German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society Meeting

by Charles Hansen

The German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS) will meet on Friday, February 2, 2018, from 1 to 3 pm in the Relief Society Room of the LDS 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: Learn about a major website used by genealogists in Germany —  It has various databases and features but they were all originally written in the German language with a few English language options. There’s Historic Geo Information, some Local Heritage Books, Regional Portals, Meta search, User Contributed Family Trees, and much more. Come learn about this exciting website and the easiest ways to translate the German language on those web pages.

Speaker: Dorothy Pretare started collecting family history in 1995 and is active in 2 local genealogical societies, leader of the EGS German Interest Group and a member of 2 societies in Minnesota.  In 2008, she visited her ancestral villages in old East Germany and present day Poland.

  

For more information, kindly visit our website here.  

Clark County Genealogical Society January Events

by Charles Hansen

Graphic-YOUR STORY, YOUR BOOK

Thursdays: Jan 25, Feb 1 & 8-10-noon; Feb 15-12-2 pm

Beginning Thursday, January 25, there will be a four-week workshop session at CCGS called, Your Story, Your Book. Each two-hour weekly class will focus on a different topic. By the end of the fourth session students will have learned everything from the fundamentals of gathering and writing content, editing and proofing, formatting a book for publishing, and getting your book printed for approximately $2.50/each. Cost is $48 for members and $60 for non-members. Call to register at 360-750-5688.

QUALITY, TIME AND COMPLETION: DEVELOPING A RESEARCH PLAN (PART ONE) WEBINAR

Wed, 10 Jan 2018: 5-6:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

This Legacy Family Tree webinar session will focus on the effort to balance time, quality and completion of a research project. The first segment will look at the process from research concept to logistics including the conflicting issues between the researcher and previous research. This will include the movement from basic data collection, evaluation and analysis to the development of a direction and specific actions.

Graphic-“FIND YOUR SCANDINAVIAN ROOTS” FOCUS GROUP

Thu, 11 Jan 2018: 10:30 am to 12 pm

CCGS Education Center

Clark County Genealogical Society and Focus Group member, Kay Cooke, will talk about walking in the footsteps of her Norwegian and Swedish ancestors during the summer of 2017. She will touch on the genealogy research conducted, the extensive help received via the internet and from friends and family, and the route traveled in the scenic lands of her roots.

 

FULL CIRCLE: TRACING THE DESCENDANTS OF A SLAVEHOLDING ANCESTOR WEBINAR

Fri, 12 Jan 2018: 11 am to 12:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

Descendants of former slaveholders come from all walks of life. DNA and renewed interest in family history research continue to unearth this phenomena for thousands of people every day. In this Legacy Family Tree Webinar, learn how to confirm slaveholding ancestors and the tools needed to trace and identify living descendants of their formerly enslaved.

 

FINDING THOMAS’ FATHER: AN 18TH CENTURY PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA CASE STUDY WEBINAR

Tues, 16 Jan 2018: 5-6:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

Thomas Stone left few records when he died in 1791 in Prince William County, Virginia. No document or reference names his parentage. Finding Thomas’s father took thirty years. Using indirect evidence and helped by technological advances, Thomas’s father has been found. Land records make the case. This Legacy Family Tree webinar demonstrates the process of creating a proof argument to identify Thomas’s father.

 

INTRODUCING THE GENI WORLD FAMILY TREE WEBINAR

Wed, 17 Jan 2018: 11 am – 12:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

Geni is the best platform for collaborative genealogy, which makes it absolutely the best place to build your family tree. In this Legacy Family Tree Webinar, you’ll learn how to take your genealogy to the next level using Geni’s unique tools.

Graphic-GENEALOGY ENTHUSIASTS GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Tue, Jan 23, 2017:  10 am to noon

CCGS Education Center

If you interested in genealogy, come to the Clark County Genealogical Society’s (CCGS) monthly membership meeting. The program is “Paper and Spit,” the title of Don Anderson’s 2017 book about his journey to find his birth parents. Born in Oregon during the era of sealed adoption records, Don started his journey knowing very little. Follow along as this engaging and energetic speaker describes the process that he used to discover his first parents, utilizing a combination of traditional genealogy and DNA. Learn what to say when making first contact with newly discovered relatives.

 

FINDING JAMESTOWN ANCESTORS WEBINAR

Wed, 24 Jan 2018: 11 am – 12:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

Explore numerous sources that can further genealogical research to help individuals identify a qualifying ancestor in order to join the Jamestown Society. This Legacy Family Tree Webinar covers planning research, finding source documents, helpful websites, business records, and common research pitfalls in genealogical research and how to avoid them.

 

Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS) January Meeting

by Charles Hansen

  The Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS) will meet Friday, Jan 19, 2018, at the Bainbridge Island Public Library, 1270 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, from 10:00a.m. – 12 noon. Presented by BIGS Members, the topic is  “Arriving in America: Passenger Lists and Ports of Arrival from Colonial Times to the Present”. Free to members, a $5.00 donation is suggested for nonmembers. For more information go to http://www.bigenealogy.org or call 206-780-8009. BIGS is a 501c(3) non-profit organization.

