June to early July with South King County Genealogical Society

Happy Summer! 

SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for Steven W. Morrison’s presentation at the end of this email. *if you expected to find the code but do not see it, your SKCGS Membership has expired. Renew on our website: https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership 

Most of our small meetings continue through summer; our Speaker Series will resume in September. Write to Education@skcgs with suggestions or even better, volunteer to join the team planning our education year, contacting possible speakers, and arranging their talks.  

Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Main library branches. 

Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request.

Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. https://www.skcgs.org

*Members: passcode for the recording of this month’s speaker presentation is at the bottom of this email.*

JUNE to Early JULY 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated.

Tuesday, June 2, 2pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. All SKCGS Members invited; write to Board@skcgs.org for Zoom link. Note that the time has changed.

Friday June 5, 12:30–2:30pm PT, German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Striking Gold: Using Cluster Research to Identify an Unknown Father by  Dana Palmer, CG^®, CGL^®  Visitors welcome and more information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/432j5fvu 

Blended ethnic families can be tough to trace. Be successful finding your German ancestor’s parents by using cluster research techniques and free online tools. This case study presentation will show how an unknown father of a German Catholic family who lived in Cincinnati was found by searching for others with the same name who were living in the same location and belonged to the same church.

Discussion will show how analyzing church records, obituaries, cemetery and other records led to the discovery of the unknown father and his origins in Germany. This is a great example of using cluster research to find elusive ancestors.

Presenter:  Dana Palmer, CG^®, CGL.^® Dana specializes in Midwestern research, lineage society applications, and publishing family books. In addition to her client work, she is part of the Mayflower Silver Books team, and lectures at RootsTech and the National Genealogical Society (NGS) conferences. Her book Ultimate Guide to Mastering Family Search was released in print and digitally in November 2025.

Saturday, June 6, 10–11am PT:Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Monday, June 8, 1–2pm, PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: What’s New at Gedmatch? See Getting Started with GEDmatch Tier 1 Tools | One-to-Many Essentials & Match Strategies: https://youtu.be/8sgPRq_9ud0?si=3uWYnUC4U7AEOWjl. We are genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: ttps://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, June 10, 2–3pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Tools to improve your WikiTree profiles and move your research forward. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, June 11, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA

Monday, June 15,  1-2 pm  PT: Tech User Group. Topic: Firm foundation for trees: Research notes. Strategies to create notes you will use, accessible everywhere. The Tech Users Group share knowledge and learn about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Thursday June 18: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer.

• 11am-1pm PT: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA
• 2- 4pm PT: Federal Way Main Library, 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA

Friday June 19, 1-3pm PT: Research Workshop.  SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center: 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610)

Saturday June 20, 10 am PT: Steven W. Morrison, MPA presents “Digging Up New Dirt – Part 1: Unearthing the REAL New England Immigrant; Part 2: Finding, Proving, and Publishing.” Join at 9:30 am for social time. The presentation will be recorded for review by SKCGS Members.

Steven Waltz Morrison, MPA was an adjunct faculty for seven years, & the past-president of both the Puget Sound APG Chapter, and the Olympia Genealogical Society. He’s presented to all the genealogical societies across Western Washington. In 2022 he spoke at the NGS conference, and presented to international audiences in Canada and Ireland three times. In 2016, Steven received the Scholar Award from The American Society of Genealogists.He has coordinated genealogical institute courses on Quakers four times: at the British Institute, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, and at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy twice. In 2026, Steven will co-coordinate the first genealogical institute course focusing on the five Northwest States: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, & Wyoming. It will be presented by the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy in February to May of 2026, as an online course. Twenty-three topics, with twelve instructors: Research in the US Northwest. 

Part 1: DIGGING UP NEW DIRT: Unearthing the REAL New England Immigrant. Do you believe that family associations know everything about their early New England ancestors? Well, guess again! While Deacon John Doane’s activities in the Plymouth Colony are well documented, his life in his mother country was a complete mystery. Learn what nuggets YOU might uncover about your elusive ancestor, by revisiting original records and adding historical context to your timeline. 

Part 2: DIGGING UP NEW DIRT: Finding, Proving, and Publishing. Follow the trials and tribulations of a small group of dedicated family researchers who set out to identify the ancestor of Deacon John Doane. Over a decades-long search, plausible theories were researched and eventually discarded as dead ends. Then the release of online records resulted in a wave of new discoveries. Comparative analysis from both sides of the pond eventually proved that a candidate from London, England was the likely youthful Deacon. A case study for the ages for anyone with a lost New England ancestor.

Monday June 22, 1-2pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! 

Saturday, July 4:  Independence Day. No FamilyTree Maker meeting; KCLS closed.

No July SKCGS Board Meeting. Email Board@skcgs.org with concerns.

Wednesday, July 8, 2 – 3pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Leveraging the FamilySearch Family Tree (FSFT) to improve Wikitree (WT) Ancestor Profiles. Begin by improving the FSFT profile and ensure that all appropriate records are linked to each family member. Merge duplicate profiles if necessary, and unlink mistaken records. Then use Sourcer to create or improve the WT profile and the FSFT Sources tab to gather all the free source-cited records for each Wikitree profile. You can also link <WT<>FSFT profiles in both so researchers can jump back and forth. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group:https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, July 9, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA. 

