Subject: Bend Genealogical Society Spring Seminar Final Reminder
Just wanted to let you know that registration for the Spring Seminar will be closed April 21st.
FINAL 2015 Seminar Flyer-Registration Form
Hope to see you there!
Marsha Lakes, President
Bend Genealogical Society
We can be proud once again of being a Washingtonian! According to Doug Clark’s column in our Spokesman paper a week or so ago, the genius who invented and successfully marketed the Pet Rock was from Washington! Clark wrote: “Gary Dahl was living in the Northern California town of Los Gatos and having a drink when…… “the bar talk turned to pets, and to the onus of feeding, walking and cleaning up after them,” it was reported in his obituary in The New York Times. “His pet, “Mr Dahl announced in a flash of inspiration, caused him no such trouble. “I have a pet rock,” he explained. And the rest, as they say, is history.
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My son, Benjamin, recently chided me: “You’re NOT watching the ISS?” (International Space Station) So while he was here over Easter weekend, he showed me and WOW is this way cool. When it’s in daylight, there are THREE cameras beaming back photos of the earth. Now how cool is this?? And of course it’s free. Google “HDEV” or type the entire website: www.eol.jsc.nasa.gov/ForFun/HDEV
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Did I include this before?
The Genealogist and Her Son–a Little Genealogy Humor
A widow had “discovered” genealogy and found it a great way to occupy some of her spare time in her retirement. She spent some money, but was judicious in what she spent and was not in any danger of frittering away her retirement. In fact, she stayed well within her genealogy budget.
Her son, thinking that his mother was spending too much time “looking for dead people,” constantly berated her for it and criticized her for spending too much money.
She finally told him that since her genealogy work bothered him so much, she had decided to develop a new past time that might cost less. The local tavern had a weekly “ladies’ night” and she was hopeful that she’d meet a man there would could be her son’s stepfather.
He never complained about genealogy again.
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Interesting tidbit from THE WEEK (a new news magazine) 27 Feb 2015: “An Indian optometrist has given his elite clients a new way to flaunt their wealth: contact lenses that turn eyes a glimmering gold. Mumbai-based Dr. C.C. said he came up with the idea for the 24-karat eyewear, which sells for up to $18,000 a pair, after his wife had diamonds implanted in her teeth, making him realize that people were prepared to put bling on almost every part of their body. Dr. C. says that anyone who looks into a wearer’s gold eyes will be “mesmerized.” Will you be ordering a pair??
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Would a picture of the ship that carried your ancestors to America be something you would like to have? ShipIndex offers just that service. Do check it out………. this was their 18 March newsletter.
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This was in a recent newsletter (Vita Brevis) from NEHGS (New England Historic Genealogical Society). I think the talk will morph into a book. I think it would be fabulous reading!
Detail of The Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Mass. Dec. 22nd 1620, lithograph by Currier & Ives. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. I’m in the middle of doing some research for a lecture that I’ll be giving in April at NEHGS entitled “The Hand that Rocked the Cradle.” It will use an informal statistical sampling of the women who have been included in the Early New England Families Study Project so far to see if we can form any general pictures about these ladies and their families. Preliminary statistics are interesting. The gross totals: 88 women who had 116 husbands, 608 children (an average of about 7 each) and 174 step-children. I think that is what they call “populating a wilderness!” On average these women were born about 1620, came to New England about 1636 (about age 16), were married for the first time about 1640 (age 20), and lived to about 1682 (age 62). Those who had multiple marriages averaged age 41 for the second marriage (22 women), 46 for the third (4 women), and 42 for the fourth (1 woman). The youngest at first marriage was 15, oldest at first marriage, 32. The woman who lived to the greatest age was 97, and the one who died the youngest was 21. These women were wives, mostly, of the second generation Great Migration sons who came to New England with their parents, and, themselves, came to New England during the Great Migration with their own families, or as servants to extended family or to families who were often neighbors in their society or church at home. An example of an “average” woman in this group is Elizabeth (Baker) (Watkins) Hudson. She was younger than average when she came to New England, only 3 when her parents Alexander and Elizabeth Baker came to Boston, but she married first to Thomas Watkins at about age 20 and had seven children before being widowed at age 57. She was 63 when she married her second husband, Francis Hudson (who was 77), as his second wife (his first having died the year before), and became step-mother to his four grown children. Elizabeth died two years later at age 65. For me the most interesting statistic is the average birth year of these women, 1620. They were born, almost literally, as the Pilgrims were stepping on Plymouth Rock, and their entire childhoods would have been spent among families talking about, planning, and executing their removal from the old world to the new. They would have had no choice about coming to New England, but did they see it as a great adventure or were they sulking teenagers? I know that I would have been one of the sulking teenagers. I get seasick and I hate sleeping on any mattress but my own. |
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Stevens County is just north of Spokane County. A local little Stevens County newspaper is “Huckleberry Press” because those delicious berries do grow in the mountains in Stevens County. Always included in this rag are “Fresh Chuckleberries….. warning! Not to be taken internally, literally, or seriously!” Here are some “chuckleberries” for you:
When we are not happy with others we are not happy with ourselves.
