Topic: National-Socialism – “Euthanasia” and family research During the Nazi era, people were transferred from hospitals and homes for the disabled to various institutions in the German Reich and in the annexed territories and murdered there. This took place in 2 phases. Based on the speaker’s own relative, it is possible to follow his path in today’s Poland and the Pomeranian institutions until he was murdered in Meseritz (today Międzyrzecz) in Brandenburg. There will be an overview of the history surrounding the forced sterilization of mentally ill and disabled people and their murder (“euthanasia”).
Presenter: Inga Guttzeit
Inga Guttzeit, is a Citizen Scientist and Genealogist residing in Lübeck, Germany. She has been doing genealogical research for more than 20 years. She is a volunteer on several projects such as “Transkribus for Hanse-Documents” where she is helping to train the Transkribus AI Software platform, building the “Hanse-Recess Model” enabling better transcriptions of handwritten and printed documents of the Hanseatic League. Inga is a member of the “Working group for research into Nazi-“euthanasia” and forced sterilization” ( www.ak-ns-euthanasie.de ) which was founded in 1983 and she is a member of the group “Researching Lübeck 20th Century”. She has spoken several times in person and online about genealogy and Euthanasia. In June 2023, she began working on a remembrance book (Gedenkbuch) for victims of National Socialist-“Euthanasia” who were born in, deported from, or lived in Lübeck. Inga’s areas of research are Silesia, East Prussia, Thuringia (South), Schleswig-Holstein (near Kiel) and the Salzburg Protestant Expulsion.
Welcome to Italian Genealogy Let’s explore the world of Italian genealogy together, one person at a time.
ZOOM MeetingTopic: FamilySearch.org – Full Text Search When: 20-Apr-2024, Saturday Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (PST)
FamilySearch has introduced a new full-text search feature for historical records. This powerful tool leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to help you uncover valuable information in historical documents. This innovative search capability allows you to explore historical records more comprehensively, making your genealogical research even more exciting! AI Searches every word of text including unindexed documents.
If you aren’t an active member, please request a Zoom meeting request.Request Here
COUNTDOWN TO THE MEETING:
Days Hours Minutes Seconds
Eastside Genealogy Group – Italian Interest Group 2410 East Helen Street, Seattle WA, United States of America
Shelley Bishop is a professional genealogical researcher, writer, and speaker with a passion for finding and preserving the stories of our ancestors. She is a frequent contributor to Family Tree Magazine, NGS Magazine, and other publications. As the owner of Buckeye Family Trees, Shelley specializes in Ohio and midwestern research. Her projects often involve work with military, court, and land records. Shelley is President of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists and a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild. You can find out more at www.buckeyefamilytrees.com
Finding Ohio Ancestors Before 1850 Researching Ohioans before the advent of birth and death records and an every-name census presents a challenge to genealogists of all skill levels. Yet by employing time-tested research methods, seeking out some lesser-known resources, and understanding how to work with evidence, you can overcome difficulties caused by the scarcity of early Ohio records. When: April 18, 2024 11:00 AM to 12 PM
Where: ZOOM or limited in-person
Cost: $20 members $25 non-members
Sign-up and Payment: www.hqrl.com go to the HQRL Store (be sure to sign in as a member to receive the discount) In-Person (8 only) Call 253-863-1806 or come into the library. 2102 E Main, Suite 105 Puyallup, WA 98372
Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. Over the last year, you were introduced to each of the 2023 award recipients and learned why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.
Today we’re introducing Jan WellsMinzel of Shelton, Washington, who were nominated by the Mason County Genealogical Society (MCGS).
To assist visitors seeking information about their Civil War ancestors in Mason County, MCGS in partnership with Mason County Historical Society Museum (MCHS) decided to assemble the vital records of Civil War veterans residing in Mason County as identified in the 1890 U.S. Veteran’s Census. Jan took on researching and writing a narrative page for more than 33 veterans. Her narratives are well written and contain the vital records required for sound genealogical practices.
Jan has completed 90 percent of the Civil War veterans that Mason County is tracking. The society is building a three-ring binder containing Jan’s narratives with headstone photos for use at the MCHS Museum. Jan also recognized our newsletter editor needed help when she was ill and immediately pitched in to assist the editor and keep the newsletter on schedule. Jan’s super power is she recognizes when help is needed and acts.
For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.
A francophone, simply put, is one who speaks French primarily as a first language. We might guess that there are many French speaking people in Canada and Louisiana but I never would have guess that there are so many francophones in the rest of the world, especially Africa.
