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.
Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io
Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:
we communicate and share information with each other
other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time
PROGRAM UPDATES
All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland library branches.
Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.
Topic:Germans to America’s Midwest, 1848-1900. Presenter Scott Norrick examines why so many Germans were leaving their homeland during this period and why so many settled in America’s Midwest.Additional information can be found on our Meetings page.
Saturday 4 October 10–11am (online)
Family Tree Maker Users Group
Topic: Question & Answer. Each month, we learn about using the features of FTM.
Thursday 9 October, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 2801 NE 10th Street, Renton WA. Registration not required. In-person event. More information at King County Library: email jwooten@kcls.org
Monday 13 October, 1–2pm
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online).
Topic: What’s New at MyHeritage DNA; Cousin Finder and more.
Thursday 16 October, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA. Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org
Thursday 16 October, 2–4pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA. Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library: https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668.
Friday 17 October, 1–3pm: Research Workshop. For SKCGS Members only: In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center, 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (253) 631-3252
Saturday, 18 October, 9:30 am social time; 10am (online)
SKCGS Speaker Series: Craig K Gowens presents “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish.”
One of the most influential migrations in the early settlement of America was that of the Scots who came via Ulster. Many of these migrants were descendants of the Border Reivers; families who had lived for centuries on both sides of the Anglo-Scottish frontier until many were banished to Ulster in the early 17th century for their relentless raiding. This presentation explores the history of the Borderlands, the culture of reiving, and how these people were transformed from feared raiders into reluctant settlers. In America, their descendants became known as the Scotch-Irish, carving out a distinct cultural identity in the Appalachian backcountry. They left a lasting imprint on American history, westward expansion, and national character, producing many notable figures along the way. Meanwhile, in Britain, the 19th century Romantic movement reimagined the Border Reivers through historical romances, ballads, and folklore, recasting a turbulent past into legend.
Craig got his start in genealogy in the mid 1980’s helping his father when he began researching his side of the family. They spent many hours in the library poring over census and land records, visiting cemeteries and libraries to build their tree back further. Eventually Craig started working on his mother’s side of the family. In 2014, he took his first steps into the world of DNA, testing four relatives to reveal the Y-DNA line of all four grandparents’ families. As autosomal testing became less expensive, he dove in testing as many relatives as were willing, numbering over 4 dozen testers now, some tested at multiple companies.
The Tech Users Group is for sharing knowledge and learning about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Join our free email group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.
Monday 27 October, 1–2pm
Genealogy Chat (Online)
Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Saturday 1 November, 10–2am
Family Tree Maker Users Group (Online)
Topic: Question & Answer. Each month, we learn about using the features of FTM.
MEMBERSHIP: We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.
You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.
At Heritage Quest Research Library, we rely on the generous support of our community through donations, memberships, and fundraisers, all of which enable us to provide the finest resources and dedicated staff—who are all volunteers! As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to indulge in the joy of giving by participating in our delightful See’s Candies fundraiser. Not only will you treat yourself and your loved ones to delectable sweets, but you’ll also be playing a vital role in helping passionate genealogists uncover their family histories. Together, let’s celebrate the spirit of discovery and connection that our collective efforts inspire, making this holiday season truly meaningful for everyone involved! Also, there is FREE SHIPPING on orders over $75!Below are just a few delectable sweets you have to choose fromClick here for more irresistible options!We appreciate your support. Have fun shopping! Click here to make your selection!
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US
Archaeology Magazine is the bi-monthly publication of the Archaeological Institute of America. Subscription cost is under $20 which is half what you’ll pay for the issues at a newsstand. I really enjoy this magazine and learn so much history from it!
