JEFFERSON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MAY MEETING

by Charles Hansen

 

JEFFERSON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

PO Box 627

Port Townsend, WA 98368

Contact for this release: Judy Tough 385-3065 or tough@olympus.net

FOR RELEASE: MAY 12 – 19, 2017

MAKING SENSE OF SUPPLEMENTAL CENSUSES

Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS) has invited Professional Genealogist, Janet Camarata, to be their speaker at their monthly meeting on Saturday morning May 20, 9:30 – 11:30 at the Tri-Area Community Center, 10 W. Valley Rd, Chimacum. The public is invited; donations are gratefully accepted. Janet’s topic “Making Sense of the Supplemental Censuses” will acquaint us with the many census collections such as agriculture, manufacturing, slave schedules, veterans, social statistics, etc that the U.S. government has collected over the years. Learn what is available, where to find them in Ancestry, Family Search, and the National Archives and how to build a personal guidebook for help in reading and understanding each census. For more information www.wajcgs.org

Janet Camarata is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and is an experienced instructor having taught for many years in the workplace and at the University of Phoenix. She is a popular presenter at genealogy societies, libraries, museums and conferences across Washington state.

 

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Wednesday Evening E-News

by Charles Hansen

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Wednesday Evening E-News 3 May 2017

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!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for February 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
We’ve recently received a lot of questions from our wonderful members asking when their membership expires and how they can track this.

In response, we’re now providing your membership information right here with our weekly e-news blasts. If you want to forward our weekly e-news blasts to a friend, you can also delete your personal information before forwarding the message.

Continue reading →

Nancy Bonafede Named Region 1 North Representative

by Roxanne Lowe

Nancy Bonafede

Nancy Bonafede of Sedro Woolley has been appointed the WSGS Representative for Region 1 North by President Virginia Majewski. Nancy has been a member of Skagit Valley Genealogical Society for more than 10 years. She has also been the volunteer coordinator for the library collection at the Burlington library.

Region 1 North includes Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan Counties and parts of Island and Snohomish Counties. There is still a vacancy for Region 1 South which includes parts of Island and Snohomish Counties. For more information about the responsibilities of the Regional Representative, click here.

Nancy will be featured in a future “Meet the Board” story. Welcome to the Board, Nancy!

Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society May Meeting

by Charles Hansen

For Immediate Release
  The Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS) will meet Friday, May 19, 2017, at the LDS church on Bainbridge Island, 8677 Madison Ave, from 10:00a.m. – 12 noon. Guest speaker, Janice C. Lovelace, Ph.D. Will be speaking on “Beyond Online: Beginning Court House Research.” Ms. Lovelace is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society, and the Seattle Genealogical Society. 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.
                                                           ####
Thank you!
Sue Elfving
Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society
Director of Publicity and Public RelationsM

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –   Elephind,
 the Search Engine for Historical Newspapers

Many genealogist love the Library of Congress –  Chronicling America – historical, digitized newspapers website, but have you heard of Elephind.com? Their goal is to search all the world’s digitized, historical newspapers from one place at one time; it’s similar to the idea behind Travelocity.com with the airline industry.

Elephind currently is at about 175 million items from over 3,300 newspaper titles worldwide. That is more than 10 fold what you will find at Chronicling America.  In fact, Chronicling America is one of the sites Elephind has covered. Also like Chronicling America, Elephind is adding volume almost daily.

At the website  www.elephind.com ,  start with the Search Tips.

The “proximity search” is particularly useful.  An example, using this syntax  “Jane Doe”~4 in Search will find for you :
•Jane Doe
•Jane E Doe
•Jane Elizabeth Doe
•Elizabeth Jane Smith, nee Doe

But it will exclude something like “Jane and Sally found a young, frightened doe in the woods”.

Elephind.com will be a good addition to your arsenal of historical newspapers websites and someday it might become the only one you will ever need.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

DEB KLEIN, VOLUNTEER OF THE SPRING QUARTER

Deb Klein, the editor of our indispensable SGS eNews! has been named the Volunteer of the Spring Quarter. Her role demands familiarity with all that is happening in the society so that the rest of us stay up to date.

Deb says that she had driven by SGS for years, but it was a conversation with her neighbor’s mother that prompted her to join.  As a self proclaimed genealogy junkie, addicted to the thrill of the hunt, the classes and special interest groups sounded like something she would enjoy.

In answer to how she happened to get involved, Deb responded, “I wanted to volunteer to help out at SGS, but my part-time, sporadic work schedule prevented me from being able to commit to a set routine.  Reiley Kidd had a full plate and wanted to be relieved of publishing the eNews! As a former programmer/analyst, I had the technology experience, the hours were flexible, and I could work remotely; all this made for a good fit.”

