GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News

by Charles Hansen

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s

Thursday Evening

E-News, Edition

15 March 2018
For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for February 2018, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at www.gfo.org.

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

GFO’s Open House – A Success Story

Welcome and Many Thanks!!

Another GFO Open House has come and gone. Classes were attended by 652 people–this includes a lot of people counted more than once as many attended multiple classes.

We’d like to extend our warmest WELCOME to all our newest members who signed up for GFO Membership at last week’s Open House. All your membership benefits can be viewed HERE on our website!

A very special THANK YOU to everyone who played a part in our biggest educational event of the year:

Nanci Remington, who arranged all the speakers, collected all the information, posted the schedule online, and kept us all updated as things evolved.

Judith Leppert, who served as hostess all nine days, baking and making coffee and cleaning up afterward every day.

Thank you also to everyone who brought in goodies and treats to share at our coffee corner tables.

Early Bird Registration Ends Tomorrow!
How can you prove your ancestors fought in the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War or World War I? Come hear one of the most engaging national experts in military records at the GFO’s Spring Seminar April 14 & 15!
We’re bringing Michael Strauss in for two great days of lessons. Sign up now. Early registration discount runs through March 16.
Sign Me Up

Feeling Lost? Join Genealogy Problem Solvers (GPS) this Saturday, March 17th

This month’s Genealogy Problem Solvers (GPS) meets Saturday, March 17th, 9:30 – 11:30am

Location: GFO’s Multipurpose Room

This month’s brick wall is the 3rd great grandmother, Anna Rosetta (Halverson) French of one of our members.

The only documented fact is her death at age 36, and her marriage to William French in 1812 in Philadelphia. Only her mothers’ first name and married surname are known, and her sea captain father is said to be anything from a Slave Trader to a shipper of Catholics to the Colonies. He is dead before 1800.

GPS is a monthly support group where we help each other find information about a family line. We will learn to do a reasonably exhaustive search and develop research plans. The focus will shift depending on the needs of the group. Several experienced researchers have volunteered to help. Beginners and intermediate researchers are encouraged to submit problems to work on. For more information contact Katie Daly at GPS@gfo.org.

All of the GFO’s Special Interest Groups are FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.

Finding James, GenTalk – Saturday, March 17th

Presenter: Kate Eakman

GFO’s Multipurpose Room, 2pm

Join us after the GPS meeting this Saturday to uncover as much information as possible about a U.S. serviceman who died on Utah Beach on D-Day during WWII. What followed was a study in dead ends, perseverance, and one of the most meaningful projects it has ever been Kate’s privilege to work on!

Kate Eakman holds an M.A. in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to her career as a professional genealogist, Kate spent 20 years as a college history professor. Today she is a Senior Researcher for Legacy Tree Genealogists. Kate’s article “Writing the Professional Research Report: Style and Format” was awarded the APGQ Excellence Award for 2016.

All of the GFO’s GenTalks are FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.

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Don’t Forget the Annual Member Meeting at 2 – 2:15pm

Find out who’s running for our various open offices, nominate someone (with their prior permission), or even throw your own hat in the ring.

Did someone say “French Canada”? Join Our Newest SIG this Sunday!

The French Canada Special Interest Group (SIG) will have its FIRST MEETING on Sunday, March 18th, 3:30 – 5pm.

Location: GFO’s Multipurpose Room

Bob LaMarche will be our fearless facilitator.

Please check the GFO CALENDAR for updates and class details.

The group will be discussing topics of interest in French Canada as well as Acadian genealogy and history.

Did you know the GFO has the 2nd largest French Canada collection outside of Canada?

Lost and Found Items

We found these poor abandoned coats, hats, and this single lonely, albeit lovely, earring after last week’s Open House.

Please call the GFO’s reception desk at 503-963-1932 to claim any of these items that may have wondered off your person last week.

We’ll hold these items until the end of March.

Sizzlin’ Hot Tips in Genealogy this Month…

Portland’s 77th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Aquinas Hall, 340 NE Clackamas St in Portland, 3:30 – 8pm, and doors open at 3 p.m.

