Serendipity Day

“Hidden Gems,” President Sue Kreikemeier’s Message to the WSGS

Northwest Carriage Museum in Raymond, Washington

Newspaper: “Insect Bite Ends Man’s Life”

Carnegie Libraries—2609 of them…even in South Africa!

Fiske Library in Northwest Seattle

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This was Sue Kreikemeier’s President’s Message in the latest issue of the Newsletter of the Whitman County Genealogical Society (Pullman). It was titled “Hidden Gems.” I share it with all of you because it clearly points up that wonderful hidden treasures are waiting to be found in small place where you might never think to look!

In my professional life, I do a fair amount of driving around Whitman County, and enjoy exploring along the way. I am drawn to small cemeteries and dirt roads, and, when my schedule allows, will take a short detour to explore those. (A favorite reference is “Reflections on the Road: A Journey Through Whitman County Past and Present” by Martha Mullen.)

For years, while driving through Oakesdale, the McCoy Museum located right downtown, just a stone’s throw from the old Barron Flour Mill, has intrigued me. However, it wasn’t until unexpected business took me to Oakesdale on a Sunday afternoon that I was able to explore the Museum. What a trove of little gems I discovered! Now, maybe you are already aware of the contents of the museum. But at the risk of delivering old news, I thought I’d share some of my “discoveries”.

As I entered the museum Gail Parsons, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the McCoy Museum, greeted me. Following introductions I was quickly drawn to a shelf containing several stacks of old, leather-bound record books. When he saw my eyes light up with interest he proceeded to pull volumes off the shelves and spread them out on tables for my perusal.

Here’s a brief sampling of some of the treasures I found:

1920 Oakesdale Census

Justice Dockets 1894-1940

Record of Licenses 1891-1938 (dog licenses, peddler licenses, pool room and card table licenses were common entries)

Town Accounts 1893-1915

Various election records, poll books, and tally sheets

Improvement Bonds records 1920-1991, including purchasers of bonds

What a plethora of names, dates, and details painting a picture of a small, vital community! One of the more intriguing entries I noted was a justice docket entry regarding a case of forgery…that might make for some interesting embellishment to one’s family tree!

Whether you have roots in Oakesdale or not, I recommend a stroll through the museum as a reminder of small town life, local history, and the many ways records can illuminate our family stories.

Happy Trails! Sue Rogers Kreikemeier, President, Whitman County Genealogical Society

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THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM Wednesday Evening E-News

May19 by Charles Hansen

GFO1

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM Wednesday Evening E-News 18 May 2016

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 go to www.gfo.org/calendar.htm.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy at http://www.gfo.org/insider/16-May.pdf.

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Rate and Review Us On Facebook

Rate

In love with the GFO? Here’s your chance to tell the world!!
Step One Log into your Facebook page.

Step Two Go to the GFO’s Facebook page from your Facebook page.

Step Three Click the “Tell People What You Think” link at the top of the feed.

Step Four Click on the star rating of your choice (five! oh please pick five stars!!).

Step Five Type a review in the pop-up box.

It’s that easy, and it will help others find out about the GFO, which will let us continue providing all the great genealogical programs and services you already enjoy so much!

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Save the Date for GFO’s July 31st Workshop!

Digital

The GFO proudly presents…
Digital Photos: Scanning, Preparing, Organizing, and Sharing & Legacy Family Tree Software
Come join us for this amazing workshop opportunity with Geoffrey Rasmussen on Sunday, July 31, 2016, from 9:30am to 2:00pm.

Learn from the best to organize and share your digital photos by using Google’s new Google Photos! Geoffrey Rasmussen will teach you the best practices for digitizing, preserving and enhancing your photograph collections. He will also give tips on how you can readily access your collections on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Click HERE to sign up now!

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Just in case you didn’t get enough…genealogy, that is!

Council1

Summer Genealogy Fest is July 30th in Eugene, OR
It’s not too late to take advantage of the early-bird fees.

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▪ Postmarked by June 1st: Includes registration, lunch and snack for $65.00.

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▪ Postmarked June 2-July 15th: Includes registration, lunch and snack for $75.00.

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▪ Postmarked after July 15th or in-person registration on the 30th: Includes registration only for $75.00. (Please note that the facility does not allow outside food and/or drinks in the facility.)

Registrations and course lists can be viewed HERE.

