Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Chat July 2025

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat Meeting
Tuesday, July 15, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom

Please join us and let’s chat!

Discussion starter topic: Open Discussion- Idea Sharing

This is a monthly opportunity to connect with others and talk about anything and everything genealogical. The value of this meeting increases with the participation of each person that attends and contributes to the conversations. This is your chance to celebrate the breaking down of a brick wall in your research, or ask questions of others that can help you find records or relatives. Everyone, members and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate.

Meeting invite with links in file attached below.

Date & Time: Every month on the Third Tue, from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM Pacific Time

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMldOCprTsqGtSoVglOBTElUaBRgTq5IEgI/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvpjgjG9eVsBmHRpwEGojCXevztmJfjbdukyniDw9xVib6A-NgALVLAY35

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87839130000?pwd=dGdHY2wrZ0d1bDNRTEQ4Uk15OVk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000
Passcode: 836216

One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US
+12532158782,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:
        +1 253 205 0468 US
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000
Passcode: 836216

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdesX0el3t

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society The Celtic Arts Foundation Genealogy 101

by Charles Hansen



Have you always wanted to do your genealogy but did not know where to start? The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society has the class for you…SVGS, in conjunction with the Celtic Arts Foundation, presents Genealogy 101, a two-hour course on the basics of family history research, Saturday July 26, 2025. Choose either the morning (9-11am) or afternoon (1-3pm) class. This is SVGS’s 2025 fundraiser, tickets are $15, go to https://www.celticarts.org/event/genealogy-101 for tickets. 

Let’s Talk About: Flower Symbolism

by Donna Phillips

Since time immemorial, flower symbolism has been used to private correspondence and expressing unspoken feelings. People became especially fascinated by flower symbolism during the Victorian Era and books explaining “flower language” were nearly as common as the Bible in Victorian homes. Here are some common meanings of flowers:

        Daisy – new beginnings

        Sunflower – adoration, loyalty

        Iris – faith, trust, wisdom, hope

        Zinnia – thoughts of absent friends

        Rose – joy, happiness, love

        Poppy – remembrance of fallen soldiers

How about our Washington lilac?

For a complete list, go to Wikipedia, “list of plants with symbolism.” 

Heritage Quest Research Library Genealogical Records Found in New England States

by Charles Hansen
Genealogical Records Found in New England States
New England is the oldest distinguished region in the United States.  Because if its long history, many records are available to trace your New England roots.  Genealogist Jennifer Warner will show you research recourses and methodology to find information on your ancestors.  Jennifer Warner has worked in both public and special libraries from 1990-2019, most recently as a reference librarian from 2001-2019.  She has also been doing genealogy for over 42 years.  She has been the editor of a Civil War Roundtable Newsletter for over 12 years. Jennifer has been active and continues to participate in many genealogical and lineage societies including the Du Page County Historical Museum.  She loves helping people learn about their heritage.  When: 
Thursday, July 10, 2025
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where:
ZOOM and limited in-person (8)

Cost:
$20 members
$25 non-members Sign-up and Payment:
ZOOM
Go to hqrl.com and click on the HQRL Store
(sign-in as a member to receive the discount)
In-Person (8 only)
Call HQRL at 253-863-1806
or come into the library at 
2102 E Main, Ste 105
Puyallup, WA 98372 Introducing American Ancestors
Mark your calendars for July 24th. 
Coming SOON!
Claire Vail will introduce us to AMERICAN ANCESTORS.
The who, what, where and how American Ancestors can help you with your genealogical research.  
Copyright © 2025 Heritage Quest Research

John Hughes To Talk About Latest Book

by Roxanne Lowe

The Grays Harbor Genealogical Society is hosting local favorite John Hughes at their next meeting, Saturday July 12, 2025. The program begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Hoquiam Library and is open to the public.

John, now fully retired as the State Historian, will talk about his latest book, New Land, which is the story of how Southeast Asian refugees found a home in Washington state in the fallout of the Fall of Saigon in Vietnam in 1975. New Land, which was John’s final book project as our state historian, revisits several of those former refugees to tell their stories of life in America. Several of those stories happened in Willapa Harbor in Pacific County. Regardless of how you view today’s debate on immigration, you may find some surprises in these stories. 

For many of us, John is a local treasure. He’s a home-grown example of how a love of Grays Harbor history and an appreciation for people who’ve stepped up and made a difference in our community and our state can motivate and inspire us to keep going, keep trying to make a difference. 

The hybrid meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. and is open to all. The in-person meeting will be at the Hoquiam Library, 420 7th Avenue, Hoquiam. For a Zoom link, email Info@graysharborgenealogy.com.

Pioneer Pursuit Needs Your Help

by Roxanne Lowe

We are still collecting names and family histories for our Pioneer Pursuit project. To date, we have 4,364 verified names in our index, but we want MORE!

You can submit genealogies for any man, woman or child who lived in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889. You don’t have to be related to a pioneer — find a name and do what we do best: research it. A great place to find who lived here before statehood is the county census record collection from the Washington State Digital Archives — a treasure trove! This would make a great local genealogical or historical society project.

We’ve made it easy for you. There are examples, forms, hints and FAQs on the WSGS website. There’s also a video explaining the process and answering questions from the Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable in April 2023. If you have other questions, please email Info@wasgs.org and put “Pioneer Pursuit” in the subject line.