We have all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away but an onion a day will keep everyone away.
As humans we need some food, some sun, some work and someone.
The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.
The good ole’ days are memories with the pain or embarrassment forgotten.
If the going starts to feel like it’s too easy, you might be going down hill.
Money can buy a dob, but only love will make his tail wag.
Forbidden fruit makes for a very bad jam.
Monthly updates from the Seattle Genealogical Society.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SGS SPRING SEMINAR
If your ancestors didn’t arrive in the Mayflower, you probably need to learn more about how to research your family history in the Mid-South states of Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri!
“Who’s Your Daddy? Researching Your Family History in the Mid-South States”
Speaker: C. Lynn Andersen, Accredited Genealogist (ICAPGen) in Mid-South States
When: Saturday, 9 May 2015. Doors open 9 am. Seminar ends 4:30 pm.
Where: Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th Street, Seattle WA
Registration: $40 SGS members/$50 non-members (After 30 April, add a $10 late fee.)
Seminar topics include:
An Overview of Internet Resources for the Mid-South States
Internet Resources for Mid-South Will and Probate Records
Finding and Using Land Records Online to Solve Mid-South States Research Problems
A Look at Colonial Land Records for the Mid-South States
Mail in the registration form you recently received, bring in your registration form to SGS, or register online at http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/content/2015-spring-seminar-registration
For more information on the SGS spring seminar, seminar speaker, and driving/parking suggestions, go to http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/springseminar
Come prepared for the famous SGS book sale and for the annual raffle to benefit the SGS Library Fund!
HELP WANTED – current SGS needs and openings:
WANTED: Several able-bodied members who can occasionally help rearrange folding tables and chairs for programs held at SGS (most programs are on Saturday or Sunday, between noon and 3 p.m.) Often our library desk volunteers are physically unable to do this.
We also may need help setting up the screen, computer, and LCD projector for some presentations. It isn’t difficult and we will train you, if necessary.
Commitment: 1 or 2 set-ups per month.
Contact Jean A. Roth, Director of Education at (206) 782-2629 or jeanaroth@juno.com
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
All programs are at the SGS Library at 6200 Sand Point Way unless otherwise indicated. Please Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be postponed.
Saturday, April 4, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm
CANADIAN INTEREST GROUP, Leader: David Robert
Sunday, April 5
EASTER SGS is closed for the day
Wednesday, April 8
MAC Computer Interest Group, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fiske Genealogical Library, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle – Pioneer Hall in Madison Park $3 library use fee
Speakers: Diane Heddrick and Lou Daly
Thursday, April 9 – the Brick Wall Solving Session originally scheduled for this day has been moved to April 14 – See below.
Saturday, April 11
SGS IRISH INTEREST GROUP 10:15 am – 12:15 pm
“Irish Internet Sources” – Speaker: Jean A. Roth
Saturday, April 11
GERMAN INTEREST GROUP 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
“German Internet Sources” – Speaker: Jean A. Roth
Tuesday, April 14 (Date Change)
BRICK WALL SOLVING SESSION 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Join SGS members for a problem-solving session. This is an open forum format.
Wednesday, April 15
PROGRAM MEETING – HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
This is a two part program. First we’ll give a short introduction to “Accessing Holocaust Databases.” From deportation records to lists of the martyred to survivor testimonies, the Holocaust has generated a vast amount of documents and records – many of which can be researched online.
The second part of the program is a little-known and chillingly unique story of the “The Ahnenerbe – the Nazi Genealogy Ancestral Heritage Program.” Its Family History records can go back into the 1700’s and it has affected German genealogy research for decades both in a negative and positive way. It inspired Steven Spielberg’s “Indiana Jones” movies with the Quest for the Ark of the Covenant and the Search for the Holy Grail. Speaker: Jean A. Roth
Saturday, April 25 – SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
Judith Eccles Wight, AG from Salt Lake City at the SGS Library 10:15 am – 12:00 pm
“My Delia Holland isn’t WHO and WHERE She’s supposed to Be.”
