Pedro Henrique Santos and Stone Hood / Unsplash
and Library of Congress

COME FOR THE MEMBERSHIP MEETING,
STAY FOR PRESENTATION ON LAND RECORDS   

The March Membership meeting will provide updates on SGS activities and slate of board candidates for upcoming election. The meeting will be followed by a special presentation on land records by Marie Mattson.

Since the RootsTech conference takes place on the day SGS would normally present our Second Saturday presentation we moved that event to Sunday, March 23 — yes, Second Saturday on a Sunday!

The membership meeting begins and 12:30 p.m. with Mattson’s presentation “Land Records: A Trail to Our Ancestors” beginning at 1 p.m. Register once and the Zoom link will get you into both events.
 

Register Now

Candidates for the SGS board will be introduced at the membership meeting and the attending members will have the opportunity to propose additional candidates for any position. After that meeting, any new candidates will be vetted to make sure they are eligible to run, after which the slate is final. Ballots will go out at the end of March (via email or postal mail to those with no email address), and voting will run through the end of April.2025 SGS Board Slate of Nominees

President: Kathy Weber
Vice President: Lisa Oberg
Secretary: Leslie Vogel
Treasurer: Betsey Cotter
Education Director: Stephanie O’Connell
Library Director: Kathi M

NEXT MONTH’S SECOND SATURDAY: “Lost + Found Friendship” — Caroline Van Deusen will share how family heirlooms rediscovered in attics, archives, and personal collections helped piece together a fascinating story of a family’s enduring friendship with President Lincoln’s family. Sign up separately for this event held April 12.

NEW GROUPS FOR ANCESTRY USERS AND PUBLISHING KICK OFF THIS MONTH

Ancestry User SIG to meet March 11

Ancestry.com has become one of the largest genealogical websites available today. With vast records collections and extensive tree building tools, there’s much to explore and optimize. To help users get the most out of this resource SGS is launching a new Special Interest Group.

The Ancestry Users SIG is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Members will share research strategies, exchange tips on using Ancestry’s resources effectively, and collaborate to enhance their understanding of Ancestry’s tools, features, and databases.
 
This group will met monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to express interest, email sgsAncestrysig@seagensoc.org.

 

Publishing SIG kicks off March 13

SGS publishes a journal twice annually. A new SIG is forming to organize the writing and publication of the journal.

The Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society (formerly the SGS Bulletin), has been published as a benefit for our members by the Seattle Genealogical Society since 1952. Currently issued online twice a year, it includes articles about genealogy research and methodology, family history, acquisition notes for the SGS Library and the Seattle Public Library, and transcriptions of genealogical records from the Seattle area and beyond. 
 
This new Publishing SIG will meet monthly on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. 
 
For more information or to express interest in this SIG, email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org.
Image credits: Lashawn Dobbs, Brett Jordan, Anna Keibalo, Daniel Lara, Mihai Lazar, Raymond Petrik,  Isaac Quesada, Arno Senoner and Annie Spratt / Unsplash and Gama Films and Library of Congress via Unsplash

LEARN HOW TO ACCESS SGS’S ONLINE RESOURCES

The SGS Library has many resources that can help visitors research their family history. There are so many digital subscription offerings that it can be easy to miss something that could be helpful in your research.

Jill Morelli SGS member and former president Jill Morelli will demo most of the subscription services offered at the SGS library on Saturday, March 15, at 10 a.m. These services include American Ancestors, Find My Past, Historygeo, and Archion. Morelli and other volunteers will be at the library to assist in-person attendees who may want to try out her suggestions on SGS workstations after the presentation.


This event is hybrid. Join Morelli at the library or watch her demonstration via Zoom. 

Register Now

SGS LIBRARY NEWS:

New Books Available About Immigrants in North Dakota
Were any of your immigrant ancestors Scandinavian or Germans from Russia? And did they settle in North Dakota? If so, you may be in luck – SGS recently received a donation of community history books for several North Dakota counties. These books include community descriptions and information on families that lived in

Help Digitize SGS’s Vertical Files

For decades, miscellaneous materials were donated to SGS from its members. These loose papers were grouped according to surname and were filed in file cabinets. We intend to digitize these vertical files and need assistance summarizing the material. If you are interested in assisting with this project, please contact the Library Director at library@seagensoc.org for additional information. The work can be done from home or in the library.