Heritage Quest Research Library July 2025 Happenings

by Charles Hansen
July Happenings
The Nourish Our Roots Fund-Raising Campaign was a rousing success! The final member donation total $15,321.00 This is truly an amazing outcome. THANK YOU ALL MANY TIMES OVER!!  
Upcoming Events  Genealogical Records Found in New England States 
(Classroom & Zoom) Thursday July 10, 2025 – 11 am-12 noon Jennifer Warner will show you the research recourses and methodology to find information on your ancestors in New England – the oldest distinguished region of the United States. Speaker: Jennifer Warner HQRL Classroom
The Puyallup Farmers Market  Saturday July 12 – 9 am-3 pm  Pioneer Park & Pavilion 330 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA
Management Team Meeting Wednesday July 16 – 12 noon-1 pm HQRL Library Introducing American Ancestors  (Classroom & Zoom) Learn what is available to virtual viewers, how to navigate their website, explore the databases, find subject guides, research templates and more. Thursday July 24 – 11 am-12 noon HQRL classroom Speaker: Claire Vail
MANAGEMENT TEAM POSITION OPPORTUNITIES 
Management Team Secretary; Bookstore Manager; Newsletter Editor

July Bookstore Specials How to Climb Your Family Tree, Genealogy for Beginners By Harriet Stryker-Rodda Covers starting research, finding clues in family keepsakes, and utilizing various records like census, church, and vital records. The book also introduces pedigree charts, family group sheets, and research logs. Was $8, July Special Price $4                 
Unlocking the Secrets in Old Photographs By Karen Frisch-Ripley The author explains methods of analyzing photographs historically. She outlines how you can recognize architecture, clothing, monuments, and other objects in photos and where you can find additional help.    Was $12.50, July Special Price $6.25
Curiosities of Puritan Nomenclature By Charles W. Bardsley A masterly work on Puritan and other English naming practices. Those involved in New England genealogy will appreciate Bardsley’s lively discussion of the eccentricities of Puritan naming practices. Names were frequently derived from the Bible, virtues, or even phrases. (Names like Increase, Reliance, Welcome, and Pardon Merciful, Accepted, Truth, and Temperance). Was $17.50, July Special Price $8.75
In Memory Carolyn L. Harkness, a devoted wife, loving homemaker, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, in Puyallup, Washington, at the age of 83.  Carolyn was involved at HQRL for over 25 years. She was a member of the management team for most of those years. She contributed on the management team as the Class coordinator, Volunteer coordinator, and Office Manager at various times during her years of volunteer work. She also took on special projects and assisted on many other projects at HQRL. She could always be counted on to support our fund-raisers (e.g. Autumn Quest, Summer Quest, Books on the Road). She was also the internet research person.

Robert G. Harkness, 86, of Puyallup, Washington, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025. He did not do in-library support, though he provided advice.and would step up to help with fixing items. He always had a smiling face when encouraging others.  Bob was an excellent wood craftsman and his creations were often donated to the library for fund raising projects.  
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 E. Main Ave., Suite #105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Let’s Talk About: 4th of July Trivia

by Donna Phillips

Were you awake in your high school history class? How much do you know about the celebratory founding day of our country?? Test your memory:

1. Where was the first celebration of Independence Day held?

2. Every Independence Day, how many times does the Liberty Bell ring?

3. What was the U.S. population on July 4th, 1776?

4. The 4th of July commemorates which document?

5. What is the proper way to fold the American flag?

6. Which American president was born on July 4th?

7. Which U.S. president was the first to host a 4th of July celebration at the White House?

8. How many stars and stripes does the U.S. flag have?

9. How many men signed the Declaration of Independence?

10. What food is most commonly consumed on the 4th of July?

11. What is the name of our national anthem?

12. Who gave the Statue of Liberty to the U.S.?

1. Philadephia, 1777

2. 13 times

3. 2.5 million people

4. The Declaration of Independence

5. In a triangular shape with specific ritual and etiquette.

6. Calvin Coolidge, born on July 4, 1872

7. Thomas Jefferson in 1801.

8. 50 stars and 13 stripes (and what do they represent??) 

9. 56

10. Hot dogs!

11. The Star-Spangled Banner

12. The people of France. 

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week Planning for a Research Trip?

by Charles Hansen

 TIP OF THE WEEK –
PLANNING FOR A RESEARCH TRIP? FIND LOCAL MUSEUMS AND SOCIETIES BEFORE YOU VISIT

Local museums and societies give prospective about an area and its history, even if they don’t mention your ancestor by name. You never know what you might find helpful.Past SGS president Jim Secan recently found this jewel in Pittsburgh, Penn. He had this to share with eNews about his genealogy research in there.”If you have genealogy interests in Pittsburgh, Penn., and environs be sure to include the Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives located at the Heinz History Center in downtown Pittsburgh. This beautiful research library, founded in 1879, has a large number of collections of photos, maps, records, and much more covering Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Western Pennsylvania. Even if you cannot visit it in person, their researchers will answer email requests for help as well. If you are in Pittsburgh both the Detre Library, which has no admission fee, and the Heinz Museum, which does have a fee, are worth a visit.”.Image of the interior of The Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives in Pittsburgh, Penn.The Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives in Pittsburgh, Penn.

photo courtesy Jim Secan