Let’s Talk About: Look Again at Castle Garden

by Donna Phillips

Before Ellis Island in New York harbor, there was Castle Garden. Let’s look again:

  • Castle Garden as immigrant station opened in 1855
  • Certainly there were immigrant arrivals prior to that year
  • What became Castle Garden was a military fort from 1808-1855
  • After Castle Garden closed as an immigrant station, it became an entertainment center

New York officials realized by 1819 that “immigration was anything but organized.” There were several proposals for a solution; that solution was to use Castle Garden. Remember it was first a military fort and then entertainment venue and did not become an immigrant arrival station until 1855. It opened on 3 August 1855. 

  • Roughly 2 out of every 3 immigrants to the U.S. between 1855 and 1890 (approximately 8.5 million people) passed through Castle Garden.
  • But the place was not really equipped to handle such crowds; “overcrowding and understaffing led to scenes of confusion and congestion that became infamous in their own right.” 
  • By the 1880s it was obvious that a new solution must be found.
  • After much verbal wrangling among New York politicians, the Federal Government had had enough and in February 1890 New York officials were told the news. 

Castle Garden officially closed its doors on 18 April 1890; in its final years, it processed 364,086 immigrants. By year’s end, the building was transferred back to the city. The Barge Office was used as the immigrant arrival center between 18 April 1890 and 31 Dec 1891 while construction on Ellis Island was complete. The new facility on Ellis Island began receiving immigrants on January 1, 1892. Over the next 62 years, more than 12 million immigrants would arrive in the U.S. via Ellis Island.
Where are the Castle Garden records?

  • Unfortunately, some of the CG records were lost in a fire that burned Ellis Island to the ground in 1897 but many still exist. 
  • Check with FamilySearch.org
  • Check with Ancestry.com

If you type: Castle Garden Immigration: A Genealogist’s Guide, by Katharine Andrew, offered free on the FamilyTree Magazine website, you’ll get all your Qs answered!

Whitman County Genealogical Society Microfilm Viewer-Printer

by Charles Hansen

Whitman County Genealogical Society is moving to a new space and needs to get rid of a microfilm reader.

It would need to be picked up in Pullman

Here is the microfilm reader information:
Minolta RP 503 Microfilm viewer-Printer
We also have two toner cartridges.
Comes with a roll around table as well. (Can’t take the table without the microfilm reader!)

Contact Monica Peters mgpeters@frontier.com

Fiske Genealogical Library September October & November Virtual Classes

by Charles Hansen

Wednesday, September 17

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Getting Unstuck: Working Through Research Problems

Presented by Claire Smith

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Break down your genealogy brick walls. Learn techniques to evaluate your sources, mine all of the clues, find the context, and discover your ancestor’s neighbors and friends. Get out of your comfort zone and make progress.

Wednesday, September 24

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Chasing Claire: The Treasures of Genealogical Travel

Presented by Karin Borgerson

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Learn about how chasing one ancestor can lead to travel across multiple states, new friendships, and literally getting your hands dirty while doing genealogy! Plus tips for making the most of genealogical travel.

Wednesday, October 1     

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Canadian Genealogy

Presented by Jenny Warner

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Learn about the history of Canada, what genealogical records are available, and how to find them.

Wednesday, October 8     

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

AN INTRODUCTION – to Find My Past Records

Presented by Steven W. Morrison

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Findmypast (FMP) is a subscription website and is one of the BIG FIVE genealogical companies. Across the pond, it partners with several family history organizations, major libraries and archives. As a result, some of its British and Irish records are unique, and unavailable on other genealogy websites. Presented in a case study format.

Wednesday, October 15   

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Adoption Meets DNA

Presented by Beth Swartz

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Overview of the availability of Adoption records and the impact of taking a consumer DNA test, which can open doors to finding biological family.

Wednesday, October 22   

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

If These Walls Could Talk – House and Neighborhood Histories

Presented by Mary Kircher Roddy

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

I don’t know of many genealogists who aren’t also historians.  It’s in our natures to be curious of what went on before,  to understand our family’s history – but it’s also interesting to learn more about that place where we spend our daily lives – our homes.  Who was here before me?  How might they have used this home?  What tales did they bring home from their work or school at the end of the day?  Who were their neighbors?  Has my house always looked this way?  Learning about your house and neighborhood can increase your sense of place and help you to connect on a deeper level with that place you call “Home.”