HELP STAFF SGS BOOTH AT IRISH FESTIVAL

SGS is sponsoring a booth at this year’s Irish Festival to be held at the Seattle Center Armory on Saturday and Sunday, March 15–16. There are several time slots available on Sunday. Please contact Jim Ryan at janglinjehu@yahoo.com if you are interested in helping staff our booth.

Signature events of the festival include the lively St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Mayor’s Proclamation Luncheon at the prestigious Rainier Club, and the Irish Festival at Seattle Center, where families can enjoy live performances, cultural exhibits, and workshops.

The Irish Heritage Club is sponsoring events even before the main weekend. For a full listing of all Irish Week events log on to the Irish Heritage Club website located at www.irishclub.org.

SIG HIGHLIGHTS:

Writer’s Group Seeks New Member

“The Pass It On writer’s group has an opening for a new member. The group is kept small (5 members) and focuses on writing our genealogy history or memoirs for personal and family use. We meet monthly to review 3-5 pages of each member’s writing. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon virtually using Zoom. Our focus is to review each member’s monthly submission for content, continuity, and interest for the intended audience. If you are interested in joining this group, please send us an email (sgspassiton@seagensoc.org) including some information about your writing and what you hope to accomplish by being in a writing group. You will be contacted to see if this group is a good fit.”

New SIGs on Organization and AI Coming Next 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: Education@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 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

Saturday, March 1, 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 loudaly@nwlink.com. to get on the email list

Sunday, March 2, 2025, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 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, March 3, 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.

Wednesday, March 5, 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, March 10, 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, March 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 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, March 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org.

Tuesday, March 11, 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, March 12 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, March 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.

Saturday, March 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Demo of SGS Library Subscriptions (Hybrid: Zoom or at SGS Library), Jill Morelli will demo most of the subscription services offered at the SGS library (e.g., American Ancestors, Find My Past, Historygeo, Archion). She and other volunteers will be at the library to assist in-person attendees who may want to try out her suggestions on SGS workstations after the presentation. Register for Zoom.

Saturday, March 15, 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. Topic this month: Topic this month: Show & Tell: What is your favorite source for learning more about German genealogy? Register on the SGS website.

Sunday, March 16, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, This month’s topic: “Genetic Genealogy (DNA) for Beginners” presented by Cary Bright. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.

Monday, March 17, 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, March 17, 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, March 18, 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.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Library Evening Hours, SGS library introduces evening hours on a trial basis through April. Use it or Lose it. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Sunday, March 23, 2025, 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m., General Membership Meeting, Update on SGS activities and slate of board candidates for upcoming election. The meeting will be followed by the postponed Second Saturday presentation (see entry below). Register here.

Sunday, March 23, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday Postponed, “Land Records: A Trail to Our Ancestors” Presented by Marie Mattson. Yes, it’s Sunday, not Saturday. But we were at RootsTech the second Saturday in March, so this is to make it up to you (and to reward you for attending the membership meeting). Register here.

Monday, March 24, 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, March 25, 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, March 26, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 a.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, March 29, 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. 31, 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.

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.

Monday, March 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 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, 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 join the mailing list.

Sunday, April 6, 2025, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 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, 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.

** NOTE: There will be no Irish SIG in March — Go to the Irish Festival.

OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND

Registration opens for IGHR 2025 (Virtual)
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 6:00 a.m.

Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) 2025 Virtual Institute classes are scheduled to take place July 27 – August 1, 2025. Get information on courses, instructors, and registration.

Fiske Genealogical Library Classes (Free)
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.

March 5 — "A Civil War Ancestor’s Journey through Letters and Research " with Kenneth V. Peterson 
March 12 — "Your Ancestor's Occupation: Exploring the 1821 Irish Census" with Steven W. Morrison

For more information and links to the meetings see the Fiske Library website.