Don’t miss out on this fun afternoon and evening filled with all things Irish! Authentic Irish music, song, and dance. Penny’s Puppet show for the children. Food and beverages available for purchase. More info HERE.

Overlooked – NYTimes Women’s Obituaries

This recent NYTimes article, accessible HERE, tells all about how the shape of history is often made without our awareness. The article also discusses how we choose to remember and who our documentation often allows us to remember.

Featured in these Obituaries…

▪ Marsha P. Johnson
▪ Sylvia Plath
▪ Henrietta Lacks
▪ Diane Arbus
▪ Mary Ewing Outerbridge
▪ Qiu Jin
▪ Ida B. Wells
▪ Madhubala
▪ Emily Warren Roebling
▪ Nella Larsen
▪ Ada Lovelace
▪ Margaret Abbott

Roots Tech 2018

Saturday, March 17th, 9am – 4:00pm
To see this year’s line up for classes and the teacher bios, visit roots.fgos.org. This is a free community event. All are welcome. Registration is to give us a count for the free lunch only. We look forward to seeing you!

At the GFO This Week…

SATURDAY, March 17th

Genealogy Problem Solvers (GPS) 9:30 – 11:30am

This is a free event designed to help attendees gather research tips from the best in the field! Join the fun every third Saturday of the month. If you’re a GFO member and have a genealogy problem for our experts to solve, email GPS@gfo.org today!

Annual Membership Meeting 2 – 2:15pm

Find out who’s running for office, nominate someone (with their prior permission), throw your hat in the ring, and be on hand for the GenTalk to immediately to follow.

GenTalk – Finding James 2pm

Presentation will start after the Membership Meeting.

Presenter Kate Eakman, MA

It sounded like an average assignment for professional genealogist Kate Eakman: uncover as much information as possible about a U.S. serviceman who died on Utah Beach on D-Day during WWII. What followed was a study in dead ends, perseverance, and one of the most meaningful projects it has ever been her privilege to work on.

SUNDAY, March 18th

Library Work Party 9am – 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!

French Canada Ancestry Group 3:30 – 5pm

Sharing stories of our history. Come and join this new group to learn more about French Canadian ancestry and Acadia. The group leader is Bob LaMarche.

WEDNESDAY, March 21st

Learn & Chat 10am – noon

At Learn & Chat some of the learning comes from speakers with particular expertise but most of it comes from the sharing of experiences and knowledge of attendees who have developed methods that work for them. And if you have been doing genealogy for any length time you have likely experienced the wonderful moments of exhilaration, the successes that you then share with others and that drive you to continue researching. Unfortunately those times can be few and far between. Join us to talk about your genealogy questions and help provide support to others. Facilitated by Jean Quan.

DNA Q&A 1 – 3pm

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.

Friday Serendipity….back to New Zealand

by Charles Hansen

We here in Washington state know full well that our Pacific coastline is astoundingly beautiful………. but we (should?) also know that Washington, or even America, does not have the corner on beautiful coastlines. Take New Zealand………. If I had shared this photo of mine and asked if you could identify WHERE it was taken, would you have guessed the Pacific shore of the North Island, New Zealand???

Spotlight on the Northeast Washington Gen Society

by Charles Hansen

The Northeast Washington Genealogical Society is not only alive and well, but it is thriving! I attended their meeting in Colville on Wed, Mar 14th, and 35 were present….up a good ten from usual, President Karen Struve explained. “We send out meeting reminders to nearly 50 too,” Karen said. Kathy Ochs teaches a repeating beginners class and coming from that are a flock of prospective new members. Good for them, way up in Stevens County, the northeast corner of Washington.

This group has published nearly two dozen books on their area and one, Little Journeys, is in its third printing and had an order from Germany. On a sadder note, their periodical, Pioneer Branches, has been discontinued due to lack of support (nobody will step up to do it!). I asked about continuing and new plans and projects and they have plenty. Their major focus of time and energy is the care and keeping of the Evergreen Pioneer Cemetery where they have reset stone, replaced stones and done repeated massive cleanups. (A WSGS grant went to this group to fund the removal of a huge, leaning tree threatening the cemetery.) They work with the Stevens County Historical Society on research requests and projects.

