Couple of years ago, a like-minded friend and I spent a delightful day driving in southern Spokane County to the places where her family had lived.
I snapped this pix in that cemetery (name I’ve forgotten). I was wandering around while she was taking pix of her family’s tombstones. I was immediately struck by the eyes in the tree. Do you see them?
We cemetery-wanderers have often times felt a special kind of feeling when we visit any cemetery and especially when we visit a family cemetery. It’s the sort of feeling nearly impossible to describe but it is real enough, as many would attest.
Is that big tree a “hiding place” for spirits? A resting place? A visiting place? Do the spirits of our dead ever come back to the places of their burials? And we have to ask: why would they? But if they do, they surely have their reasons.
This photo I took in Fairmount Cemetery in Spokane. Some family member (I surmise) had come to visit and had left this little red ceramic cardinal bird atop their family’s tombstone. Why would they have come to visit…….. and to leave that little red bird………. unless they felt “something,” some connection with their dearly departed.
Ah, the tales that cemetery trees could tell if they only could.
When records pile up, it can be difficult to see how all the pieces fit together. A timeline can reveal problems that are easy to miss when examining records individually.
AI can organize your evidence chronologically and help you spot conflicts, gaps, and events that need further investigation.
Instead of asking:
“Make a timeline of John Smith’s life.”
Try:
“Using only the evidence I provide, create a chronological timeline for John Smith. For each event, list the date, place, event, and source. Do not add facts or fill gaps with assumptions. Flag conflicting dates or locations, events that appear chronologically impossible, and significant gaps that may need further research.”
Attach your records or paste your research notes into the AI along with the prompt.
Review the completed timeline yourself. Pay particular attention to overlapping residences, children born when a parent was unusually young or old, events occurring in distant places within a short period, and long unexplained gaps.
A timeline does more than organize information. It can show you where the evidence does not fit together and help identify your next research question.
Remember, AI is a research assistant, not a genealogical source. Verify the timeline against the records you provided.
base image courtesy of Kari Shea / Unsplash, montage by Sheyna Watkins NEW SITE A NEEDED UPGRADEThe Seattle Genealogical Society’s long-awaited website redesign is finally here.”We wanted a new, more modern look, with capabilities for mobile and tablet use,” webmaster Melinda McRae stated. “We also wanted a site that would streamline processes, be user friendly, and not need a lot of hands-on maintenance.”The site is available for patrons to access now at dev.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org, but will soon be available to view at the seagensoc URL.The WordPress platform was chosen for the project because of the large number of design and software options. McRae’s previous experience in web development led her to take on a leading role. “I had been through the design and build process with several websites,” she observed.New Site Changes Event Registration ProcessTo register for a SIG, go to SGS Calendar/Upcoming Events and click on the SIG meeting you want. Use the Register button on that page to sign up for a meeting. How to Set Up Your Member AccountIf you had an account on the previous site you do not need to create a new account. To move your account to the new site go to member login and enter the username you used on the old site. Then click lost password. Click to open the form and enter your email or username. Hit send. You will then receive an email with a link to reset your password. You can reuse your old password or create a new one. The new site handles several functions without additional work from SGS volunteers.”In the past, many SIG leaders were responsible for handing out links and sending reminders to members,” McRae explained. “This is now handled entirely by our calendar system. Attendees register on our site, get the link to zoom registration, and then sign up there for the meeting link. Our website sends out reminders before every meeting. This saves work for everyone and adds an extra layer of security for the zoom meetings.”The news site will also be able to handle paid events — seminars and classes — through the calendar.SGS’s databases will also have a new robust searching platform.”We have been able to add more member-restricted databases to the site and more will be on the way,” McRae stated. “Members can now search across all the databases at once, or just the one they need. This was a great improvement.”The site is currently live while final testing is completed.”We are still operating in tandem with the old site as we iron out unexpected kinks, but we are well on our way to making the full switchover soon,” McRae observed.
base image Walls.io / Unsplash, montage by Sheyna WatkinsNARROWING DATES WHEN VITAL RECORDS ARE NOT AVAILABLESecond Saturday, September 12, 1 p.m.What is a genealogist to do with a research subject, born before the era of vital records, who left a lifetime of documents indicating a year of birth that varied by as much as 15 years? In this case study of an African American woman from South Carolina born in the late 19th Century, the Genealogy Standards for evidence correlation and resolving evidence inconsistencies led to one likely date of birth. Chronological tables and visual charts generated by AI helped identify patterns across sources. Her sibling’s birth dates and probable dates of conception helped narrow down a possible date of birth.