RootsTech 2025 (Virtual & in person at Salt Lake City)
Brought to you by FamilySearch
Thursday–Saturday, March 6–8, 2025

Join the world’s largest family discovery event. There are live presentations as well as on-demand video learning available. Learn more on the FamilySearch website.

“AI and Genealogy” (Virtual)
Skagit Valley Genealogical Society
Saturday, March 8, 1:00 p.m.

Join Dave Obee, author, journalist, and genealogist. Dave has written a dozen books and has given more than 700 presentations at genealogy and history conferences. Can’t make it to the Burlington Library, request a zoom link by emailing genealogy0715@gmail.com.

Irish Week 2025
Various locations around Seattle
Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16, 2025

Celebrate Irish Week 2025 with the Irish Heritage Club of Seattle. See the website.

Family Tree Maker SIG
Eastside Genealogical Society
Friday, March 21, 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.

Join SGS Today

• to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page
  and click the green renew membership button.
  March 1, 2025

SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!

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Severinus Dewantara / Unsplash
and David Rumsey Map Collection,
David Rumsey Map Center, Stanford Libraries

SGS LAUNCHES EASTERN EUROPEAN SIG

Eastern Europe is a region with a rich and complex history and diverse ethnic groups. Its frequent border changes, language barriers and influences from several powerful empires can lead to challenges when researching family history. Come learn more about this fascinating region by joining the new Eastern European special interest group. The first meeting will be held February 27 at 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom or in-person at the SGS library. After that the group will meet quarterly, but may expand as interest grows. If you are researching people from the Baltics to Balkans come join the first meeting of this exciting new SIG.

This meeting is hybrid. Please feel free to either join via Zoom or meet us in-person at the SGS library. Email sgseasterneuropesig@seagensoc.org.

CIVIL WAR RECORDS TO BE FOCUS
OF SECOND SATURDAY PRESENTATION   

Do you have ancestors who fought in the Union Army during the Civil War? Were they in any of the other wars from the 1800s? Military records can be among the most genealogically significant sources you can find. Join Brain Rhinehart, owner of CivilWarRecords.com, on February 8, as he explains the various records available and how to access them. If you have a veteran from the 1800s in your family tree, there is a good chance that their military records are at the National Archives in Washington, DC. 

This presentation is part of SGS’s Second Saturday workshops. The presentation begins at 1 p.m. To join via Zoom 

Register Now

NEXT MONTH: “Second Saturday” will be held Sunday, March 23, due to RootTech occurring on the second Saturday. Marie Mattson will share a presentation about land records. Sign up separately for this event.

ANNOUNCING 2024 SGS VOLUNTEER
OF FALL QUARTER
Stephanie O’Connell, Professional Genealogist
and SGS Volunteer

By Melanie Moser, Chair of Volunteers 

Yes, it is winter and a snow storm may be approaching. However, as Chair of Volunteers, the seasons changed without realizing my duties to present to the Board a Volunteer to recognize and honor for the Fall Quarter. I received a glowing nomination for Stephanie O’Connell who has stepped up and taken on the rigorous responsibilities of planning 2nd Saturday programming. The Board unanimously approved and are very grateful for her contributions. 

“Wow, I’m honored to be selected as Volunteer of the Quarter,” O’Connell said upon learning of her selection.

Stephanie O’Connell O’Connell joined SGS in 2018 and became a weekly desk volunteer about five years ago, when we were at the Sandpoint location. Most recently, she has taken over the responsibilities of bringing engaging and informative programs and securing speakers for the Second Saturday monthly programming. 

Attending events is something O’Connell especially enjoys because “they offer opportunities to learn from experts and engage in collaborative research discussions.” The 2nd Saturday program and Open House on January 11th were very successful and the speaker O’Connell secured was well received. The topic “Research Logs, Write it or Regret it!” reminded many (most?) of us how important it is to record our findings. 

O’Connell enjoys giving back to the genealogical community, because it also means she’s learning from others. She loves “helping to create meaningful educational experiences and fostering a welcoming space for members to grow in their research and collaborating with fellow volunteers who are equally passionate about family history.”

