Friday Serendipity

by Charles Hansen

Throughout all our years of school, whenever we looked at a map of the world, be it huge on the wall or small in a book, it was always oriented the same. North Pole was up. Always. But are all maps that way??

This is kinda fuzzy but you will get the idea. On our recent trip to New Zealand, I spotted this big map on the wall at a resort. And it stopped me in my tracks! I’d never seen a map like this with the North Pole at the bottom. Have you ever seen a map like this? And if you’re a “map-o-phile” you will love it.

Google “upside down map” and you’ll find a clearer, better image and you can even order one for your own collection. (Russia is how many times the size of America????)

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News

by Charles Hansen

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s

Thursday Evening

E-News, Edition

22 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 Star – Nanci Remington
 

Nanci deserves recognition for again doing a splendid job of organizing GFO’s Open House.

She arranged the speakers, kept the calendar, managed the handouts, taught classes, and this year, she filled in for speakers who had to cancel – one at the last minute.

She is a Research Assistant, co-chairs the Manuscript Committee, writes many articles for the Bulletin, and she is the one to answer most of the messages sent to info@gfo.org.

Thank you, Nanci, for all you do for the GFO!

Don’t Miss GFO’s Spring Seminar!
 

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 Me Up

Continue reading →

Heraldry Learning Offer !

by Charles Hansen

Dear Family Historians,

Janette and I are long-standing members of the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society and over the years we have compiled seven books on the history of our families.  One of those books dealt with the heraldry of my ancestors.

Recently I prepared a presentation on what I learned about heraldry at one of our society’s annual workshops.  The focus of this presentation was, of course, all about heraldry, but also how the genealogist/family historian might be able to use heraldry to learn more about their ancestors.  I use many examples from a ten-year search of my ancestors’ crests and coats of arms and what the many images, forms, and colors mean.

We are offering to share this presentation with other family history/genealogy-based societies and groups.  It is easily one hour or longer in length depending on interest and questions and I bring along our own overhead projector.

We are willing to travel up to 200 miles from Spokane to share information on this exciting topic and there is no fee.   A two-page summary is provided on request.

Please contact me if there is interest.

Anthony (Tony) Birch

12230 S. Gwendolyn Lane

Cheney, WA 99004-8533

509-448-4847

da3mj4@gmail.com

Yakima Valley Genealogy Society Spring Seminar

by Charles Hansen

The Yakima Valley Genealogy Society is holding its annual Spring Seminar Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Mt. Olive Church, 7809 Tieton Drive in Yakima. Registration information is available on line. The seminar will feature noted genealogist Thomas W. Jones. His presentation topics will be Finding Unfindable Ancestors, Five Proven Techniques for Finding Your Ancestor’s European Origin, Five Ways to Prove Who Your Ancestor Was, Solving the Mystery of the Disappearing ancestor. Cost is $40.00 for YVGS Members or $45.00 for non members or on-site registration 8:30 – 9:am. Lunch will be included. See the YVGS website for form. Call 509-248-1328 for further information.

Tri-City Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TCGS has a new way for members to ask questions about general genealogical topics.  If you have a general question or topic of interest that you would like to see addressed there are a couple ways to submit it.  At our monthly meetings a container and note cards will be placed in the back of the room.  Simply write your question on the card and put it in the box.  If you would like a direct reply, please put your name and contact information on the card.  You can also submit by sending an email to tcgseducation@gmail.com.  (Read the blog article for more details.)

Today’s question:

“How do I get a legal birth certificate when an adoption was sealed?  I have proof that both the biological and adoptive parents are deceased?”

Click on the link at the top of the email to read more…
Heather Murphy
TCGS Education Chair

Conference & Seminar Opportunities Abound

by Roxanne Lowe

A bounty of local and regional workshops, seminars and conferences are coming to an area near you in the coming months. What great opportunities! There’s no better way to learn (or refresh!) new information, network with like-minded enthusiasts, share ideas and resources, get answers to your questions — and maybe break down one (or more!) of your brick walls.

The WSGS “Meetings and Events” page lists local genealogical society meetings, special events, conferences, seminars and more. (Local societies: we’d love to publicize your meetings and events! Email us at WSGSBlog@wasgs.org.) Here are a few upcoming conferences and seminars in the area. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend!

 

Bea Ritter 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.

Bea Ritter

Today we’re introducing Beatrice “Bea” Ritter of Vancouver, Washington, who was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). She was recognized for commitment to the satisfaction of the society’s members.

The Clark County Genealogical Society has been greatly improved by the efforts of long-time member Bea Ritter. She joined the CCGS in 1998 and has served in various leadership capacities since then. Over the past four years she has ably served as the society’s vice president. In 2015, the position of membership chair became vacant and Ms. Ritter graciously volunteered to fill in. Her efforts immediately resulted in a significant increase in member retention and new member satisfaction.

The strength of the Clark County Genealogical Society rises and falls with its membership and Ms. Ritter has made a mighty contribution to the society’s well-being. As such, she greatly deserved being a 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer.

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

Last summer Cheryl Elder, Maureen MacDonald and I spent four wonderful delightful days at the Fiske Genealogy Library under the helpful hands of Gary Zimmerman. One of the things he offered to us was a tour of the upper floors of the Fiske Library building…….where the various pioneer organizations house their treasures. These photo are of things in that upstairs museum room:

Did you ever (or, lucky you, do you today) get to sleep in a bed like this? Keep in mind that while it’s huge and grand, it’s only a small-ish double bed. Bet you wouldn’t like that.

Share your memories of “Grandma’s Feather Bed?”  (Thank you, John Denver.)

Tri-City Genealogical Society Family History Discovery Day

by Charles Hansen

Family History Discovery Day – Free Workshop on Genealogy
 
March 24th: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
LDS Church on Jadwin Street in Richland next to the Diary Queen and across Uptown Richland or behind the Family History Center
9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Opening Session – Keynote Speaker (Be a Part of the Miracles)
Workshops:
9:40 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.
DNA: A Taste of Genetic Genealogy by Margie Beldin
                               or
Uploading Memories by Aaron Allen
10:30 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.
Amazing Resources at the Family History Center by Richard Allen
                              or
We’ve Only Just Begun – For Beginners by John Dearing
11:20 a.m. to Noon
Writing Stories & Personal Histories by Maureen Briscoe
                              or
Fun & Engaging Ideas to Involve Family in Family History by Kristie McShane
Note that TCGS will have a table/display in the Gym along with other displays. There will be a Coaches Corner for individual help and one on one teaching concerning descendancy.
(If you would like to volunteer at our booth for 30 minutes, an hour or more, please let me know.  Our table will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Art Kelly (summerfest.44@gmail.com or 943-9322)