Carolyn holds a Certified Genealogist® credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists® and serves on the Board of Trustees for BCG. She is also an accredited genealogist professional in African American genealogy from the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen™). She is passionate about identifying ancestors, learning their stories, and preserving them for future generations.Sign Up NEXT MONTH: Diana Elder Presents “AI in Genealogical Research: A Practical Approach.” Sign up for this event held October 10. The Seattle Genealogical Society Library is located inside the Good Shepherd Center
EXPLORE THE SGS LIBRARYDiscover What Your SGS Library Has to Offer Friday, September 18, 10:30 a.m.Have you wondered what resources are available at the Seattle Genealogical Society Library—or perhaps it has been a while since you visited? Join the SGS Field Trip team for a tour of our own research library at the historic Good Shepherd Center in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.
We’ll begin at 10:30 a.m. with a tour and orientation to the library and its resources. The collection includes books and maps covering every U.S. state and many countries, along with access to subscription genealogy databases and unique SGS resources. As a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, SGS also provides access to some FamilySearch record images that cannot be viewed from home.
Following the tour, there will be time to browse the collection, ask questions, and become familiar with the library. Bring a sack lunch or head out locally for lunch. Those who wish to stay are welcome to spend the afternoon at the library.
Where Seattle Genealogical Society Library Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103
Research Bring a research project and your laptop if you wish. Library computers are available with access to subscription genealogy databases. You can also bring a small scanning project to take advantage of the library’s scanning equipment.
Fee Free for both SGS members and nonmembers
Limit 15 people
Getting there Free parking is available at the Good Shepherd Center. Metro routes 62 and 44 also serve the surrounding area.Sign Up for the TourWSGS NAMES SHEYNA WATKINS AS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEARBy Greer GrenleyThe Washington State Genealogical Society (WSGS) has proudly named Sheyna Watkins as one of their 2026 Volunteers of the Year.
Watkins oversees the WSGS monthly e-newsletter, managing everything from finding stories and maintaining the content calendar to editing, formatting and preparing each issue. With 1,316 subscribers, the newsletter serves as the society’s primary communication tool.Sheyna Watkins She also leads the writing group, where she sends out reminder emails and helps new members get comfortable with the writing process.
“We are so grateful for Sheyna’s ongoing contribution to keeping everyone informed about people and events in our SGS community,” says Kathy Weber, Board President of SGS.
Watkins’ interest in genealogy dates back to elementary school when she created her first family tree. About eight years ago she decided to take a deeper dive into her family history and began writing about her grandfather. “I started telling his story and expanded looking into his ancestors and what shaped his life, and what that meant for the world, the church, and the family,” she says.
Watkins’ background in technology, graphic design and journalism has helped her thrive as a volunteer. She says she likes having solid deadlines, particularly with an e-newsletter that goes out every month.
Looking ahead, Watkins is eager to see how the organization continues finding new ways to serve the community through its library program and can reach more people.
“I’m excited to continue eNews and dive deeper into the content,” she says. She also hopes to one day publish her grandfather’s story.
ADD NEW TOOLS TO YOUR TOOLBOX: SGS DATABASESVirtual Sunday, September 20, 1 p.m.What might the Seattle Genealogical Society’s databases hold for your research?
With the launch of the new SGS website, members now have online access to an expanded collection of SGS databases and indexes. Join us for a tour of these resources, what they contain, how to search them, and—most importantly—what they might uncover for your family history.
We’ll also look at how an index entry can be just the beginning—pointing you toward court files, membership applications, cremation information, and other original sources that may add new details to your research.Register for the Presentation image Sheyna Watkins Watch this space for news about SGS’s Fall Seminar held November 7.
base image courtesy of Thought Catalog / Unsplash additional material courtesy Christina Forst and Archive.org, montage by Sheyna Watkins SGS CLASS DEMYSTIFIES THE BCG PORTFOLIO PROCESSAre you considering certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists, or would you simply like to understand the certification process more fully? The Certification Discussion Group offers an opportunity to learn about the requirements, standards, and portfolio elements involved in becoming a certified genealogist.
The next series begins on 2 November 2026 and includes seven virtual sessions, meeting on Mondays and Thursdays. Participants will explore the certification process in a supportive setting and gain a clearer understanding of what is expected in a successful portfolio.
All classes are held online, making the program accessible from anywhere.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658Hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ** 10:00 a.m .- 3:00 p.m. ** Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting. Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise notedWednesday,Sept. 2,2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.
