Seattle Genealogical Society Presidents Message

15 July 2025      Dear SGS Members,

What are you doing for your genealogy this summer?  Here are few ideas.
Join our Vice President at the SGS Library tomorrow (6pm, Wed July 16) for research!
Sign into seagensoc.org as a member and watch one of the great recorded videos of a presentation you missed?
Visit a cemetery or a historical society you’ve never been to before.  
Renew your SGS membership because your forgot to a few months ago?
Talk to your elders or cousins to add family details to what you already know.
Join our SGS Facebook Networking group for questions and conversation?
Spend a few hours organizing your files?
Review our Special Interest Groups and join a new one?
I just finished a big genealogy project and am planning a new one.  I will research my second great grandfather’s brother, who was one of Seattle’s earliest inhabitants.  He had no children who lived to adulthood, so he has no direct descendants to tell his story. 

We have some surprises for you that we are working on at SGS.   For one, our SGS logo at the top of this message may be new to you. This logo lost its gold years ago due to concerns over the costs of yellow ink.  The Board is re-introducing it because there is no ink to purchase for delivering this message!

Have a great genealogy-filled summer!




Kathy Weber
President of the Board
president@seagensoc.org
King Co WA 4-Culture LogoVisit our website at seagensoc.org.
Seattle Genealogical Society is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization registered in the state of Washington. Tax ID #91-0850085.  Copyright © 2025 Seattle Genealogical Society, All rights reserved.
All SGS members have been automatically signed up for this e-letter.

Our library and mailing address is:
Seattle Genealogical Society
4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 302
Seattle, WA 98103-6955

Let’s Talk About: Unusual Collections

Tony Birch and his late wife, Janette, were the EWGS meeting greeters when the group met at the Central Library downtown. Cindy Hval, The Spokesman columnist, did a story on 5 June 2025 about Tony and his unusual collection of once-candy-filled-glass-toys.

A favorite gift in the late 1800s, glass containers filled with candy were a favorite for decades. In the 1950s, glass was replaced by plastic. Tony and Janette would haunt garage sales for these treasures and amassed quite a diverse collection:

Quoting from Hval’s story: “I think the trains are my favorites,” Birch said. “My father gave me my first one when I was about six,” he recalled. “The best part is after the candy is eaten, you still have a toy,” Tony shared. 
Thanks, Tony, for sharing your story!


What about YOUR ancestors’ hobbies? What did they collect? What do you collect (and treasure) that you hope one of your kiddos will want and love? 

Let’s Talk About: Clallam County Genealogical Society

The Clallam County Genealogical Society is really looking up! I visited their huge collection in May when I was in Port Angeles house/dog sitting for my kiddos.

A good part of the reasons why interest and membership is up are these:

·         They applied and got a grant for 7 brand new computer stations and 3 laptops.

·         A generous member donated a much-needed new roof.

·         Their library is a FamilySearch affiliate; in the library you can freely use Ancestry, FindMyPast, GenealogyBank, Newspaper.com, Fold3 and American Ancestors.

·         New members are stepping up to accept Board positions.

·         The society offers regular classes and great workshops.

·         They do have a Facebook page too.

Ginny (Virginia) Majewski is once again the president but no surprise; she’s such a mover and shaker in the group that they keep reelecting her.

The coolest big news from the group is that their building (which has lots of space for the library and meeting rooms) is getting an update. Port Angeles is known for its murals on buildings and the Board received another gift to paint a mural on their building! (Used to be the State Patrol office and was a rather dull-looking squatty building.) Won’t this be fantastic! There are easily 100 reasons to visit PA and the Olympic Peninsula but for genealogists, a visit to this library is a must!

Heritage Quest Research Library Introducing American Ancestors

Introducing AMERICAN ANCESTORS This program introduces the viewer to American Ancestors – who we are, what we do, and how we can help you. 
With a focus on what is available to virtual viewers, this program talks about navigating our website, exploring our databases, finding subject guides, research templates and more.  Our online accessible collections cover a wide range of genealogical records from the 17th to 21st century and span geographic locations from New England, the rest of the United States, as well as Canada and Europe. Our services include online courses, AncesTrees -our tree platform, online chat as well as Research for hire. Join this program to learn how American Ancestors can help you accomplish your genealogical goals. 
Claire Vail has twenty years of experience as a digital marketing and content strategist for high-profile institutions in higher education, publishing, and media. 
Her interest in family history stems from finding her great grandmother’s name on a ship manifest from Polermo, a single line that listed her as “housewife” and “illiterate.”
Claire is hoping to continue researching her ancestry back as far as possible.  When:
Thursday July 24, 2025
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where:
ZOOM & Limited in-person (8)

Cost:
$20 members/$25 non-members  Sign up & Payment:
ZOOM
Go to hqrl.com and click on the HQRL Store
sign in as a member to receive the discount
In-Person (8 only)
Call HQRL at 253-863-1806
or 
come into the library located at
2102 E Main, Ste 105, Puyallup WA 98372 Upcoming classes:
August 7, 2025 
“The records housed by NARA at Seattle
More than just the Census!” 

With Eric Flores
September 4, 2025
“Means, Motive, & Opportunity:
The Sad Saga of George Richards”

with Jean Wilcox Hibben, PHD, MA
Copyright © 2025 Heritage Quest Research Library, All rights reserved.
You have told us that you want to receive our news and updates from our library.

Our mailing address is:
Heritage Quest Research LIbrary
2102 East Main Suite 105
Puyallup, WA98372-3205

Bible Rescue

My name is Joseph Kerry and I’m reaching out on behalf of Bible Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing family Bibles—Bibles that contain handwritten genealogical records, personal notes, or family history.

