TIP OF THE WEEK – THIS AUGUST IS THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF WWII: RESEARCH YOUR PACIFIC THEATER ANCESTORSBy Kate Penney Howard
World War II ended on August 15, 1945. We now call this day “Victory over Japan Day.” This day began the journey of millions of servicemen and servicewomen home to start the families many of us descend from.
Unlike the European Theater, where forces generally worked in divisions within one branch, in the Pacific Theater, military branches began working together. The Army and Navy (and their Air Forces) and the Marines and Coast Guard all played crucial roles, creating diverse record types scattered across different repositories.
We should also remember that hundreds of thousands of American and Canadian troops were positioned for “Operation Downfall” — the planned invasion of Japan. These preparations created extensive records, even though the invasion never occurred.
Key Record Types for Pacific Theater Research: Unit histories and war diaries Medical records from Pacific hospitals Prisoner of war documentation Occupation duty records (1945-1952) Transport ship passenger lists The Pacific Theater’s geography created unique documentation. Island-hopping campaigns meant servicemen often served in multiple locations, each generating separate records. Military postal service records can help track movements between islands.
The Pacific Theater affected the Home Front too. West Coast defense installations, aircraft manufacturing, and shipbuilding created a need for workers. People from all over the country relocated to work in defense plants, particularly in California, Washington, and British Columbia.
Some servicemen married overseas, creating international family connections. Others spent extended periods in military hospitals, creating detailed medical records that might mention family health history.
Research Strategy: Identify your ancestor’s specific unit and theater movements Research ship manifests for Pacific crossings Check veteran administration records for post-war benefits Look for local newspaper coverage of homecomings Consider interviewing surviving family members about stories August 1945 also began the massive demobilization effort. Discharge papers, final pay records, and veteran benefit applications provide detailed personal information often missing from wartime records.
Special Considerations:
Did you know that in 2022, Reclaim the Records won their FOIA lawsuit against the VA? This means that, even if your ancestor’s original personnel file was burned during the 1973 NARA fire, the VA may have records for you. These could include birth, marriage, and death records, medical and pension documents, employment details, home purchase information, education transcripts, and military details. The GI Bill enabled college education and home ownership, generating educational and property records. Many veterans used VA benefits, creating extensive medical documentation. Join SGS Today * to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button.
August 1, 2025
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
Focus of Presentation to be German ImmigrantsWe are excited to welcome back Kimball Carter, CG®, for the opening session of our fall Second Saturday speaker series. Kimball will guide attendees in discovering the places of origin of their German immigrant ancestors. Using U.S. and German records, Kimball will demonstrate practical strategies with case studies that will help advance your research.
Members Can Access Past Presentations on the SGS Website Although our popular Second Saturdays and Virtual Sundays have been on summer hiatus, many past presenations are available on the SGS website members pages.Kimball Carter, CG® has more than 45 years of family history research experience. A retired graphic artist and creative director, he now volunteers at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, helping patrons with German ancestry, identifying immigrant hometowns, and Colonial American research.
Come Early for the Membership Meeting There will be a membership meeting just before the Second Saturday presentation on Sept. 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The tentative agenda will include information regarding the America 250 writing contest and updates on our new website.
photos courtesy Roman Kraft / Unsplash, Library of Congress, David Rumsey Map Collection, David Rumsey Map Center, Stanford Libraries and location icon created by kmg design / Flaticon
CYBELE O’BRIEN NAMED 2025 SGS VOLUNTEER FOR SPRING QUARTER
Cybele O’Brien Cybele O’Brien has been nominated as our Spring Quarter Volunteer for 2025. This award considers volunteer activities performed during the months of April, May, and June, but O’Brien has been supporting our Society throughout this past year. When she began her role of Secretary in February 2024, she had little guidance as to the scope of the job. She quickly learned how to document the business of the board with her accurate and comprehensive minutes. This requires preparation as well as finalization of the document each month.
O’Brien also assisted the Director of Technology in moving documents onto a new shared drive and improving the organization of its files. She has maintained the digital Bi-laws and Policy Manuals which have replaced binders kept in the library. O’Brien has been timely in her role of managing societal communications including writing numerous thank-you letters and distributing daily Society emails. The Board is grateful for all her work this past year and unanimously nominated her for this recognition.
This award recognizes the time O’Brien spent in Zoom and in-person sessions training the incoming secretary. She shared her knowledge as well as numerous tips learned through experience. Her updated job description has served as a road map during this transition.
O’Brien joined the Society in the 2020-2021 membership year. She is an avid family historian and enjoys traveling. We hope that she finds some time this summer to make new genealogical discoveries.
NEW CLASS TO HELP YOU WRITE AS YOU RESEARCH Got a brick wall? Join past SGS president Jill Morelli and she beta tests a new workshop: Write As You Research. This class will provide a methodology for identifying possible solutions to brick walls. Writing genealogical problems accumulates all known information in one place, aids identifying gaps and overlaps, and provides a written report for future readers. Get started writing more! This workshop provides a format for genealogical reports.
