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 EVENTS  Good 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 noted Wednesday, 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! forward this email to a friend

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 EVENTS  Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658Hours :  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday    ** 10:00 a.m .- 3:00 p.m. **  Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting.   All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted 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-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 BEYOND    American 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! forward this email to a friend

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 EVENTS Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658Hours :  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday    ** 10:00 a.m .- 3:00 p.m. **  Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting.   All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted Thursday, 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 BEYOND  Fiske 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 SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews! forward this email to a friend

Paola Aguilar and Florida Memory / Unsplash
and Library of Congress

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 in May. This class fun, online and interactive will give you the tools to succeed in your research.
 
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?

Start your journey on a foundation of good habits and best practices.  Participation will help you develop great genealogy skills.  The course finishes with a list of favorite sources for additional learning and an optional meet-up with a personal research session at the SGS library.

There are two options for class time, both start on May 13, and both will be taught by Kathy Weber and Cecellia Rogers:

• 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 Register

Stock image by Rochelle Lee / Unsplash
 

TWO EXCITING TOURS FROM SGSJoin SGS Tour of UW Special Collection April 8

Join a private tour of University of Washington Archives and Special Collections. See what’s in the Special Collections and hear how this unique collection was built. Gain first-hand perspective on how to access these records of original Pacific Northwest sources for your genealogical research. SGS Vice President Lisa Oberg, Director of Special Collections of the UW Library, will share insights into the resources available in this fascinating collection.

Exact details about when and where to meet will be delivered several days in advance to those who register for the field trip. The tour will start around 10:30 a.m. Optional lunch on campus to follow.
 
Registration fee: $20 (SGS Members $10)

Register Now

Lisa Oberg received her Master of Librarianship degree from the University of Washington, where she is the Director and History of Science and Medicine Curator for Special Collections in the UW Libraries. Lisa regularly gives genealogy-related lectures at the Seattle Genealogical Society, across the country virtually, and teaches an online course aimed at library staff serving genealogists through the University of Wisconsin’s School of Library and Information Studies.
 

Explore the Secrets of Seattle’s
Disappearing Denny Hill May 14

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 we ask.

Registration fee: $40 (SGS Members $30)

Register Now

David 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.

FAMILY HEIRLOOMS SHED LIGHT ON
A FAMILY’S FRIENDSHIP WITH THE LINCOLNS

This April is the 160th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Join Caroline Van Deusen for Second Saturday April 12 at 1 p.m. as she explores how family heirlooms rediscovered in attics, archives, and personal collections helped piece together a fascinating story of a family’s enduring friendship with the Lincolns. She will read excerpts from her great-grandmother’s diaries and letters, offering a firsthand account of her friendship with Mary Todd Lincoln.

Register Now

Caroline Welling Van Deusen specializes in custom curatorial services, preservation, project management, and digital stewardship. She is the Private Archivist and Project Director for the E-Archives-Collection of Henry Austin Clark Sr. and has worked with multiple repositories. Caroline is a contributor to the Armchair Historians Podcast and an author and contributing editor for the White House Historical Association. Her blog is Lost + Found History.

NEXT MONTH’S SECOND SATURDAY: “Jewish Genealogy 101,” presented by Rhoda Miller. Sign up separately for this event held May 10.
Photos courtesy of Library of Congress

SGS MEMBERS – VOTE!

The annual election is upon us! SGS Members, please check your email for your election letter, sent April 1, 2025 (members without an email on file will receive their ballot by postal mail). It has all the information you’ll need to vote for the officers and directors who will lead the society during 2025-26, as well as a proposed change to our bylaws. If you can’t find your election letter, go to the SGS website Members Home area and log in. Look for the link “SGS 2025 Election – Vote!”. All ballots must be submitted by April 30th, 8:00 pm.
 SIG HIGHLIGHTS:AI and Organizing SIG Start This Month

SGS had been starting up a lot of new Special Interest Groups in the past year. In April two more groups will join the line up:
 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy will have its first meeting April 3 at 6:30 p.m.
  The explosive growth in AI has lead to many applications for it in genealogical research. Do you use AI in your research or want to learn more about how to do so? Email: SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org (Subject: AI SIG).
   
• Organizing for Genealogy will kick off Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m.
  Get out from under that pile of papers and digital files associated with your research. Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey.
   

Learn about the many SIGs offered by SGS on our webpage. These include the recently added groups focused on Eastern European genealogy and Mexican ancestry, as well as the Pacific Northwest interest group formed last spring.SGS SIG Leader Advices Backing Up 23andMe Data

The SGS DNA Interest Group advises all members that are 23andMe customers to promptly save their raw DNA file[if not done previously] and any important DNA match information. Given recent financial and leadership challenges within the company, it is always wise to safeguard DNA Test information for future reference.

