Wednesday, March 18
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Women of Letters: Voices from the Frontier
Presented by Sylvia Doolos
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Women wrote in diaries, newspapers, magazines, and letters to family and friends. Learn about the joy, heartbreak, and determination it took to be a frontier woman.
Sylvia Tracy Doolos, owner of New Leaf Genealogy, is the President of the Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England Family History Society (WISE-FHS), and Past-President of the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH).
Wednesday, March 25
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Internet Archive for the Family Historian
Presented by Tina Beaird
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
The Internet Archive website has become a must-visit site for genealogy and history, but how do you know you’re getting the most out of your search? Tina will help you navigate Internet Archive by showing you how to effectively use their advanced search features, featured collections and the WayBack Machine and to get the most out of your user experience.
Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, is the genealogy & local history librarian at a mid-sized Chicagoland public library. She holds a Masters of Library and Information Science degree with a specialization in Archives/Preservation, and is the First Vice-President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, and board director for the Oswegoland Heritage Association.
Wednesday, April 1
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Are You Really My Ancestor?
Presented by Claire Smith
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
When you find a name match for an ancestor, it’s tempting to believe you’re related. A name isn’t enough to prove the relationship, especially if you have a common surname – like mine! In this session you’ll learn what it takes to prove a lineage, and how to handle conflicting information or multiple potential matches. I will share examples that illustrate how to deal with these issues.
Claire Smith has more than 25 years of experience in genealogy research, specializing in New England, Ireland, Atlantic Canada, and England. As a former tech executive, she also brings expertise to areas such as DNA, AI, Technology, and Organization. She is Past Director, Seminar Program Chair for the Massachusetts Genealogical Council, and Past president, of the Bainbridge Island (WA) Genealogical Society.
Wednesday, April 8
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Unlock the 1926 Census of Ireland for Irish Family Research
Presented by Susan McKee
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
The 1926 Census of Ireland will be released on 18 April 2026. Discover the background and details contained in this long-awaited census. Enumerated 15 years after the previous census in 1911, it provides a snapshot of Ireland after years of conflict and enormous political and social change in the country. Learn how to make the most of its contents for your Irish family research.
Susan McKee, M.A., is a genealogist specializing in Irish family research. Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, she is now a U.S. citizen and longtime resident of Seattle, WA, where she facilitates the monthly Irish Special Interest Group for the Seattle Genealogical Society, and makes presentations for genealogical societies across the U.S.
Wednesday, April 22
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Tracing Female Ancestors Through Everyday Records
Presented by Sylvia Doolos
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
American women in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries left records, none unique to women. However, these records can provide unique insights when looked at through a historical lens as American women’s lives changed.
Sylvia Tracy Doolos, owner of New Leaf Genealogy, is the President of the Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England Family History Society (WISE-FHS), and Past-President of the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH).
Wednesday, April 29
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Back to School; Making the most of School Records
Presented by Tina Beaird
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Learn about the many ways you can access cool details about your ancestors by using school records like yearbooks, school schedules, teacher’s registers, school newspapers, alumni directories and much more. This is one class you won’t want to ditch.
Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, is the genealogy & local history librarian at a mid-sized Chicagoland public library. She holds a Masters of Library and Information Science degree with a specialization in Archives/Preservation, and is the First Vice-President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, and board director for the Oswegoland Heritage Association.
Wednesday, May 6
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
IS IT TRUE? Using Manuscripts and Family Records for Genealogical Proof
Presented by Steven W. Morrison
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
To some, family records – including diaries, letters, and personal photographs – may be seen as having little genealogical value. Nothing could be further from the truth! Explore how original information from the Oregon trail can shine new light on undiscovered facts or family relationships.
Steven W. Morrison is past president for both the Puget Sound chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the Olympia Genealogical Society (WA). He has been a professional genealogist since 2006 and has advanced his genealogical education by attending twenty genealogical institutes including the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG. He’s authored multiple articles and books reviews, especially regarding Quakers (Religious Society of Friends), and has presented to all the genealogical societies in Western Washington either in-person or virtually.
Wednesday, May 13
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Moonshine & Coal Mines: Unraveling Stories & Secrets to Reconstruct a Family Through Oral History Documents and DNA
Presented by Lisa Vogele
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
This case study pieces together the elusive origins of a 19th-century Polish immigrant family. Through DNA analysis, historical records, and myth-busting research, we’ll uncover a tale of poor Pennsylvania coal miners, lost homes, hidden siblings, and even an arrest for an illicit still in the woods. Learn how to navigate surname variations, reconstruct migration timelines, and use modern genealogy methods to bring the past to life.
Lisa Vogele is a professional genealogist and certified travel advisor (CTA). She is the Chief Tree Climber at Travel Your Tree: Where Ancestry Meets Adventure, a full-service family history research, travel planning and tour operator. In 2016, Lisa authored Food & Folklore: A Year of Italian Festivals, a guide book to assist travelers with incorporating festivals into their itineraries and experience local culture through food and historic events. Her travel tips have been featured in the Huffington Post, 1000traveltips.com and her travel blog LisaLovesToTravel.com.
Wednesday, May 20
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
From Territory to State: Records You Might Miss
Presented by Sylvia Doolos
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
As our nation grew, territories began keeping records to achieve statehood. Let’s look at records and research strategies that can help you.
Sylvia Tracy Doolos, owner of New Leaf Genealogy, is the President of the Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England Family History Society (WISE-FHS), and Past-President of the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH).
Wednesday, May 27
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Mapping Your Migrating Ancestors
Presented by Tina Beaird
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Tina will discuss the usefulness of different types of maps including aerial and birdseye maps as well as cadastral, enumeration, and fire insurance maps. She will give suggestions on how to trace your ancestors using land records available through multiple government agencies such as local and county tax assessors, county clerks, circuit court offices, and land use departments. Tina will also provide suggestions on how to track resources using non-governmental sources like libraries, archives and historical societies.
Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, is the genealogy & local history librarian at a mid-sized Chicagoland public library. She holds a Masters of Library and Information Science degree with a specialization in Archives/Preservation, and is the First Vice-President of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, and board director for the Oswegoland Heritage Association.