Jim Bull Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

Jan20 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 months, 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 Jim Bull of Trout Lake, Washington, who was nominated by the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society (CGGS). He was recognized for his outstanding efforts in the communication of genealogical and historical information of importance and value to researchers interested in the families of the Columbia River Gorge.

Jim Bull

Since 2010, Mr. Bull has served as editor of “TALES and TRAILS,” the CGGS newsletter. The quarterly newsletter is an outstanding communication tool, full of information about genealogical resources and family history. It is read and enjoyed by many because it is always packed with interesting articles that help CGGS members and other readers find new sources of information and develop research skills.

Mr. Bull has been a member of the CGGS for approximately 15 years, including serving as President from 2003 to 2005. Since then, he has continued to provide knowledge and experience as a board member.

Prized volunteers such as Mr. Bull are rare, and as such he richly deserved being a recipient of a 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.

Eastside Genealogical Society Meeting

Jan20 by Charles Hansen

EGS

The Eastside Genealogical Society will meet on Thursday, February 11, 2016 in the Bellevue Regional Library, Room 1, 1111 – 110^th Ave NE, Bellevue 98004 at 7pm, with doors opening at 6:45 pm for networking.

Topic: “HistoryLines.com – A Story for Every Ancestor”. User, Glen McNay, will show the features of this website, which allows you to create an interactive timeline, follow an ancestor’s migration history on an interactive map, explore the lifestyle of your ancestors and more. History Lines currently includes information from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, US, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Poland, and Sweden, for 1600-1950.

Also see our website for FREE genealogical help and other Special Interest Group meetings. Visitors are always welcome at all meetings. www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wakcegs/

Dorothy Pretare

EGS Publicity Chairperson

dpgen@comcast.net

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

Jan18 by Charles Hansen

Seattle

TIP OF THE WEEK – ABOUT RETIRING FTM

Many people are upset with Ancestry.com “retiring” the desktop application “Family Tree Maker” aka FTM. The thing to remember is don’t panic. There is time to explore your options as Ancestry.com has pledged to support the program through January 1, 2017 and you can actually continue to use it after that for as long as your computer’s operating system will allow. Just be aware that after January 1, 2017 it won’t sync your online tree or do other things that interface directly with Ancestry.com.

Since this is a widely used application we will be visiting the issue again and again. SGS members have made suggestions and pointed to articles they found helpful.

For starters read Keith’s article at GenealogyTools.com . It was recommended by Dick Eastman and provides a good overview to the novice of what a “gedcom” file is and how to scrub your data to become “gedcom” compliant.

Find the article here :

Family Tree Software Alternatives, Part 1: How to Scrub Your Data (Updated 16 May 2018)

Seattle Genealogical Society Newsletter

Jan18 by Charles Hansen

Seattle

THE SGS LIBRARY – ONE MEMBER’S EXPERIENCE

Lisa Chan is the SGS member that leads the “Seattle Genealogical Society Networking” group on Facebook as well as shares her interest and enthusiasm for genealogy, including some useful tips and tricks, via her on-line blog.

She recently wrote about exploring the shelves at SGS. Wouldn’t you, too, like to treat yourself to an afternoon at the SGS Library doing one of the things you enjoy most, researching your genealogy?

Here’s an extraction from Lisa’s blog to whet your appetite. To read the story in its entirety you can find her blog at http://genealogy.grippingyarn.com. If you are a Facebook member, consider joining the “Seattle Genealogical Society Networking” group.

NEHG and MARYLAND : EXPLORING THE SHELVES OF SGS

By Lisa Chan

This afternoon, I was greeted by the lovely desk attendant Chris. A volunteer with Seattle Genealogical Society for many years, she delights in helping intrepid researchers find just what they’re looking for among the stacks, and often resources of value that they weren’t expressly seeking.

Dangerously, I hadn’t set out this early afternoon with specific research goals. However, I did have a general desire to browse and see what goodies could be found amongst the Maryland section, maybe find something to inform my RHODES of Maryland research.

Before settling in, I stopped at the open seating area just inside the door of SGS. Comfortable chairs face a welcoming coffee table adorned with local society bulletins, Dick Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter (Plus Edition), and various journals.

Prominent and tempting, The NEHG Register: Winter 2015 (produced by the famous New England Historic Genealogical Society) called out for a casual thumb through. Curious about the overall-size of SGS’s collection, I wandered over to Chris and she graciously directed me to the treasure trove. 3 full shelves of products produced by NEHG!

“Is The NEHG Register collection all there?”