According to an article in American Ancestors, Fall 2010, by Felix Lafrance:
Between 1840 and 1930, more than 900,000 French-Canadians left Canada for the U.S. This massive exodus was the result of many complex factors. In 19th century French Canada faced significant economic and socio-cultural changes as it transformed from a rural society to an industrial economy. …… as economic development exploded, the lives of the working people became worse…. pricing, lack of farmland, poor quality of arable land, debt.. left many French Canadians without a home or a job.
So they came to the United States. But where? By 1900 there was a sizable French-speaking population in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Smaller groups were in New Hampshire, and Maine. And they did well in their new home.
What attracted them to the U.S.? If lack of jobs, debts and poverty were the primary reasons why French-Canadians left their native land, the pull exerted by America was a factor. By the end of the Civil War, American industry found itself with a shortage of workers in all sectors….. housing, construction, dam and canal building, installing and maintaining roads, sewage and aqueduct systems, farming, timber and especially industrial manufacturing. These industries experienced unprecedented growth due to the influx of French-Canadians eager to work.
American life itself was a powerful attraction. American cities promised a new way of life and escape from agricultural work. “City delights” attracted the young.
Bottom line, the “fever of departure” caused almost one million French-Canadians to immigrate to the U.S. between 1840 and 1930. Perhaps your ancestor was among them??
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom
This month’s conversation starter topic is: What Special Interest Group (SIG) would you like to see our society offer? We currently have a Book Club, DNA, Legacy Family Tree, and this Genealogy Chat. Ideas recently mentioned are Family History Writing and Mayflower Ancestors groups. What genealogy topics are you the most interested in?
Please join us and let’s chat!
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.
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.
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society 2024 Virtual Spring Seminar April 27, 2024
Our speakers will be Cyndi Ingle and Cari Taplin.
Cyndi’s Topics: • Smarter Searching: Refining Search Parameters for Genealogists • Off the Shelf: The Unexplored Potential for eBooks in Genealogy Cari’s Topics: • Using Timelines to Analyze Your Research • The Heart of it All: A New Hampshire to Ohio Migration Case Study
Registration closing soon – don’t delay!
Members: $30.00 Non-Members: $35.00
Mail-in registration must be postmarked by April 20, 2024. Online Registration closes on April 25, 2024.
At the May 2024 Annual Membership Meeting, SKCGS will hold officer elections for the positions of Vice President and Secretary. If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please contact nominating-committee@skcgs.org. The Nominating Committee is pleased to share the slate of candidates and invite additional nominations. Learn more at https://www.skcgs.org/home/nominees.
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, Family Tree Maker 2024 Tour, and Genealogy Help at the Auburn and Federal Way 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.
APRIL – EARLY MAY 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS
Saturday, April 6, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT Family Tree Maker Users Group (online) Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM. Register at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG
Monday, April 8, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online) Topic: Getting DNA data into DNA Painter to “paint your chromosomes” and Answer Your Research Questions Come prepared to share your screen to demonstrate both how to do these things, but also to show the questions you have about the process.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy Monday, April 15, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Technical User Group (online) Topic: Full Text Search – FamilySearch
Register at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG Wednesday, April 17, 2024 ⋅ 6:30pm – 7:30pm PT
Genealogy with SKCGS and KCLS (online) Sources to use in replacing the 1890 Census
Join professional genealogist, Winona Laird, from South King County Genealogical Society for a series of programs to help you along on your genealogical journey. King County Library will email a Zoom link no later than 24 hours before the program start time. If you do not see an email, check your Junk or Spam folder. If you need assistance, please contact Jennifer at jwooten@kcls.org. Register at KCLS: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/65565bbd61803d36006d6b5d
Friday, April 19, 2024, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Research Workshop (in-person) For SKCGS members Kent FamilySearch Center 12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA Seating is limited RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program (online) SKCGS General Membership Meeting (Online) Lisa Gorrell “General Land Office: Get the Most Out of the BLM-GLO Website”
Did your ancestor obtain land from the Federal Government in the Public Land States? The General Land Office website has the answers but the website can be confusing to use. This presentation will dip deep into the website and offer tips for future research in other records. Even if your ancestor did not get land from the Federal Government, information from the site can be useful for your land-owning ancestors in the Public Land States.