Monday, July 13, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy. Topic: Collaboration with DNA Matches &  Other Relatives. Bring your experiences and suggestions about where to find these groups. 

• FamilyTree DNA groups: https://www.familytreedna.com/group-project
• DNA Group Projects: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:DNA_Group_Projects
• One Name Studies: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Project:One_Name_Studies
• Gedmatch Ancestor Projects: https://app.gedmatch.com/AP/ap_group_list1.php
• Ancestry.com group messaging. Click New to start a new group, name it, then type the names to put them in the group
• RootsChat (heavy UK use)

Thursday , July 16: EGS German Interest Group will celebrate its 40^th Anniversary in our old LDS room in Bellevue. Remember Christmas Potlucks? Remember visiting after our in-person meetings? Can you believe we haven’t done this since 2020?  Significant others are invited. If you want more details, just send an email to GIG_Leader@eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org

*************

SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. F 

• September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe “Write Your Own Obituary”
• October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
• November 15 2025: Mags Gaulden “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
• January 17 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
• February 21 2026: Robyn N. Smith “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People”
• March 21 2026: Winona Laird “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
• April 18 2026: Robbie Johnson “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History” 
• May 16 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal “Research at the library…without leaving home!”
• June 20 2026:  Steven Morrison Part1, “Digging Up New Dirt:  Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2, “Finding, Proving and Publishing”

*************

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Happy Summer! 

SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for [Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal’s presentation at the end of this email. *if you expected to find the code but do not see it, your SKCGS Membership has expired. Renew on our website: https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership 

David Spangler has offered to take on the role of President, and the Board will officially appoint him at the May board meeting to finish out the current term. We’re grateful for his willingness to lead.

Since no one was nominated for Vice President or Secretary before nominations closed, the Board plans to appoint Valorie Zimmerman as Vice President and Tracy Arnold as Secretary beginning June 1, 2026. Thanks to all our new and continuing leadership.

Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Main library branches. 

Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request.

Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. https://www.skcgs.org

MAY to Early JUNE 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated.

Friday, May 1, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Locating Records from Poland Online” by  Julie Roberts Szczepankiewicz. Visitors welcome and more information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration required:  https://tinyurl.com/rp2zubuw. 

Finding records from Poland for genealogical research is a critical step in exploring our Polish ancestry but Poland’s complex history and the language barrier can be confusing. After a brief overview of Poland’s changing borders and their impact on the languages in which historical records were created, Julie will explain the process of identifying one’s ancestral village and illustrate the use of gazetteers to determine the parish and civil registry offices. She will introduce key websites for locating historical records online and offline, with an emphasis on sites that offer indexed records and digital images. Julie will suggest strategies to help you get around the language barrier, and demonstrate how you can trace your Polish ancestry from the comfort of your own home. Julie Roberts Szczepankiewicz is a genealogist, writer, and speaker with nearly 30 years of experience in researching her family’s origins in Poland, Germany, the U.S., and Canada

Saturday, May 2, 10–11am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Join our free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, May 5, 2pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. All interested Members are invited to; write Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link. Note the new meeting time.

Monday, May 11, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online).Topic: Proving your Family Tree with DNA Evidence. See DNA in Action 1 of 6: Proving Your Pedigree with DNA: https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/dna-in-action-1-of-6-proving-your-pedigree-with-dna.We are genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, May 13, 2–3pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Powering Wikitree with your DNA data, easily & safely. Start here: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:DNA. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, May 14, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA. 

Friday, May 15, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop. SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center: 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610)

Saturday, May 16, 10–11:15am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online):  Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal “Research at the library…without leaving home!”

Looking for books about your family history? You may be able to find them without leaving the comfort of home! Millions of books have already been digitized and are free to use and download to your personal library. Learn where to find the best digital book collections, how to search them strategically, and how to save your finds for later reference.

Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal, Certified Genealogist^®, is a researcher, writer, educator, and national genealogical speaker. Her specialties include methodology, technology, and online research resources. Since 1987, Elizabeth has made it her goal to research, share, and preserve her family stories. She is a co-host of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast (https://branchingout.show) and the author of the family history lifestyle website Heart of the Family™ (https://www.thefamilyheart.com). Her mission is to help others make the past part of their present.

Meeting opens at 9:30 am PT for social time.

Monday, May 18, 1–2:pm PT: Tech User Group (Online).Topic: What’s the Process? Analyzing  & improving work flows. Are you using new tools, new sites, AI, or some nifty gadgets to make your research more fun, accurate, or more foolproof? The Tech User Group share knowledge and learn about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Thursday, May 21: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer.

• 11am–1pm PT: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA
•  2 – 4pm: Federal Way Main Library, 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA

Tuesday, June 2, 2pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. All SKCGS Members invited; write to Board@skcgs.org for Zoom link. Note that the time has changed.

Friday June 5, 12:30–2:30pm PT, German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Striking Gold: Using Cluster Research to Identify an Unknown Father by  Dana Palmer, CG^®, CGL^®  Visitors welcome and more information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration is required:   https://tinyurl.com/432j5fvu 

Blended ethnic families can be tough to trace. Be successful finding your German ancestor’s parents by using cluster research techniques and free online tools. This case study presentation will show how an unknown father of a German Catholic family who lived in Cincinnati was found by searching for others with the same name who were living in the same location and belonged to the same church.