Thursday, Sept.3, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email SGSFamilySearchSIG@seagensoc.org to join the mailing list.
Sunday, Sept 6, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join.
Monday,Sept. 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. NEW Zoom link starting in July!
Thursday, Sept. 7, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Organizing for Genealogy SIG, Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey. Contact Susan McKee at sgsOrganizingsig@seagensoc.org to join.
Tuesday,Sept. 8,2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. NOTE: Zoom link alternates between 2nd and 4th Tuesday.
Tuesday,Sept. 8,2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org.
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Publishing SGS Journal, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Which Date is Right?” presented by Carolyn Ladd. Register here.
Monday,Sept. 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. NEW Zoom link starting in July!
Wednesday,Sept. 16, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Sheyna Watkins at sgsWriteItUpSIG@seagensoc.org.
Thursday,Sept. 17, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., NEW! SIG Interest Meeting: Legacy Family Tree (Virtual), We are exploring the formation of a new Legacy Family Tree Software SIG. If there is sufficient interest, the SIG will meet on the third Thursday of each month, with Siri Nelson as the group leader. See calendar for more information.
Sunday, Sept. 18, 2026, 10:30 a.m-noon., Field Trip – Explore the SGS Library, Join the SGS Field Trip team for a tour of our own research library at the historic Good Shepherd Center in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. Register here.
Saturday, Sept. 19 2026, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. Share information and discuss Irish ancestral research. View SGS calendar for details on joining this group.
Saturday, Sept. 19 2026, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Register on the SGS website.
Monday,Sept. 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. NEW Zoom link starting in July!
Tuesday,Sept. 22,2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. NOTE: Zoom link alternates between 2nd and 4th Tuesday.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Mexican SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research. Email Diane Hughes-Hart at SGSMexSIG@seagensoc.org to join.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DNA SIG, Join our quarterly meetings to discover what’s new in genetic genealogy and learn more about select, in-depth topics. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join.
Monday,Sept. 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. NEW Zoom link starting in July!
Thursday, Oct.3, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email SGSFamilySearchSIG@seagensoc.org to join the mailing list.
Sunday, Oct 4, 2026, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join.
Monday,Oct. 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. NEW Zoom link starting in July!
Thursday, Sept. 5, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Organizing for Genealogy SIG, Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey. Contact Susan McKee at sgsOrganizingsig@seagensoc.org to join.
Wednesday,Oct. 7,2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Publishing SGS Journal, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “AI in Genealogical Research: A Practical Approach” presented by Diana Elder. Register here.
Check the calendar on the SGS website for the most recent dates and times and for additional events as they are added. OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND“Finding Your Female Ancestors” with Amber Oldenburg Lower Columbia Genealogical Society Thursday, Sept 10, 9:45 a.m.
From maps, to archival inventories, and to databases galore, Miriam Weiner’s Routes to Roots Foundation website is a treasure trove of resources to help you find your Jewish ancestors! Come learn about how to use this important tool in your genealogical research. Learn more and register.
“Using Autosomal DNA for 18th and 19th Century Mysteries” with Blaine Bettinger Eastside Genealogical Society Thursday, Sept 10, 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m
Even though our 18th and 19th century ancestors have been dead for decades, their DNA still survives in their descendants. Learn how to use autosomal DNA to attack and potentially solve genealogical mysteries and brick walls for ancestors who were born or lived in the 1800’s, 1700’s, and beyond. Learn more and register.
“Finding your Family with Miriam Weiner’s Routes to Roots: Utilizing The RTR Foundation Resources in your Research” with Ellie Vance Christensen Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State Monday, Sept 14, 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m
From maps, to archival inventories, and to databases galore, Miriam Weiner’s Routes to Roots Foundation website is a treasure trove of resources to help you find your Jewish ancestors! Come learn about how to use this important tool in your genealogical research. Learn more and register.
TIP OF THE WEEK — LET AI BUILD A TIMELINEBy Susan Aumaier When records pile up, it can be difficult to see how all the pieces fit together. A timeline can reveal problems that are easy to miss when examining records individually.AI can organize your evidence chronologically and help you spot conflicts, gaps, and events that need further investigation.Instead of asking:“Make a timeline of John Smith’s life.”Try:“Using only the evidence I provide, create a chronological timeline for John Smith. For each event, list the date, place, event, and source. Do not add facts or fill gaps with assumptions. Flag conflicting dates or locations, events that appear chronologically impossible, and significant gaps that may need further research.”Attach your records or paste your research notes into the AI along with the prompt.Review the completed timeline yourself. Pay particular attention to overlapping residences, children born when a parent was unusually young or old, events occurring in distant places within a short period, and long unexplained gaps.A timeline does more than organize information. It can show you where the evidence does not fit together and help identify your next research question.Remember, AI is a research assistant, not a genealogical source. Verify the timeline against the records you provided.Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page.