Save the date: August 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration fee: TBD (discount for SGS Members) Registration opening SOON!
STATE LIBRARY CLOSURE: NOW WHAT?The Washington State Library in Tumwater closed to the public on July 1 due to a lack of state funding. This means there is limited access to the library’s genealogical material for researchers.Leslie Vogel of SGS’s Pacific Northwest SIG shared these tips for researchers at the July meeting and agreed to share them with eNews.
How to Access WSL RecordsContact the Library: Patrons can still email askalibrarian@sos.wa.gov (which probably will not be a genealogist) or leave a voicemail at 360-704-5221 and within one week they will answer your questions.
Interlibrary Loan: Some items can be accessed via interlibrary loan to local libraries. Access information through their online catalog to determine if the item is available.
Books: Many of the books in the rare and special collections, territorial materials, northwest collection, genealogical collection and reference materials can not be accessed through inter-library loan.
Newspapers on Microfilm may be borrowed but only a few local libraries have a microfilm reader available to view them. The only library in the Seattle Public Library with a microfilm reader is the downtown central library!!!
Newspapers via InterLibrary Loan: The Washington State Library serves as the depository “for newspapers published in the state of Washington thus providing a central location for a valuable historical record.” [RCW 27.04.045] The WSL has 6,500 newspaper titles on 50,000 reels of microfilm from 1850s to present. They had four microfilm readers onsite.
Northwest Digital Heritage Site (WA and OR): This site supports libraries museums and communities with their digital collections. They are a partner of WSL, Oregon Heritage Commission, State Library of Oregon
Michelle Chiachiere SGS member Michelle Chiachiere was recently informed by the Board for Certification of Genealogists that her portfolio was to the standards required for receipt of the credential Certified Genealogist. This rigorous credentialing process requires the submission of multiple examples of her work and is peer-reviewed by at least three judges. As well as being a member of SGS, Chiachiere is also a member of the Puget Sound chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and graduate of SGS’s Certification Discussion Group. Chiachiere takes clients and can be found at her website.
THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL IS COMING! THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL IS COMING!
Next year, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America! State and national planning is already underway. Seattle Genealogical Society will be sponsoring a writing contest, My American Story, and more details about that will be shared in the coming months. But, that’s just one way we want to celebrate this milestone. If you are interested in volunteering to be a judge for the writing contest, assist with brainstorming or planning events, or have programing ideas please contact Lisa Oberg, SGS Vice President at vicepresident@seagensoc.org.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTSGood Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658
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.
All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted
Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, 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.
Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW-ish! 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, Aug. 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website
Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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, Aug. 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.
Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-noon, “Pass It On” Writers’ Group, Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. This group is currently accepting new members. Send queries to SGSPassItOn@seagensoc.org.
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Library Evening Hours, Come by and join host, Lisa Oberg, for a quiet, comfortable place to work on your genealogy research. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Write As You Research! (Beta Offering), Join Jill Morelli as she provides a methodology for outlining problems and identifying a solutions. This workshop provides a format for all of your genealogical reports. Cost: TBD, registration opening soon
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, 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, Aug. 21, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Quarterly Program Planning (Virtual), be a part of SGS’s strategic planning effort, collaborate with the leaders of our education programs (e.g., SIGs, field trips, classes, seminars, discussion groups). Register here.
Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, 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.
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, 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.
Thursday, Aug.28 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Eastern European SIG, Learn about researching family history from the Balkans to the Baltics and in between. For more information email sgseasterneuropesig@seagensoc.org.
Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, 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.
Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW-ish! 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, Sept. 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website
Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, Sept 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m.- 12:15 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. NOTE: New starting time!
Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, 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. 8, 2025, 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.
Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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.
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., MAC Computer SIG, Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings address topics and resources for Macintosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software program. A link to login will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. If you would like to join, send an email to macusersig@seagensoc.org to be added to the email list.
Thursday, Sept 11, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.NO AUGUST MEETINGS FOR …
The following groups/meetings will not be held in August. • Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG • SGS Board of Directors Meeting • Irish SIGOUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYONDEast European Family History Conference Foundation for East European Family History Studies Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, 7:30 a.m.
More than 60 sessions will be presented in 8 tracks: Polish, Russian, Germans from Eastern Europe, German, Austro-Hungarian, Jewish, DNA and General Eastern European. Early-bird rates available until July 7. Get more informataion and register.
Family Tree Maker SIG Eastside Genealogical Society Friday, Aug 15, 2025, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.
“Summer Seminar 2025: Researching Your German Roots” The Genealogical Forum of Oregon and the German American Society of Portland Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, 10:30 a.m. At the German American Society of Portland, 5626 NE Alameda St., Portland, Oregon
Join us for a full-day seminar on researching German records with Katherine Schober, founder of Germanology Unlocked. This in-person seminar is oriented to researchers at the beginner and intermediate level of experience with German records. Get more information and register (early bird pricing ends today).