(After Mary’s talk, bring stories of any “hauntings” related to a particular place in your family history!)

Wednesday, October 29   

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Ancestors Calling: Science, Synchronicity and Sources

Presented by Judy Nimer Muhn

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Our ancestors want us to find them!  Using our intuition, developing our luck, creating vision boards and using classic detective techniques, YOU can have their help and do thorough genealogical research.  Learn how to tap into some key scientific principles and hands-on techniques to drive your discoveries.

Wednesday, November 5  

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

What the Law Put Asunder: Divorce in America

Presented by Sara Cochran

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Historically, divorce in the United States was rare, but not unheard of. This class considers changing laws and social attitudes as they relate to marriage and divorce, how those laws and attitudes affect our research and the records, and provides tips for determining if there was a divorce and accessing those records.

Wednesday, November 12

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Point of Origin: How to Find Your Ancestral Village

Presented by Lisa Vogele

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Don’t know where overseas your family originated from? This presentation covers a variety of sources to explore to locate your ancestor’s point of origin before arriving in the United States. Examples and strategies will be provided including: resources for locating town of origin, strategies for name changes, tips for boundary changes, and overcoming handwriting & language challenges.

Wednesday, November 19

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

What’s New in Genetic Genealogy

Presented by Karin Borgerson

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

The landscape of genetic genealogy is always shifting. Explore recent updates from DNA testing companies and third-party tools to make the most of DNA for genealogy.

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society September Mystery Book Club

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Mystery Book Club
Saturday, September 20, starting at 4:00 pm via Zoom

Please join us as we discuss a fictional genealogical book, The Murder of Rhoda Jones, the third book in the Home to Beulah series by Claudia C. Breland.

More information at:
Amazon: The Murder of Rhoda Jones

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.

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUkfuCqrzgsG9RrrhNAdU65Lz86P0s92mu1/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGppzIjGNWWthiHRpwcHYr4XerzmHZdjfpvjg3tLQFXV1WjGvgaZIIvA4GC

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81999213610?pwd=Qkk2WFZTZ2Rzdzc1Z0szN1AzdEZCUT09
Meeting ID: 819 9921 3610
Passcode: 479394

One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,81999213610#,,,,*479394# US
+12532158782,,81999213610#,,,,*479394# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:
        +1 253 205 0468 US
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 819 9921 3610
Passcode: 479394

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keibNHDdyf

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society September Genealogy Chat Meeting

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat Meeting
Tuesday, September 16, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom

Please join us and let’s chat!

Discussion starter topic What are some of your favorite school memories, and have you added them to your genealogy/family history yet?

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.

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMldOCprTsqGtSoVglOBTElUaBRgTq5IEgI/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvpjgjG9eVsBmHRpwEGojCXevztmJfjbdukyniDw9xVib6A-NgALVLAY35

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87839130000?pwd=dGdHY2wrZ0d1bDNRTEQ4Uk15OVk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000
Passcode: 836216

One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US
+12532158782,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:
        +1 253 205 0468 US
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000
Passcode: 836216

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdesX0el3t

Let’s Talk About: Parade Floats

by Donna Phillips

Honest, this postcard shows “Our Baked Big Potato Float” that appeared in a Spokane parade; no date on the image. A baked potato float in a parade? How wild is that? And the big-hatted bakers walking alongside? And pulled by horses? And the railroad logo??

Thank you Google: “Parade floats were first introduced in the Middle Ages. Churches used pageant wagons as movable scenery for passion plays and craftsmen with artisan guilds built pageant wagons for their specified craft.”

I confess to you that when I asked Google for unique or weird or crazy parade floats I wasted too much time laughing at the images that Google shared. I dare you to try it for yourself!

How about these:

Thankfully, there are more beautiful parade floats than crazy ones:

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society October Civil War Seminar

by Charles Hansen

EWGS Fall Seminar: Civil War Research 

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!  

There are many attendees already registered, so don’t miss out!  Go to the website to register now! 