The above group photo is of the NeWGS board:  (L to R) Kathy Ochs (beginners’ class); Lora Rose (Evergreen Cemetery); Sue Witham (treasurer); Susan Dechant (past president); Mary Ann Schrader (member-at-large); Norma Yost (vice president); and Karen Struve. Not present were Sharon Wilson (recording secretary) and Helen Swords (corresponding secretary).

Their annual fall seminar (29 Sep 2018) will feature Janet O’Conner Camarata and “every genealogist in the state is invited to come!”

Their website is newgs.org

I 100% enjoyed my lunch and time with them for they are upbeat, energetic and positive and that makes genealogy FUN, wouldn’t you agree?

 

Washington State Genealogical Society Annual Awards Ceremony

by Charles Hansen

Greetings fellow genealogists and family history enthusiasts!
This year the WA State Genealogy Society Annual Awards Ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Clark County Genealogical Society Conference.  It looks to be a great program, a great speaker and lots of fun activities.  If you have not already made plans to go, please consider attending.  Events run May 25-27th, with the Conference on the 26th.   Registration forms are available on the website, www.ccgs-wa.org .  Below is more info provided by Clark Co Gen Soc.
 During an event filled weekend, our Saturday seminar key speaker will be David Allen Lambert.  Serving as chief genealogist for the venerable New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), David’s seminar topics include 1) World War 1 Military 2) Great Migration Era settler research 3) Probate & Deed Records research.  As an honored guest at our Hudson Bay Company Gala ReceptionFriday evening, he will be able to share his genealogical gems; seemingly small finds that lead to amazing stories.  We are collaborating with Friends of Fort Vancouver to bring some of the wonderful Fort interpreters as guests.  For out-of-towners the Hilton Hotel offered special rates.  The CCGS group reservation code is CCG.  Our web access page is:  http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/P/PDXVAHH-CCG-20180525/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG

David Allen Lambert publishes regularly on Vita Brevis, the NEHGS blog that serves as an exceptional family history resource.  Follow him at:  https://vita-brevis.org/author/dalambert/

A guided Cemetery Tour is proposed for Sunday along with brochures for other local self-guided tours, all available from the CCGS Library. 

For 5 days before and during Memorial Weekend, The Fort Vancouver Tapestry will be displayed at the CCGS Library.  Completed in 2005, this historic community project required 57 skilled stitchery workers contributing 100,000 hours over 5 plus years.  http://www.fortvancouvertapestry.com/

 

See you there!

​Ginny Majewski, President

​Washington State Genealogical Society

Meet the Board: Diane Huckabay

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you know who’s running the show at the Washington State Genealogical Society? Did you know we have an Executive Committee, six standing committee chairs and three appointed non-elected officers? Who are all these people? In the coming months, we’ll introduce them to you, so you can say “hi” the next time you see them.

Diane Huckabay

In today’s “Meet the Board” series, we’re introducing you to Diane Huckabay. Diane lives in Ellensburg and is WSGS’s Education and Outreach Chair. She is very active in the Kittitas County Genealogical Society, serving as President, Past President and Member-at-Large. She is also president of the Cascade Association of Museums and History (CAMAH), an organization that brings together and promotes all the museums and historical sites in Kittitas County.

Diane, her sister and brother, ca. 1966

Diane, one of three children, was born in Missouri in the 1950s, the daughter of Tom and Nannette. They gave their little daughter Nannette’s middle name, Diane. Tom and Nannette’s roots started in Oklahoma and Virginia. Diane’s other ancestral lines are in Texas, Kansas and Scotland. While she’s visited the states, Scotland is still on her Bucket List.

Diane’s interest in genealogy was sparked after she took a class so she could help patrons at the local public library. One of her most exciting discoveries was finding her grandfather’s siblings. One of her brick walls is finding more information about her great uncle Cecil Britton (1911 – 1959) who lived in Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma. If you know anything about Cecil, Diane’s looking to talk to you.