The dates have been set for this year’s “largest folk festival in the Northwest.”A full schedule along with a listing of the venues, food & drink, activities, as well as ticket information can now be found online.“Genealogy Week” The Rogue Valley Genealogical Society Monday, Sept. 22 – Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025
What are you doing for your genealogy this summer? Here are few ideas. Join our Vice President at the SGS Library tomorrow (6pm, Wed July 16) for research! Sign into seagensoc.org as a member and watch one of the great recorded videos of a presentation you missed? Visit a cemetery or a historical society you’ve never been to before. Renew your SGS membership because your forgot to a few months ago? Talk to your elders or cousins to add family details to what you already know. Join our SGS Facebook Networking group for questions and conversation? Spend a few hours organizing your files? Review our Special Interest Groups and join a new one? I just finished a big genealogy project and am planning a new one. I will research my second great grandfather’s brother, who was one of Seattle’s earliest inhabitants. He had no children who lived to adulthood, so he has no direct descendants to tell his story.
We have some surprises for you that we are working on at SGS. For one, our SGS logo at the top of this message may be new to you. This logo lost its gold years ago due to concerns over the costs of yellow ink. The Board is re-introducing it because there is no ink to purchase for delivering this message!
Have a great genealogy-filled summer!
Kathy Weber President of the Board president@seagensoc.org
TIP OF THE WEEK – PLANNING FOR A RESEARCH TRIP? FIND LOCAL MUSEUMS AND SOCIETIES BEFORE YOU VISIT
Local museums and societies give prospective about an area and its history, even if they don’t mention your ancestor by name. You never know what you might find helpful.Past SGS president Jim Secan recently found this jewel in Pittsburgh, Penn. He had this to share with eNews about his genealogy research in there.”If you have genealogy interests in Pittsburgh, Penn., and environs be sure to include the Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives located at the Heinz History Center in downtown Pittsburgh. This beautiful research library, founded in 1879, has a large number of collections of photos, maps, records, and much more covering Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Western Pennsylvania. Even if you cannot visit it in person, their researchers will answer email requests for help as well. If you are in Pittsburgh both the Detre Library, which has no admission fee, and the Heinz Museum, which does have a fee, are worth a visit.”.The Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives in Pittsburgh, Penn.
photo courtesy MJ Duford and melanfolia меланфолія / Unsplash
GET MORE OUT OF FAMILYSEARCH TOOL FamilySearch’s full-text search keeps getting better. Discoveries are being made in previously difficult to access documents. Beginner? Get Started Here Access full-text search on the FamilySearch Labs page. Be sure to log into your account or create one if you don’t have one. Find “Expand your search with Full Text” in the list of options. Click “Try it” (if it is not activated on your account yet) and then click “Go to Experiment” if it doesn’t automatically take you to the full-text search page. On the full-text search page, search by a name or a keyword — or a combination of both. Hit search. Then filter results by location and date using the options at the top of the page. For more information, including more tutorials and videos see the FamilySearch full-text search article with all these resources in one place.Already Know the Basics? Try These Tips
USE KEYWORDS TO HONE YOUR SEARCH Can’t find the name of a female ancestor? Try searching the husband’s name in the “name” field of the form and add the word “wife” with a “+” before it (“+wife”) in the “keyword” form field. Wife’s names were often added next to their husbands on deed records. This search technique can help you find them. Want to find a parent? Try searching the name of the known ancestor in the “name” field and add “+heir,” “+heirs,” “+son” or “+daughter” in the “keyword” field. Want a specific John Smith? Add his name to the “name” field and add another identifier such as a profession or spouse’s name (Ex. “+Mary” or “+farmer” ) to the “keyword” field. WILDCARD SEARCHES Want a specific John Smith? Do you have an inconstant spelling in your family? Ex. Harman vs. Harmon. You can search for both using the “?.” Searching for “Harm?n” in full-text search will return results with both Harman and Harmon. Use this same technique when cursive makes some letters look the same (ex. Is that a cursive “a” or “o”?). Search the root of a word. Your ancestor’s town was sometimes called Centerville and sometimes Centertown. Search for the root of the word with “*.” Searching “Center*” will return both names. FILTER SEARCH TO SPECIFIC RECORD SETS Get specific. Search results can be filtered by date, location and record type using the menu at the top of the results page. But you can also drill down further by searching a smaller record group using the Image Group Number (a number FamilySearch uses to identify records). This number can be found on the catalog item pages (for example: Crawford County, Ohio, deed seen in the screenshot below). In many cases there will be a shortcut icon that will allow you to search only specific parts of that collection.
