Tag Archives: Seattle Genealogical Society

Tip of the Week Seattle Genealogical Society

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK – ALL CATHOLIC PARISH REGISTER MICROFILMS OF IRELAND AVAILABLE ON-LINE FOR FREE!

The entire collection of Catholic parish register microfilms held by the National Library of Ireland is now available online, and for free.  With this database, people with Irish Catholic ancestors will be to trace their roots back to the 1740’s on a dedicated website free of charge.  Over 370,000 digital images of the microfilm reels will be available for download.
These parish register records are considered the single most important source of information on Irish family history prior to the 1901 Census.
The documents, primarily baptismal and marriage records, date from the 1740s to the 1880s and encompass 1,086 parishes throughout Ireland.
For more information, visit www.nli.ie. For more on the launch follow the hashtag #ancestorsonline or follow @NLIreland on Twitter.
To use this site, one must know the parish or diocese where their ancestor lived.  It is not possible to search the site for a particular individual or surname.
The site includes a great, interactive map of the counties and dioceses of Ireland.

BONUS TIP OF THE WEEK – KING COUNTY PROBATE COURT RECORDS COMING ON-LINE AT FAMILYSEARCH.ORG

One of the many new databases coming online at Familysearch.org is “Washington, King County Probate Records, 1851-1927.”  This database consists of images of probate records, arranged and filmed in chronological order; currently it contains nearly 34,000 images of probate records from 1861-1893, with the expectation of more records being added as they are digitized and uploaded.
The URL for this database is: https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1878788

Seattle Genealogical Society Announcements and Meetings

by Charles Hansen

PARKING CHANGES AT SGS

Street parking in front of the SGS Library is often difficult, due to the limited spaces there and the use of those spaces by residents who live in the apartments above the library.
In an effort to improve parking for our patrons, particularly those with limited mobility, in April the Board authorized (and the landlord supported) our application to the City for installation of two two-hour time-limited parking places in front of our entrance.  The signs have now been placed.
Anyone with a handicapped placard or license plate can park in these spaces as long as they wish, without receiving a parking ticket.  Our hope is that the restricted places will make using the library easier for our members who need to park close to the building.  And others can use these spaces, when they are available, particularly for short visits or for dropping things off at the Library.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KAREN PORTZER!

Seattle Metro’s RapidRide buses and stations have a new poem every day of the year through November 2015 as part of the Poetry on Buses public art program.  The poem to be highlighted on July 30, 2015, is entitled “Irish Morn” by SGS member Karen Portzer.  This is the second year that one of Karen’s poems was selected.
If you’d like to read her poem, or any of the other poems in this series, visit http://poetryonbuses.org/collection/.

Continue reading →

Tip of the Week Seattle Genealogical Society

by Charles Hansen
TIP OF THE WEEK – FREE WEBSITE FOR THOSE WITH
CZECH REPUBLIC (BOHEMIA) ROOTS
Onward To Our Past (http://onwardtoourpast.com/) is a web site hosted by genealogical historian, Scott Phillips, offering free tips, hints, help, and genealogy fun together with unique resources for Bohemia (Czech Republic), Italy, and Cornwall family history and genealogy.

One of the valuable resources available on this site is an English translation of a lengthy genealogy article from the 1878 edition of  Amerikán Národní Kalendář, titled STRUČNÁ STATISTIKA: Osad, míst a okresů ve Spojených Státech Čechy obydlených (Translation: “BRIEF STATISTICS: Of settlements, towns and counties at United States, inhabited by Czechs.”)

This publication is described as “an information census of the Czechs and the communities in which they lived” in the United States in 1878.  The web site is presenting these translations in installments (12 so far), covering Czech communities in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the Dakota Territory, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts and Michigan.
More installments will be coming to this site in the ensuing months.

BONUS TIP OF THE WEEK –FREE ACCESS TO
“THE GREAT MIGRATION DATABASES”
ON AMERICANANCESTORS.ORG
Thanks to the New England Historical and Genealogical Society (NEHGS), family historians may commemorate Independence Day by searching for their early American ancestors for FREE on AmericanAncestors.org July 1 through July 8.
A total of nine searchable databases comprise the Great Migration project on AmericanAncestors.org.
See http://www.americanancestors.org/specials/fourth-of-july for more details.