O’Connell is a professional genealogist who specializes in Irish research. Her passion lies in the study of social histories and “illuminating women’s stories.” One of her most rewarding discoveries involved uncovering the history of her 3rd great-grandmother, who entered the South Dublin Workhouse with her children in the 1860s. Understanding the social context of her ancestors’ experiences has deepened her appreciation for the resilience of our ancestors.

O’Connell also enjoys traveling with her family and fly fishing in Montana. “There’s nothing quite like the peacefulness of being out on the river.”

•••
Our organization cannot operate without volunteers, like Stephanie O’Connell. We currently have many opportunities available with an open range of possibilities. Some jobs only require a few hours and others longer hours. Please visit the website to see the listings and contact me if you have any questions.SGS LIBRARY NEWS:New Subscription Site Available
at SGS Library for German Research If you have German ancestry, you know how important church records can be. The Seattle Genealogical Society has recently added a subscription to the site Archion. This site has access a lot of German church records that aren’t available at FamilySearch, or in some cases, are only available by going to Salt Lake City. Archion makes a whole world of German church records more easily available. 

Come down and try it out! What will you find?

Access to Archion will only be available on one of the Windows computers — the patron station by the window. Note that the FindMyPast subscription was removed from this same computer, but it is still available on the Windows computer by the printer.


Find Surplus Books at the Library For a Great Price

Looking for a bargain? We’ve added many surplus books to our For Sale bookcase. All books are priced. However, if you see something special, feel free to make an offer. Looking for freebies? We also have a number of free books on offer until February 15.

For a complete list of the books for sale and the freebie books email library@seagensoc.org

Looking for recent acquisitions to our collection? You can find a list of new books by
selecting “new” on the catalog search page

photos courtesy Kathy Weber

SGS GROUP TOURS
NATIONAL ARCHIVE AT SEATTLE

The January field trip to the National Archives at Seattle was a spectacular behind-the-scenes view of our national records repository campus in Seattle. With a staff of fewer than ten people, they care for vast quantities of records in a former airplane facility near the former Sand Point Naval Air Station. While the archive has been at this location since 1963, plans are afoot for a new state of the art facility in the greater Seattle area in about seven years.

Our group learned about accessing original documents and images held in the Seattle archive, including the U.S. federal records for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The microfilm held on site provides access to many more. The archive’s goal is to digitize all their microfilm in the years ahead. Currently, original records for Alaska are being transported for scanning at the new National Archives Digitization Center in College Park, Maryland, where 75 archives technicians have been hired for that job.

It’s always inspiring to see floor to ceiling shelving with boxes three deep of original records that may contain evidence to help us answer our research questions.

Record Group (RG) 118 is U.S. Attorneys files. RG 43 includes the 1962 World’s Fair. And there’s so much more!

Research at the archive by appointment. Inquiry by email: seattle.archives@nara.org. And stay tuned for more similar tours offered by SGS.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR SGS BOOTH
AT SEATTLE IRISH FESTIVAL

Once again, SGS will be sponsoring a booth at this year’s Irish Festival to be held at the Seattle Center Armory on Saturday and Sunday, March 15–16. Times are Noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. If you would be interested in helping staff our booth for several hours, please contact Jim Ryan @ janglinjehu@yahoo.com.

Also, an Irish Genealogy Seminar presented by the Ulster Historical Foundation will be held on Sunday, 2 March at Archbishop Murphy High School located in Everett.

For a full listing of all Irish Week events log on to the Irish Heritage Club website located at www.irishclub.org.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR SGS ELECTED POSITIONS; DEADLINE FEB. 10

The SGS Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers to run for one of SGS’s elected positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Education Director, and Library Director. If you would be interested in running for one of these positions, please send an email to nominations@seagensoc.org and we will let you know what needs to be done next. The Board of Directors needs a list of nominees by the 10 February 2025 board meeting. Please act quickly!

JOIN SGS NOW FOR EXTENDED MEMBERSHIP

During January 1st through March 31st, 2025, you may join the Seattle Genealogical Society with a membership that extends through May 31, 2026. Dues are $60 individual, $75 dual.