DONATE TO SGSYour donations represent a significant part of the SGS budget. Your continued generosity helps us increase our financial security and expand our services for everyone. We make it easy for you to contribute appreciated stock from your portfolio. We have a brokerage account established and ready to receive your donation from any firm. For details, write treasurer@seagensoc.org. For questions about our needs and our vision, write president@seagensoc.org.
September 2, 2026
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
Billie Stone Fogarty will present “School Censuses: What, When, and Where” at the OGS monthly general meeting on September 10, 2026. The Zoom meeting starts at 6:30 pm for social time, with the speaker starting around 7:00 pm. The meeting information (including the Zoom meeting link) is on the OGS website at https://olygensoc.org/events/september-2026-meeting. Send an email to info@olygensoc.org if you have questions.
Program: Discover one of genealogy’s most overlooked resources – the school census. These records, often taken long before vital records existed, can fill critical gaps in family research, reveal the answers to family mysteries, confirm family migrations, and give a rare glimpse into daily family life and local history. Learn what they covered, when they were made, and where to find those that still exist. Bring your ancestors’ early years to life – one classroom at a time.
Speaker: Billie Stone Fogarty, a professional genealogist since 1979, has taught genealogical skills to audiences of all ages on all levels from local through national and international both in person and virtually. She is founder and co-creator with Matt McCormack of a learning retreat for professional genealogists called Gen-Stock. She also, along with Dr. David McDonald, created the Genealogy Symposium, an intensive, state library & archives-based genealogy methods program based on the theme “Thinking Genealogically”. The inaugural Genealogy Symposium was hosted by the Oklahoma State Archives and the Oklahoma Historical Society of which Billie has been a statewide-elected Board member since 2007. She is the founder and principal of the family history research firm, HeritageTrackers, based in Oklahoma City, OK.
The Washington State Library:Bureaucracy to the Rescue
Tuesday, September 8th
1:00 pm
SVGS Library
6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA
Our speaker this month will be, Crystal Hicks.
This event will be a live Zoom presentation shown only at the SVGS library. Everyone is welcome to attend this free presentation.
Crystal’s topic: The Washington State Library: Bureaucracy to the Rescue
Crystal will speak about the collections available and how to access the variety of resources at the Washington State Library that may help you with your family research.
Crystal’s Bio:
Crystal Hicks brings a rich background in reference and genealogy services to her current role. Before relocating to Washington from Texas eighteen months ago, she served as Assistant Director of a public library, where she supported patrons with local and family history research and oversaw public-facing reference services
She is now Head of Collections at the Washington State Library’s Central Library in Tumwater, where she manages a broad and varied portfolio; special collections including manuscripts and rare books, newspapers, journals, the Northwest book collection, maps, government publications, and genealogy materials. Her work centers on building, preserving, and expanding access to collections that serve historical research, public accountability, and community memory.
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting
Tuesday, September 8, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
This month’s presentation: Jerry Bordelon a member of Alexander Hamilton Chapter of the SAR, will share with us how he researched his ancestors going back to the Revolutionary War and beyond back to France. He will also share tips for working with pre-1850 U.S. census records.
This meeting will be held via Zoom only.
Our meetings are held monthly on the 2nd Tuesday starting at 6:00 PM.
Attend virtually via Zoom:
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io
Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:
we communicate and share information with each other
other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time
PROGRAM UPDATES
All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Main library branches.
Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request.
Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. https://www.skcgs.org
Saturday, September 5, 10–11am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG.
Tuesday, September 8,1– 2pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (usually monthly on the first Tuesday)(Online). All interested members are invited; Write to Board@SKCGS.org for the zoom link.
Wednesday, September 9, 2– 3pm PT: WikiTree Users. Topic: Space Pages? Creating & Using this flexible tool. Bring your questions and examples. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.
Thursday, September 10, 11am – 1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton.
Friday, September 11, 12:30–2:30 pm PDT: EGS German Interest Group: “1816: The Year Without a Summer & Its Impact on German Migration” by Carolyn Schott, CG®
The eruption of Mt. Tambora in Indonesia unleashed a volcanic winter that reverberated around the globe, earning the year 1816 the name “The Year Without a Summer.” Immense quantities of volcanic ash drastically altered weather patterns and created unseasonably cold temperatures that caused crop failures and food shortages. This crisis prompted many Germans to seek new opportunities abroad, both in the U.S. and in the Russian Empire, which offered both land and religious freedom.