Clicking on the icon on the far right allows you to search just that specific record subset. Go forth and make new discoveries using FamilySearch full-text search. Finger Up icon courtesy Icons8
SGS LIBRARY NEWS:New Computer Now Available for Patron UseWe have a new computer in the library for patron use. The computer, a Mac, was donated by SGS member Richard Snook. As with our other computers, the Mac will have access to our subscription websites Ancestry, Newspapers.com, Fold3, American Ancestors and Historygeo. One may also access FamilySearch and The Family History Guide from the new computer. Find Free BooksWe are looking to rehome a number of duplicate copies of books and invite you to come to the library to check out our ‘free books’ section. Building Maintenance to Occur This SummerWe’ve been notified by the building manager that the floors in the space above the library will be sanded sometime this summer. Since the sanding will be noisy they will try to do the work on Mondays when the library is closed. However, there may be times when the sanding occurs on other days.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTSGood Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658 Hours : 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. All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise notedWednesday, July 2, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS websiteThursday, July 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW-ish! Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), Welcome to the AI for Genealogy SIG, a dedicated community for exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research. Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Monday, July 7, 2025, 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.
Monday, July 7, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW-ish! 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, July 8, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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.
Wednesday, July 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., MAC Computer SIG, Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings address topics and resources for Macintosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software program. A link to login will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. If you would like to join, send an email to macusersig@seagensoc.org to be added to the email list.
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.
Sunday, July 13, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Scandinavian Interest Group SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research. This month: Two case studies, one for Norway and one for Sweden. The rest of the meeting will be used for discussion and answering questions. Register here.
Monday, July 14, 2025, 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. Monday, July 14, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-noon, “Pass It On” Writers’ Group, Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. This group is currently accepting new members. Send queries to SGSPassItOn@seagensoc.org. Wednesday, July. 16, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Library Evening Hours, Come by and join host, Lisa Oberg, for a quiet, comfortable place to work on your genealogy research. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 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. Note the change to Wednesday.
Saturday, July 19, 2024, 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.
Monday, July 21, 2025, 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. Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 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. Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 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. Monday, July 28, 2025, 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.
Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, 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. Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW-ish! 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, Aug. 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW-ish! Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), Welcome to the AI for Genealogy SIG, a dedicated community for exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research. Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org. Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, 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.Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, 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. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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, Aug. 12, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND “On the Ground: Top Repositories for Researching Upstate New York” American Ancestors by NEHGS (Virtual) Thursday, July 10, 2025, noon—1:00 p.m.
Finding information about New York ancestors can be tricky. In this online lecture, Chief Genealogist David Allen Lambert will discuss go-to repositories for research in the Empire State—including the New York State Library and Archives, the New York Public Library, and more. Get more information and register,Learn more about events offered through American Ancestors. “Revolution or Gold: What Sent the French to 1850s California” California Genealogical Society Saturday, July 12, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Emigration often has more than one cause, especially when many emigrate at once. Join Anne Morddel as she helps you dive deep into your French roots. Explore the causes that lured people away from their homes, and the causes that pushed them out of their homes. This presentation looks at the two most important causes that induced French people to abandon their homeland and go to California in the 1850s: the Revolution of 1848 and gold. Get more information and register. Family Tree Maker SIG Eastside Genealogical Society Friday, July 18, 2025, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.
East European Family History Conference Foundation for East European Family History Studies Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, 7:30 a.m.
More than 60 sessions will be presented in 8 tracks: Polish, Russian, Germans from Eastern Europe, German, Austro-Hungarian, Jewish, DNA and General Eastern European. Early-bird rates available until July 7. Get more informataion and register.
Join SGS Today * to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button. July 1, 2025
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
photos courtey Zoshua Colah, Erol Ahmed, Dan Cristian Padure, Mollie Sivaram and Christin Hume / UnsplashSECOND
SATURDAY PRESENTATION TO ASK “HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?” How do we know if the facts we’ve uncovered about our ancestors are correct? How can we be sure we’re not accidentally attaching someone else’s family to our tree? This presentation explores these common challenges and how the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) acts as a framework for producing reliable, accurate research. Whether you’re just starting out or refining long-standing research, this session will help get your work moving in the right direction—while avoiding common pitfalls and unnecessary frustration. COME EARLY FOR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGCome early for the June Second Saturday presentation and be a part of what SGS has planned for the year ahead. Join us on Zoom June 14 at 12:30 p.m. to meet the 2025-2026 SGS Board and discuss the election results. This meeting will be followed by the Second Saturday presentation Register NowAnnette Burke Lyttle After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Alternatively, you may join the meeting immediately from the registration window at the prescribed day and time.Speaker: Annette Burke Lyttle, CG®, owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing. Annette has a master’s degree in English and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and speaks on a variety of genealogical topics at the national, state, and local levels.