Enjoy a year and a half of discounted class fees, free research requests, the online Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society, and online access to exclusive SGS program videos and databases. Learn more.

Join SGS Today

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

Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 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, Feb. 3, 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.

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 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.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, 1:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “I Have a Civil War Ancestor: Now What?” Presented by Brian Rhinehart. Military records can be among the most genealogically significant sources you can find. Register here.

Monday, Feb. 10, 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, Feb. 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 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, Feb. 11, 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.

Saturday, Feb. 15, 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, Feb. 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Topic this month: Tips for Grouping your German DNA Matches. Register on the SGS website.

Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, We all collect, accumulate, and inherit a lot of ‘stuff’ in our daily lives. Learn how Artifcts website can help you keep track of what it is, why it matters, and what to do with it next. Speakers: Heather Nickerson and Ellen Goodwin. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.

Monday, Feb. 17, 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, Feb. 17, 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, Feb. 18, 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. Please note: The Writers’ Group is at the maximum number of participants and is not currently accepting any new members.

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! SGS Library Evening Hours, SGS library introduces evening hours on a trial basis through April. Use it or Lose it. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Thursday, Feb. 20, 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, Feb. 22, 2025, 10:30 a.m., NEW! SGS Library Tour/Scanning Help, SGS library introduces tours of the library and help scanning photos and documents. This is a trial basis through April. Every 4th Saturday of the month. Tour starts at 10:30 followed by scanning help.

Monday, Feb. 24, 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, Feb. 25, 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, Feb. 26, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 a.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, March. 4, 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, March. 2, 2025, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 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, March. 3, 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.

Sunday, March. 3, 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, March 5, 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, March. 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, March 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 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

“How I Learned about My Family’s Journey from Galicia to New York, with Many Stops in Between (1911–1958)” (Virtual)
the Jewish Genealogical Society of Oregon
Sunday, February 2, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.

After many years, guest speaker, Milton Koch opened a box of documents that his mother had saved. This started him on a journey to discover the story of his family during the Shoah. His research took several unusual turns, including donations to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM), which led to unforeseen connections. Register to attend.

Fiske Genealogical Library Classes (Free)
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.

Feb. 5 — "Meet Your New Research Assistant: AI for Genealogists" with Sara Cochran
Feb. 12 — "Ten Things Every Eastern European Genealogist Should Know" with Lisa A. Alzo
Feb. 19 — "A Demographic Study of Siroke, Slovakia in the 1800s" with Mike Kocsik
Feb. 26 — "Using Irish Naming Convention to Discover the Family of Thomas Delaney in Mid-Nineteenth Century Ireland" with Susan McKee

For more information and links to the meetings see the Fiske Library website.

“That Splendid Little War: Researching the Spanish-American War” (Virtual)
Eastside Genealogical Society
Thursday, February 13, 2025, program starts at 7 p.m. (Zoom opens at 6:30 p.m.)

Join guest speaker Michael L. Strauss, AG, as he focuses on service records, pensions and other primary sources covering veterans who served in both the regular army and volunteer forces during the Spanish-American War. Also included are the later Philippine Insurrection and the Boxer Rebellion, and all three conflicts will be examined with research sources and methodology. For more information and to register see the website.

Family Tree Maker SIG
Eastside Genealogical Society
Friday, February 21, 2024, 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.

RootsTech 2025 (Virtual & in person at Salt Lake City)
Brought to you by FamilySearch
Thursday–Saturday, March 6–8, 2025

Join the world’s largest family discovery event. There are live presentations as well as on-demand video learning available. Learn more on the FamilySearch website.

Join SGS Today
February 1, 2025

SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!

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Join Us for Our Annual Holiday Celebration
in the SGS Library at the Good Shepherd Center
 

With the holiday rush over, let’s celebrate the new year. Bring cookies to share and say hello to your SGS friends in person at the library.  Come early, come late (but not too late).
 

• Stick around to join us for the Second Saturday Zoom presentation by Rebecca Whitman Koford at 1 p.m.
• Catch (or ask for) a demo of library subscriptions and/or equipment
• Sneak in a little research

Contact Melanie at volunteers@seagensoc.org if you would like to help with this event.