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Don’t forget to pick up your free books just outside the GFO!!

Books1

Free to a Good Home:
Don’t forget to check the “Free” books table in the lobby outside the GFO Library front door. Throughout the summer, we’ll be adding LOTS of free books out there, to make room for new donations. SOMEBODY is looking for each of these items, is it you? Check back frequently, you never know when you might find just the right thing!

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And if you’d like to purchase one of our surplus books…

Book

GFO’s Surplus Books List
AbeBooks recently received the following review from one of our surplus books customers:

“Thank you for the incredibly fast processing of this order. Media mail can really be slow but I received the book today in perfect shape. Keep up the good work!”

Ahhhhh, shucks! And thank you!!

If you’d like to view our Surplus Books, consider clicking HERE.

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Bulletin

Don’t get left out! Become a GFO member today for access to all sorts of great stuff.
Membership gives you access to our quarterly publication, the Bulletin.
June’s Bulletin will feature…
An article about how to use, what was it called again…PERSI!

Also, sign up and read all about “When Index is a ‘Dirty Word.’ ” Or perhaps a family history mystery is more your style?

GFO Members will be receiving their complimentary copy of the Bulletin for the month of June in the next week. Wouldn’t you like one too?

Membership applications are available HERE for the brave of heart! Or for a taste of what you’ve been missing, view some of our Spotlight Articles.

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What’s Happening this Week at the GFO?

SATURDAY, MAY 21st
Hunting and Gathering 9:30am – 11:30am

This weeks problem stretches from Ireland to Harney County, Oregon. Adam George came to the U.S. around 1870, married and had children in Canada and Nevada before settling in Oregon. The question – where was he born? Come to see what clues he may have left along the way.

Free to members. Visitors may request a guest pass at education@gfo.org.
Buttons, History and Genealogy? (Monthly Program) 2pm – 4pm
Our guest, Dorothy Krugner, is a long-time lover of history, historical fashion, and button collecting. Join us on May 21st to learn more about the buttons you might have noticed in photographs of your ancestors. And as you might have guessed, buttons can be used to date your mystery photos. Buttons have a genealogy, too!

Irish Group meeting has been cancelled Come see us at the next meeting, scheduled for September 17th.
SUNDAY, MAY 15th
Library Work Party! 9am – noon

There’s another work party at the GFO library today for those of you who can come. There’s lots to do and we’d love to have your help. Doors open at 9am and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so and you’re welcome to do the same. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there!

WSGS Conference Planning Committee Named Outstanding Team in 2015

May18 by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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 month, you will be introduced to each of the 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the WSGS Conference Planning Committee who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). They were recognized for their detailed planning, commitment, and teamwork hosting the 2014 Washington State Genealogical Society Conference in Arlington, Washington, despite the tragic Oso landslide which occurred on March 22, 2014.

WSGS Conference Team from Stillaguamish Valley GS

The conference, hosted by the SVGS, attracted more than 300 attendees, not from just Washington State, but from Canada, middle-America, Texas, Massachusetts and Oregon. To ensure a first-rate conference, the planning committee received grants from the City of Arlington and Snohomish County Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. The committee was also able to secure nationally recognized speakers and donations from local businesses.

This successful event was held despite the catastrophic Oso landslide which occurred less than five months before the conference – in the prime of the planning. Several committee and society members, as well as conference vendors, were left with severe property damage and access to meetings.

Due to their careful planning and “can do” spirit, the planning committee overcame the diversity and devastation to pull off the successful event. They richly deserved being a recipient of a 2015 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, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

May17 by Charles Hansen

Seattle

Tip of the Week – DNA LECTURES

Each spring one of the world’s largest family history events “Who Do You Think You Are? Live” is held in Birmingham, England. Also known as “WDYTYAL” the principal sponsor is Ancestry.co.uk.

One of the major exhibitors at “WDYTYAL” is FamilyTree DNA who presents their ever popular DNA lecture series. They have recorded some of these presentations and made them available on YouTube. There are over 30 lectures in all; not only from this year, but also some from 2014 and 2015.