Lisa S. Gorrell is a Certified Genealogist®. She has served on boards of several genealogical societies and is currently the recording secretary with the local historical society, where she volunteers at their archives. She is a founding member and instructor of the new online institute Applied Genealogy Institute. She enjoys giving genealogy presentations and writing about her family on two blogs: “Mam-ma’s Southern Family” (https://mam-massouthernfamily.blogspot.com/) and “My Trails into the Past” (https://mytrailsintothepast.blogspot.com/). She has written a three-generation family history about her husband’s Swedish ancestors.
The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome! Register at https://www.skcgs.org
Monday, April 22, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Genealogy Chat (online) Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Register at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society
Thursday, April 25, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT or 5:30pm – 8:30pm PT Family Tree Maker 2024 Tour (in-person) Mark Olson, Family Tree Maker Ambassador, will be presenting an in-depth look at the upcoming new edition FTM 2024. Meeting location: Good Shepherd Center, Rm 202 4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Thursday, April 25, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm 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 98002 Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org
Thursday, April 25, 2024 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer 34200 1st Way S Federal Way, WA 98003 Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668
Friday, May 3, 2024 ⋅ 12:30pm PT EGS German Interest Group (online) Topic: “National-Socialism – ‘Euthanasia’ and family research” by Inga Guttzeit. For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT Family Tree Maker Users Group (online) Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM. Register at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6:30pm PT SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online) All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.
——————
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. Regarding our programs, even if and when we can meet again in person, we will continue with some virtual programs. 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.
Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.
Today we’re introducing Kerry McHugh Upton of Olympia, Washington, who were nominated by the Olympia Genealogical Society (OGS).
For 20 years, Kerry has been a strong leader and encouraging member of OGS. She has served as president and secretary, and assisted on committees and teams planning the annual seminars, retreats and other special events. In 2019, she organized a number of special interest groups, which are still going strong.
Kerry established OGS’s first Facebook page. She initiated recording of monthly programs, posting them for member viewing on the website. Then, in 2020, when OGS learned that their seminar had to be cancelled because of the pandemic and social isolation, Kerry worked tirelessly to choreograph their first virtual seminar, in just one month’s time, cementing her place as a member of the newly formed tech team. Today, she is helping plan how to hybridize future meetings to be both physical and virtual.
For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.
In genealogy, the term “brick wall” is often used to refer to tough research problems, apparent dead-ends that after many hours of searching still yield no answers.
We all think we know about brick walls because most of us have them….. or have had them in our family history research. Am I right? Ever considered that you might be your own brickwall??
A handout from FamilySearch identifies some common genealogical mistakes and offers strategies for overcoming them:
GETTING STARTED
Talk to family!! Do not skip this step.
Realize that there is information beyond the Internet.
Realize that while online family trees are great CLUES, unless they are well documented, they are not to be taken as gospel.
Get over the “if it’s not free, I don’t/can’t/want it.” (There is a cost associated with creating and maintaining websites, obtaining and organizing records, etc)
THE RESEARCH PROCESS
Plan your research; don’t succumb to SOS (Shiny Object Syndrome)
Don’t start at the wrong end…. meaning start with today, document your ancestry from today on back …. and you’ll likely find clues to that end-of-line ancestor.
Focus on one family at a time… NOT an individual. Not one man or woman was totally alone but was surrounded by family, friends and neighbors. (In those olden times of the 1800s, where did an ailing old widow go? To live with her children or grandchildren! There was no Social Security.)
Be aware of spelling variations: Phillips, Philips, Phillipss, Filips, Flips, etc. are all the same surname (most likely, spoken by one who could not spell).
WORKING WITH RECORDS
Aim to access the “real” or bottom-line source, not a derivative source. Ask: where did she get that information as shown on her online tree????? SHE is not a source for you!
Do you collect names and bits and pieces of likely-looking information in hopes of fitting the puzzle pieces together? Doesn’t work well, does it, and soon you have desk overflowing with papers! Take the time….. make the time… to analyze your findings. Take time to spread it out on a table and think how it might or does fit.
It is most worthwhile to write up your idea, your analyzing, your thoughts. Just because you’ve gathered a bunch of facts about an individual or a family, do you have the right family and/or all the information? A school notebook is great; you’re not writing a novel but just jotting ideas. 😐
There are dozens of websites offering “Overcoming Brickwalls” and many YouTube videos of the same. Instead of giving up, or quitting when all the low-hanging fruit is picked, or succumbing to SOS, give yourself a shake and learn how to NOT be your own brick wall!
You are free to copy articles to any non-commercial web site or message board or printed publication you wish. Don’t bother to ask permission, just do it.