This is based on a case study that Judith did on a woman she researched; her name and place of origin were identified in U.S. records and through family records and stories. There was only one problem – she couldn’t be found in Ireland. Judith will give tips for solving both Irish personal name and place name problems that may prevent you from finding your Irish ancestors.
Judith Eccles Wight, owner of Wight House Research, has been an Accredited Genealogist specializing in Irish research for almost 40 years. She writes extensively for genealogical periodicals including Irish Roots and is a popular teacher and lecturer at genealogical events and Legacy Family Tree webinars. She worked 10 ½ years as a British Reference Consultant at the Family History Library. She and her husband recently completed a 15 month LDS Church mission at the Church History Library where her research skills were put to work in documenting people.
Space is limited to 50; call (522-8658) or stop by the SGS library to reserve a place; we’ll announce this to other groups after April 6, if open seats haven’t been claimed by that date.
Sunday, April 26
ETHNIC SERIES: OSTFRIESLAND 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
“Dear Brothers and Sisters: A Letter to Ostfriesland” An overview of an area of Germany contiguous with the Dutch border, its history, culture and people.
Speaker: Jill Morelli
Saturday, May 2, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm
CANADIAN INTEREST GROUP, Leader: David Robert
Tuesday, May 5 – GIVE BIG DAY – make a contribution to SGS online on this date, and we will receive additional funds from the special non-profit cultural funds. See http://www.seattlefoundation.org/GivingCenter/GiveBIG/Pages/Default.aspx for more details.
Wednesday, May 6th – on-line Webinar
Ginny Sharp Sommarstrom, SGS member and former SGS President, will present a Webinar sponsored by the Minnesota Genealogical Society on this date, titled Researching Your Swedish Ancestry in the 21st Century. More information at http://mngs.org/eventListings.php?nm=38.
(if you’re not familiar with webinars, see the Bonus Tip of the Week, below.)
Saturday, May 9
SGS SPRING SEMINAR – All Day
“Who’s Your Daddy? Researching Your Family History in the Mid-South States
Greenwood Senior Center – 525 N. 85th Street Speaker: C. Lynn Anderson
For more details, see the top of this page.
TIP OF THE WEEK – GENEALOGY GOPHERS
Researching family histories online is an activity that has begun to come of age. Thousands of family history books and magazines can be searched directly from multiple websites. But searching through these websites and combing through the jumble of information they return can be a frustrating, costly, and fruitless process.
The newly launched family history website, GenGophers.com, solves these problems by providing precise and free access to the industry’s most effective online search tools and a growing library of more than 40,000 downloadable family and personal histories, local histories, and genealogy newsletters.
GenGophers.com is the only website that – completely for free – returns genealogy book results only. Results include the publication name and a snippet from the page showing the highlighted search terms. Relevant pages and books can be downloaded for free from the GenGophers.com website.
Check them out at https://www.gengophers.com/#/
BONUS TIP OF THE WEEK: WHAT IS A WEBINAR, ANYWAY?
In short, a webinar is a web-based seminar, that one can “attend” from home.
Here is a link to an on-line explanation of how webinars work: http://blog.geneawebinars.com/p/how-it-works.html
Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Today we’re introducing Dolores “Dolly” Kies Merrick of Vancouver, Washington who was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). She was recognized for her support of the goals and operation of the CCGS.
Ms. Merrick has been an active member of the CCGS for over seven years. She is the immediate past Vice President and served previously as its Treasurer. In 2014 she served on the CCGS library committee, was a member of the CCGS seminars committee, and a volunteer librarian. Additionally, using her graphic skills, she created storefront window displays that brought people to the society’s education programs to promote membership.
Ms. Merrick accepted her leadership role in CCGS during a period of recovery from a decline in society membership. Enticing members to accept leadership positions was particularly difficult, but Ms. Merrick applied her rare gift of enthusiasm and clear thinking through collegial management and a positive attitude, creating the cohesive and productive team that leads the society today.
Ms. Merrick is an exemplary member of the CCGS and 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.
Did you catch the article in your newspaper the other day titled “Library of Congress buys trove of Civil War images?”
This story told how “a Houston housewife who has quietly collected rare Civil War images for 50 years has sold more than 500 early photographs to the Library of Congress. The library announced the acquisition and is placing the first 77 images online.”