A few of the titles available to you from this year’s show are :

DNA demystified – A Beginner’s Guide to genetic genealogy, with Debbie Kennett, 55 mins
Finding Family with DNA testing: a genetic detective story, with Richard Hill, 37 mins
Genetic genealogy in the 21st century, with Katherine Borges. 27 mins
Autosomal DNA – how to use it in practice, with Maurice Gleeson, 55 mins

To see all the titles, go to www.youtube.com and search for “DNA Lectures – Who Do You Think You Are?” or use this link :
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HQSiSkiy7ujlkgQER1FYw

Seattle Genealogical Society News

May17 by Charles Hansen

Seattle

Focus on a Challenge for the Archives Committee

The SGS Archives Committee works to review and organize donated archival material. This is a volunteer committee, trained in the skills of evaluating, organizing and cataloging all sorts of documents such as manuscripts, papers, photos, legal materials and at times even artifacts that shed light upon a family history.

Every job, be it paid or volunteer, has its unique challenges and one reported by the Archives Committee is they often receive collections without much identification. There is nothing more valuable to a curator than background information on what they have received.

Ingrida Gray, member of the SGS Archives Committee, suggests “If any of you might consider that your valuable collection of family research would eventually go to an institution like Seattle Genealogical Society, please do not put off making a rough, general outline of your family and related surnames until ‘you are done’. It is ever so helpful to whatever curator will work with your research to have a general idea of the relationships at the beginning of the collection. This can be added to and fine-tuned at any time. If you have any questions on the way donated family research is organized by the Archives Committee, please feel free to stop by and chat with us”. The SGS Archives Committee meets on most Thursday at the SGS Library.

Coming on Saturday
Don’t Miss the SGS Spring Seminar Featuring
William Dollarhide!

Nationally Renowned Speaker and Author
“Finding Solutions to Your Toughest Research Problems”

SGS’s Spring Seminar
May 21st
Fairview Christian School
844 NE 78th Street
Seattle, WA

Finding & Using Historic Newspapers Workshop
Presented By the King County Library System

On Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the King County Library in Black Diamond, WA from 2-4pm, professional genealogist Claudia Breland will help patrons discover the proliferation of newspaper resources available; both free, subscription, only in print, and library web sites, including KCLS free premium databases. Learn how to readily uncover birth announcements, wedding notices, obituaries and other stories found in historic newspapers. Please note, those with basic to intermediate computer skills and some online experience will benefit most from this presentation. For directions, phone numbers, or other information visit the King County Library website :
https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/locations/list/

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE. Please check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed due to inclement weather. The Library will be closed, Saturday, May 21 because of the Spring Seminar and it also will be closed, Saturday, May 28, through Monday, May 30th for Memorial Day Weekend.

MAY

Tuesday, May 17, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Hosted by Lisa Chan, SGS Director of Technology, Bring your laptop or mobile device, visit with other members and learn from each other while working on your family history. Discuss current projects, hardware, software, organizing data, and technology trends in genealogy

Saturday, May 21, 9:45 am – 3:30 pm, SGS Spring Seminar with William Dollarhide , at Fairview Christian School, 844 NE 78th Street, Seattle, WA

Tuesday, May 24, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday * Special * DNA Interest Day, Hosted by Lisa Chan, SGS Director of Technology, this Tuesday the program will be helping DNA Interest group members with DNA focused Technology issues. Bring your laptop or mobile device and get the assistance of Lisa Chan and Cary Bright. Remember to bring any DNA Testing Company passwords. We look forward to working with you – Cary Bright and Herb McDaniels, SGS DNA Interest Group Co-Chairs

JUNE

Saturday, June 4, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian Interest Group

Tuesday, June 7, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Hosted by Lisa Chan, SGS Director of Technology, Bring your laptop or mobile device, visit with other members and learn from each other while working on your family history. Discuss current projects, hardware, software, organizing data, and technology trends in genealogy.

Wednesday, June 8, 7:00pm – 9:00pm , MAC Computer Interest Group, Fiske Genealogical Library, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112, Leaders: Diane Heddrick and Lou Daly

SGS ELECTION RESULTS

Here are the results for the SGS Election. The bylaws change was approved and the following positions were filled:

Candidate for Secretary                        Reiley Kidd was elected
Candidate for Treasurer                        Karen Knudson was elected
Candidate for Director of Education        Verlin L. Judd was elected
Candidate for Director of Library            Ann Wright was elected
Candidate for Director of Membership     Julia Marconi was elected
Candidate for Director of Operations       Nancy Haugen was elected
Candidate for Director of Publications      Daniel P. Harmon was elected
Candidate for Director of Technology      Lisa Chan was elected
Candidate for Director of Volunteers       Sandra K. Stark was elected

For the SGS Nominating Committee, Siri Nelson, Kathryn Quackenbush, David Rimmer, and Christine Shoemaker were elected. Nancy Hevly was elected Chair of the Nominating Committee.

