Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –  VOOM IN, VOOM OUT, RESET

Do you realize you can zoom in and zoom out on any web page using just your keyboard? No need to have a touch screen or a touchpad.

This works on virtually any operating system –  Windows, Mac OS, or Chrome OS.  On a Mac, the Command key takes the place of the CTRL key; otherwise, it is the same.

You’ll be using the control key (marked CTRL) ,  the plus key (marked +), and the zero key (numeric 0).

To zoom in, just hold down the CTRL key and tap the + key at the same time. Each tap will increase the size of the font/images on the web page in front of you.

To zoom out, just hold down the CTRL key and tap the – key at the same. Each tap will decrease the size of the font/images on the web page in front of you.

To reset everything on the web page to its original default size, hold down the CTRL key and tap the 0 once.

Easy to remember, too.   Use plus to zoom in, minus to zoom out, and zero to reset to the original default. Try it now.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

“AN INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY”
SEATTLE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY – ONLINE COURSE
 THURSDAYS –  April 5, 12, 19, 26
 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Do you want to solve a family mystery? Learn more about your ancestors? Test your DNA and find your DNA cousins? Or simply pass along your family story to your grandchildren? Genealogy is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. According to some experts, nearly 75% of Americans are interested in discovering their family history. And thanks to the availability of information online, you can conduct research at home or your local library.

Join Heidi Mair for a fun, online and interactive four-part Introduction to Genealogy and Family History. Share your family history story, research challenges and more. The course is conducted on video chat and students will learn how to use Google Hangouts​.

Week 1 – Discover the records, resources and tools available to beginning genealogists and how to record and interpret them.
Week 2 – Learn how to build a Family Tree.
Week 3 – Discuss the use of historical records, photos and events to understand your ancestors’ life and times.
Week 4 – Learn about the types of DNA testing available and how to understand the results.

Fee for the 4-part series :​ ​$30 for SGS members,  ​$40 for all others

Register here:​ http://www.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/content/join-sgs
At “New or Renewing Membership” select:​ Class
At “Membership Type” select:​ Intro Class – SGS Member ($30) or Intro Class – All others ($40)

Registration is processed in order received.

Course limit: ​14

Questions:​ email Heidi – heidi.mair@gmail.com

Course Instructor: Heidi Mair has a Master’s degree in Anthropology with an emphasis on American Cultural History. In 2012, she completed the Certificate in Genealogy and Family History from University of Washington’s Educational Outreach. She has written and researched family histories for several branches of her family as well as those of friends.

“FINDING A FATHER FOR MOLLY USING DNA”
SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

It was a typical problem: descendants knew Henry wasn’t the biological father of their mother, but who was? Some evidence made the search easier…oral traditions gave some clue but might be wrong. The 1920 census revealed the family structure at the time of the birth, but other facts made the task more difficult–many candidates existed.

This presentation will show how logic, analysis and correlation solved this mystery by using information obtained from those who had already tested to narrow the field of candidates. Finally, targeted testing of a finite group of candidates revealed the father. Documentary evidence completes the puzzle. The GPS and the Genetic Code of Conduct guided the work.

This example illustrates that by using simple tools you can solve those near-ancestral questions and result in a typical problem well solved.

Jill Morelli will be the presenter.  Everyone is welcome.  Hope to see you there.

REMINDER FOR THE SGS MEMBERSHIP MEETING
AND 2ND SATURDAY SPEAKER PRESENTATION 

Join us, Saturday, March 10, for a short SGS membership business meeting at 1:00 pm. It will be followed by Claudia Breland’s presentation “Finding and Using Historic Newspapers” at 1:30 pm. Claudia is a professional genealogist, author, and lecturer.

SAVE THE DATES

Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State,
LDS Factoria Building,
4200 124th Ave SE,
Bellevue, WA
Monday, March 12, 2018
Doors open at 6:30 PM

JGSWA proudly presents  “Hidden Ones: A Veil of Memories” with Marcia Fine. If you’d like to bring any of her books along with you, Ms. Fine will be happy to autograph them.  Doors open at 6:30 PM.  Presentation will start promptly at 7:15 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Come early to network.  All are welcome to attend this free genealogy event.
For additional info : http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php

SEATTLE’S 2018 IRISH FESTIVAL,
Seattle Center Armory,
Seattle, WA
Saturday and Sunday, March 17 & 18, 2018
FREE admission both days

This year the festival is actually on St Patrick’s Day.  How fun will that be!  More info :
http://irishclub.org/irish-festival-seattle/

IRISH GENEALOGY SEMINAR,
Seattle Center Armory,
Seattle, WA
Sunday, March 18, 2018
9:30AM – 6:00PM  

You won’t want to miss speakers Finton Mullan and Gillian Hunt from the Ulster Historical Foundation, Belfast.  Registration and more details at :

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/irish-genealogy-seminar-tickets-42301967323?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_term=viewmyevent_button
          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. Note there will be no Irish or German Interest Group meeting in March due to the Irish Week festivities that same weekend. The SGS Library will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 1.

MARCH

Saturday, March 3, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Saturday, March 10, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, SGS Membership Meeting & Second Saturday Speaker Series, a short SGS business meeting will be followed by Claudia Breland presenting “Finding and Using Historic Newspapers”

Saturday, March 17, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, “Washington at War:  The Evergreen State in World War I”, presenter is Lorraine McConaghy, public historian, Humanities Speakers Bureau Program of Washington State

Saturday, March 24, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, “Finding a Father for Molly Using DNA” , presenter Jill Morelli. This presentation is featured above in this edition of the eNews!