These Bibles are more than religious texts—they are irreplaceable historical artifacts that tell the story of generations. Unfortunately, many are lost through estate sales, discarded in downsizing, or left in storage. Our mission is to recover these Bibles, preserve the records inside, and reconnect them with living descendants or provide them with a new, respectful home.

We’re currently inviting organizations like yours to partner with us in this effort. If you come across family Bibles—or if your members have any they’d like to donate—we would be honored to receive them. We can often reimburse shipping costs (especially via USPS Media Mail), and we make every effort to preserve both the physical book and the stories within. We will also let you know when the family Bible has found a new home.

You can learn more about us and search our growing online database at biblerescue.org

Please feel free to share this opportunity with your members, staff, or community. If you have any questions please let me know.

Thank you for the important work you do in preserving history. We’d love to partner with you to ensure that these family treasures are not lost to time.

Warm regards,
Joseph Kerry
Bible Rescue
M 610.329.1244
E   joe@biblerescue.org
W biblerescue.org

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Mystery Book Club July 2025

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Mystery Book Club
Saturday, July 19, 2025 starting at 4:00 pm via Zoom

Please join us as we discuss a fictional genealogical book, The Famous DAR Murder Mystery by Graham Landrum.
More information at:
Amazon: The Famous DAR Murder Mystery

This book may also be available in print from various book stores.

TPCGS Book Club Zoom Meeting
Every month on the Third Sat beginning at 4:00 PM Pacific Time
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUkfuCqrzgsG9RrrhNAdU65Lz86P0s92mu1/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGppzIjGNWWthiHRpwcHYr4XerzmHZdjfpvjg3tLQFXV1WjGvgaZIIvA4GC

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81999213610?pwd=Qkk2WFZTZ2Rzdzc1Z0szN1AzdEZCUT09
Meeting ID: 819 9921 3610
Passcode: 479394

One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,81999213610#,,,,*479394# US
+12532158782,,81999213610#,,,,*479394# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:
        +1 253 205 0468 US
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 819 9921 3610
Passcode: 479394

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keibNHDdyf

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Chat July 2025

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat Meeting
Tuesday, July 15, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom

Please join us and let’s chat!

Discussion starter topic: Open Discussion- Idea Sharing

This is a monthly opportunity to connect with others and talk about anything and everything genealogical. The value of this meeting increases with the participation of each person that attends and contributes to the conversations. This is your chance to celebrate the breaking down of a brick wall in your research, or ask questions of others that can help you find records or relatives. Everyone, members and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate.

Meeting invite with links in file attached below.

Date & Time: Every month on the Third Tue, from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM Pacific Time

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMldOCprTsqGtSoVglOBTElUaBRgTq5IEgI/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvpjgjG9eVsBmHRpwEGojCXevztmJfjbdukyniDw9xVib6A-NgALVLAY35

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87839130000?pwd=dGdHY2wrZ0d1bDNRTEQ4Uk15OVk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000
Passcode: 836216

One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US
+12532158782,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:
        +1 253 205 0468 US
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000
Passcode: 836216

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdesX0el3t

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society The Celtic Arts Foundation Genealogy 101



Have you always wanted to do your genealogy but did not know where to start? The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society has the class for you…SVGS, in conjunction with the Celtic Arts Foundation, presents Genealogy 101, a two-hour course on the basics of family history research, Saturday July 26, 2025. Choose either the morning (9-11am) or afternoon (1-3pm) class. This is SVGS’s 2025 fundraiser, tickets are $15, go to https://www.celticarts.org/event/genealogy-101 for tickets. 

Let’s Talk About: Flower Symbolism

Since time immemorial, flower symbolism has been used to private correspondence and expressing unspoken feelings. People became especially fascinated by flower symbolism during the Victorian Era and books explaining “flower language” were nearly as common as the Bible in Victorian homes. Here are some common meanings of flowers:

        Daisy – new beginnings

        Sunflower – adoration, loyalty

        Iris – faith, trust, wisdom, hope

        Zinnia – thoughts of absent friends

        Rose – joy, happiness, love

        Poppy – remembrance of fallen soldiers

How about our Washington lilac?

For a complete list, go to Wikipedia, “list of plants with symbolism.” 

Heritage Quest Research Library Genealogical Records Found in New England States

Genealogical Records Found in New England States
New England is the oldest distinguished region in the United States.  Because if its long history, many records are available to trace your New England roots.  Genealogist Jennifer Warner will show you research recourses and methodology to find information on your ancestors.  Jennifer Warner has worked in both public and special libraries from 1990-2019, most recently as a reference librarian from 2001-2019.  She has also been doing genealogy for over 42 years.  She has been the editor of a Civil War Roundtable Newsletter for over 12 years. Jennifer has been active and continues to participate in many genealogical and lineage societies including the Du Page County Historical Museum.  She loves helping people learn about their heritage.  When: 
Thursday, July 10, 2025
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where:
ZOOM and limited in-person (8)

Cost:
$20 members
$25 non-members Sign-up and Payment:
ZOOM
Go to hqrl.com and click on the HQRL Store
(sign-in as a member to receive the discount)
In-Person (8 only)
Call HQRL at 253-863-1806
or come into the library at 
2102 E Main, Ste 105
Puyallup, WA 98372 Introducing American Ancestors
Mark your calendars for July 24th. 
Coming SOON!
Claire Vail will introduce us to AMERICAN ANCESTORS.
The who, what, where and how American Ancestors can help you with your genealogical research.  
Copyright © 2025 Heritage Quest Research