SGS HONORS BERNICE KELLER AS MEMBER FOR LIFE The SGS Board of Directors would like to announce that Bernice Keller has been awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the society. Bernice Keller Keller joined SGS more than thirty years ago and has contributed her talents and energy to the society throughout her membership. During 2000-2009 she was one of the six dedicated volunteers who completed the massive King Co Court Records indexing project, creating what we know today as the “KC3I” database. She has been a regular Thursday volunteer on the Archives Committee since at least 2012, while also serving as a Library Trustee (2011-14), on the Nominating Committee (2014), and on the Financial Review Committee (2015). Bernice was twice honored as the SGS Volunteer of the Quarter (Spring 2012 and Summer 2024).
The commitment of our members and volunteers is the lifeblood of the organization, and we are honored to name Keller a member for life.SGS TOUR UNVEILS HISTORY OF DENNY HILL TOP: Author-naturalist David B. Williams points to a portion of a photo from the Denny regrade. Williams led SGS attendees on a tour of downtown Seattle May 14.
LEFT: David B. Williams points to a building in downtown Seattle.
courtesy Susan McKee courtesy Susan McKee David B. Williams shows attendees features on a map. The Denny regrade was Seattle’s most audacious engineering change eliminating Denny Hill at the north end of downtown. By the end of the project, Seattleites had washed and scraped more than 11 million cubic yards of landscape, reducing the previously 240-foot-high mound to its present pancake topography.
Stay tuned for more exciting tours from SGS!
SGS MEMBER FEATURED IN WSGS BLOG James A. Secan was awarded Washington State Genealogical Society’s Outstanding Volunteer Award last fall. He was recently feartured on their blog. The post notes Secan’s administrative leadership, updates in technology, member relations and fiscal management. Congratulations Jim!
SGS MEMBERS — IT’S TIME TO RENEW To renew your membership for 2025-26 log in to your account online at Members Home. Or print a membership application and send it together with your dues payment to SGS. Or… take a stroll through the spring blooms at the Good Shepherd Center and stop by the SGS Library to renew your membership in person! Renew in the Member’s PortalWant to become a member? Read all about it at Join SGS.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTSGood 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. All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise notedSunday, June 1, 2025, 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, June 2, 2025, 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.
Monday, June 2, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW-ish! 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, June 4, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW-ish! Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), Welcome to the AI for Genealogy SIG, a dedicated community for exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research. Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 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.
Monday, June 9, 2025, 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.
Monday, June 9, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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.
Tuesday, June 12 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. Different Day, this month only!
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m., General Membership Meeting, Update on SGS activities and results of the election of SGS officers. The meeting will be followed by the postponed Second Saturday presentation (see entry below). Register here.
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Genealogical Proof for the Everyday Genealogist” Presented by Annette Burke Lyttle, CG. Register here.
Monday, June 16, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-noon, “Pass It On” Writers’ Group, Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. This group is currently accepting new members. Send queries to SGSPassItOn@seagensoc.org.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 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. Note the change to Wednesday.
Saturday, June 21, 2024, 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, June 21, 2025, 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, June 23, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 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.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 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, June 28, 2025, 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. Email SGSDNASIG@seagensoc.org to join.
Monday, June 30, 2025, 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.
Thursday, July 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW-ish! Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), Welcome to the AI for Genealogy SIG, a dedicated community for exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research. Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Sunday, July. 13, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Scandinavian Interest Group SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research. Topic to be announced. Register here.
Monday, July 14, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYONDAmerican Ancestors by NEHGS (Virtual)• “Best Published Resources for German Research in America” Thursday, June 12, 2025, noon—1:00 p.m.
German immigrants first arrived to American shores in large numbers in the late 17th century, and today nearly 45 million Americans have German heritage. Join Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure as she shares her go-to published resources for German family history research in America. Get more information and register,
• “On the Ground: Top Repositories for Researching Upstate New York” Thursday, July 10, 2025, noon—1:00 p.m.
Finding information about New York ancestors can be tricky. In this online lecture, Chief Genealogist David Allen Lambert will discuss go-to repositories for research in the Empire State—including the New York State Library and Archives, the New York Public Library, and more. Get more information and register,Learn more about events offered through American Ancestors.“Using familysearch.org Wiki and Lab Programs” Lower Columbia Genealogical Society Thursday, June 12, 2025, 6:45 p.m.
Speaker: Marie Job will share about using familysearch.org’s Wiki and Lab Programs. Register to attend.
Family Tree Maker SIG Eastside Genealogical Society Friday, June 20, 2025, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.
East European Family History Conference Foundation for East European Family History Studies Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, 7:30 a.m.
More than 60 sessions will be presented in 8 tracks: Polish, Russian, Germans from Eastern Europe, German, Austro-Hungarian, Jewish, DNA and General Eastern European. Early-bird rates available until July 7. Get more informataion and register.
“Rediscovering the Lost Jewish Communities of Eastern Europe” The Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State Monday, June 9, 7:00 p.m.