Discussion will show how analyzing church records, obituaries, cemetery and other records led to the discovery of the unknown father and his origins in Germany. This is a great example of using cluster research to find elusive ancestors.

Presenter:  Dana Palmer, CG^®, CGL.^® Dana specializes in Midwestern research, lineage society applications, and publishing family books. In addition to her client work, she is part of the Mayflower Silver Books team, and lectures at RootsTech and the National Genealogical Society (NGS) conferences. Her book Ultimate Guide to Mastering Family Search was released in print and digitally in November 2025.

Saturday, June 6, 10–11am PT:Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Monday, June 8, 1–2pm, PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: What’s New at Gedmatch? See Getting Started with GEDmatch Tier 1 Tools | One-to-Many Essentials & Match Strategies: https://youtu.be/8sgPRq_9ud0?si=3uWYnUC4U7AEOWjl. We are genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: ttps://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, June 10, 2–3pm: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Tools to improve your WikiTree profiles and move your research forward. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, June 11, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA

Monday, June 15, PT: Tech User Group. Topic: Firm foundation for trees: Research notes. Strategies to create notes you will use, accessible everywhere. The Tech Users Group share knowledge and learn about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

June 20, 2026: Steven W. Morrison, MPA presents “Digging Up New Dirt – Part 1: Unearthing the REAL New England Immigrant; Part 2: Finding, Proving, and Publishing“

*************

SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. F 

• September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe “Write Your Own Obituary”
• October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
• November 15 2025: Mags Gaulden “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
• January 17 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
• February 21 2026: Robyn N. Smith “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People”
• March 21 2026: Winona Laird “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
• April 18 2026: Robbie Johnson “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History” 
• May 16 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal “Research at the library…without leaving home!”
• June 20 2026:  Steven Morrison Part1, “Digging Up New Dirt:  Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2, “Finding, Proving and Publishing”

*************

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Happy Spring! 

SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for Robbie Johnson’s presentation at the end of this email. *if you expected to find the code but do not see it, your SKCGS Membership has expired. Renew on our website: https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership 

Are you passionate about SKCGS’s mission and looking for a meaningful way to volunteer your skills? We NEED you. In fact, without officers we cannot survive. Legally we will cease to exist at the end of May.

We’re searching for a leader to move into the role of President and help keep our small but mighty nonprofit running smoothly! The best part? You won’t be doing it alone! You’ll be supported by a dedicated, hands-on board and fantastic volunteers who are ready to help. Write to Board@skcgs.org to volunteer. We also need a Vice-President and critically, a secretary. See Step Up and Make a Difference   from our outgoing Secretary. 

Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Main library branches. 

Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request.

Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. https://www.skcgs.org

APRIL to Early MAY 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated.

Friday, April 3, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online)Topic: “Using Hansen’s Map Guides To Locate YourAncestor’s German ParishRecords” by Bernard N Meisner. Visitors welcome. https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ . Registration required:  https://tinyurl.com/24meu744 

The Map Guides contain detailed information about Catholic and Lutheran jurisdictions for locations within the former German Empire (including areas now in Poland,Lithuania, Russia, Denmark, and France), Switzerland and Luxembourg, and also some information about Jewish congregations in those areas.  Given your ancestor’s hometown, learn how to identify the most likely parish(es) with their records, then check the online availability of the registers on FamilySearch, Archion and/or Matricula.

Presenter Bernard N. Meisner is a genealogist and lecturer based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. He began researching his family over 35 years ago and enjoys sharing lessons learned from that experience, including his mistakes. 

Saturday, April 4, 10-11am PT: Family Treemaker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Join our free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, April 7, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). ALL Interested Members write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Wednesday, April 8, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Wikitree FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions. Bring your most pressing questions, and we’ll help one another get over the bumps. From login to leadership, Wikitree needs YOU, and you need Wikitree! Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, April 9,11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

Monday, April 13, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: Is 23 AndMe back?  We’ll take a look at how it fits into the “DNA  for genealogy” ecosystem, including the new clusters. See  https://throughthetreesblog.tumblr.com/post/810909158988709888/23andme-an-unfortunate-update, and Super Clustering DNA matches from Ancestry with FTDNA and 23andMe! https://youtu.be/BGMUVEXzuAY?si=7P1mvgZ9iu3JZgyQ

This group is for genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Thursday, April 16: Genealogy Help with SKCGS  (In-person)

* 11am–1pm:  Auburn Library,  1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA

* 2–4pm: Federal Way Main Library, 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA

Friday, 17 April, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop (in person).  SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center, 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610).

Saturday, April 18, 10–11:15am PT. SKCGS Speaker Series (Online) Login at 9:30 for social time. Robbie Johnson will present at 10 after a brief announcement and introduction. Her presentation will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. 

You’ve spent decades collecting documents and family artifacts, researching ancestors, and tracking down that mysterious woman in an old photograph you inherited. Now what? How do you take a jumble of information and share it with the people you love? Robbie Johnson will share some of her favorite strategies on writing up your findings for the most important audience: Your family and yourself. This talk will cover approaches to organizing material, prioritizing writing projects, overcoming writer’s block, staying motivated, and tips and tricks for getting words down on paper.