Unfortunately the President and Vice President positions are still vacant. The 2016 Nominating Committee will be working to fill those positions.

Clallam County Gen Society Spotlight

May16 by Charles Hansen

Clallam Co GS

The folks of the Clallam County Genealogical Society can boast that their society is the northwestern-most such society in the continental U.S. and they’d be right on. This of about 160 members of record (with 40-50 attending meetings) may be smallish but they DO things!

Take CCGS Summer School. In 2015 they offered Part One: “Navigating Free Databases” on the Internet. Classes offered included Google, FamilySearch, Find-A-Grave, CyndisList and the Washington Digital Archives. The attendance proved that this was a popular idea.

This year, on Saturday, May 21st, the CCGS Summer School will spotlight Ancestry, various newspaper sites, Mocavo, World Vital Records, and Fold3. (You can register at the CCGS website, clallamcogs.org) or pay $30 at the door; bring your own sack lunch. Place is the Port Angeles Presbyterian Church, 139 West 8th.

CCGS also maintains a super little library that’s open four days a week with volunteer members on staff to help. They offer monthly-program classes too.

If you live in Clallam or Jefferson counties, or care to drive north to the lovely little port town of Port Angeles, do check out the Clallam County Genealogical Society.

And your society just might want to consider having a Genealogy Summer School day.

Northwest Genealogical Conference August 17-20, 2016

May14 by Charles Hansen

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Northwest Genealogical Conference, hosted by Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society, Arlington, WA

The conference will be held August 17^th – 20^th and will kick off Wednesday the 17^th with a Free Day for beginning genealogists.

The next three days will be filled with informative and entertaining classes by nationally known speakers: Thursday’s theme is “Gathering Your Family’s Story” with Claudia Breland as the keynote speaker;

Friday will be “Tools to Help Tell the Story” with Lisa Louise Cooke;

Saturday’s will be “DNA, How is it a Part of Your Family’s Story?” with Blaine Bettinger.

In addition to the keynotes, all three days will include many classes taught by talented speakers.

There will be a banquet, a free taco bar reception, and other genealogically based fun events to choose from. See www.NwGC.org for more information and to register for the conference.

Serendipity Day

May13 by Charles Hansen

** Genealogy’s Star: A Must-Read Blog (in my opinion) & YouTube Channel

** Washington’s Colville Tribes Selected For The Next U.S. Census Test

**Insects: Future Or Past Food?

**How To Ensure All Will Be Lost

James Tanner crafts his Genealogy’s Star blog nearly two times per week and I read every post and learn something new each time. Back on 5 Mar 2016, he posted about the BYU Family History Library Channel on YouTube. He was discussing a new uploaded video titled, “Why You Can’t Trace Your Family Back To Adam.” Who would not want to view this video?? Here’s how: (1) Click to www.youtube.com; (2) select the BYU Family History Library channel; (3) Chose what you want to view from the list of over 400 videos; and (4) Click the subscribe button to get notification of new videos as they’re uploaded.

May I, as your serendipity teacher today, give you two homework assignments today? First click to www.genealogysstar.blogspot.com (note the two “s”) and sign up for James Tanner’s blog. Next click to www.youtube.com and get going with your home learning from there!

Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM Wednesday Evening E-News

May12 by Charles Hansen

GFO1

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM Wednesday Evening E-News 11 May 2016

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 go to www.gfo.org/calendar.htm.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy at http://www.gfo.org/insider/16-May.pdf.

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Did someone say, Genealogical Workshop??

Workshop

Where: Oregon Historical Society
When: Saturday, May 14th, 10am – noon
How: $20, or $15 for members
Let’s Get Focused! Creating a Research Plan and Staying Organized
Family history is fun and addicting! But, if you’re not careful, it can quickly get out of hand. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced researcher, come learn how to avoid getting overwhelmed with names, dates, and paperwork by setting goals, organizing your work, and making a research plan.