TOUR THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AT SEATTLE
WITH SGS

Do you have family history in the Northwest? If so you are likely to benefit from records held by the National Archives at Seattle. This facility maintains and provides access to permanent records created by federal agencies and courts in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

This tour will be Friday, January 17 at 9:30 a.m. It is limited to 20 people.
 

Join the Tour

SECOND SATURDAY PRESENTATION TO HIGHLIGHT RESEARCH LOGS    

Organizing is key to understanding. If you can’t find it, how can you compare and analyze the facts and clues in your ancestor’s life? Presenter Rebecca Whitman Koford, Vice President of the National Genealogical Society, will introduce three organizational tools that researches can benefit from using. These include strategic use of timelines, and how they can work together to improve your analysis skills and get closer to finding the answers you need.

This presentation will be offered via Zoom Saturday, January 11 at 1 p.m.

Register Now

NEXT MONTH: “I Have a Civil War Ancestor: Now What?” Presented by Brian Rhinehart, Saturday, February 8, at 1 p.m. Sign up separately for this event.

SLOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR GET ORGANIZED CLASS

SGS’s “Organizing for Genealogy” class still has openings. This course will help participants create a system of organization or adapt their current system to meet their specific research needs. The class will be offered over four weeks in February with an option to attend either Monday evenings (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.) or Tuesday afternoons (1:00 to 3:00 p.m.).

• Session 1: Organizing Our Self – Our thoughts, actions, time, and space
• Session 2: Organizing Our System – Paper systems and Digital Systems
• Session 3: Organizing Our Workflow – Research, Records, and Resources
• Session 4: Pulling it all together – Developing a tailored organization system

Each class series is limited to 20 participants.
Class Fee:  $80 (SGS members $60)

Sign Up Today

SIG Highlights

Anthony Tan / Unsplash

SCANDINAVIAN SIG TO SHARE TIPS SEEKING NORWEGIAN AND SWEDISH RECORDS

Join Karen and Kathi on Sunday, January 12th at 1PM via Zoom as they reveal tips for searching Norwegian and Swedish records on both free and subscription sites. Plus, bring your questions— we’ll be answering all your burning inquiries about tracing your ancestors! The Scandinavian SIG was restarted about 10 years ago by Karen Knudson and has a co-leader Kathi M., SGS librarian. The group meets quarterly. See the SGS calendar of events at segensoc.org to register.

MEXICAN SIG LAUNCHES JANUARY 9

Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research. The inaugural meeting for this SIG will be Thursday, January 9th, at 7:00 p.m., via Zoom. Contact Diane Hughes-Hart via Education@seagensoc.org to join.

NEW SIGS IN PLANNING STAGES

SGS is planning to add three new Special Interest Groups. Each of these groups are in early development. Would you be interested in being a co-leader or a participant? Let us know of your interest and availability/preferences for meeting day and time. Please send us an email with your information.

Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com has become one of the largest genealogical websites available today. With vast records collections and extensive tree building tools, there’s much to explore and optimize. If you would like to gain greater insight into this site or want to share your knowledge with others, please email: Education@seagensoc.org (Subject: Ancestry SIG).

Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe is a regions with a rich and complex history and diverse ethic groups. It’s frequent border changes, language barriers and influences from several powerful empires can lead to challenges when researching family history. Share information and questions about this fascinating region. To get involved email: Education@seagensoc.org (Subject: Eastern Europe SIG).

Artificial intelligence
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: Education@seagensoc.org (Subject: AI SIG).

LIBRARY NEWS:

Evening Hours at SGS Library to Be Offered Once a Month

SGS is offering evening hours once a month at the library starting this month. The library will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every 3rd Wednesday of the month through April when the success of the endeavor will be reevaluated. If it proves popular these hours could continue past April. So use it or lose it. Come to the libary Wednesday nights January 15, February 19 … and show SGS that you want these additional hours.