The July-August 2025 issue had a bit, “Legend of the Crystal Brain.” This relates how in the 1960s the skeleton of a young man about 20 years old was found covered in ash lying on his wooden bed in the doomed city of Pompeii. In 2018, doing a more thorough study on this “man,” some “fragments resembling obsidian” were found in the man’s skull. The poor man’s brain had been turned into glass by the extremely high temperatures of that volcanic ash…. over 950o! The scientist was quoted as saying, “We were looking into the brain of that young Roman who lied 2000 years ago—a brain that, perhaps, held his last thoughts before dying.” How sad.
Another fascinating bit was this: “Cats curl up on couches in 1/3 of all American households. However, domesticated felines are not native to the New World but were introduced by Europeans. The earliest known cats in the present day U.S., an adult and a kitten, have been identified in the wreck of a Spanish ship that sank in Pensacola Bay in Florida at 1559. Cats were likely brought aboard to feast on rodents.”
This magazine has articles of historic and archaeologic interest from all over the world……… from where our ancestors lived and still live all over the world. Try it; you might just like it.
Tomorrow is the EWGS Fall Workshop with the spotlight on Civil War Research. F.Y.I. Family Tree Magazine offers this 8-page, laminated, Cheat Sheet to help you “find military records and study the history” of the Civil War. Cost for this is $14.95, + p/h. This Cheat Sheet offers
5 Steps to Trace Your Civil War Ancestor:
1. Search the Civil War Soldiers & Sailors (CWSS) Database…. a free National Park Service site which indexes over 6,000,000 soldiers and 18,000 African American sailors.
2. Obtain service and pension records (explains how).
3. Find burial information. (National cemeteries were established in 1862 for the Civil War dead.)
4. Seek additional records (explains what/where).
5. Broaden your knowledge (gives great ideas).
This Cheat Sheet then gives two pages explaining in more detail what the records contain. Also a map of the U.S. during the Civil War (Did you know that Oregon remained loyal to the Union?) and a Civil War Timeline (helps greatly to understand that conflict). The final page of this Cheat Sheet lists 17 websites and 24 books for your further study.
One resource listed was The Civil War, a film by Ken Burns. I’ve viewed this; it’s worth a second time around, especially if you have ancestors who participated in the Civil War.
TIP OF THE WEEK – ARE THERE SPOOKY STORIES IN YOUR TREE?
October is the month of Halloween. Genealogists haunt cemeteries in search clues (join SGS’s Calvary Cemetery tour, see the details above in our feature story), but there are other spooky places to go in search of records of ancestors.
Accusations of witchcraft could lead to court records detailing claims. Although the witchcraft trials in Salem, Mass., are the most famous, there were others including the Hildebrand-Evans Case of 1805 as well as cases in Connecticut and Virginia. Was one of your ancestors connected to one?
Locations also play an important role in family history. Rumors of haunted buildings and other sites have been passed down over the years. Legends about the supernatural are connected to many places right here in Washington state. Did your family live near one of them?
What other spooky stories are in your family tree?
OCTOBER 4 – SATURDAYHQRL BoothProctor Farmers Market 9 am to 2 pm Corner of N. 27th St. &, N Proctor St, Tacoma, WA 98407
OCTOBER 11 – SATURDAYHQRL BoothCider Squeeze at Meeker Mansion 10 am to 3 pm 312 Spring Street, Puyallup, WA 98372 We can always use volunteers at our booths to share enthusiasm for ourgenealogy library – stop by!