There is an enormous and growing interest in Poland, especially in southeastern Poland, to revive the memories of the lost Jewish communities that used to thrive in the region. Sally Mizroch and Phyllis Grossman will highlight various effords to uncover these forgotten histories and people. Get more information and register. . Join SGS Today * to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button. June 1, 2025
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2024 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.
Today we’re introducing James A. Secan of Seattle, Washington who was selected by the Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Jim joined SGS and started writing grants in 2018. A year later, he agreed to serve our community as president. He is honored as a leader who began his presidency while COVID-19 changed our world. Jim has provided operational soundness for four years through a global pandemic, a pivot to online offerings, and the relocation of our library to a smaller space. Jim led the organization while maintaining a robust membership, keeping a good balance sheet, and passing a new set of bylaws with more streamlined Board structure. Jim has served with a commitment to strong operations, a steady hand, and compassion for those who needed to evolve during this time of significant change.
For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.
TIP OF THE WEEK – DON’T FORGET FAMILYSEARCH (AND IT’S FREE!) FamilySearch is much more than its tree. They offer a vast amount of records that would otherwise require subscriptions to other sites. This is especially notable since FamilySearch includes international records for free that would require an higher tier subscription on a site such as Ancestry.
But not all records on FamilySearch are available from home. To get the most out of FamilySearch visit a FamilySearch Center or affiliate (The SGS Library is a FamilySearch affiliate, but not a center). Even better, these locations usually have a host of other resources and subscriptions that patrons can access for free. Utilize the best resources to research your family and save money while you do it.
images of the Denny Hotel (later the Washington Hotel) and the Denny Hill regrade courtesy Library of CongressSPOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR SGS TOUR EXPLORING THE HISTORY OF SEATTLE’S DENNY HILL Between 1898 and 1930, Seattle completed its most audacious engineering change by eliminating Denny Hill at the north end of downtown. By the end of the project, Seattleites had washed and scraped more than 11 million cubic yards of landscape, reducing the previously 240-foot-high mound to its present pancake topography. Join author-naturalist David B. Williams on May 14 as he guides attendees on this walking tour of this historic part of Seattle. Williams will discuss the full scope of this massive regrade project, point out often overlooked but still existing evidence of the topographic changes, and explain how this reshaping of the Seattle’s landscape continues to shape Seattle and those who call it home.
The walk covers about two miles of flat terrain and lasts between 90-120 minutes, depending on how many questions are asked.
Registration fee: $40 (SGS Members $30)Register NowDavid B. Williams is an author, naturalist, and tour guide whose award-winning books include Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound and Too High and Too Steep: Reshaping Seattle’s Topography, as well as Seattle Walks: Discovering History and Nature in the City. His newest book, Wild in Seattle: Stories at the Crossroads of People and Nature is a best of collection from his free weekly Substack newsletter, the Street Smart Naturalist.edc. BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS STARTS TUESDAY, MAY 13 Motivated to learn more about your family’s story? Want to learn how DNA can help?SGS will be offering a new beginning Genealogy class this month. This class fun, online and interactive will give you the tools to succeed in your research. Act quickly, spots are still open for both the morning and afternoon times.
This class includes four weekly sessions online with a fifth, optional session in person at the SGS library. The class covers how to successfully conduct, organize, and record research for your genealogy. How to begin? How to evaluate evidence? What are the best sources? Where are the records–online and off? What can DNA tell us?
Classes start on May 13 with two options for class time: Afternoon class, Tuesdays 1:00-2:30 p.m. Evening class, Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 p.m. Weeks 1 – 4 will meet virtually and consist of lecture, discussion, and workshop for one-and-a-half-hours each session.
Week 5 (optional) includes a library tour and one-on-one research assistance.
There is a limit of 20 people per class. Class fee $80 (SGS members $60). Learn More and RegisterSECOND SATURDAY PRESENTATION TO FOCUS ON JEWISH GENEALOGYWherever you are in your Jewish family history journey, this is a session you won’t want to miss. Learn how to start your research, document your findings, and explore the cultural and historical context that shaped your ancestors—and still shapes us today. Rhoda Miller, Ed.D., CG®, breaks down this fascinating area of research in a way that’s insightful and accessible for both beginners and those with experience.Register NowMiller has been a certified genealogist since 1998, specializing in Jewish research and Holocaust studies. Rhoda retired from Ancestry ProGenealogists in 2023. She is Past President of the Jewish Genealogy Society of Long Island and currently serves on the Liaison Committee of the International Association of Jewish Genealogy Societies. She is a past board member of LitvakSIG and currently coordinates the Svencionys Research District.NEXT MONTH’S SECOND SATURDAY: “Genealogical Proof for the Everyday Genealogist,” presented by Annette Burke Lyttle. How do we know if the facts we’ve uncovered about our ancestors are correct? How can we be sure we’re not accidentally attaching someone else’s family to our tree? This presentation explores these common challenges and how the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) acts as a framework for producing reliable, accurate research. Sign up separately for this event held June 14. image of a Ketubah marriage record courtesy of Library of Congress
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING COMING JUNE 14 — JUST BEFORE SECOND SATURDAY PRESENTATIONCome early for the June Second Saturday presentation and be a part of what SGS has planned for the year ahead. Join us on Zoom June 14 at 12:30 p.m. to meet the 2025-2026 SGS Board and discuss the election results. This meeting will be followed by the Second Saturday presentation.