Seattle Genealogical Society Upcoming Meetings

by Charles Hansen
SGS GAINS EXEMPTION FROM THE WA STATE
PROPERTY TAX AS A FREE LIBRARY –
WILL SAVE $4700 IN 2016
Under the terms of our lease for the our Library space, SGS has been responsible for a component of the real property tax each year.  That component has been growing annually, placing an increasing strain on our budget.
Upon investigation, we determined that we could qualify for an exemption from this tax as a Free Library, if we eliminated the daily User Fee we charge non-members to use the library, and met several other criteria.  The Board took the necessary steps, and our application for this exemption was granted by the WA Secretary of State on June 15.  The exemption begins in 2016; in that year, we’ll save over $4,700 due to this exemption.
THANK YOU, RESPONDENTS
Marilyn Rose, President of SGS, recently sent a letter to the membership outlining the Society’s five main goals for the next 5-8 years, and asking for members to consider how they could help the Society reach those goals.
Many SGS members responded to that letter by returning their Member Interest Forms or by volunteering their help.  To those members, the Society says, “Thank you very much!”
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN GENEALOGY
& FAMILY HISTORY AT UW
Each year the University of Washington offers a nine-month evening certificate program in Genealogy and Family History.  This program prepares students to conduct their own genealogical research into family history with an understanding and appreciation of the social and historical context within which their ancestors found themselves.  Over the years, several SGS members have completed this course.
The 2015-16 program begins on October 8, and meets one evening a week for three quarters, culminating in a family history writing project in the spring.  Sarah Thorsen Little, SGS Life Member and Past President, is one of the program instructors for this program.
A preview class for this course will be held on Monday, July 20, 6-8 pm at the UW Seattle campus.
Full information about the program and this preview class can be found online at http://www.pce.uw.edu/certificates/genealogy-family-history.html.
HELP WANTED
NEEDED: Someone to give one or more presentations on how to use FOLD3, the web site formerly known as Footnote.com.  If you have experience and expertise with this repository of military records, and would like to share that with others, please contact Jean A. Roth, SGS Director of Education at jeanaroth@juno.com.NEEDED: Several more members for the 2016 Seminar Planning Committee, to join the 4 members we presently have.  This committee has its first meeting at SGS on Wednesday, July 15 at 6 p.m.  Anyone interested in possibly being part of this critical committee, or who has ideas about either subjects or speakers for next year’s seminars is invited to attend and participate.  Many hands make light work!
Contact Jean Roth, jeanaroth@juno.com for more information.Needed: Still need at least two more people each day to help at the SGS Booth at the Scottish Highland games, the last weekend in July. Contact Jean Roth, jeanaroth@juno.com for more information.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
All programs are at the SGS Library at 6200 Sand Point Way unless otherwise indicated. Please Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be postponed.
Friday-Sunday, July 3-5 SGS Closed for 4th of July HolidayWednesday, July 8, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
DATE CHANGE – SEE JULY 22, BELOW Wednesday, July 15, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “ROUTES to OUR ROUTES”: EXPANSION WESTWARD FROM THE ATLANTIC
Our “Manifest Destiny” with Trails, Timelines, and Transportation. We’ll discuss North America’s major migration patterns and regional history.
Speaker: Jean A. Roth , SGS Director of EducationWednesday, July 15, 6-8 p.m.    SGS SEMINAR PLANNING MEETING
Preliminary planning for 2016 and 2017 – topics and speakers for future seminars.
Anyone interested in helping the 2016 Seminar Planning Committee is welcome!

Saturday, July 18, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm   BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS
An overview of basic genealogy techniques and resources. Advance registration requested at SGS.  Instructor: Janice Lovelace, SGS Vice President

Wednesday, July 22, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING
Join SGS members for a problem-solving session.  This is an open forum format.
Leader: Jean A. Roth

Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES – Enumclaw. SGS will have a booth and offer genealogical help. We need volunteers for both days and for two hour sessions. You will be provided with a ticket for the games.  Please contact Jean Roth at jeanaroth@juno.com or (206) 782-2629

Sunday, July 26, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
PROGRAM: “INSANITY IN THE 19th CENTURY: ONE FAMILY’S STORY”, Speaker: Jill Morelli.
We are told as children, “Shhh, don’t talk about Aunt Jane.” As genealogists, we may find that she was in an insane asylum or mental health hospital (depending on the era of the confinement). Explore the history of institutionalization and treatment of the insane from Bedlam to the 20th century with an in-depth look at the life of one man confined in Illinois in the 19th century. Records publically available will be compared with those accessible through the courts.