OCTOBER 15 – WEDNESDAYManagement Team Meeting 12 noon – 1 pm Heritage Quest Research Library Classroom —– All members are invited to attend —–
October 16 – ThursdayBeginning Your Family History, Getting Started (Classroom & Zoom) FREE 11 am to 12 noon This class will be taught by our Education Coordinator, Heidi Geiss. Learn how HQRL can help you with your family research. Whether a beginning researcher or a seasoned veteran, this class is for you. Learning or reviewing the basics can help you get on track or get back on track. There are always useful take aways, even if you have been researching for years. You can attend the class in one of two ways – In Person at the HQRL Classroom or by ZOOM To sign up to attend the class in person Call the library at 253-863-1806 or stop by the library Advantages of attending this class in the classroom Additional staff will be there to provide one-on-one assistance An after-class discussion period provides attendees extra time to discuss the class It is an opportunity for sharing information, asking questions and getting feedback from other researchers Provides access to Library resources and the bookstore ORTo sign up using ZOOM Online, go to hqrl.com Scroll down the menu on the left side of the page to HQRL Store Select the box labeled “2025 classroom and ZOOM” Then select the class Beginning Your Family History, Getting Started On the right-hand side is a box labeled “add to cart” Click this box and then select “checkout”
REMEMBER THIS CLASS IS FREE>>>>>>>>>> HEADS UP <<<<<<<<<<Heritage Quest Research Library will be open onSunday,November 910 am – 4 pmOur regular scheduled days are Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday. Many of you can’t come to the Library on weekdays or Saturdays. This special opening gives you the opportunity to visit the library to jump start your research, work on one of those brick walls, or gather historical information that can make your family history come to life. It may be helpful to make a research plan for the day to get the most out of your searching.Hope to see you November 9
October Bookstore Specials (These Books 50% Off) The Hidden Half Of The Family By Christina Kassabian Schaefer This book addresses the difficult task of finding women in traditional genealogical record sources. The first part of the book deals with the special ways women are dealt with in federal records such as immigration records, passports, naturalization records, census enumerations, land records, military records, and records dealing with minorities. The bulk of this reference work, however, deals with the individual states, showing how their laws, records, and resources can be used in determining female identity. Regular Price $35.25, October Special Price $17.62 Preserving our Family Photographs By Maureen A. Taylor Maureen A. Taylor, author of Family Photo Detective, provides all the information you need to care for your family photograph collection. She outlines in straightforward steps how to add value to your home collection using the methods that conservators and photo curators use everyday! Do today what may be too late to do tomorrow. Preserve your family photographs now—and capture memories that will last a lifetime. Regular Price $24.50, October Special Price $12.25 The Family Tree Historical Atlas of American Cities 1800-1920 By Allison Dolan Explore your ancestors’ hometowns! This book guides you through American history by looking at the United States’ sixteen most populous and historically influential cities…. Whether your family hails from the streets of Brooklyn or the hills of San Francisco, this atlas–designed especially for genealogists–will help you better understand your city-dwelling ancestors. Features include: More than 130 full-color historical maps of sixteen important cities, including New York, Houston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles Timelines highlighting the most important moments in each city’s history Lists of city-specific genealogy websites and resources for records that will help you discover your family history An index with instructions on viewing online versions of each map, allowing you to zoom in for more detail or use them with programs like Google Earth You’ll also discover easy genealogy research tips for finding local birth, marriage, and death records; federal and state censuses; and city directories Regular Price $22.75, October Special Price $ 11.37
A Talk & Walking Tour of Calvary Cemetery, Oct. 25Join us on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle for a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes of one of our region’s most historic Catholic cemeteries.
Our guide will be Marty Murphy, Superintendent of Calvary Cemetery, who will share insights from his decades of cemetery management. This special program combines a fascinating talk with a guided walking tour, covering:
The History of Calvary Cemetery and other Catholic cemeteries in the Seattle area
The Evolution of Grave Markers and what they reveal about cultural and religious traditions
Genealogy in Cemeteries—how to access and use cemetery records in your family history research
A Superintendent’s Perspective—stories and experiences from caring for this historic Seattle site
Whether you’re the family historian or simply curious about Seattle’s past, this event offers a unique chance to connect with the people and stories that shaped our community’s history.
Don’t miss this meaningful blend of history, heritage, and personal storytelling—right here in Seattle’s historic Calvary Cemetery.
Optional lunch gathering to follow at University Village location nearby.