Chris explained that it was almost complete. I found Vol. 1-60 looking great, but then around Vol.s 70-96 things got a little dicey. I can imagine that at some future point, those small voids will get filled. But after Vol. 96, I believe the collection looked solid (I didn’t count every single one).

“And how do I find things?”

Chris pointed out several bound volumes representing the printed indexes. Overwhelmed, I wondered out loud if there might be an online searchable database.

There is! Continue reading →

Genealogical Societies – An Under-utilized Resource

Jan17 by Roxanne Lowe

Genealogy societies are a great resource for family historians whether you are a beginner or advanced. Genealogical societies are formed for a variety of reasons. They can be created around a common lineage (Mayflower Society), surname (Descendants of John Simmons), ethnicity (American Historical Society of Germans from Russia), geographical research locality (Adams County Genealogical Society), or current place of residence (Utah Genealogical Association).

There are lots of good reasons for joining a genealogy society, but here are some of the best reasons for a novice genealogist to get involved. First, chances are that despite your growing enthusiasm for family history research and your willingness to talk to friends and family about what you are learning, you will enjoy getting to know other enthusiasts and discussing the ups and downs of genealogy with someone who understands your excitement and frustration.

For four additional good reasons to join a genealogy society and the rest of the article, click here.

Reprinted with permission from Legacy Tree Genealogists.

Time to Select Your Outstanding Volunteer Nominees

Jan15 by Roxanne Lowe

Now is the time for genealogical societies and organizations to select their local outstanding volunteers and teams so they can be honored at the WSGS Conference on June 18, 2016 in Tacoma. The conference will be hosted by the Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society.

Each year, the State Society recognizes local volunteers and teams nominated by their society or organization at the annual conference. In 2015, almost 30 local volunteers and four teams from 18 organizations were recognized for their support and dedication to their society and the researching public.

The process for this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Award program is much like last year’s – no significant changes. In addition to the traditional Outstanding Volunteer Award program, there are three other recognition awards: Outstanding Project, Outstanding Communication, and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. Information about those awards will be forthcoming, but should not impact organizations’ Outstanding Volunteer Award nominations.

Letters to local societies and organizations, with additional details, have been emailed to society contacts. If you have not received that information, please contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair. The milestones for this year’s nomination process are:

• No later than March 1, 2016: Submit the name(s) of your honorees to the Recognition Committee.
• May 1, 2016: Submit a narrative (approximately 150 words) explaining the accomplishments of your nominee and why you are honoring him/her. Include a good quality digital photograph (at least 300 dpi).
• June 18, 2016: Formal announcement and presentation of certificates at the State Conference in Tacoma.

Additional details and deadlines, plus indexes and narratives of accomplishments of past honorees, since 2003, may be found at the WSGS website.

Please contact Roxanne Lowe at roxanne@thekeeffes.com if you have questions or suggestions.

TriCity Genealogical Society February Meeting Announcement

Jan15 by Charles Hansen

The TriCity Genealogical Society will meet at 7 pm at Charbonneau located at 8264 W Grandridge Boulevard in Kennewick on February 10, 2016.

Stacia Gunderson will provide a cemetery awakening, but don’t expect zombies at this meeting. Her presentation will enlighten, or awaken, her audience to the importance of symbolism used on OCTphoto_cemeteries2 cemetery headstones. She will discuss much more than fraternal symbols placed on headstones. Stories will unravel as she goes into the detail of why certain flowers were used in decorative grave markers and explain the use of certain wording patterns used when providing information about the deceased.

The TriCity Genealogical Society is honored to have Stacia speak at their February meeting. Stacia will tell anyone who asks “history is in my blood,” giving examples of her parents and previous ancestor’s roles in historical preservation. She has a Bachelor’s degree in history, has worked as an interpreter ranger for both national and state parks, and was the resident pre-Hanford historian for the former CREHST museum.

To get to our new meeting location enter the main door at Charbonneau. Continue through the foyer and past the dining room. Our meeting room is the first room on the left.

For more information contact Susan Davis Faulkner at 509-554-1050 or denmother4@hotmail.com

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON’S Wednesday Evening E-News

Jan13 by Charles Hansen

GenForum

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON’S Wednesday Evening E-News

13 January 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 last month’s newletter, the Insider, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy at http://www.gfo.org/insider/16-Jan.pdf. Look for the February 2016 Insider coming soon! Check our website for the link on our Newsletter page.

Reminder about the January Monthly Program

GFO proudly presents Stephen Hanks, author of Akee Tree, Saturday, January 16th, 2pm – 4pm.

This event is free to the Public…so no excuses!

Come spend the afternoon with us as we indulge in a talk by fellow genealogist and author, Stephen Hanks, who spent over 10 years tracing his paternal African American family line. He will be discussing the research behind his most recent book, Akee Tree: A Descendant’s Quest For His Slave Ancestors on the Eskridge Plantations.