$40 – MEMBERS (attending in person) $50 – NON-MEMBERS (attending in person) $20 – ZOOMERS

Date: October 04, 2025

Time: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM (Doors open at 8:30)

Location: Southside Community Center – 3151 E 27th Ave, Spokane, WA 99223

 Hybrid-Zoom available for this event 

From Muster Rolls to Family Roles: 

Discovering Civil War Histories Researching Your Civil War Ancestor – by Craig R. Scott

    Oh Yes, I Went to the Front!: Women in the Civil War – by Melanie McComb   

Refugees, Claims, and Pardons: 

Reconciliation during the Reconstruction Era – by Michael L. Strauss

Handouts will be emailed to registered attendees 2-3 days PRIOR to the event. (please print your handouts at home)

In-Person Attendance includes:  lunch, snacks, dessert, coffee, tea, and possibly door prizes!

Deadline for mailing checks is SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 BY 5:00 P.M. 

NOTE:  IF YOU WISH TO REGISTER VIA WRITTEN CHECK: Write your check for the correct amount (see above),

MAIL TO: EWGS 9116 E SPRAGUE AVE., #438   SPOKANE VALLEY, WA 99206

Cancellation for this event AND TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND deadline is SEPTEMBER 26TH BY 5:00 P.M.

Exciting new vendors

 Book sale of donated Civil War books and many others!

Free Table

If you feel that you cannot afford the tuition fee for this seminar, please apply for a scholarship.  

Sign in to EWGS as a member. Click on Events and Choose Scholarship Grant Forms.  

Let’s Talk About: What’s New at FamilySearch

by Donna Phillips


Here is the latest news regarding FamilySearch which I learned during RootsTech 2025 presented by Todd Powell, Tree Product Manger:

  • FamilySearch has nearly 24 million monthly visits
  • 1.68 billion persons in Family Tree
  • 156 million persons added to Family Tree in 2024
  • “a person is never deleted for good!”
  • “FamilySearch is the largest linked tree as of 2024”
  • Nearly 20 million memories attached
  • Nearly 3.5 billion sources added (up 1 billion in 1 year)
  • Nearly 5.6 billion digital images
  • Nearly 700,000 digital books
  • Nearly 20 billion searchable names
  • Can search in 48 different languages (Arabic the latest)
  • Are 6580 FamilySearch centers in the world
  • The goal is to correctly/accurately identify each person
  • Striving to slow down inaccurate merging

Todd smiled and said, “As each of us improves the documentation for each ancestor or person in our tree, we can increase the odds of folks making goofy changes….that does drive us crazy!” And he explained that they’re really concerned about and working on fixing wrong matches and “people changing stuff without documentation.”


He ended his lively presentation with this:  “Quit complaining… learn to use the available tools to full advantage!!’ 

Let’s Talk About: FamilySearch Record Collections

by Donna Phillips

It’s back to learning time, back-to-school time, right? How about taking a deeper look at the Major Records Collections offered for free at FamilySearch.org?? Think you might oughta take a looksee??

  • US Census
    • 1790-1950 federal censuses
    • Various state censuses
  • US Vital Records
    • B-M-D indexes for many cities and states
    • Social Security Death Index
    • Find A Grave Index
    • BillionGraves Index
  • US Probates & Wills
    • Various state and county records
    • Freedman’s Bank records
  • US Military Records
    • WWI and WWII draft cards
    • WWII enlistment records
    • Civil War service and pension records
    • Revolutionary War pension and service records
  • Canadian Records
    • 1851-1911 censuses
    • Passenger lists
  • UK Records
    • B-M-D register indexes
    • 1841-1911 censuses
    • WWI service records
    • Outgoing passenger lists
  • Irish Records
    • Civil Registration indexes
    • Catholic parish registers
    • Valuation Office books
  • German Records
    • B-baptism-M-D records
    • Germans to America index
  • Mexican Records
    • Baptisms – M- D records
    • 1930 census
  • Immigration Records
    • LOTS of passenger lists
    • Border crossing records from Canada and Mexico
    • US passport applications
    • Naturalization records and indexes for various states and counties
  • Newspapers
    • Obituaries from GenealogyBank and various publications