This presentation discusses the intertwined environmental, economic, and social ramifications of the Year Without a Summer, highlighting its pivotal role in the history of German emigration.
Presenter Carolyn Schott, CG®has researched her German ancestors for 30 years, following their wanderings through Eastern Europe before arriving in the U.S. She is a founder of the Black Sea German Research Community (www.blackseagr.org), a former board member of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society (GRHS), and author of the book, “Visiting Your Ancestral Town.”
Schott’s research has required her to research records in the U.S., Germany, Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, and Poland. The Black Sea German Research Community, which she helped found, is a website dedicated to helping people with hard-to-find information on their ethnic German ancestors who lived in areas bordering the Black Sea. She has been speaking on genealogy-related topics since 2007 and has been a regular speaker at the International German Genealogy conventions, the Foundation for East European Family History Studies, the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, and other genealogy societies. This presentation will not be recorded.
Thursday, September 17: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (in-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer.
11am-1pm: Auburn Library: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn,
2-4pm: Federal Way Main Library: 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way.
Friday, September 18, 1–3 pm: Research Workshop (In-person). For SKCGS Members only, In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center: 12817 SE 256th St, Kent. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird: 206-818-7610.
Saturday, September 19, 10–11:30 am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series. Dr. Leah Larkin: “Make the Most of Ancestry’s Pro Tools for DNA and More.”
Leah Larkin, PhD, is a professional genealogist and educator known for her mathematical and biological approach to genetic genealogy. Dr. Larkin earned her doctorate in biology from the University of Texas at Austin, where she used DNA to study species relationships. She now applies those research skills to solving genealogical questions using DNA. Her brainchild, the What Are the Odds? tool at DNAPainter.com, has become an essential tool in our toolbox thanks to the web design skills of Jonny Perl. She also co-developed the revolutionary BanyanDNA tool for complex pedigrees. In addition to taking private clients, she blogs at TheDNAGeek.com; speaks at the local, national, and international level; and teaches with the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, Applied Genealogy Institute, Family History Academy, and others.
She said recently “I’ve been making heavy use of Ancestry’s Pro Tools, especially the non-DNA features (for a change). I’ve also discovered a couple of third-party sites that fill some of the gaps in Pro Tools with powerful analytics for both genetic and traditional genealogy. I’m excited to share these features with you soon. You won’t want to miss it!”
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Monday, September 21,1– 2 pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). Topic: Find A Grave: Use & make it better. See: Find a Grave – Suggesting Edits and More Genealogy Tips & Tricks: https://youtu.be/-6xP-A9Fegk (15 mins). Tech User Group shares knowledge and explores technology tools, media, apps and websites. Join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.
Monday, September 28 –2pm PT Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Join our free online group for Chat reminders and genealogy discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io.
Friday, October 2, 12:30 –2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS). Topic: “German Research for the Everyday American” by Karynne Moses. This lecture has three components: Unique sources for finding a German hometown in American records; Determining the exact location of the German town using Meyers Gazetteer and Hansen’s Map Guides; Locating the records available for that town using Archion, Matricula and Basia Famula. These are the basic steps that will help attendees locate their ancestors in German records. Presenter Karynne Moses: Family history provided the perfect outlet for Karynne’s love of languages. A German and Portuguese genealogist, she enjoys finding her clients’ ancestors and translating documents. While studying Family History/Genealogy at Brigham Young University (BYU), she worked under the direction of Dr. Robert Minert on the German Immigrants in American Church Records series. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2019. Visitors welcome. https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CucqFLrdQzmZ5PFMyCCUPg.
Saturday, October 3,10–11am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG
Wednesday, October 14, 2–3pm PT: WikiTree Users. Topic: OctoberFest! What are you excited to see this year? Let’s check out G2G to find out what’s happening. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.
Thursday, October 15: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (in-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer.
11am-1pm: Auburn Library: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn.
2-4pm: Federal Way Main Library: 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way.
Friday, October 16, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop. SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center,12817 SE 256th St, Kent. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird 206-818-7610).