Deb reports that she has always been a bit of a history buff, but never was into genealogy.  “In 2011”,   she notes, “I was reading Nathaniel Philbrick’s book Mayflower, and there were a few paragraphs on Major John Talcott, ‘Indian Fighter’. Hey!, I said to myself, Maybe that story Grandpa Talcott told me about our family coming to America in colonial times had some truth to it. The next week Ancestry had a free weekend promotion and I was easily able to trace my Talcott ancestors through the census back to 1860. Then I found the e-book Talcott Pedigree in England and America from 1558 to 1876. Eureka! What a gift. The family is far more interesting than I ever imagined. We arrived in Newtowne, MA in 1632 and in 1636 traveled with Reverend Hooker’s party to found Hartford, CT.  Equally as easily,  I traced my Acton family branch back to colonial Maryland. Oh, and here’s a fun fact; my 10 times great-grandfather, William Pynchon, wrote one of the first book banned in the New World.”

Researching other branches has come harder for Deb than researching those colonial lines. Her Irish and Swiss ancestors that immigrated during the 1800’s have managed to keep their lives before America a mystery.  Deb says that she would be thrilled to be able to break through one of these brick walls. “In this quest, I’ve signed up for the webinar version of the Western European Family History Conference coming up in May; I’m taking the classes focused on research for Switzerland.” We wish Deb success in this research venture, and we thank her for serving as the editor of SGS eNews!.

DON’T MISS THE 2017 SPRING SEMINAR
“VOICES FROM THE PAST”
Featuring Lisa Alzo,
International Lecturer & Freelance Writer

Topics for the 4 workshops are:
•Diseases, Disasters, Distress: Bad for Your Ancestors, Good for Genealogy!
•Writing Your Family History Step-by-Step
•Silent Voices: Telling the Stories of Your Female Immigrant Ancestors
•Make Those Skeletons Dance: Exploring Your Family’s Dark Side

For more information and online registration: http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/2017-spring-seminar

Help Needed the Day of the Seminar, May 20th
 

Needed –  someone to take photos
Needed –  someone to fill the snack trays for breaks
Needed –  help with set-up, hanging signs, directing parking, and directing people to the registration desk

If you can help, please email Sandra Stark at :
seminar@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

SGS 2017 ELECTION RESULTS

The 2017 SGS election has concluded.  The Election Committee has met and tabulated the votes. Ballots were mailed to 445 SGS members at the end of March; 134 ballots were returned, representing a turnout of 30%.

The following candidates, all running unopposed, were elected:
President: Jill Morelli

Secretary: Amandalei Bennett
Treasurer: Karen Knudson
Director of Education: Karin Borgerson
Director of Library: Ann Wright
Director of Membership: Christine Schomaker
Director of Operations: Lynne DeMerritt
Director of Publications: Julia Marconi
Nominating Committee: Siri Nelson and David Rimmer
Congratulations to all these candidates!  We wish them great success!!

Both Bylaws revisions that had been recommended by the Board passed handily, with more than 90% of votes cast.

We were unable to find any candidates for three offices (Vice President, Director of Technology and Director of Volunteers) and for 3 more members of the Nominating Committee.  Several individuals received write-in votes for each of these positions; these names will be turned over to the Nominating Committee.  The NC will contact each one, to see if they are willing to serve, and if so, will recommend them to the Board of Directors.

Thanks also to the Election Committee – John Harley, Trish Howell, and Lisa Oberg for their work during this election!

IS YOUR SGS MEMBERSHIP CURRENT?

Ballots were mailed on March 30 to all 445 current members of SGS.  If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that your membership is current, please email the membership director at: membership@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org
It may be we do not have your correct mailing address, or possibly your membership has lapsed.

The SGS eNews! goes out to nearly 800 individuals –  members, former members, and non-members alike.  We do not purge former members from the distribution list; therefore, the fact that you are receiving it does not mean that your membership is current.

SAVE THE DATES

Seattle Genealogical Society Spring Seminar,
 “Voices from the Past” with Lisa Alzo,
 Fairview Christian Church
 844 NE 78th St
 Seattle, WA
 Saturday, May 20, 2017   9am – 4pm

Doors open at 8am – welcome at 9am. Did you receive the brochure in the mail? Registration and further information also available online at www.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS),
 2017 Conference –  “Building Bridges to the Past”,
Pittsburgh, PA
 August 30 – September 2

Ready for a road trip? This conference is open to anyone with an interest in family history.  FGS is teaming up with the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society to put on this four day events.  There will be various tracks to suit the individual researcher; beginner to experienced.