To me the cool thing about this is that they are almost all stereo-pictures, like the gizmo we used as children, the View Master.
Most of the images were taken by Confederate photographers and many are never-seen-before images.
Robin Stanford, the Houston grandmother who collected these images for over four decades, said the images are like ghosts form the past that reflect part of American history.
I cannot wait to click to the Library of Congress and take a look-see at some of these photos!
Mary Holcomb is a vitally important member of the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society. She was telling me recently about the updates with HeritageQuest/ProQuest, the public library online database. With her permission, I share her penned comments with you:
The “New” HeritageQuest — By Mary Holcomb – March 2015
Heritage Quest/ProQuest has for years been a genealogy tool available to all genealogists through their local public library (not individual subscription). Those who have used this database of information know its value and are excited about the transformation this website has undergone for our benefit. Those unfamiliar with the HQ database should plan a visit to your public library and inquire about this. We just hope your public library has this subscription! Now for Mary’s update:
I’m excited to be telling you about this update! As of March 3, 2015, HQ has undergone a face lift. The site is now powered by Ancestry with a different but similar search format. I for one will miss the old search but find the new site exciting and very manageable. The images are much improved, the search boxes are user friendly and much more information is available.
There still are six major categories to search:
CENSUS — Includes all the US federal Population schedules (1970 – 1940). Slave, Non Population, Veterans Schedules and more. There is also included an extensive list of Indian Census Rolls.
BOOKS & DIRECTORIES — lets you search where your ancestors lived with Local Histories from History Books and City Directories.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR — Search has actual copies of the requests for pension and benefits for many soldiers and their spouses. I found this section much improved over the old search. I gained five more pages of information for my Patriot.
FREEMAN’S BANK — A searchable data base of ancestors (Afro American and white) who applied to a federal banking program during Reconstruction period after the Civil War (1865 – 1874).
US SERIAL SET — A unique area to search for Information. If your ancestor petitioned a State Representative or the President for special help (Amnesty, exceptions to existing law or other assistance) paperwork documenting this could probably be found here.
While the above categories were made more user-friendly than the original versions, there are a couple new and very exciting additions. Under the HeritageQuest banner on the home page and next to SEARCH are RESEARCH AIDS and MAPS.
Here in MAPS you will find in one place, all the state’s county maps and how they changed over the years. The original states, new states and then the territory’s breaking down to the states as we now know them, It’s all here. Down-loadable state research guides are available here as well.
RESEARCH AIDS is a gold mine. Tips and tricks to help when you get stuck are here. Sub categories for Military, Immigration, Census and ethnic Research are here. Also here are sections for “getting started” and “beyond the basics”.
I hope you will take a trip to your nearest public libary and check out the new HeritageQuest. This is truly another wonderful tool to add to your genealogy toolbox.
To HQRL members and friends:
A gentle reminder: Please DO NOT wear perfumes, colognes or after shaves to classes.
NEXT upcoming class:
Monday, March 30 at 1:00 p.m.:
| Evernote Tips & Tricks for PC Instructor: Janet O’Conor Camarata | Evernote can store everything you possibly need for genealogy research and make it available everywhere. Learn to fully utilize its capabilities with checklists and reminders, merging notes and stacking notebooks, adding media, creating a Table of Contents and related products for becoming an Evernote power user. This class will be PC centric. If you use a Mac, you are welcome to attend to learn the concepts, but no instruction will be provided on how to access the concept on the Mac. | MondayMar 301:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | $15 |
And then plan ahead for the first two classes in April:
| Research in France Instructor: Dee Haviland Fournier | Are you looking for your ancestors in France?Learn several strategies to help your search. Maybe one of these will help you bust through your brickwall! We will also talk about the history of France and then concentrate on what records are available, where they are located and for what years they are available. | MondayApr 61:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | $15 |
| Timelines and Chronologies Instructor: Janet O’Conor Camarata | Genealogists use a variety of methods to better understand their ancestor’s lives and experiences. One method is the use of timelines and/or chronologies to summarize a person or family’s life, demonstrate how lives interconnect with each other and with history, identify discrepancies and inconsistencies, identify research problems and additional areas for further research and ease the writing of a memoir, family history or obituary. See how the method worked in understanding a family migration from Kentucky, to Missouri to Kansas in the mid-1800s. | FridayApr 106:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | $15 |
3 Ways to Signup
HQRL is located at:
1007 Main Street
Sumner, WA 98390
Phone 253-863-1806
Our Web address is: www.HQRL.com (click on “find us” for directions.)