Robbie Johnson holds the credential of Certified Genealogist®. Her research and writing focuses on England, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, Native-Indigenous ancestry, and genetic genealogy. She has presented lectures/workshops for the BCGEducation Fund’s Putting Skills To Work, the SLIG Advanced Analysis Practicum course, Family History Academy, the Denver Library, and several genealogical societies. She’s served as a coordinator and secretary for the ProGen Study Groups, and as a mentor for the GenProof Study Groups and the Certification Discussion Group. Robbie worked for over 40 years as an editor and writer before becoming a professional genealogist. She lives in Skagit County, Washington.

Monday, April 20, 1–2pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). Topic: Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Notebook LM, Photos, for Genealogy. We’ve not discussed these tools since 2004. What has changed, and what are good alternatives?

The Tech Users Group is for sharing knowledge and learning about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Please join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Monday, April 27, 1–2pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! https://skcgs.groups.io

Friday, May1,12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group. (EGS)(Online) Topic: “Locating Records from Poland Online” by  Julie Roberts Szczepankiewicz. Visitors welcome and more information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ 

Registration is required:  https://tinyurl.com/rp2zubuw

Finding records from Poland for genealogical research is a critical step in exploring our Polish ancestry but Poland’s complex history and the language barrier can be confusing.

After a brief overview of Poland’s changing borders and their impact on the languages in which historical records were created, Julie will explain the process of identifying one’s ancestral village and illustrate the use of gazetteers to determine the parish and civil registry offices. She will introduce key websites for locating historical records online and offline, with an emphasis on sites that offer indexed records and digital images. Julie will suggest strategies to help you get around the language barrier, and demonstrate how you can trace your Polish ancestry from the comfort of your own home.

Julie Roberts Szczepankiewicz is a genealogist, writer, and speaker with nearly 30 years of experience in researching her family’s origins in Poland, Germany, the U.S., and Canada. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the State University of New York in Buffalo and a master’s degree in endocrinology from the University of California, Berkeley. 

Her passion for genealogical research started when she was a graduate student, after she was given a copy of her great-grandparents’ marriage record as a gift. After reading the names of a previously unknown generation of ancestors on that document, she was hooked.

 She currently serves as President of the Polish Genealogical Society of New York State (PGSNYS) and has previously served as Vice-President for the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium, Inc, and Secretary of the Polish Genealogical Society of Massachusetts (PGSMA). She administers several genealogy-related Facebook groups. Her articles have been published in the newsletters of the PGSNYS, the PGSMA, the Polish Genealogical Society of America, the Western New York Genealogical Society, and the Irish Genealogical Society International, and she is the author of a genealogy blog, From Shepherds and Shoemakers.

Saturday May 2, 10–11am: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Join our free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (online). All SKCGS Members welcome; write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Monday,May 11 May, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: Proving your Family Tree with DNA. See DNA in Action 1 of 6: Proving Your Pedigree with DNA: https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/dna-in-action-1-of-6-proving-your-pedigree-with-dna.

This group is for genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, May 13, 2–3pm PT, WikiTree Users (online). Topic: Powering Wikitree with your DNA data, easily & safely. Start here: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:DNA. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, May 14, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person).  Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA. 

Friday, May 15, 1–3pm, Research Workshop (in-person). SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center, 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610).

Saturday, May 16, 10–11:15am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online) Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal:”Research at the library…without leaving home!”

*************

SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. F 

• September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe “Write Your Own Obituary”
• October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
• November 15 2025: Mags Gaulden “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
• January 17 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
• February 21 2026: Robyn N. Smith “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People”
• March 21 2026: Winona Laird “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
• April 18 2026: Robbie Johnson “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History” 
• May 16 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal “Research at the library…without leaving home!”
• June 20 2026:  Steven Morrison Part1, “Digging Up New Dirt:  Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2, “Finding, Proving and Publishing”

*************

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Happy Spring!
SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for Winona Laird’s presentation at the end of this email. *if you expected to find the code but do not see it, your SKCGS Membership has expired. Renew on our website: https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership

Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:
we communicate and share information with each other
other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Main library branches.
Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request.
Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. https://www.skcgs.org

MARCH TO EARLY APRIL 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS
All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone
Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated.

Friday, March 6, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online).  Topic: “Using Genealogy.net/Compgen.de” by  Fritz Juengling Ph.D., AG®, AGL™. Visitors welcome; https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration is required:  https://tinyurl.com/mry7k3kn

Monday, March 9, 1–2 pm PT, Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: New Tools for our DNA Research. Rootstech, MyHeritage WGS and more. This group is for genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Tuesday, March 10, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. (Online) (changed date). Interested Members are invited; write Board@skcgs.org for the zoom link.

Wednesday, March 11, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: How Wikitree Projects can move your research forward. See: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Projects. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, March 12, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

Monday, March 16,1–2pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). Topic: Using AI to simplify complicated or tedious tasks. Bring your ideas, resources, failures and successes. The Tech Users Group is for sharing knowledge and learning about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Please join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Thursday, March 19: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (in-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
* 11am-1pm: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA
* 2-4pm: Federal Way Main Library, 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA

Friday, March 20,1–3:pm: Research Workshop (in person). SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center, 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610).