This workshop is presented by OHS Genealogist Hannah Allan. Visit our website to learn more about the resources available to you in our research library and at other genealogical research facilities.

(This notice is brought to by the Oregon Historical Society, with support from the GFO.)

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Don’t book that weekend! There’s a Seminar & Workshop we should all go to on Oct 15-16th!

Joshua

Come join us for…
GFO’s Fall Seminar and Workshop
Nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer and researcher, D. Joshua Taylor, will be presenting on various topics. Attend one or both sessions.

Saturday, October 15th, from 10am to 4:30pm

Sunday, October 16th, from 9:30am to 12:30pm

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Jewish

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Some Hot Topics in Genealogy…

Toledo

Obit’s from 1837, Toledo, Ohio
If you have been researching relatives in Toledo, Ohio, but have been hitting some pesky brick walls, the Toledo Library has a treat for you! Their obituary index covers the years 1837 to present and the link to this great resource is HERE for your convenience.

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Free Sure is a Good Price, huh?

Books1
Calling All History Buffs!
To make room for newly donated genealogy books, we’ll be getting rid of a large number of books, putting them out on the “Free” table in the lobby just outside our door. This will include lots of history books over the summer; they’re great books, we just don’t have room! Check back regularly, as we’ll be adding more books every week.

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What’s Happening this Week at the GFO?

SATURDAY, MAY 14th
Illinois Group 9:30am – 11:30am

The Illinois Interest Group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 9:30am (except Jul/Aug/Dec) in the GFO Library. All interested researchers are welcome to join us. Just drop in and share the workshop when you can and when you are interested. The group leaders are Kristy Gravlin and Harlene Patterson. For more information, feel free to call 630-621-5166 or email hannah@teleport.com.

Genealogy Book Group 11:45am – 12:45pm

An Australia Story: The Saga of an Australian Family Over Two Centuries, by Gordon Smith. The author writes about his family descended from transported convicts who arrived in New South Wales in 1801. This is a story of redemption and turmoil, violence and ambition, love and loss, and of course, Australia. Interested parties can also email Bonnie Randolph at bonnierandolph2066@gmail.com.

Writers’ Forum 1pm – 3pm

This is a peer group of genealogists, who meet to learn about writing and to share our writing with each other. Peggy Baldwin facilitates this group and can be reached at peggy@familypassages.com or 503-916-9410.
SUNDAY, MAY 15th
Library Work Party! 9am – noon

Family Tree Maker 1pm – 3pm

Facilitated by Laurel Smith and Stephen Morgan, this group meets monthly, on the third Sunday of each month, 1:00-3:00 PM, at the back of the GFO Library. If you have some Family Tree Maker topics you’d like covered, please email Laurel Smith at bearpair@comcast.net, or Stephen Morgan at ceanothus1@comcast.net. This special interest group, like all the others that meet at the GFO, is free and open to the general public.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18th
Learn & Chat 10am – noon

Join us to talk about your genealogy questions and help provide support to others. Facilitated by Connie Lenzen.

DNA Q&A 1pm – 3pm

Lisa McCullough leads a discussion on various DNA related subjects, with each meeting focused on a particular subject. General questions are welcome at the end of each planned discussion.

Eastside Genealogy Society May Meetings

May12 by Charles Hansen

EGS

EASTSIDE GENEALOGY SOCIETY MAY 12TH MEETING INFORMATION

“Discover Yourself at the Discovery Center” is the topic for the Eastside Genealogy Society’s Thursday, May 12th, meeting at 7:00 p.m., in the main meeting room on the first floor at the Downtown Bellevue Library.

Representatives from the newest family history center here in Bellevue will be at the EGS meeting to tell us about this exciting multimedia Discovery Center. Designed to interest all ages, including your grandchildren, you can learn the origin of your name, see where your family migrated from on a large touch screen map, and record stories in the state of the art recording booths. At this meeting on May 12th, you can sign up to join the field trip to the Bellevue Discovery Center that will take place on Thursday, May 19th.

This unique Bellevue Discovery Center is free and open to the public by appointment. However, EGS has reserved the entire Center for a Thursday, May 19th field trip for EGS members, from 6-8 pm.

Bring a jump drive/memory stick with you on 5/19/16 to take your stories home and share them with others.

Remember, sign up at the Thursday, May 12^th EGS meeting to join this field trip!