Diane’s great aunt Sisso, her grandmother and their little brother Cecil

Diane and her husband have a blended family of three sons and six daughters.

A few more interesting tidbits about Diane:
• Favorite genealogy websites: FamilySearch, Ancestry and the Digital Archives in Washington and Missouri
• Favorite color: Green
• Favorite dessert: Raspberry Lush and anything chocolate
• When she’s not doing genealogy, Diane likes to read, do art projects and dabble on the Internet.
• When asked to describe herself in one word, Diane replied, “curious.” Isn’t that a perfect word to describe a genealogist?

Now you know a little more about another of the WSGS Board members. The next time you see Diane say hello and thank her for her service to WSGS.

Barb Peterson Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Barb Peterson

Today we’re introducing Barb Peterson of Chimacum, Washington, who was nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS). She was recognized for her expertise in maintaining the financial records of the society.

Ms. Peterson has served as the society’s treasurer since 2012. She has spent countless hours maintaining the books and financial business of the society, and always provides accurate and timely reports. The importance of having an accurate accounting of the society’s funds cannot be overstated. Ms. Peterson has provided that accuracy and confidence.

Ms. Peterson is a respected and diligent member of the JCGS, and richly deserves being a recipient of a 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Wednesday Nostalgia

by Charles Hansen

 

Little coin-operated-table jukeboxes……. who remembers dropping a quarter into one?

According to Wikipedia, “coin-operated music boxes and player pianos were the first forms of automated coin-operated musical devices.” Jukeboxes were most popular from the 1940s through the mid-1960s, particularly during the 1950s. By the middle of the 1940s, three-quarters of the records produced in America went into jukeboxes.”

Jukeboxes were cheap entertainment and we used to calculate the popularity of new music. Like Elvis. Like so many stars of Back Then.

What was your favorite song to plug in a quarter and play as you waited for your hamburger, shake and fries???

Tri-City Genealogical Society at Family Discovery Day

by Charles Hansen
Members and Guests:
Here is an opportunity to attend a free 3 hour workshop on various classes pertaining to genealogy research and resources on March 24th.
The Tri-City Genealogical Society has been extended an invitation to set up a table to showcase our society as well as displays of various genealogy resources.
Since we have been asked to be there from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., we will need some volunteers to sit at our “booth” to help answer any questions about TCGS as well as to encourage workshop participants to view our display. If you would like to volunteer an hour or more during the above time, please let me know.
Please note that our own Margie Beldin and Richard Allen will be two of the workshop speakers listed on the agenda. Also, this workshop will be at the Richland LDS Church on Jadwin Blvd. right behind the Family History Center which is on Goethals Street.
More information will be forthcoming in regards to the times of the specific workshop sessions.
Sincerely,
Art Kelly

Tuesday Trivia

by Charles Hansen

 

Parnell, Washington, founded on 6 Aug 1889, on a site about 1/2 mile south of Hartline. Ever heard of it???

Even Grandma Google couldn’t find anything on this bitsy place! Seems it’s been forgotten? (There were several hits for folks named Parnell Washington, oddly enough.)

Parnell was established because of the need to survey the line for the railroad…..which failed to materialize. So the hopeful founding fathers, Brower & Reeves, moved their merchandise store from Parnell to Hartline and indeed, the Northern Pacific Railroad did come through Hartline a bit later. The town of Hartline was named by John Hartline on 28 Jul1890.

Anybody in WSGS have an ancestral connection to Parnell or even Hartline???

Eastside Genealogical Society April Meeting

by Charles Hansen

The Eastside Genealogical Society will meet on Thursday, April 12, 2018 in the Bellevue Regional Library (Room 1), 1111 – 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 at 7 pm, with doors opening at 6:30 pm for networking.

 

Topic: A panel of experienced researchers will help people break down their family research brick walls.  Come learn their tips.

 

See our website for FREE genealogical help and other Special Interest Group meetings. Visitors are always welcome at all meetings. More Information click here