For more info visit :  fgs.org

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. The library will be closed May 14 for Mother’s Day and May 27-29 for Memorial Day.

MAY

Tuesday, May 2, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Saturday, May 6, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian SIG, David Robert, leader
Saturday, May 6, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this new special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch

Sunday, May 7, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 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, May 13, 10:15am – 12:15 pm, Irish Interest Group, with Jean Roth, an open session on Irish research using old and new resources

Saturday, May 13, 1:00 pm  – 3:00 pm, German Interest Group, with Jean Roth, an open session on German research using old and new resources

Tuesday, May 16, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, DNA FOCUS, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Friday, May 19, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Beginning Genealogy, Want to learn how to get your genealogy project going? Linda Fitzgerald, a past president of SGS,  will be presenting her “Beginning Genealogy Class”. Add it to your calendar.  Invite a friend.

Saturday, May 20, 9:00 am  – 4:00 pm, SGS Spring Seminar “Voices from the Past”, featuring: Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A., a freelance writer, instructor, and internationally recognized lecturer. At Fairview Christian School, 844 NE 78th Street,Seattle, WA  Doors open at 8:00 a.m. – Welcome at 9:00 a.m.

JUNE

Saturday, June 3, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, Annual SGS Membership Meeting

Sunday, June 4, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 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.

Tuesday, June 6, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Saturday, June 10, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this new special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.

Sunday, June 11, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Scandinavian Interest Group, Leader: Karen Knudson

Tuesday’s Trivia

by Charles Hansen

John Fiske came to the Pacific Northwest in 1892 as an invited speaker (forgot to note where) and was quoted as saying, “One thing about the Pacific coast condemns it fatally for me….. the beer is poor.”  Poor soul.

Did your Washington ancestors perchance live in Ruby? Conconully? Loomis? These were mining towns in Okanogan County in the 1886-1920 era. It’s not enough to know where your ancestors settled but why they settled where they did.

Researching in Illinois or Missouri? The St.Louis Public Library has a dandy genealogy collection and a great website for help. Click to www.slpl.org and then “genealogy.”

Are you a birdwatcher? How about a bluebird watcher? You’re in luck for Bickleton, Washington, is said to be the Bluebird Capitol of the world. Back in the 1960s, Jess and Elva Brinkerhoff started putting up bluebird houses in and around their little town and now Bickleton is “the place” to go to see more bluebird than you can count! Google it for more information.

Monday’s Mystery

by Charles Hansen

 

Who remembers driving across the brand new Tacoma Narrows Bridge? You could have between (     ) when it opened and (      ) when it came crashing down due to high winds. What were those dates? (YouTube video of this is still amazing to watch.)

And a WSGS cupcake to Lora Rose of Colville for knowing that the boundary between the U.S. and Canada was set at the 49th parallel “in the mid-1800s” she said; it was actually in June 1856. Enjoy, Lora, and thanks for participating!

 

Like Dirty Socks, Cancer Stinks!

by Roxanne Lowe

Kim Wyman

“Like dirty socks, cancer stinks!” Those are the words written on one of the nearly 100 paper socks sent to Kim Wyman, Washington’s Secretary of State who is undergoing treatment for colon cancer. Her latest update is available here.

To show support and encouragement, Kim suggested that people take a photo of their silly socks and post it on her Facebook page with the hashtag #wymanrocksthesocks. Because Kim is such a good friend to our genealogy community, WSGS decided to take it one step further, asking its members to sign a paper sock and send it to her to show how much we care.

We’re encouraging you to take a photo of you in your silliest socks and post it on social media (don’t forget the hashtag #wymanrocksthesocks). OR you can e-mail a photo of your socks to kim.wyman@sos.wa.gov for posting in their online gallery.

The Secretary of State’s office oversees a number of areas within state government, including elections, the State Library and the State Archives.

#Wymanrocksthesocks

WHATCOM GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Meeting

by Charles Hansen

WHATCOM GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY meeting Monday, May 8, 2017, 2 pm, Bellingham Elks Lodge, 710 Samish Way.  “DNA: Your Next Steps” with WGS member Judith Culver. Whether you are deciding whether to test or looking to go deeper in the study of DNA, this is for you. There is a detailed handout about DNA, including basic genetic facts, description of tests with recommendations, tips for using test results and third-party software, and a bibliography.   Visitors welcome.  Contact:  360-733-8300.