Get Help Scanning Photos, Learn More About the Library;
Tours to Be Offered Once a Month
Want to know more about how the SGS library can help your research? With so many resources available it can be easy to overlook something that may be helpful. To help patrons learn more about the library and get help using the photo/document scanner, the SGS library will be offering tours every 4th Saturday of the month. The tour will start at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by assistance scanning documents and photos. The first tour will be Saturday, January 25, followed by February 22. Show up and let SGS know if this is a program that should be continued.

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

Saturday, Jan. 4, 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 Lou to get on the email list: loudaly@nwlink.com.

Monday, Jan. 6, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 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.

Wednesday, Jan. 8 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, Jan. 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 a.m., Mexican SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research. Email Education@seagensoc.org to join.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Holiday Open House, Join us for our annual holiday celebration in the SGS library at the Good Shepherd Center. Bring cookies to share and say hello to your SGS friends IN PERSON at the library. Come early, come late (not too late). Stay for the Second Saturday Zoom presentation.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, 1:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Research Logs: Write or Regret It!” Presented by Rebecca Whitman Koford. Organizing is key to understanding. This presentation introduces three organizational tools, including strategic use of timelines, and how they can work together to improve your analysis skills and get closer to finding the answers you need. Register here.

Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, 1:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Scandinavian Interest Group (Virtual), We will be reviewing free and subscription sites for researching records in Sweden and Norway. hosts Karen Knudson and Kathi M. Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research.

Monday, Jan. 13, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.

Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 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, Jan. 14, 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, Jan. 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! SGS Library Evening Hours, SGS library introduces evening hours on a trial basis through April. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, 9:30 a.m., SGS Tour of National Archives at Seattle (Field Trips), Docent-led tour of the National Archives at Seattle
This facility maintains and provides access to permanent records created by federal agencies and courts in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Limited to 20 people.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Topic to be announced. Register on the SGS website.

Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Get a virtual demo of SGS library online resources. Speaker: Jill Morelli. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.

Monday, Jan. 20, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.

Monday, Jan. 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 SGS Director of Education (education@seagensoc.org).

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., “Pass It On” Writers’ Group, Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. Please note: The Writers’ Group is at the maximum number of participants and is not currently accepting any new members.

Saturday, Jan 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DNA SIG, To participate in this quarterly SIG 1you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@seagensoc.org to join.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, 10:30 a.m., NEW! SGS Library Tour/Scanning Help, SGS library introduces tours of the library and help scanning photos and documents. This is a trial basis through April. Every 4th Saturday of the month. Tour starts at 10:30 followed by scanning help.

Monday, Jan. 27, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 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.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 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 Lou to get on the email list: loudaly@nwlink.com.

Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 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, Feb. 3, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 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.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, 1:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “I Have a Civil War Ancestor: Now What?” Presented by Brian Rhinehart. Military records can be among the most genealogically significant sources you can find. Register here.

Monday, Feb. 10, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.

Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 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.

** NOTE: There will be no Irish SIG in January.

OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND

“Finding the Origins of an Immigrant Ancestor” (Virtual)
Eastside Genealogical Society
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m. (virtual doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

Join Eastside Genealogical Society and Debbie Gurtler, AG and Assistant Director of the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City as the explore methods to find the homeland of an immigrant ancestor. This presentation will highlight the methodology and U.S. record types that should help you identify their hometown so you can expand your family tree. A case study highlighting the methodology needed will also be presented. For more information about the event see the EGS website.

Registration opens for AppGen Spring 2025 Classes (Virtual)
Wednesday, January 15, 2025

The window for registration for the AppGen 2025 Spring semester will open 15-22 January. It is a random draw, not “first come first served.” For more information see the website.

“AI (Artificial Intelligence) Made Easy:
Boosting Your Genealogy Research with Technology” (Virtual)
Olympia Genealogical Society
Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, 8:50 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Speaker Blaine Bettinger, will outline how AI can aid your research. In this 4-hour seminar he will cover:

Using Artificial Intelligence Tools for Genealogy
10 Generative AI Prompts Every Genealogist Needs to Know
Ethical Issues Associated with Generative Artificial Intelligence
Memories in the Digital Age: AI Transcription of Handwritten Diaries

For more information about the event see the OGS website.

Join SGS Today

• to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page
  and click the green renew membership button.
  January 1, 2025

SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!

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