DIGITAL KNOW HOW: PRESERVE YOUR RECORDS AND YOUR PRIVACYJoin SGS’s Virtual Sunday gathering May 18 for a practical session on managing family history in the digital era while maintaining privacy. Learn effective techniques for collecting family photos and documents from various sources, implementing organizational systems with proper tagging, creating secure preservation methods outside of cloud services, and developing private archives that support both personal storytelling and genealogical research.
Speaker J.C. Figueroa of Mylio — a maker of digital photo management tools — is passionate about empowering families to preserve and celebrate their cherished memories. As an underwater photographer, photo organization educator, and media technology professional, Figueroa brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to the art of legacy preservation. His mission is to inspire families to take control of their photo collections and turn them into meaningful stories that can be shared and treasured for generations.
4CULTURE INCREASES FUNDING TO SGSKing County’s 4Culture program has been powering SGS for more than a decade. They have provided SGS with annual funding in support of our library operations, and in exchange SGS allows free access to anyone who wants to use the library or its computers. Last year SGS received $5,700 from the sustainment grant with 4Culture, and this year they are increasing that to $23,000 and are hoping to provide at least that much in 2026 and 2027! This wonderful gift from King County will allow SGS to look at expanding our offerings and programs. Be sure to thank your King County representative for this great program. SGS LIBRARY NEWS:SGS Digital HoldingsHave you checked out the SGS Digital Holdings lately? We have over 300 items and continue to add to our digital holdings materials. These include: Family Collections (personal papers, documents – some even include Civil War pension files – and manuscripts related to family history research); Surnames (materials previously shelved in our Family Section); and Digital Archives (a variety of materials including, newspapers abstracts of early Seattle births, marriages, divorces, and naturalizations, and cemetery surveys). To search our catalog for specific items in our Digital Holding, enter the following in the search fields:
The Digital Holdings files may only be accessed on one of the library’s patron computers.
HISTORY GUILD ACCEPTING PRESENTATION PROPOSALS FOR UPCOMING CONFERENCEThe Pacific Northwest Historians Guild will hold its biennial conference on Saturday, October 11, at the Central Seattle Public Library. They are accepting proposals for anyone who may be interested in presenting at the conference. Past conferences have included presentations from public historians, teachers, students and independent scholars, museum professionals and volunteers, as well as scholars affiliated with colleges and universities. There is no charge to attend or participate in the conference.
Apply by June 15, 2025 to be considered.
This year’s conference title is “Challenging History.” Organizers invite you to share your experiences of meeting challenges faced in reporting, teaching or preserving history, or in telling stories of those who have faced challenges in our region’s history. Potential areas of focus might include: The impact of modern technology on historical research and study Meeting challenges in the classroom – truth, fiction and historical analysis Challenges facing local historical groups Making history through collaborative group effort Ethical challenges when shaping the collective memory Preserving and archiving history Proposals for panels or roundtables are also welcome. The organizer should include a panel abstract along with summaries of each presentation and bios of all participants. Workshops or interactive presentations are encouraged. Scholarships are also available to undergraduate and graduate students for travel to the conference.
The Guild was founded in 1980 to encourage the teaching and appreciation of Northwest history and to promote communication among historians and history enthusiasts. We look forward to your proposals, as we continue our rich tradition of sharing Pacific Northwest history.
SGS MEMBERS — IT’S TIME TO RENEWTo renew your membership for 2025-26 log in to your account online at Members Home. Or print a membership application and send it together with your dues payment to SGS. Or… take a stroll through the spring blooms at the Good Shepherd Center and stop by the SGS Library to renew your membership in person! Renew in the Member’s PortalWant to become a member? Read all about it at Join SGS. SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTSGood 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. All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise notedThursday, May 1, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), At this first meeting, we will get acquainted, discuss ideas and goals for this new SIG. Topic: “AI and genealogy. What?”, Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 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, May 4, 2025, 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, May 5, 2025, 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.Monday, May 5, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! 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, May 7, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS websiteSaturday, May 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Jewish Genealogy 101” Presented by Rhoda Miller. Register here.Monday, May 12, 2025, 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.Monday, May 12, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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.
Tuesday, May 13 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. Different Day, this month only!
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-noon, SGS Walking Tour of Denny Hill, The Secrets of Seattle’s Disappearing Hill with David B. Williams. Limited to 15 people. Register now.