SKCGS SPEAKER SERIES
19 September 2026 Dr. Leah Larkin: Make the Most of Ancestry’s Pro Tools for DNA and More
17 October 2026 Steven W. Morrison: Digging UpNew Dirt and The Likely EnglishAncestryOfDeacon JohnDoane
21 November 2026 MaryLyn Strickland: Using the NewGlorecords.blm.govsite
MEMBERSHIP: We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.
You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.
QUEST CONNECTIONS September 2026Volume 32 – Issue 3Here’s to a Happy and Safe Labor Day Weekend!
In this IssueBehind the ScenesDirectly SpeakingPut HQRL on the MapUpcoming EventsWelcome New MembersDiscover Your Next AdventureLabor Day QuizAdded to our Library CollectionQuiz Answers
Behind the Scenes A New LookOur newsletter, Quest Connections and the monthly Happenings will have a less flashy look and fewer graphics going forward. No contend will be added during the last week before publication.Late submissions will go out in the next publication.
Website Redesign The website redesign is ongoing with no set completion date. The webmaster is actively fixing bugs, though no user manual or direct technical support is available yet. The librarians can help you log in the first time, if you are having difficulty. They will forward any problem they cannot resolve to the appropriate person.
Please be patient while we work through this together. Thank you. Sara McGlothlen, Interim Editor
Directory SpeakingCarolyn PasquierHQRL Director and Collections Manager As Director, I am incredibly proud of how our library serves as a welcoming, active, and valuable hub for our entire community. However, we cannot do it alone. The true heart of our library is its people, and today I am inviting you to share your unique time, talents, and knowledge with us.
Whether you have a few hours to spare each week, possess a special skill you would love to share, or simply enjoy helping your neighbors, your experience can make a profound difference. If you have ever walked through our doors and thought, “I could help with that,” this is your opportunity to jump in.
We would love to welcome you to the team. If you are interested in volunteering, or if you simply have questions about how you might fit in, please reach out:Meet us in person:
Stop by the library on any Thursday to chat with ourVolunteer Coordinator, Susan Nolan.
Give us a call:Reach Susan directly at 253-455-2758 to discuss how you can get involved.
Thank you for your continued support,and for helping our library thrive!
Put HQRL on the MapTired of telling people how hard our library is to find? We are raising $1,600 byOctober 31to install clear new street and highway signs! We’ve already raised $300 of our $1,900 total. Every dollar helps guide new guests right to our doors. How to give:Donate safely at the online HQRL store, by mail, or at the front desk today!Thank you so much for your support and for being a vital part of our library! Below are samples of how these signs may appear.
Guide signs installed by WASDOT on Hiway 512 East and West exits
Guide sign on East Pioneer, just before the American Legion building and Guide sign on 15th St. SE, by the seservice station.
Upcoming Events
HQRL Class
September 3
Heritage Quest Research Library
Classroom and Zoom
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Introduction to Genealogy: Cemetery Resources
Join Carol Ansel, Director of the Godfrey Memorial Library, who will show you resources other then Find-A-Grave and share the imagery and symbolism that was common in early New England cemeteries.
Visit or call the library to register. $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members. Classroom attendance is limited to eight. Zoom participants will receive a link via email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts.
Washington State Fair
September 4 – 27
Puyallup Washington
FamilySearch is asking us to help man their booth at the Fair. Free admission and a parking pass will be provided for anyone who volunteers to take one or more shifts during the Fair.
They especially need volunteers to cover the morning shift on Sundays.
Click on the link below to view available shifts and enter your name and contact information. The form will automatically save your information.
Angi Burslem, Volunteer and HQRL Board member, shared her thoughts about the upcoming Holiday Bazaar: “It seems this year is flying by! Last year we jumped right into our fundraiser with a short planning window. This year we’ll have a little more time. We had lots of fun last year getting to know each other and finding inspirational and creative new “tricks” for holiday crafting and decoration. All are welcome!”
Agenda: Planning the event and letting potential
participants know it’s time to get their crafts started.
Management Team Meeting
HQRL Classroom (in person or zoom)
Wednesday September 16
12 noon – 2 pm
Zoom participants will receive a link via email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts.
HQRL Class
Thursday September 17
Heritage Quest Research Library
Classroom and Zoom
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Scoop on Digitized Historic Newspaper
Databases for Genealogy
Discover your ancestors’ daily lives, milestones, and legal stories. Join Eleanor Brinsko to uncover the online databases that hold your family history. Visit or call the library to register.
$20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members. Classroom attendance is limited to eight. Zoom participants will receive a link via email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts.
Beginning Genealogy Class
Presented by HQRL
September 19
2:30- 4 pm
Puyallup Public Library
324 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98371
Seating is limited.