Saturday, March 31, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, DNA SIG, this group meets at the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle. Co-chaired by Cary Bright and Herb McDaniel. For more information contact SGSDNASIG@gmail 

APRIL

Thursday, April 5, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 1, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 7, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Sunday, April 8, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson

Thursday, April 12, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 2, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 14, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Family Tree Maker (FTM) Users Group, leaders Reiley Kidd & Betty Ravenholt, this group meets  the second Saturday of every even month, FTM is the tool long associated with Ancestry.com

Saturday, April 14, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm,  Second Saturday Speaker Series, the speaker will be Janet Camarata

Wednesday, April 18, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Seattle Mac Genealogy SIG, Sponsored jointly by SGS, Fiske, and dBug, meets quarterly at Pioneer Hall at the Fiske Genealogical Library, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle. Contact Diane Hettrick at dhettrick@earthlink.net with questions.

Thursday, April 19, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 3, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 21, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, April 21, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Thursday, April 26, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 4, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.   

Patricia Manning 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.

Patricia McCann Manning

Today we’re introducing Patricia McCann Manning of Arlington, Washington, who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for her many years of service and support to the society.

Ms. Manning has held positions as secretary and treasurer with the SVGS and could always be counted on when needed – the hallmark of a true volunteer.

Extremely proud of her Alaskan family ties, Ms. Manning has allowed a number of her personal mementos to be on permanent display at the society’s library.

The Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society greatly appreciates Ms. Manning’s contribution for all that she has done for the genealogical community of Snohomish County. She thereby richly deserves the recognition of 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

Do you see the penny? The very un-shiny, battered up, old penny trying to hide in the grass and sticks? Can you guess my point in sharing this photo with you? 

Sometimes (perhaps every time!) we MUST look harder, longer, more carefully to see the clues that are right there before our eyes when doing our genealogy. The evidence is there (so is that penny) but can we see it? Can we find it? Only if we keep looking!!

Tuesday Trivia

by Charles Hansen

The Pennsylvania Dutch, which as “everybody” knows were not “Dutch” but German folks, had a droll sense of humor according to The Pennsylvania Dutch, by Fredric Klees, 1950. They loved bad riddles:

What kind of stones are found in water?    Wet ones.

On which side does a dog have most hair?  The outside.

Why do farmers build pigsties next to the barn? For the pigs.

Here’s the best one cited by the author:

What is as white as snow, as green as grass, as red as blood, and as black as a hat?   A black cherry!

 

If your ancestry includes Pennsylvania Dutch folks, this book is a must-read for background understanding.  (Found it on Amazon for $26.00.)

 

Janis Littlefield 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.

Janis Littlefield

Today we’re introducing Janis Littlefield of Richland, Washington, who was nominated by the Tri-City Genealogical Society (TCGS). She was recognized for commitment to advance the society’s technological presence and efficiency.

Ms. Littlefield is the webmaster for the Tri-City Genealogical Society’s website and is responsible for all TCGS digital records and archives. During the past year, she has volunteered hundreds of volunteer hours to the redevelopment and redesign of the society’s website, incorporating current technology and providing an online dues payment capability for both TCGS and WSGS submittals.

Ms. Littlefield’s unselfish dedication and willingness to share her talents for the good of the society illustrates that she richly deserved 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.

Monday Mystery

by Charles Hansen

We all want to know the answer to this mystery….. how to keep from growing old. Just ask Maxine…. she’ll give advice.

Beyond dear Maxine this list of “Ways To Keep From Growing Old” contains no mysteries:

  1. Don’t wear a seatbelt
  2. Do eat with your knife.
  3. Do talk back to a law officer.
  4. Don’t ever wash your hands.
  5. Do eat an exclusive McD’s diet.
  6. Don’t pay any attention to what’s happening around you…. walk on! drive on!
  7. Do step in front of a bus.
  8. Do take a dare and lay down on the railroad tracks.

Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) Spring Seminar

by Charles Hansen

Saturday, May 19, 2018 SGS Annual Spring Seminar

Family History: What the Future Holds by D.Joshua Taylor

The Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) invites you attend our Annual Spring Seminar featuring nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher, D. Joshua Taylor, M.A., M.L.S. The title of his lecture is: Family History: What the Future Holds. Glimpse the future of family history through changes in technology, research methods, and other community developments.

On Saturday, May 19, from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Fairview Christian School, 844 NE 78th Street, Seattle, WA. For more information visit: http://www.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/. Questions? Email: seminar@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society March Meeting

by Charles Hansen

 

 

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society’s Educational Program for the Month of March:

“Detours Around Irish Roadblocks and Stone Walls”

with Irish genealogy expert,

Steven W. Morrison

BURLINGTON — Irish genealogy research can be very challenging. Come learn from an expert on Irish research – professional genealogist, Steven W. Morrison, how to overcome those “roadblocks and stone walls.” Steven will share in this beginner level presentation the top 10 challenges and how to work-around them. The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society offers educational programs on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 1-3 pm at the Burlington Senior Center (enter on the east side of the building), 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington. This special lecturer program on Sat., March 10 is offered free to both SVGS members and to first time visitors. Email: genealogy0715@gmail.com or visit www.skagitvalleygenealogy.org for details.