Misinformation is circulating, often from sources unfamiliar with genetic genealogy. We encourage you to stay informed, avoid unnecessary concern, and focus on preserving your data.

 Discoveries Made at SGS Library

courtesy Jill Morelli
Mary Roddy, CG, CGG discovered the baptismal record of her 3rd great grandfather in the SGS library, using our newest database, Archion. As a bonus she got the next generation as well! Congratulations.

LOOKING FOR MEMBERS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE

Do you use a software program on your computer or tablet to record your family tree (e.g., Family Tree Maker, Roots Magic, Legacy Family Tree)? Would you be willing to share with others information about the program you use? We’re looking for answers to simple questions such as: cost ease of use, learning curve does it interface with online sites such as Ancestry or FamilySearch? what features you like best what it does NOT do so well anything else significant to you as a user. We’d like to put together a panel of 4 or 5 genealogists like yourself for a virtual (Zoom) meeting to present a brief summary — just 10 minutes or so–and then answer questions from viewers. If you would be willing to do this, please email Education@seagensoc.org and tell us what software and what device (e.g., laptop, phone, tablet) you usually use. This would probably be on either a Second Saturday or a Virtual Sunday (3rd Sundays of the month), so let us know if you have any conflicts with those dates in the next 3 or 4 months.

SGS LIBRARY NEWS:

Library Evening HoursLooking for a quiet, friendly place to spend an evening doing research? Look no further — the SGS library is open on the third Wednesday of the month from 6PM to 8:30 PM. Evening hours will continue through June.
Hidden Gems in the LibraryHave you explored our collection of the Postmarked Washington books by Guy Reed Ramsey? In his position as a salesman in the lumber industry, Mr. Ramsey traveled throughout the state compiling historical information on the post offices and the communities served by the post offices. Although some of Mr. Ramsey’s manuscripts were published, the unpublished manuscripts, which were gifted to the Washington State Library for preservation microfilming, are being made available through a State Library project. Find out more about the project here.

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Good 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 noted Wednesday, April 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 website.Thursday, April 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! Artificial Intelligence for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), Join this dedicated community for exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research. For more information or to express interest in this SIG, email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, April 5, 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 get on the email list

Sunday, April 6, 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, April 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, April 7, 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.

Tuesday, April 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, April 8, 2025, 10:30 a.m., Tour of UW Special Collections, Tour of University of Washington Special Collections with SGS Vice President Lisa Oberg, Director of Special Collections of the UW Library. Register here.

Tuesday, April 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.

Thursday, April 10 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.

Saturday, April 12, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Lost + Found Friendship” Presented by Caroline Van Deusen. Family heirlooms rediscovered in attics, archives, and personal collections helped piece together a fascinating story of a family’s enduring friendship with the Lincolns. Register here.Sunday, April. 13, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Scandinavian Interest Group SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research. This month will feature two case studies: A Journey to Norway and Finding Gustaf Malmgren’s Parents (Sweden). Register here.

Monday, April 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, April 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, April 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, April 16, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Library Evening Hours, Looking for a quiet, comfortable place to work on your genealogy research? Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of the month during our evening hours.

Saturday, April 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.

Saturday, April 19, 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, March 16, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Topic TBD. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.

Monday, April 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.Monday, April 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.

Tuesday, April 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, April 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.

Saturday, April 26, 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, April 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.Thursday, May 1, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., NEW! 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 websiteThursday, May 8 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.

Saturday, 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.

OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND Family Tree Maker SIG
Eastside Genealogical Society
Friday, April 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.

When Hell Came to Sharpsburg: The Battle of Antietam and its Impact on the Civilians Who Called it Home (Virtual)
North Hills Genealogists
Monday, April 21, 2025, 4:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.

Join North Hills Genealogists and author Steven Cowie as he discusses his book on this Civil War battle. Cowie dedicated fifteen years to researching the Battle of Antietam for this book. Get more information on the website and register here.

Jumping the Pond: Connecting Immigrants to Their Homeland
Lower Columbia Genealogical SocietyThursday, April 10, 2025, 6:45 p.m.

Join speaker Mary Kircher Roddy as she helps make connections between immigrants and the old country. Sign up for Zoom link on their website.

Researching Your War of 1812 Ancestor
Olympia Genealogical Society
Thursday, April 10, 7:00 p.m. (Zoom opens at 6:30 p.m.)

Researching a War of 1812 Ancestor can involve a set of interesting records. Join Craig R. Scott as he examines types of service, compiled military service records, how to compile your own service record, pension applications, settled accounts, and where other records can be found. For more information visit their website.
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April 1, 2025

SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month.