Pre-registration required. $15 and $10 for SGS members. Limited to 25 people.
stock photo of a cemetery courtesy Rodion Kutsaiev / Unsplash GET READY FOR SGS FALL SEMINAR
Focus to Be Using DNA and AI
Join SGS and Blaine Bettinger, “The Genetic Genealogist,” Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 11–12 for an exciting weekend of learning. The four sessions will be spread out over two days to maximize your learning. The seminar runs Saturday morning Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon and picks up again on Sunday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Using Autosomal DNA for 18th and 19th Century Mysteries
Sprinters, Caffeine Addicts, and Daredevils! Understanding DNA-Based Traits
Are You Doing Everything?
Presentations will be recorded and available (only) to registrants for a limited time.
Dr. Blaine Bettinger is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and the use of artificial intelligence for genealogical research. He is the author of the long-running blog, The Genetic Genealogist and frequently gives presentations and webinars to educate others about the use of DNA and artificial intelligence.
photos courtesy Francis Odeyemi, Kamila Maciejewska and Maud Beauregard / Unsplash STILL TIME TO JOIN BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS
Classes Begin Oct. 15 and 16
Motivated to learn more about your family’s story? Want to learn how DNA can help? SGS will be offering a new beginning Genealogy class in October. This online course will give you the tools to succeed in your research.
Four weekly online sessions are included with a fifth, optional session in person at the SGS library. The class covers how to successfully conduct, organize, and record research for your genealogy. How to begin? How to evaluate evidence? What are the best sources? Where are the records–online and off? What can DNA tell us?
Start your journey on a foundation of good habits and best practices. Participation will help you develop great genealogy skills. The course finishes with a list of favorite sources for additional learning and an optional meet-up with a personal research session at the SGS library.
photos courtesy Paola Aguilar and Florida Memory / Unsplash and Library of Congress
SGS MEMBERS ENJOY MOHAI TOURSGS field trips returned with gusto this month following our summer break. Our tour of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) on South Lake Union, led by Ian Siporin, was stimulating, engaging, and just plain fun!
Our group met for lunch beforehand on the outdoor terrace of the museum café. We chatted about genealogy and family history in the Washington area, back into the time when it was still a territory. This relaxing social time before our tour was such a bonus to our visit. These in-person interactions are precious opportunities to connect with Society members.
The tour itself was enjoyably interactive. Our guide encouraged us to share our stories and knowledge alongside the history and information he provided. It was an excellent opportunity for those with roots in Washington to offer perspectives and additional context from their family research.
Many thanks to all who attended and a big thank you to Ian and the MOHAI for the excellent tour.
SGS has more exciting tours planned. See the feature article above for information about the upcoming Calvary Cemetery Tour.
DISCOVER THE STORIES OF JEWISH FAMILIES IN SEATTLE’S GILDED AGE
Virtual Sunday: Oct. 19, 1 p.m.
Join us for a special presentation by local author, Karen Treiger, whose book Standing on the Crack: The Legacy of Five Jewish Families from Seattle’s Gilded Age was published in August. Blending Pacific Northwest history with deeply personal family narratives, Karen traces the journeys of her ancestors who immigrated from Europe to Seattle and Portland between 1874 and 1913.
Karen was born in Seattle and educated at Barnard College and New York University Law School — where she was editor-in-chief of NYU Law Review. She has been named to the Jewish Book Council Author’s Network, the Seattle Holocaust Center for Humanity Speaker’s Bureau, and served on the University of Washington Advisory Council for the Extension Writing Program.
New Subscription Website for Swedish Records Now Available for Patrons
SGS now offers access to ArkivDigital. ArkivDigital is Sweden’s largest and most extensive online archive of original Swedish records. The website is available to use on a patron computer in the SGS library.