Saturday, March 21, 10–11:15am (online). 9:30-10:am PT: Social time. (sign in early to chat)
10 am PT – Featured speaker presentation: Winona Laird “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing“
Winona has been doing genealogy for over 60 years.  She started as a young girl in a church class. One of the projects was to get her mother, father, and grandparents to write a one-page story of their lives and they all wrote their stories.
Some years later, after Winona’s grandmother had passed, the family found reams of paper among her possessions which contained notes and stories she had written. Winona used this information to write and publish a book about her grandmother,  “Have You Ever Lived in a Mining Town.”
Winona has researched most of her family lines back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Family is very important to Winona. She was married for 56 years when her husband passed away, and is a mother of two daughters and has two grandchildren. She was the owner of an accounting and tax business in Kent, Washington for over 20 years. When she sold the business and retired as an accountant, she became a professional genealogist. Her specialties are teaching and lecturing on genealogy. For three years Winona taught classes for the Continuing Education Department at Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington.
In 2023, Winona Hahn Laird was named One of Washington State Genealogical Society’s Outstanding Volunteers. She was nominated by the South King County Genealogical Society; honored for the effort she put into creating and teaching beginning genealogy classes for SKCGS in 2023. The society experienced a 25 percent increase in membership directly attributable to her classes.
Winona also has served as president and vice president of SKCGS and on numerous committees, including chair of the last two seminar committees, and head of the education committees and the five-year planning committee. Currently she runs the virtual Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group and the in-person Research Workshop at the Kent Family Search Center. She has also been group liaison for the Family Search Center. See the announcement and https://skcgs.blogspot.com/2023/12/honoring-winona-hahn-laird-volunteer-of.html and our presentation for more.
Winona has written two books and is currently revising another, using AI and Kindle Publishing. Find her here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/WINONA-I-Laird/author/B0D5ZHW26K
Her presentation is designed to help genealogists and family historians publish their stories. Your family will be forever grateful when you do.
***

Monday, March 23, 1–2:pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!

Friday, April 3, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online)Topic: “Using Hansen’s Map Guides To Locate YourAncestor’s German ParishRecords” by Bernard N Meisner. Visitors welcome. https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration required:  https://tinyurl.com/24meu744
The Map Guides contain detailed information about Catholic and Lutheran jurisdictions for locations within the former German Empire (including areas now in Poland,Lithuania, Russia, Denmark, and France), Switzerland and Luxembourg, and also some information about Jewish congregations in those areas.  Given your ancestor’s hometown, learn how to identify the most likely parish(es) with their records, then check the online availability of the registers on FamilySearch, Archion and/or Matricula.
Presenter Bernard N. Meisner is a genealogist and lecturer based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. He began researching his family over 35 years ago and enjoys sharing lessons learned from that experience, including his mistakes.

April 4, 10-11am PT: Family Treemaker User Group (Online). General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, April 7, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). Interested Members: write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Wednesday, April 8, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Wikitree FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions. Bring your most pressing questions, and we’ll help one another get over the bumps. From login to leadership, Wikitree needs YOU, and you need Wikitree! Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, April 9,11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

*************
SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. F
September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe “Write Your Own Obituary”
October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
November 15 2025: Mags Gaulden “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
January 17 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
February 21 2026: Robyn N. Smith “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People”
March 21 2026: Winona Laird “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
April 18 2026: Robbie Johnson “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History”
May 16 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal “Research at the library…without leaving home!”
June 20 2026:  Steven Morrison Part1, “Digging Up New Dirt:  Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2, “Finding, Proving and Publishing”
*************

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

February 2026 to early March 2026 with South King County Genealogical Society

Greetings. 

SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for Robyn Smith’s “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People” presentation at the end of this email. *If you expected to find the code but did not, your SKCGS Membership has expired. Renew on our website: https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership 

We’re searching for leaders to help keep our small but mighty nonprofit running smoothly! The best part? You won’t be doing it alone! You’ll be supported by a dedicated, hands-on board and fantastic volunteers who are ready to help. Email Board@skcgs.org to help.

Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland library branches. 

Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request

Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. 

FEBRUARY TO EARLY MARCH 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated 

Tuesday, February 3, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. Interested Members are invited; write Board@skcgs.org for the zoom link.

Friday, February 6, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Swiss Essentials: Locating Church Records & Understanding the Impact of Citizenship” by Charlotte Noelle Champenois, AG^®, AGL^™. Visitors are welcome. More information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yfyrt6yw  

Saturday, February 7, 10–11am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: Question and Answer for the Family Tree Maker program. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG. 

Monday, February 9,  1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic:  DNA Research Plan: How to Focus, and Choosing Best Matches. See: Selecting DNA Tools for a Research Plan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8eOuMnE_yU. Read: https://www.yourdnaguide.com/ydgblog/finding-your-best-dna-matches . This group is for genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join our free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, February 11, 2–3pm PT. WikiTree Users  (Online). Topic: Wikitree browser extensions & Apps; when and how to use them.See: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:WikiTree_Sourcer_User_Guide (copies profiles, creates source citations) :: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:WikiTree_Browser_Extension (WikiTree browsing, reading, and editing) :: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/ Space:WikiTree_BEE#Options (more options) : https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:WikiTree_Tools_and_Apps. Wikitree Users create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, February 12, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

Monday, February 16, 1–2pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). Topic: Using  GoldieMay for research projects. See “Goldie May as a Newspaper Finding Aid https://youtu.be/FcRWWrth0JM?si=tzRWht2f5ngt831d 45 mins. The Tech Users Group is for sharing knowledge and learning about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Please join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Thursday, February 19: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer.