Wednesday, May 14 2025, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., MAC Computer SIG, Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings address topics and resources for Macintosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software program. A link to login will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. If you would like to join, send an email to macusersig@seagensoc.org to be added to the email list.
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Quarterly Program Planning (Virtual), be a part of SGS’s strategic planning effort, collaborate with the leaders of our education programs (e.g., SIGs, field trips, classes, seminars, discussion groups). Register here.
Saturday, May 17, 2024, 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, May 17, 2025, 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.
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Digital Family History: Preserving Your Legacy with Privacy Speaker: J.C. Figueroa, sponsored by Mylio.com. Please register in advance.
Monday, May 19, 2025, 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.Tuesday, April 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-noon, “Pass It On” Writers’ Group, Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. This group is currently accepting new members. Send queries to SGSPassItOn@seagensoc.org.
Wednesday, May. 19, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Library Evening Hours, Come by and join host, Lisa Oberg, for a quiet, comfortable place to work on your genealogy research. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 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. Note the change to Wednesday.
Thursday, May 22 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Eastern European SIG, Learn about researching family history from the Balkans to the Baltics and in between. For more information email sgseasterneuropesig@seagensoc.org.
Monday, May 26, 2025, 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.Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 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.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 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.
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 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, June 2, 2025, 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.Monday, June 2, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! 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, June 4, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS websiteSaturday, June 7, 2025, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 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.
Monday, June 9, 2025, 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.Monday, June 9, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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.
OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYONDFiske Genealogical Library Classes (Free) Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m. May 7 — Who “Owned” Solomon? A Case study of 19th Century African American Research with Janice Lovelace May 14 — “Packrat or Genealogist? Effective Methods for Organizing Your Family History Research” with Lisa Alzo May 21 — “Wills & Probate Records for Genealogy Research” with Claire Smith May 28 — “The Nuts and Bolts of Accreditation” with Jenny Hansen For more information and links to the meetings see the Fiske Library website.
Family Tree Maker SIG Eastside Genealogical Society Friday, May 16, 2025, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m.Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting. English Immigration to the American Colonies American Ancestors by NEHGS (Virtual) Tuesday, May 13, 2025, noon—1:00 p.m.Whether your ancestors arrived at Jamestown, on the Mayflower, or came over in the years following, the majority of us with colonial ancestry hope to trace our family trees back to England. In this online lecture, Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will highlight key records and resources available to help you in your search—including published genealogies, compilations, indexes, websites, and more. Get more information and registration, or learn more about events offered through American Ancestors.
“Using Synagogue Records to Reconstruct a Community” (Virtual) The Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State Monday, May 12, 7:00 p.m.
Presenter Tammy Hepps shares tips for using these records vital to learning about a community. Register to attend.
“After You’re Gone: Future Proofing Your Genealogy Research” Lower Columbia Genealogical SocietyThursday, May 8, 2025, 6:45 p.m.
Thomas MacEntee shares information about passing your research on to the next generation. Sign up for Zoom link on their website.
Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button. May 1, 2025
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The Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives in Pittsburgh, Penn.
photo courtesy MJ Duford and melanfolia меланфолія / Unsplash
Clicking on the icon on the far right allows you to search just that specific record subset. Go forth and make new discoveries using FamilySearch full-text search. 
photos courtey Zoshua Colah, Erol Ahmed, Dan Cristian Padure,
Annette
Bernice Keller Keller joined SGS more than thirty years ago and has contributed her talents and energy to the society throughout her membership. During 2000-2009 she was one of the six dedicated volunteers who completed the massive King Co Court Records indexing project, creating what we know today as the “KC3I” database. She has been a regular Thursday volunteer on the Archives Committee since at least 2012, while also serving as a Library Trustee (2011-14), on the Nominating Committee (2014), and on the Financial Review Committee (2015). Bernice was twice honored as the SGS Volunteer of the Quarter (Spring 2012 and Summer 2024).
TOP: Author-naturalist David B. Williams points to a portion of a photo from the Denny regrade. Williams led SGS attendees on a tour of downtown Seattle May 14.
courtesy Susan McKee David B. Williams shows attendees features on a map. The Denny regrade was Seattle’s most audacious engineering change eliminating Denny Hill at the north end of downtown. By the end of the project, Seattleites had washed and scraped more than 11 million cubic yards of landscape, reducing the previously 240-foot-high mound to its present pancake topography. 
images of the Denny Hotel (later the Washington Hotel)
SECOND SATURDAY PRESENTATION TO FOCUS ON JEWISH GENEALOGYWherever you are in your Jewish family history journey, this is a session you won’t want to miss. Learn how to start your research, document your findings, and explore the cultural and historical context that shaped your ancestors—and still shapes us today. Rhoda Miller, Ed.D., CG®, breaks down this fascinating area of research in a way that’s insightful and accessible for both beginners and those with experience.
The Digital Holdings files may only be accessed on one of the library’s patron