Insights Await in Unique SGS Databases
King County Court Case Index: This is an index of over 1.7 million King County court case records for the period 1881-1980. The index was compiled from title searches conducted by the Chicago Title Insurance Company. These searches were generally for probate, name changes, or changes in marital status involving a change in property ownership.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Membership Cards: This is a database of approximately 26,000 original membership cards from 2 Seattle area VFW posts. A typical membership card provides information as shown on the following example:
Approximately 5,600 of these membership cards are available to members on the SGS website.
To request a look-up in the King County Court Case index or the additional 20,000 VFW Cards, contact research@seagensoc.org. The look-up is free to members. For non-members, the look-up fee is $15 per surname. EXPLORING WOMEN’S WORK
Second Saturday: Nov. 8, Noon
Join Dr. Janet Few for an exploration of historical occupations—especially those of women—both paid and unpaid. From lace making and straw plaiting to other female-dominated roles, she’ll discuss working conditions, tools, and hazards. Though examples are drawn from England, the insights apply broadly to researching women’s work in the past.
Note: This presentation will begin one hour earlier than usual to accommodate Dr. Janet Few, who will be joining us from England.
Dr. Janet Few earned her Ph.D. in Community History and is an experienced family, social and community historian. She has written several books of interest to genealogists and contributes to family history journals. Janet is currently serving as the president of the Family History Federation. She is heavily involved in the work of family history societies and was awarded the Society of Genealogists certificate of recognition in 2020 for her work.
Members Sought for SGS-SPL Pilot ProjectThe SGS Board and the Seattle Public Library have agreed to a pilot project bringing genealogy volunteers to branch libraries. This not only shares our genealogy skills with the public who visit their neighborhood library but also introduces more people to SGS and our Special Interest Groups, classes and Library resources. We need 10-15 volunteers to sit in one of three SPL branch libraries and answer genealogy questions from library patrons. SGS members will work in teams of two people on specific weekday afternoons. You should have at least intermediate level research skills. Training will be provide by SPL staff. Email
Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting.
All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email SGSFamilySearchSIG@seagensoc.org to join the mailing list. NOTE: New starting time!
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join.
Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information.
Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Organizing for Genealogy SIG, Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey. Contact Susan McKee at sgsOrganizingsig@seagensoc.org to join.
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 11–12, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., SGS 2025 Fall Seminar with Blaine Bettinger, Join SGS for a four seminars focused on using DNA to solve family mysteries. Register now.
Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information.
Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW-ish! Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Library Evening Hours, Come by and join host, Lisa Oberg, for a quiet, comfortable place to work on your genealogy research. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Sheyna Watkins at sgsWriteItUpSIG@seagensoc.org.
Friday, Oct. 19, 2025, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m. Family Tree Maker SIG, Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. Share information and discuss Irish ancestral research. View SGS calendar for details on joining this group.
Saturday, Oct 21, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Register on the SGS website.
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Scandinavian Interest Group SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research. Swedish research with examples of researching on Arkivdigital ($) and Riksarkivet (free). Register here. NOTE: Change of date this month only.
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm, Virtual Sunday: Jewish Families in Seattle, 1874–1913 (Virtual), Join Karen Treiger as she traces her ancestors who immigrated from Europe to Seattle and Portland between 1874 and 1913. Register here.
Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information.
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Mexican SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research. Email Diane Hughes-Hart at SGSMexSIG@seagensoc.org to join.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DNA SIG, Join our quarterly meetings to discover what’s new in genetic genealogy and learn more about select, in-depth topics. Email SGSDNASIG@seagensoc.org to join.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, 1:00 p.m., Calvary Cemetery Tour (Field Trips), Discover the Stories Beneath the Stones: A Talk & Walking Tour of Calvary Cemetery. Registration fee: $15 (SGS Members $10). Register here.
Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information.
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help.
Thursday, Oct. 30 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Eastern European SIG, Learn about researching family history from the Balkans to the Baltics and in between. For more information email sgseasterneuropesig@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email SGSFamilySearchSIG@seagensoc.org to join the mailing list
. NOTE: New starting time!