The book is written as a narrative, so readers can experience the “thrill of the hunt” and follow along with Hanks’ research methodology to get a peek at the records he discovered in his search for ancestry in the United States as well as Africa.

Save the Dates for October 15 – 16, 2016

We understand that planning ahead is important, and we’d love to be first on your list of exotic places to visit, especially since we have the best views, activities, events, and of course the best company! Continue reading →

Seattle Genealogical Society Library Team Named Outstanding Team in 2015

Jan13 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 and teams 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 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the Library Team at the Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS). The team was recognized for its dedicated volunteer efforts to enlarge and improve the society’s library.

SGS Library Team

The team included Dona Bubelis, Daniel P. Harmon, Kathi McGinnes, Charlotte Wixon, and Ann Wright.

Under the expert direction of committee chair Dan Harmon, an impressive team of SGS volunteers was recruited for the new Library Committee. Ms. Ann Wright, assisted primarily by Ms. Charlotte Wixon, took the lead in the herculean task of cataloging the almost endless number of boxes in the backlog of donated books. Ms. Wright oversaw the day-to-day operation of the library, while Ms. Wixon looked after the shelved collection. Ms. Wixon also took the lead in book repair, a skill which the committee acquired through special training.

Ms. Dona Bubelis, who works with library periodicals, coordinated efforts to develop the collection by identifying important new works for acquisition. She was also in charge of eBay sales, a source of funding for the SGS Library Fund.

Ms. Kathi McGinnes played a key role in maintaining the ever-changing collection of genealogical websites available for the use by library patrons, a role which will grow in importance in the months and years ahead.

The members of the SGS Library Team made a real difference in the quality and quantity of the SGS library collection. They richly deserved being recipients of a WSGS Outstanding Team 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.

Genealogical Forum of Oregon Wednesday E-News

Jan7 by Charles Hansen

GenForum

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON’S Wednesday Evening E-News

6 January 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.

Don’t miss the January Monthly Program!!

Akee

GFO proudly presents Stephen Hanks, author of Akee Tree, Saturday, January 16th, 2pm – 4pm.

Free to the Public

Digital historical resources for all; all 180,000 of them!

Explore turn-of-the-century New York City apartment floor plans, or see what your ancestors’ Fifth Ave of New York City looked like in 1911.

The New York Public Library announced yesterday that they have released some 180,000 out-of-copyright items from their Digital Collections as high resolution downloads. These resources are free for all to use, no permissions needed as the Library’s confirmed these are all now in the public domain.

January Seminar – “Discover Your House History”

Come hear our very own Connie Lenzen, author, researcher and board-certified genealogist, teach about the histories of houses.

Have you ever wondered who lived in your home or building before you? Have you ever wondered when your house was built, and maybe WHY?? Connie will lead us through the process of researching the history of your house. While her examples will begin from Multomah and Clackamas County, the principles are applicable to any location you might be curious about.

You should really hurry up and register quickly, as this session is limited to 50 attendees! Click here for a registration form.

What’s Happening this Week at the GFO?

Illinois Group – Saturday, January 9th, 9:30am – 11:30am

All interested researchers are welcome to join us. Just drop in and share the workshop when you can and when you’re interested. Meetings include handouts and/or worksheets for each topic we cover. We focus on the state of Illinois, but the research techniques can be used in all states. The group leaders are Kristy Gravlin and Harlene Patterson. For more information call (630) 621-5166 or email hannah@teleport.com.

GFO Book Group – Saturday, January 9th, 11:45am – 12:45pm

Author Harold Hinds will lead the discussion about his book Crafting a Personal Family History. A Guide Plus a Case Study: Three Generations of the Hinds Family in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Please call the front desk (503-963-1932) to ask if copies are still available at the GFO, as they’re goin’ fast!

Writers’ Forum – Saturday, January 9th, 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.baldwin@family-passages.com or (503) 916-9410.

Library Work Party – Sunday, January 11th, 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 9 a.m. 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.

Announcement, announcement – Class hours have changed!
Don’t let the printed version of the January Insider fool you. There have been some changes.

Firstly, the “Photoshop Elements” classes for this month have been postponed until February. Keep an eye out for more updates soon!

Secondly, our “Learn & Chat” sessions with Connie Lenzen, held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, will now be held the same days as our “DNA Q&A” classes with Lisa McCullough. So come spend the day, we dare you! Start with Connie’s class from 10 a.m. to noon, and move right into Lisa’s class from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and feel free to pop on upstairs for a snack in between.