Register on the Puyallup Public Library website.
Annual Cider Squeeze and Oregon Trail Event
Saturday, September 19
10 am – 3 pm
Meeker Mansion
312 Spring Street, Puyallup, WA 98372
Hands-on history activities leave a lasting impression, and distributing HQRL flyers can guide interested attendees directly to the library to start their family research.
2027 Dinner Auction Planning Meeting
Tuesday September 22
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
HQRL Classroom
Beyond Treaties: Native Stories of Survival and Strength
John Halliday, Presenter
Muckleshoot Tribal Member
Saturday October 3
10:30 am
Puyallup Nazarene Church
1026 7th Ave SW Puyallup, WA
Courtesy of Eliza Jane Meeker Chapter DAR
Welcome New Members
July-August
Lavonne Emler
Alice Farrar
Norman and Andrea Hamlow
Clayton Henry
Jeff Jennings
Brian Johnson
Discover Your Next Adventure:
Volunteer at HQRL!
Management Team positions
Secretary: Monthly Management Team Meetings
Technology Manager: Maintain and update computers and electronics
Editor: Quarterly Newsletter
Volunteer Opportunities
Education Coordinator Assistant
Membership Coordinator Assistant
Holiday Bazaar and 2027 Dinner Auction
Librarians
Labor Day Quiz
Why and when did the first Labor Day take place?
What day was the first labor rally held?
What was the Haymarket Affair?
When was Labor Day officially changed to Monday?
What American food is most popular between Memorial Day and Labor Day?
What was the first state to declare Labor Day a legal holiday?
What is the most popular way Americans celebrate Labor Day today?
New Books in the Library
Discover our ‘New Book Shelf’
It’s the first shelf to the left of the classroom door.
These new books are from these generous donors: Tacoma Family Search Center, Elena Gonser, Sara McGlothlen.
Thank you for keeping our collection new and fresh.
AR Howard 005 More of the unfinished story of North Howard County Zelpha Hunter Allison, Myrl Faulkner Dyer
CA San Francisco 007 San Francisco Earthquake Gordon Thomas, Max Morgan Witts
FL Hillsborough 002 Plant City, its origin and history 1885-1985 Quintilla Geer Bruton, David E. Bailey, Jr.
IL DeWitt 002 History of DeWitt County, Illinois. With Illustrations, Descriptive of the Scenery, and Biographical Sketches of some of the Prominent Men and Pioneers W.R.Brink
IA Taylor 001 History of Taylor County Iowa from the earliest historic times to 1910, illustrated with portraits and views. Also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county [Published 1910]
IA Winnashiek 004 Bloomfield Township family histories a supplement to “And so they came…..to Bloomfield Township” Bloomfield Township Historical Society
IL Jo Daviess 004 Index to Council Hill Township cemeteries tombstones: cemeteries Birkbeck Cemetery, Council Hill Cemetery Robert Hansen, Margaret Buehler, Alfred Mueller
MA Essex 016 Inscriptions from the old cemetery in Rowley, Massachusetts Geo. B. Blodgette
MA Plymouth 016 Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate Index 1686-1881 Ralph V. Wood, Jr
ME 000 Military 03 History of the Twenty Sixth Maine Regiment Elden B. Maddocks
NY 000 Military 13 Patriots of the North Shore Great Neck-Cow Neck-Hempstead Harbor-Cedar Swamp-Wolver Hollow-Norwich-Oyster Bay-Jericho during the Revolutionary War Leonard Wanger
NY 084 Marriages and Deaths from the New Yorker (Double Quarto Edition) 1836 – 1841 Kenneth Scott
NY 085 Some Early Church History of Western New York Hazel M. Shear
NY Suffolk 006 Our Hampton heritage Elaine Benson
OH Gallia 004 Cemeteries of Gallipolis Township Gallia County, Ohio Gallia County Historical Society
TN Dickson 003 Heritage of Dickson County, Tennessee 1803-2006 H. Alan Ragan
TN Dickson 004 Dickson County Tennessee handbook, a handbook for research in Dickson County, Tennessee containing marriages, wills, estate settlements, deeds, military records, vital statistics, gazetteer, chronology, genealogical miscellany, a stroll through history, and other research aids Jill Knight Garrett
TN Dickson 005 History of Dickson County, Tennessee Robert Edwin Corlew
TN Dickson 007 v.1 through v.8 Dickson County, Tennessee newspaper abstracts (7Jan1910 through 16Aug1912) Laura Willis
TN Wilson 004 1793-1829 Wilson County, Tennessee deed books C-M 1793-1829 Thomas E. Partlow
TN Wilson 004 1829-1853 Wilson County, Tennessee deed books N-Z 1829-1853 Thomas E. Partlow
TN Wilson 005 Wilson County, Tennessee miscellaneous records 1800-1875 Thomas E. Partlow.