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join.
Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information.
Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Organizing for Genealogy SIG, Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey. Contact Susan McKee at sgsOrganizingsig@seagensoc.org to join.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, Nov. 8,2025, noon-1:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Women at Work” Presented by Dr. Janet Few. Register here.M
Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information.
Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help.
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW-ish! Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org.
OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND
Fiske Library Classes, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Oct. 8: An Introduction – to Find My Past Records with Steven W. Morrison
Oct. 15: Adoption Meets DNA with Beth Swartz
Oct. 22: If These Walls Could Talk – House and Neighborhood Histories with Mary Kircher Roddy
Oct. 29: Ancestors Calling: Science, Synchronicity and Sources with Judy Nimer Muhn
Nov. 5: What the Law Put Asunder: Divorce in America with Sara Cochran
Nov. 12: Point of Origin: How to Find Your Ancestral Village with Lisa Vogele
Nov. 19: What’s New in Genetic Genealogy with Karin Borgerson
“Western Trails Following the Seven Ts,” presented by Steven W. Morrison Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society Saturday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. (virtual)
This presentation explores the historical significance, unique challenges, and enduring legacies of the Oregon, California, Mormon, Santa Fe, Old Spanish, Bozeman, and Pony Express trails, revealing how they shaped the nation’s expansion and the lives of those who dared to traverse them. Learn more and register here.“
“Hiding in Plain Sight: Finding Elusive Ancestors with FamilySearch’s Full-Text Search,” presented by Julia A. Anderson Genealogical Forum of Oregon Saturday, October 18, 2:30 p.m. (virtual)
FamilySearch’s powerful new Full-Text Search tool is unlocking billions of previously unsearchable records – revealing names, places, and stories hidden deep within digitized documents. In this class, you’ll learn how to use this groundbreaking feature to uncover ancestors who’ve slipped through the cracks. Discover smart search strategies, see real-life examples, and leave with practical tips to apply to your own research. Learn more and register.
“Finding Ancestors in the 19th Century Russian Revizskie skazki,” presented by Hal Bookbinder Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State Monday, October 13, 7 p.m. (virtual)
The Russian Revizskie skazki can be a gold mine in finding information about our ancestors. “Revizskie skazki” literally means “revision tales,” though we generally refer to them as “revision lists.” While censuses only provide information on people currently alive, revision lists include “tales” about the men who died or moved away since the prior revision list. Presenter Hal Bookbinder will provide an overview of the periodic revision lists and demonstrate how he was able to use the 1850 and 1858 ones to identify ancestors, including those who lived earlier, and even to creatively use the information to get back an extra generation or two where no records exist. Learn more and register.
* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button.
DONATE TO SGS
Your donations represent a significant part of the SGS budget. Your continued generosity helps us increase our financial security and expand our services for everyone. We make it easy for you to contribute appreciated stock from your portfolio. Perhaps you’d like a tax write-off before year end? We have a brokerage account established and ready to receive your donation from any firm. For details, write treasurer@seagensoc.org. For questions about our needs and our vision, write president@seagensoc.org.
You are free to copy articles to any non-commercial web site or message board or printed publication you wish. Don’t bother to ask permission, just do it.
At Heritage Quest Research Library, we rely on the generous support of our community through donations, memberships, and fundraisers, all of which enable us to provide the finest resources and dedicated staff—who are all volunteers! As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to indulge in the joy of giving by participating in our delightful See’s Candies fundraiser. Not only will you treat yourself and your loved ones to delectable sweets, but you’ll also be playing a vital role in helping passionate genealogists uncover their family histories. Together, let’s celebrate the spirit of discovery and connection that our collective efforts inspire, making this holiday season truly meaningful for everyone involved! Also, there is FREE SHIPPING on orders over $75! 
DISCOVER THE STORIES OF JEWISH FAMILIES IN SEATTLE’S GILDED AGE