AUGUST
Sunday, August 2, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “USING “FIND A GRAVE” FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH.”  “Find A Grave” is a resource for finding the final disposition of family, friends, and famous people as a virtual cemetery experience.  “Find a Grave” memorials may contain rich content including pictures, biographies and more specific information. Speaker: Karen Sipe.Sunday, August 16, 1:30-3:30 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “LOVE, COURTSHIP, SEX & MARRIAGE”
Until Eve – It was a man’s world.  Without women, there would be no genealogy; but their status has changed throughout history, and this has had a profound effect on the records we use for research.  We’ll explore the surprising customs and practices of our ancestors, and the place of women in society over time. Speaker: Jean A. RothSaturday, August 22, 1:30 pm  – 4:00 pm
ETHNIC WORKSHOP: “BREAKING THROUGH THE WALL OF SLAVERY: AN INTRODUCTION to AFRICAN-AMERICAN GENEALOGY” Speaker:  Janice Lovelace, SGS Vice-PresidentSunday, August 23, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING  .
Join SGS members for a problem-solving session.  This is an open forum format.

Sunday August 30, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “USING FIRE INSURANCE MAPS” These maps, including the famous Sandborn Maps, were originally created in the years following the Civil War and used for assessing fire insurance liability in urban areas in the United States. They are a highly useful resource for historical and genealogical research.
Speaker: Jill Morelli
 

SAVE THE DATES!
August 13-15 Northwest Genealogy Conference
Arlington, WA  – details at http://www.nwgc.org/
Saturday October 17 and Sunday, October 18
Seattle Genealogical Society Fall Seminar
“The Family History Detective: Finding Solutions to Your Toughest Research Problems.” Speaker: Dr. Thomas W. Jones
Visit http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/content/seminars for more information.

Seattle Genealogical Society Bonus Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen
BONUS TIP OF THE WEEK –
MOCAVO NOW PROVIDES ALL U.S. CENSUS INDEXES AND IMAGES FOR FREE
Mocavo recently announced that the indexes and images for all United States Federal Censuses are now available for free to everyone on their web site.  See their full announcement at http://blog.mocavo.com/2015/05/u-s-federal-census-images-viewer-now-free-for-everyone for details.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen
TIP OF THE WEEK – FIFTEEN FREE WEBINARS FOR BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE GENEALOGISTS
The Family History Library and the Research Specialists of the United States and Canada Reference team are offering a free, never before offered, week-long seminar in October of 2015 in Salt Lake City. The focus will be exclusively U.S. research. The sessions will be ideal for beginning and intermediate genealogists interested in learning about U.S. records, FamilySearch resources, and Family History Library collections.  The seminar is now full for anyone wishing to attend in person. However, fifteen of the thirty classes will be broadcast via webinar. For more information please see the following: https://familysearch.org/blog/en/united-states-research-seminarTo attend one or more of these webinars, just click on their links below to attend.
ALL TIMES LISTED BELOW ARE MOUNTAIN DAYLIGHT TIME; SUBTRACT ONE HOUR FOR PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME.  You can join the webinar up to 30 minutes prior to each start time; just go to the link below, and click on JOIN.

12 October, Monday:

13 October, Tuesday:
14 October, Wednesday:
15 October, Thursday:
16 October, Friday:

 

Seattle Genealogical Society Upcoming Events

by Charles Hansen

 

SGS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS at the 2015 PACIFIC NORTHWEST SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26, 2015
Enumclaw Expo Center
COME LISTEN TO THE BAGPIPES – WATCH THE DANCERS – VISIT THE CLANS – AND HELP SGS PROMOTE GENEALOGY


We need volunteers to help at the Seattle Genealogical Society and Library booth during the Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games in Enumclaw next month. We have been participating for many years and it is a great way to let the public know about SGS and to promote membership. Our participation also gives us valuable community outreach credit for our grant applications with 4Culture. which has resulted in thousands of dollars for our equipment and projects. Game attendance is about 30,000 for the weekend. Most of the people who come to the SGS booth don’t have an understanding of their Scottish or Irish heritage and have not done any research. They primarily want to know two things:

1. “What clan do I belong to?”
2. “What tartan can I use?”

We will have a number of reference books available at the booth that help answer those questions. If you decide to help us that weekend – you will receive an e-mail attachment prior to the games that will give you a refresher course on Scottish and Celtic genealogy. There will also be a handout about SGS and other information. Highland Games material, maps and instructions will be sent out about 10 days before the games after we receive confirmation of our location and tickets.

Volunteers will cover a 2-hour shift each day.
We will supply you with a free ticket for the games. This will entitle you to enjoy the rest of the day at the Games. Parking will be at your own expense at $5.00 per day. We encourage carpooling.