WA Pierce Sumner yrbk Sumner HS 1973 1973 Sumner High School Annual, ‘The Spartan’ Spartan Annual Staff
WA Pierce Sumner yrbk Sumner HS 1974 1974 Sumner High School Annual, ‘The Spartan’ Spartan Annual Staff
Dictionary HUNGARIAN 001 English-Hungarian Hungarian-English Dictionary Lajos Pal Biro, Jozsef Willer, Sandor Fest
Dictionary SERBOCROATIAN 001 English-Serbocroation and Serbocroatian-English with English Grammar Dictionary Ratimir J. Cvetanovic
Family History GRAY 04 Gray family of Hancock County, Maine Almon A. Gray, Walter A. Snow
Native American Cherokee 035 v.1 Old Cherokee Families, notes of Dr. Emmet Starr Volume One: Letter Books A-F Jack D. Baker, David Keith Hampton
Native American Cherokee 035 v.2 Old Cherokee Families, notes of Dr. Emmet Starr Volume Two: Letter Books G-L Jack D. Baker, David Keith Hampton
Religion GERMAN BAPTISTS Brethren 015 Roots by the river, the history, doctrine, and practice of the old German Baptist brethren in Miami County, Ohio Marcus Miller
Society
NSWDAHAC 002 Massachusetts Heraldica An illustrated compilation of Arms with heraldic description and cited authorities comprising an alphabetical index of one hundred and three armigerous members of the ancient and honorable artillery company of Massachusetts in the colonial period 1637-1774
US History TRANSPORTATION 016 Granger Country A Pictorial Social History of the Burlington Railroad Lloyd Lewis, Stanley Pargellis
US History WOMEN 033 Pioneer women, the lives of women on the frontier Linda Peavy, Ursula Smith
Labor Day Quiz Answers
On Sept. 5, 1882, tens of thousands of union laborers marched from New York City Hall to Union Square to protest deplorable working conditions.
The very first U.S. Labor Day celebration was held on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, before shifting to the first Monday, the second on a Wednesday and in 1884 it was changed to Monday.
In early May 1886, a labor protest rally in Chicago turned into what’s now known as the Haymarket Affair. Police fired into a crowd, killing at least two but possibly six protesters (reports at the time varied) and injured several others in a peaceful rally demanding an eight-hour workday and safe conditions.
Labor Day was officially changed to the first Monday in September on June 28, 1894, when President Grover Cleveland signed a Congressional act making it a federal legal holiday.
Labor Day is the unofficial end of Hot Dog season. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council says that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Americans will eat 7 billion hot dogs.
Oregon was the first state to celebrate Labor Day as a legal holiday in 1887.
The most popular way to celebrate Labor Day in the United States is by hosting backyard barbecues, cookouts, and informal outdoor gatherings with family and friends.
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Writing Family History
Wednesday, September 9, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom
The Writing Family History Special Interest Group (WFH-SIG) supports TPCGS members in documenting, writing, and preserving their family histories—formally or informally. Monthly meetings will provide a mix of presentations, writing exercises, and peer reviews to help members make progress in their projects.
Date & Time: Every month on the Second Wednesday, starting at 7:00 PM Pacific Time
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
You are free to copy articles to any non-commercial web site or message board or printed publication you wish. Don’t bother to ask permission, just do it.
New Site Changes Event Registration ProcessTo register for a SIG, go to SGS Calendar/Upcoming Events and click on the SIG meeting you want. Use the Register button on that page to sign up for a meeting.
base image Walls.io / Unsplash, montage by Sheyna WatkinsNARROWING DATES WHEN VITAL RECORDS ARE NOT AVAILABLESecond Saturday, September 12, 1 p.m.What is a genealogist to do with a research subject, born before the era of vital records, who left a lifetime of documents indicating a year of birth that varied by as much as 15 years? In this case study of an African American woman from South Carolina born in the late 19th Century, the Genealogy Standards for evidence correlation and resolving evidence inconsistencies led to one likely date of birth. Chronological tables and visual charts generated by AI helped identify patterns across sources. Her sibling’s birth dates and probable dates of conception helped narrow down a possible date of birth. 
Sheyna