  11am–1pm PT: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn WA.

  2-4pm PT: Federal Way Main Library, 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way WA.

Friday, February 20, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop. SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center, 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (206-818-7610).

Saturday, February 21, 10–11:15am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online). Doors open at 9:30 for social time; after a brief announcement and introduction, we’ll learn about “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People.” The presentation will be recorded for review by SKCGS Members; everyone is invited to join the meeting and download the handout, which is Robyn’s work product; do not share it without her permission.

Our ancestors did not live in a vacuum. They lived, worked, socialized, and married amid a larger group of people. Robyn demonstrates how studying this larger group of people often increases our success in breaking through stubborn brick walls and finding our family.

Robyn Smith has been researching her family and the families of others for almost thirty years. She specializes in court and land records, genealogy skill-building, and slavery research. 

A respected speaker in the field, Robyn has taught widely at genealogy conferences, for genealogical societies across the U.S., and for institutions such as the Maryland State Archives, the National Archives and the Smithsonian Institution. She taught at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) in 2023 and worked with the Georgetown Memory Project in 2022. She also taught a genealogical workshop for Maryland Public Television. 

Her lectures on Legacy Family Tree Webinars have garnered thousands of views. Robyn writes extensively and has published articles in Family Tree Magazine, and in the peer-reviewed Maryland Genealogical Society Journal and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly Journal. Rooted in her passion for family research, writing and teaching remain the heartbeat of Robyn’s work. For more than fifteen years, she has authored a popular genealogy teaching blog called Reclaiming Kin (www.reclaimingkin.com). Her blog focuses on strengthening genealogical research skills for all genealogists and addressing the unique challenges of researching American slavery. Posts at Reclaiming Kin have been referenced by The Washington Post, The New York Times, Ancestry, and the Library of Virginia among others.

Monday, February 23,1–2pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online) Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!

Tuesday, March 3, 6:30–7:30 pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. Interested Members are invited; write Board@skcgs.org for the zoom link.

Friday, March 6, 12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Using Genealogy.net/Compgen.de” by  Fritz Juengling Ph.D., AG®, AGL™. Visitors welcome; https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. Registration is required:  https://tinyurl.com/mry7k3kn

Saturday, March 7: the usual Family Tree Maker User Group is cancelled this month. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG; ask questions in the group.

Monday, March 9, 1–2 pm PT, Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: New Tools for our DNA Research. Rootstech, MyHeritage WGS and more. This group is for genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, March 11, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: How Wikitree Projects can move your research forward. See: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Projects. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, March 12, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA.

*************

SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. 

• September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe “Write Your Own Obituary”
• October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
• November 15 2025: Mags Gaulden “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
• January 17 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
• February 21 2026: Robyn N. Smith “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People“
• March 21 2026: Winona Laird “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
• April 18 2026: Robbie Johnson “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History” 
• May 16 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal “Research at the library…without leaving home!”
• June 20 2026:  Steven Morrison Part 1, “Digging Up New Dirt:  Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2, “Finding, Proving and Publishing”

*************

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

January 2026 to early February 2026 with South King County Genealogical Society

Happy New Year! 

SKCGS Members will find the playback access code for Mary Kircher Roddy’s “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity” presentation at the end of this email. *if you expected to find the code but do not see it, your SKCGS Membership has expired. Renew on our website: https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership 

Are you passionate about SKCGS’s mission and looking for a meaningful way to volunteer your skills? Start the new year by stepping up!

We’re searching for a leader to move into the role of President and help keep our small but mighty nonprofit running smoothly! The best part? You won’t be doing it alone! You’ll be supported by a dedicated, hands-on board and fantastic volunteers who are ready to help. to Board@skcgs.org to help.

Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland library branches. 

Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request

Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.

JANUARY TO EARLY FEBRUARY 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated 

Saturday, January 3, 2026, 10–12 am PT: SKCGS Family Tree Maker User Group (Online)

Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program

Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: 

https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, January 6 2026, 6:30 pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). Interested SKCGS Members write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 11am–1 pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 2801 NE 10th Street, Renton WA

Friday, January 9, 2026,  12:30–2:30 pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online) Topic: “Free Websites for Germany Genealogy” by Josiah Schmidt. Visitors welcome. More information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ Registration is required:   https://tinyurl.com/ypmc7kyx        

Monday, January 12, 2026, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group. Topic: Strategies for Success in 2026. How will all your new matches answer your research question? Join our free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree User Group (Online). Topic: Digging Deeper: How to use Wikitree to move your research forward. Wikitree Users create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, January 15, 2026: 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA. 2–4pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer; 34200 1st Way S Federal Way, WA

Friday,January 16, 2026, 1–3pm PT: Research Workshop. For SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center: 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (253) 631-3252

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10–11:15 am PT: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online). Join at 9:30am PT for social time. Topic: Putting Your Learning to Work: Get the Most from an TEducational Opportunity – Genealogists are constantly learning. Societies and libraries around the world offer webinars and courses galore. With each opportunity you take, you spend your most precious resource – your time. How can you decide what to watch and how to get the most out of any educational opportunity? Discover ways to make what the presenter told you part of your research toolbox. 