Contact JEAN A. ROTH, SGS Director of Education at (206) 782-2629 or jeanaroth@juno.com by June 25, as I have to pre-order tickets to get SGS the best rate.  Please provide your name, email, phone contact, and if you are over 62 (to get Senior discount).

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS


All programs are at the SGS Library at 6200 Sand Point Way unless otherwise indicated. Please Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be postponed.

Sunday, June 21  FATHERS DAY – SGS Closed

Saturday, June 27, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm,
SGS DNA Interest Group   
Location change for this meeting only – Seattle Genealogical Society Library – 6200 Sand Point Way NE.  This meeting will review new discoveries in DNA testing and focus on learning to analyze your autosomal DNA testing results.  To be added to our email list, contact sgsdnasig@gmail.com

Saturday, June 27, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
ETHNIC SERIES: SCOTTISH and SCOTS-IRISH WORKSHOP
Leader: Patricia Younie, Clan coordinator and historian will discuss researching these two different groups from Scotland and Ireland that were important early settlers in North America.

JULY


Saturday July 4 and Sunday, July 5     SGS Closed for Holiday

Wednesday, July 8, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING
DATE CHANGE – SEE JULY 22, BELOW

 Wednesday, July 15, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “ROUTES to OUR ROOTS”: EXPANSION WESTWARD FROM THE ATLANTIC
Our “Manifest Destiny” with Trails, Timelines, and Transportation. We’ll discuss North America’s major migration patterns and regional history.
Speaker: Jean A. Roth , SGS Director of Education

Saturday, July 18, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS
An overview of basic genealogy techniques and resources. Advance registration requested – email SGSVicePresident@gmail.com.
Instructor: Janice Lovelace, SGS Vice President

Wednesday, July 22, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING
Join SGS members for a problem-solving session.  This is an open forum format.
Leader: Jean A. Roth

Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26
SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES – Enumclaw.
SGS will have a booth and offer genealogical help. We need volunteers for both days and for two hour sessions. You will be provided with a ticket for the games.  Please contact Jean Roth at jeanaroth@juno.com or (206) 782-2629

Sunday, July 26, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm      PROGRAM: “INSANITY IN THE 19th CENTURY: ONE FAMILY’S STORY”, Speaker: Jill Morelli.
We are told as children, “Shhh, don’t talk about Aunt Jane.” As genealogists, we may find that she was in an insane asylum or mental health hospital (depending on the era of the confinement). Explore the history of institutionalization and treatment of the insane from Bedlam to the 20th century with an in-depth look at the life of one man confined in Illinois in the 19th century. Records publically available will be compared with those accessible through the courts.

 

 

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK – 30% DISCOUNT ON ANCESTRY.COMSUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE TO AARP MEMBERS

According to the Ancestry.com web site (http://www.ancestry.com/cs/us/aarp), AARP members can get a 30% discount on Ancestry’s World Explorer for one year.  Moreover, if you’re already an AARP member and also are currently an Ancestry subscriber, you can receive a discount on that subscription.
For details, go to the above web page, then click on See Offer Details, just above the red AARP logo on the left side of the page; SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY, so check the small print.

BONUS TIP OF THE WEEK – MOCAVO NOW PROVIDES ALL U.S. CENSUS INDEXES AND IMAGES FOR FREE
Mocavo recently announced that the indexes and images for all United States Federal Censuses are now available for free to everyone on their web site.  See their full announcement at http://blog.mocavo.com/2015/05/u-s-federal-census-images-viewer-now-free-for-everyone for details.

Seattle Genealogical Society eNews

by Charles Hansen
SGS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1 PM, at the SGS Library

At this meeting, the newly elected officers, directors and Nominating Committee members will be introduced.  We’ll review last year’s performance and achievements, and talk about our goals and plans for the coming year and the issues that SGS is facing.
We’ll also seek input from the members who attend about what they’d like to see SGS offer in the coming year, to help them with their personal family history research.
All members are urged to attend, and see the recent changes in our Library.

 

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

We’ve changed the name of this emailed newsletter to SGS eNews!, to better reflect its purpose and content.  The SGS eNews! will appear in your inbox around the first and fifteenth of each month, with supplemental issues when necessary.
Components of each issue include news, announcements, a calendar of upcoming SGS events, help wanted ads, and one or more tips of the week.
If you have questions or comments about SGS eNews!, please send them tosgssecretary@gmail.com.

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Continue reading →