Monday Mystery

by Charles Hansen

What’s the biggest event predicted for 2018? Now THAT’s a mystery!

According to Baba Vanga (1911-1996) a blind mystic living in the Balkans who made predictions far into the future and many of her predictions did come forth. One of her predictions for 2018 is that “a new form of energy” will be discovered on Venus. So who believes her??? Tiz a mystery!

Federation of Genealogical Societies January Webinar

by Charles Hansen
The Federation of Genealogical Societies is ringing in the 2018 Webinar Series with, “An Unlikely Society Ally – the Board of Tourism,” presented by David E. Rencher:
Nearly every community has a Board of Tourism whose purpose is to attract visitors to come to their locality and spend money! Genealogists have an incredible key to generating revenue and thus tax dollars for their community. If you want to get community support and visibility for your society – dangle the money in front of the city council. This is also a perfect way to grow your society and get you noticed locally and nationally. Spend an hour learning about an aspect of marketing your society that you may not have considered!
David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS, is the Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. He has been a professional genealogist since 1977 and is a past president of FGS.
This webinar will be held on January 18, 1018 at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, and will be recorded for viewing on the FGS website shortly after its conclusion. Please register in advance.

NEXT TIME: Amy Johnson Crow will present “Breaking Out of the Box: Creative Thinking for Your Society,” on February 15, 2018 – register today!
About the Webinar Series
Each month, the FGS Webinar Series will feature a new and interesting topic, ranging from recruitment and volunteer management to technology, publications, and working with your local tourism board.
Webinars are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Advance registration is required. Regular updates will be shared via the FGS Voice blog, FGS Voice Newsletter, and social media.

Speakers interested in presenting topics should contact Jen Baldwin, Education Chair, at education@fgs.org.
Are you looking for a rewarding and beneficial way to volunteer? The Education Committee at FGS could use your expertise. Please contact Jen Baldwin at education@fgs.org

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Wednesday Evening E-News

by Charles Hansen

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s

Wednesday Evening

E-News, Edition

3 January 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 January 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 Stars for January 2018 – German SIG Members

 

Continue reading →

Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society January Meeting

by Charles Hansen

This month’s presentation is entitled, “I’ve Had My DNA Tested, Now What?” and will be given by Mary Kathryn Kozy

 The lecture will briefly review what DNA testing is and what it can—and can’t—tell you. More specifically, we’ll be discussing autosomal DNA in this lecture and the tools available online from the testing companies, as well as third-party entities, to help you interpret your results. Mary has been researching her family history for over 35 years and in many localities. She has served in multiple positions in societies on the local & state level and currently serves on the board of the Jewish Genealogical Society of WA State & as an LDS Family History missionary. She holds bachelor’s degrees from UW in both Zoology and Information Technology & Systems and has completed three certificate programs with the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She has also completed the ProGen program with an eye toward certification as a professional genealogist.
The meeting will take place at 1 pm on Tuesday, January 9th at the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society Library, 6111 188th Pl. NE, Arlington, WA. The presentation is free and open to the public and our general meeting will follow. We hope you will join us.

Tri-City Genealogical Society January Meeting

by Charles Hansen

TCGS Social Media Websites:
Genealogy Book Sale: We plan to resume our genealogy book sale at the Jan 10th meeting. For purchases, we ask that you either write a check or bring one dollar bills as we will not have any money to provide change for you.  Also, if you have any genealogical books/magazines and related history books that you would like to donate, this would be wonderful. Please be advised that we may want to give priority to such books for inclusion in the TCGS Library.
TCGS Board Meetings:
Members are encouraged to attend the TCGS Board Meetings which are held on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Richland Family History Center.
Membership Renewal Dues:
Today is the last day to take advantage of the special 2018 membership renewal dues discount. Please consider doing this today online if you haven’t done so already. Visit our website for this transaction:
To renew your membership, login and visit the My Profile.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –
FamilySearch.org Affiliate Libraries

In the last issue of the eNews! we reported that as of December 13, 2017, patrons visiting FamilySearch.org need an account and need to login. In this issue we’re going to explain the different meaning of these two camera icons used at FamilySearch.org and when you need to visit a Family History Center or a FamilySearch Affiliate Library:

When you search historical records or the catalog at FamilySearch.org you may see one of these two similar looking, camera icons. They have totally different meanings.

The first icon, a camera alone, means there is a digital image available. You can click on it and view this image even from your personal computer, in the comfort of your home. Wonderful.

The second icon, the camera with a key over it, means access is restricted to these images and you must do one of the following:

  • Access the images from a Family History Center computer
  • Access the images from a FamilySearch affiliate library

An affiliate library will have access to nearly everything a Family History Center does. There are 3 affiliate libraries in the greater Seattle area and you may prefer to visit one of these, instead of a Family History Center, for the convenience of its location, or for its extended hours.