Marilyn Schunke
HQRL Education Coordinator
2015 WSGS Annual Conference
Strategies and Visions for the Future
With David Rencher
June 27, 2015
Quality Inn and Conference Center
1700 Canyon Road
Ellensburg, Washington
Certified Genealogist
Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch
Fellow of the Irish Genealogical Research Society
Past-President of Federation of Genealogical Societies
Irish course coordinator fna dinstructor for Samford University
Accredited Genealogist with ICAPGen in Irish research
Professional Genealogist since 1977
BA in Family and Local History
He has a vision and he knows the future.
Friday, June 26
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Early Registration at Quality Inn
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Open House at Kittitas County Genealogical Society Library
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Computer Lab and Legacy webinars at Quality Inn
Saturday, June 27
8:00 am – 8:45 am Registration at Quality Inn
8:45 am – 9:00 am Introduction
9:00 am – 10:00 am Coming Forward, Descendent Research – Methodologies, records, sources and tools on how to organize massive amounts of records are described during this comprehensive descendant research project discussion
10:00 am – 10:30 am Break and Browse Vendors
10:30 am – 11:30 am FamilySearch Future and Vision – Learn where FamilySearch is headed and what to expect from FamilySearch.org.
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Lunch and WSGS Annual Meeting and Awards
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Digital Projects & Programs of FamillySearch – Get more detailed information about projects and programs coming to FamilySearch.org from its Chief Genealogical Officer.
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Break and Browse Vendors
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Strategies for Irish Research 1500 to 1800 – Irish research can be difficult. Learn how to overcome obstacles in Irish research that can also help you with other difficult research hurdles.
Things to do in Ellensburg while you enjoy your Friday night stay:
Barn Quilt Tour – Many area barns are painted with images of quilts. Taking the tour is a nice way to get off the “main drag” and see some really beautiful scenery. Maps can be found online at barnquiltswashington.org
Central Washington Branch of the Washington Archives – Located at 400 E University Way. Tours of the building will be available from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Friday, June 26.
Computer Lab – Bring your research in Gedcom format on a flash drive and test drive various genealogical programs in a computer lab at the conference site. Legacy webinars will also be available for viewing.
Kittitas County Genealogical Society Library – Located at 413 N Main Street will have an Open House. You are invited to meet local genealogists and research in their library.
Register Now!
Register online and use PayPal to pay your Registration Fees or complete the following form and mail to
Washington State Genealogical Society, 1901 South 12th Avenue, Union Gap WA 98903
Registration of $55.00 includes Friday and Saturday events and a “Brown Bag” lunch. Coffee, tea, and water available all day.
Name:
Address:
City/Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Number of Registrants: X $55.00 = $
Include check make payable to WSGS with Registration Form.
All lunches include chips, fruit/vegetable, and a cookie. Circle number of desired lunch:
1. Dill Chicken Salad with tomato and greens on a croissant.
2. Grilled Caesar Chicken Wrap with lettuce and parmesan.
3. Smoked Turkey and Swiss with lettuce and tomato on whole wheat.
4. Roast Beef with cream cheese on sourdough.
5. Vegetarian Sandwich with spinach, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, avocado and cream cheese on white.
6. Ham and Cheddar with spicy mustard and lettuce on rye.
7. Albacore Tuna with lettuce on ciabatta bread.
8. The Classic. Turkey, ham, bacon and Swiss on whole wheat.
Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Today we’re introducing Lola King McCreary, of Spokane, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). She was recognized for her leadership, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS).
Lola McCreary
Ms. McCreary has been a member of the EWGS for more than 30 years and has held several offices. She is one of the Distinguished Service Members of EWGS, and has always been ready and eager to help in any way she could.
Whenever EWGS needs a volunteer, Ms. McCreary is there, whether it’s as a rest stop volunteer, on the society nominating committee, and as the current member-at-large. Ms. McCreary has been a valued and hard-working member and a proven leader of the Society, and 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.
In an island country the size of Connecticut with a population matching that of Australia, you’d expect to see many cemeteries and we surely did! Weedy-overgrown ones, tidy-tended ones, hillside ones…coming right down to the highway…. Buddhist ones and a few Christian ones…. and one all by itself in a plowed field.
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April 5th is the Chinese New Year and on that date families will come to their ancestral graves to clean them up……… as this man is getting a head start on doing.
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Loved ones are buried facing west because, I was told, they are “facing the life to come.”
Thought you might enjoy these photos I took since all genealogists are interested in cemeteries.