Since we are in the United States most of the people reading the blog are from the United States. Most of the hits from France was from them checking to see if we were following the new privacy rules the European Union put in this year.
Seattle has always had the top readers of the blog. New York, Ashburn and Boston seem to be locations of Bots since nearly all their sessions are 100% bounce rate (means they only look at one item then leave). The city that amazes me is Wenatchee, which has came close to the top of the list starting in the middle of the year. Notice Paris number five, they are checking on us for the European Union rules.
This is the list of most read blog posts for the year. Number 3 on the list is from 2015! Number 8 on the list is from 2016! I also notice several are found by using the categories to find blog posts. I was amazed that at least some people have found the tags we use for most posts even though we do not have them very easy to find. (They are at the bottom of each post).
It has been a good year and I want to thank all the local genealogical societies that have sent me their information for their seminars and monthly meetings, you can see that they are being read by a lot of people and so hopefully a few will come to your meetings or seminars.
**For Immediate Release** PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED FOR! It’s rare that any genealogy conference is able to pull together speakers from around the world, but our roll call of 47 genealogy experts from five continents will descend upon Sacramento, California, in June 2019 for the International German Genealogy Conference – “STRIKE IT RICH! with CONNECTIONS 2 DISCOVERIES”.
This conference will feature three full days
of German-centric presentations in multiple tracks – Geographic,
Technology, Advancing Your Research, and more. Our all-star cast
of presenters will share its expertise in German genealogical research
techniques, tools, and more. Many of our scheduled speakers, including
Ute Brandenburg, pictured here, have prepared short video previews of
their presentations, which are available now on our website’s Conference
page – https://iggpartner.org.
With an expected attendance of 750-1000, this conference is a
must-attend event for anyone interested in, or deeply involved with,
researching the lives of German ancestors. Conference registration
opened November 1. Discounted early registration fees are available
through January 15, 2019. Join others from around the world who will be
rushing to Sacramento,
2019 Conference Presenter: Ute Brandenburg
California, for a stake in some German genealogy gold.
This conference is hosted by the Sacramento German Genealogy Society
(SGGS) and supported by a consortium of German genealogy societies
across the Golden State. The International German Genealogy Partnership
(IGGP) comprises more than 100 organizations around the world. IGGP’s
mission is ” … to facilitate German genealogy research globally as the
internationally-recognized federation of German genealogy
organizations.”
Contact: Bill Cole, 2019 IGGS Co-Chair Phone: 916-853-8562 Email: conference@iggpartner.org SGGS is a registered California 501 (c) (3) Non-profit Corporation. Donations eligible for tax deductions as allowable by law. Checks payable to SGGS @ 2019 IGGC, 11230 Gold Express Dr. #310-415, Gold River, CA 95670-4484 Your hosts, the Sacramento German Genealogy Society and the International German Genealogy Partnership, encourage you to learn more about the products and services offered by conference sponsors. We thank them for their support.
The Finish Line is in Sight! We are so grateful for your support. Donations fuel our very operations. Member dues don’t come close to covering our budget. This once-a-year appeal for contributions makes all the difference in our being able to keep the library open every day. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our Annual Appeal! We need to raise $25,000 and we are 85% of the way there! We’re confident you can help us make it to the finish line. Please make your tax deductible donation to the GFO today!
Recently,
the Oregon State Regent for Daughters of the American Revolution,
Rebecca Taylor, came into the GFO to pick up some books that we were
clearing from our shelves. She is not a genealogist.
Rebecca told us of a book about her family, LaFollette, and that she had not been able to locate a copy anywhere. Just for fun, our Research Assistant on duty checked the GFO Catalog and found L’histoire de la familie LaFollette en Amerique. This
was the exact book she was looking for! Rebecca was ecstatic, thrilled
to find the book and will be back one day soon to sit and browse through
it. Check our catalog. You may find your family on our shelves, too.
We Smile When You smile.amazon.com
We’re smiling! Big thanks to all of you who do your online shopping through smile.amazon.com. Each time you shop, we get a small donation – and it does not increase the prices you pay. All you have to do is choose the Genealogical Forum of Oregon as your non-profit of choice to receive your benefits.
SUNDAY, December 23rd 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. MONDAY, December 24th Library Closed TUESDAY, December 25th Library Closed WEDNESDAY, December 26th Library Open late to 8 p.m.
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
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.