If you are far north of Seattle, the Snohomish Library in Snohomish, WA is an affiliate library with 40+ computers available and the reputation of having a very, helpful staff.

In South Seattle, the Northwest African American Museum is another affiliate library. They have two computers for your use. The computers are in the free area; no need to pay the museum entrance fee. Right now they are doing some updating, so hold off on your visit until the middle of January.

Last, but not least, is the Seattle Public Library. While you can access FamilySearch.org from any of the internet workstation computers in the library, the staff in the genealogy section, on the 9th floor of the downtown central library suggest you, as a newcomer to the process, come up and use one of their 5 computers. They are experienced FamilySearch users, and will be glad to help you navigate the slightly more complex login process. Don’t forget you will need your library card number, your library card password, your FamilySearch.org user name and FamilySearch user password.

No matter what affiliate library or Family History Center you use, don’t forget a USB thumb drive/flash drive with plenty of space. You will want to download copies of all those documents you are going to find.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

NEW MEMBERS ON THE SGS BOARD

SGS has found two new board members to fill vacancies. Sue De Laat is the new technology officer and Heidi Mair is the new volunteer coordinator.

Sue recently retired as IT manager for King County. She has 40 years of experience in the tech field.  She is a graduate of the UW Certificate in Genealogy and Family History program and is currently working toward becoming a nationally certified genealogist.

Heidi has been doing genealogy since she was 14 years old. It has been a lifelong passion. She has an extensive background in non-profits, specifically in volunteer coordination.  She, too, is a graduate of the UW Certificate in Genealogy and Family History program. She also teaches yoga.

Heidi Mair’s contact at SGS is volunteers@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org  and
Sue De Laat’s is technology@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

Welcome, ladies.  Good to have you on board.

WHAT TO THINK ABOUT
BEFORE YOU SHARE YOUR DNA

Several SGS members are recommending you read and understand these informative articles by Judy G Russell, the Legal Genealogist, before you upload your raw DNA to Prothease or any websites offering to provide reports and glean genetic health information from your DNA.

Will the genetic health Information drawn from your DNA be fun, fact, or fiction? It’s safe to say it’s probably going to be interesting and fun, but how much credence can you give it?  What does it really mean? They do tell you the report is for educational and research purposes only, and it is important to remember it is not a medical diagnosis.

You should understand the implications of sharing your DNA. Always carefully read the agreement, privacy policy, and terms and conditions. Do your homework. These articles by Judy G Russell are a good place to start.

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2017/12/10/promethease-promotion/

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2016/11/20/that-other-health-option/

THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT

In the spring of 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act passed by Congress was the first law restricting immigration. This act provided an absolute 10-year moratorium on Chinese labor immigration. In 1892, it was extended. And in 1902, made permanent.  It was not repealed until 1943.

Documents, records of individual case files, and Certificates of Residence housed in the National Archives detail the individual stories resulting from this and subsequent legislation. Very detailed stories!  On Saturday, January 13, at 1 pm, Trish Nicola of NARA will speak on this fascinating subject at our Second Saturday Speaker Series.

Come learn more about it.

SAVE THE DATE 

Family History Fanatics,
eConference,
“Finding Family Stories and Passing Them On”,
January 19th at 8:45 am Central Time. 

Speakers will be Randy Seaver, Eric Wells, Victoria Woo and Tammy Hepps. Participants will learn about how to find, preserve, and share their family stories.  Five hours of interactive instruction for the early bird price of $19.99 through January 10th, and $24.99 thereafter. More details and registration can be found at: https://www.familyhistoryfanatics.com/jan2018. Feel free to let any of your friends or family know about this eConference.

          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.

JANUARY 

Saturday, January 6, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch

Saturday, January 13, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Second Saturday Speaker Series, “Chinese Exclusion Act Files – Original Documents at NARA” will be presented by Trish Nicola

Sunday, January 14, 1:30pm – 3:00pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson; there will be a review of online cemetery sites similar to Find-a-Grave.

Saturday, January 20, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, January 20, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Saturday, January 27, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, DNA SIG, this group meets at the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle. For more information contact SGSDNASIG@gmail.com Co-chaired by Cary Bright and Herb McDaniel.

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 3, 10:15am – 12:15pm, 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, February 4, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, DNA Workshop, Led by Cary Bright with first hour on a specific topic, and the second hour open for sharing DNA issues with focus on GenomeMate Pro.

Saturday, February 10, 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, February10 , 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Second Saturday Speaker Series, “Using Academic Libraries for genealogy Research” with Lisa Oberg

Sunday, February 11, 1:30pm – 3:00pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson. Jill Morelli will give her talk “Finding your Nordic Parish of Birth” & be available for questions following the presentation.

Saturday, February 17, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, February 17, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth