mother of 6 under 10 in a snowbound cabin with a migraine? A coal miner barely making a living?)
Aspirin as a pain reliever, plain simple aspirin, was not introduced until 1897. What did our ancestors use for pain relief before that year? Yes, there were homeopathic remedies and quack potions and pills. But for real relief, what did our ancestors do??
They drank. Alcohol was about the only pain killer available to them.
I’m not saying that pain relief was the object of every man who guzzled down too much booze, but I do think it was a big factor. And I am asking with this post that you pause to reflect on why your ancestor was termed a drunk. Think kindly of them.
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The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) recently announced the results of its election for new board and nominating committee members.