Mary Kircher Roddy, Certified Genealogist, is also a Certified Public Accountant. She lectures in Washington State and across the US, and is a regular presenter for LegacyFamilyTree Webinars.  She has written for Internet Genealogy, NGS Magazine, FGS Forum, Family Chronicle, The National Genealogical Society Quarterly and numerous society publications.  Mary served as Treasurer for the Association of Professional Genealogists.  She is currently a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists.  She is also co-editor of The National Genealogical Society Quarterly. You can read more about her at MKR Genealogy – www.mkrgenealogy.com

***

Monday, January 19, 2026,1–2pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). MaryLynn Strickland will present “Homestead: Land of My Own.” Her handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7MYlQbH_7fVjKOZff0OV2QXoIsRSIIE/view?usp=sharing. The Tech Users Group is for sharing knowledge and learning about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Please join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Monday, January 26, 2026,1–2pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Register at SKCGS.org 

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30–7:30pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting. Interested Members are invited; write Board@skcgs.org for the zoom link.

Friday, February 6, 2026,12:30–2:30pm PT: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). Topic: “Swiss Essentials: Locating Church Records & Understanding the Impact of Citizenship” by Charlotte Noelle Champenois, AG^®, AGL^™. Visitors welcome. More information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/ Registration is required:   https://tinyurl.com/yfyrt6yw  

Saturday, February 7, 2026 10–11am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: Question and Answer for the Family Tree Maker program. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG. 

Monday, February 9, 2026, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: Get Ready for RootsTech. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 2–3pm PT. WikiTree Users  (Online). Wikitree Users create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, February 12, 2026, 11am–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person)

*************

SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. F 

• September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe “Write Your Own Obituary”
• October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
• November 15 2025: Mags Gaulden “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
• January 17 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
• February 21 2026: Robyn N. Smith “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People”
• March 21 2026: Winona Laird “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
• April 18 2026: Robbie Johnson “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History” 
• May 16 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal “Research at the library…without leaving home!”
• June 20 2026:  Steven Morrison Part1, “Digging Up New Dirt:  Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2, “Finding, Proving and Publishing”

*************

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

🎄 Happy Holidays! Playback viewing date of Mags Gaulden’s presentation is now extended to December 31, 2025. Thank you Mags for your generosity to us, and to our admin for making this happen behind the scenes. SKCGS Members will find the playback access code at the end of this email. 🎄

*if you expected to find the code but do not see it, your SKCGS Membership has expired as of December 1, 2025. Renew on our website: https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership 

Stay connected! Get updates on our virtual and in-person events, plus the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe or change your email format at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland library branches. 

Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request

Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.

*Members: passcode for the recording of this month’s speaker presentation is at the bottom of this email.*

DECEMBER TO EARLY JANUARY 2026 MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated 

Friday, December 5, 2025, 12:30–2:30pm PT: EGS German Interest Group (online)

Topic:  Frohe Weihnachten: Unwrapping the Charms of German Christmas Traditions

Uncover the rich history and cultural significance behind cherished customs such as the Advent calendar, Christkindlmarkt, and St. Nicholas Day. Delve into the heartwarming tales of the Christkind and the festive decoration of the Tannenbaum, while also exploring the delectable delights of traditional holiday treats like Lebkuchen and Stollen. Join German Historian Anette Isaacs and journey through time and tradition, exploring how Germany’s unique customs have shaped the magic of Christmas celebrations worldwide.

Presenter: Anette Isaacs

German born, Anette Isaacs is a Historian and Public Educator who has been presenting programs all over the United States.  She holds Master’s Degrees in American Studies, Political Science, and History and is currently serving as the Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, FL. 

Additional information can be found on our Meetings page. 

Registration is required:  https://tinyurl.com/4jpfbswx 

Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10–11 am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online)

Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program

Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: 

https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 2-3 pm PT: WikiTree User Group (Online) 

Topic: Wikitree Projects, taking Collaboration to the Next Level. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Projects. 

Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. 

Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG

Thursday, December 11, 2025, 11am–1 pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 2801 NE 10th Street, Renton WA

Monday, December 15, 2025, 1–2 pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). 

Topic: Wrapping up 2025: Where are we? AI, Full Text Search, and More.

Join our free online group:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Thursday, December 18, 2025, 11am–1 pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person) 

Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA. 

Thursday, December 18, 2025, 2–4 pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Main Library (In-person) 

Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer; 34200 1st Way S Federal Way, WA

No December Research Workshop. Enjoy your holiday! See https://locations.familysearch.org/en/search for your local FamilySearch Center open hours; confirm open status before traveling.

Monday, December 22, 2025, 1–2pm: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!

Saturday, January 3, 2026, 10-11 am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). 

Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program

Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: 

https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 6:30 pm: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). Interested SKCGS Members write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 11am–1 pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 2801 NE 10th Street, Renton WA

Friday, January 9, 2026, 12:30–2:30 pm: German Interest Group (EGS)(Online). “Free Websites for Germany Genealogy” by Josiah Schmidt. Visitors welcome.  and More information at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/  

Monday 12 January 2026, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group. (Online).

Topic: Strategies for Success in 2026. How will all your new matches move your research forward? Join our free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday 14 January 2026, 2–3 pm: WikiTree User Group (Online). Topic: Digging Deeper: How to use Wikitree to move your research forward. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth.

Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA. 

  2–4pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer; 34200 1st Way S Federal Way, WA

Friday, January 16, 2026, 1–3pm: Research Workshop. For SKCGS Members only. In-person research at the Kent FamilySearch Center: 12817 SE 256th St, Kent, WA. RSVP in advance to Winona Laird (253) 631-3252

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10–11:15 am: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online)

Mary Kircher Roddy presents “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity“

*************

SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. Featured speakers: 

• September 20 2025: Roxanne Lowe: “Write Your Own Obituary”
• October 18 2025: Craig K Gowens: “The Border Reivers: The Beginnings of America’s Scotch-Irish”
• November 15 2025: Mags Gaulden: “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
• January 17 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy: “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
• February 21 2026: Robyn N. Smith: “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People”
• March 21 2026: Winona Laird: “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
• April 18 2026: Robbie Johnson “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History” 
• May 16 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal: “Research at the library…without leaving home!.”
• June 20 2026:  Steven Morrison “Digging Up New Dirt: Part 1 Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2 “Finding, Proving and Publishing”

*************

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, send an email to skcgsmembers+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

————————–

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

November to Early December 2025 with South King County Genealogical Society 

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

• All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at the Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland Libraries
• Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
• Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.

NOVEMBER – EARLY DECEMBER 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Saturday 1 November, 10–2am: Family Tree Maker Users Group  (Online). Topic: Question & Answer.  

Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday 4 November, 6:30pm: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). All SKCGS Members are invited; write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Friday 7 November, 12:30–2:30pm: German Interest Group (Online, EGS). 

Topic: Civil Marriage in Germany in the 19th Century. 

Presenter Roland Geiger discusses civil marriages in Germany using examples to illustrate the content of the records and the information that can be gleaned from them. Register: https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/meetings

Monday 10 November,⋅1–2pm: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). 

Topic: Analyzing Your DNA Matches when the Site Tools Aren’t Helping. Let’s share tactics and ideas. 

Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday 12 November, 2–3pm: WikiTree User Group (Online). 

Topic: How to Add Categories to profiles & Why You Want to. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. 

Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday 13 November,11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person). No registration required.

Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 2801 NE 10th Street, Renton WA

Saturday 15 November,10am: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online). 9:30am– 10am: Social time;sign in early to chat. 10am: Featured speaker presentation:  Mags Gaulden presents “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org“

Mags co-leads the DNA integrators team at WikiTree, a collaborative global family tree. Working to improve DNA functionality on WikiTree and integrations with outside sites, she has helped to make WikiTree and its DNA features accessible and available to all collaborative genealogists.

As a sought-after international speaker and workshop coordinator, Mags continues to share her expertise on various topics related to genetic genealogy and family history research. Her talks are known for their easy flow of technical terminology and knowledge, combined with a down-home, relaxed, humorous style that connects with audiences.

She is a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, among other organizations. Her passion for family history and her expertise in genetics and genealogy have helped many people uncover their family histories and connect with their roots.

Mags Gaulden is a genetic genealogist based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She has dedicated decades to researching family histories and exploring the role of genetics in genealogy. Born and raised in the United States, Mags developed an early interest in family history and genealogy. She started researching her family tree, which led her to discover the power of genetic testing in genealogy.

Mags is the founder of Grandma’s Genes in Ottawa and mitoYDNA.org, a free and accessible Y and mitochondrial DNA database for the genealogy community. The non-profit organization is a 501(c) 3 based in Maryland.

Monday 17 November, 1–2pm: Tech Users Group (Online). 

Topic: How to add & use browser extensions for genealogy. 

Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG

Thursday 20 November, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (In-person). No registration required.

Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA.

Thursday 20 November, 2–4pm. Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Main Library (In-person). No registration required.

Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA

Monday 24 November, 1–2pm: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. 

We have no agenda; we just like one another!

Tuesday 2 December, 6:30pm (Online) SKCGS Board Meeting if necessary. All SKCGS Members are invited; write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.

Friday 5 December, 12:30–2:30: German Interest Group (Online, EGS). Anette Isaacs presents “Frohe Weihnachten: Unwrapping the Charms of German Christmas Traditions.” Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Christmas customs and holiday treats. 

Register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DpxnmOaKRpuxVYX0I8UHzw. More at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/

Saturday 6 December, 10am–noon, Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). 

Topic: Question & Answer. 

Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Monday 8 December, 1–2pm, Genetic Genealogy / DNA Interest Group (Online).

Topic: Ancestry’s Custom Clusters. See 

Introducing Custom Clusters: A Smarter Way to Find “Matches That Matter & Struggles with Smithville

Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday 10 December,⋅2–3:pm: WikiTree User Group (Online). 

Topic: Wikitree Projects, taking Collaboration to the Next Level. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Projects. 

Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. 

Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG 

*************

SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. Featured speakers: 

• November 15, 2025: Mags Gaulden: “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
• January 17, 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy: “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
• February 21, 2026: Robyn N. Smith: “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People”
• March 21, 2026: Winona Laird: “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
• April 18, 2026: Robbie Johnson: “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History” 
• May 16, 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal: “Research at the library…without leaving home!”
• 20 June 2026:  Steven Morrison “Digging Up New Dirt: Part 1 Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2 “Finding, Proving and Publishing”

*************

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY