Surrey Libraries Upcoming Events

Historical Photo Detective: Roadshow!

ONLINE

Friday, April 12

10:00am to 12:00pm, PST

Old photos are full of clues if you know how to read the evidence. Join The Photo Detective Maureen Taylor and learn how to date and place old family photos. An entertaining, informative, and popular program! (This program had to be rescheduled from its original February date due to unforeseen circumstance. It is still open for registrations.) Free. Registration required – familyhistory@surrey.ca or call 604-598-7328 to register.

We will be using Microsoft Teams (much like Zoom) for this online program. Registered participants will receive a confirmation upon registration, and then the online link a day or two before the program.

https://www.surreylibraries.ca/events/historical-photo-detective-roadshow?eventdate=2024-04-12%2010%3A00%3A00%20

Online Research for Ancestors in Poland, Prussia, and Pommern

ONLINE

Friday, June 7

11:00am to 12:00pm, PST

The ability to search for birth, marriage and death records in regions now in Poland, Prussia, and Pommern has enabled research most of us never thought possible. However, to many, these resources are a perplexing maze of random searches. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the large, free Szukajwarchiwach database. This powerful database offers data from the Program for the Registration of Records from Parish and Civil Registration Offices (PRADZIAD), which collects information on genealogical materials kept in the state archives. Scans of archive materials from other cultural institutions are also included. These records encompass many Polish, German and Jewish residents. A handout with links, basic word list, and suggestions of additional resources will be provided as a pdf. Free. Registration required – familyhistory@surrey.ca or call 604-598-7328 to register.

Our presenter, Sigrid Pohl Perry, Ph.D., worked with archives and special collections at Northwestern University Library for 40 years until retiring in 2020. A member of the Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe (SGGEE) since 2003, Sigrid has served on the Board of Directors; been actively involved in Lublin Project indexing; and given various presentations at SGGEE Conventions, the International German Genealogy Partnership, and a local Illinois Family History Center.

https://www.surreylibraries.ca/events/online-research-ancestors-poland-prussia-and-pommern?eventdate=2024-06-07%2011%3A00%3A00%20

Carmen Merrells, BA, MLIS | Information Services Librarian

http://intranet/Department/SurreyPublicLibrary/System/Marketing%20Tools/Surrey%20Libraries%20Logos/91222%20SPL%20Horiz%20Logo%203colour%20(2).jpg

Cloverdale Branch, Family History Department

5642 – 176A Street, Surrey, BC, Canada V3S 4G9
T 604.598-7447 | F 604.598-7321 | www.surreylibraries.ca

Discover something new at Surrey Libraries!

Surrey Libraries recognizes that our work takes place on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territories of the SEMYOME (Semiahmoo), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations and on the ancestral and traditional territory of the sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen) First Nation.

Heritage Quest Research Library GRAND OPENING

Mar25 by Charles Hansen

Whitman County Genealogical Society Spring Mini Seminar

Mar25 by Charles Hansen

WHITMAN COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
is hosting a free Spring Mini-Seminar
Bishop Place Independent Living Social Room, 811 SE Klemgard, Pullman, WA
Saturday, April 27, 2024, 9 AM – 12 Noon
FEATURING
KATHY BUCHHOLTZ & ALEX OTERO JILL NOCK, AG®

Please register for this event by April 10. Send your name to whitmancgs@gmail.com The event is free, but we need to plan for set-up, refreshments & the number of handouts needed. Walk-in registration is possible, but pre-registration is preferred. Last minute attendance may not be able to receive handout material. Questions? Call Sue Kreikemeier at 509-595-3307.

Presenting Whitman Heritage Digital Collection “Okay, I Have My DNA Results: Now What?”
Above: Franklin School students, Pullman, 1912
From the Staley Museum Collection
Seminar Schedule
9:00 am: – The doors open. Gather, grab a beverage, pick up handouts.
9:30 am – 10:30 am: Presenting Whitman Heritage Digital Collection, Kathy Buchholtz & Alex Otero
10:30 am – 10:45 am: Break and Refreshments
10:45 am – 11:45 am: “Okay, I Have My DNA Results: Now What?”, Jill Nock
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Kathy Buchholtz is the Whitman Heritage Digital Collections program manager for Whitman County Library. Alex Otero is the Archivist for Whitman County Historical Society. They will share information about Whitman County Library’s online digital collection; how it came about, how it is funded*, and how to use it. The collection consists of over 5,000 historical images from all over Whitman County. There will be a slide presentation with photographs from Whitman County and a demonstration on how to access and navigate the collection, followed by a time for questions.
*The collection is supported by a grant with funding provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jill Nock, a WCGS member since 2016, has attained the Accredited Genealogist (AG) credential in the U.S. Upper South region through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists. Her business is Mountain State Genealogy (http://mtnstgen.com). Focus of Jill’s presentation: Are you stumped with what to do with your DNA test results? DNA has become the genealogy “go-to”. Some brick walls crumble in the face of DNA evidence, but just as often, DNA brings new discoveries to secrets that were long hidden. Jill walks through the steps and gives information for the tools to help you on your DNA journey, followed by a time for questions.
Directions to Seminar: Turn off Bishop Boulevard onto Klemgard St., follow Klemgard St. up the hill and turn left at the top. Do not go into the front entrance, but turn right, continuing up the hill and turn left at the white carports. After parking, enter the building through the main doors near the carports and go straight ahead to the Social Room.

Nominations for President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement Sought

Mar25 by Roxanne Lowe

The nomination period for the Washington State Genealogical Society President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement is open. Nominations are due by 01 Aug 2024. The announcement will be made 01 Sep 2024.

The President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement is designed to single out that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations.

The ideal recipient of the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement has:

• Exhibited long-term, consistent service in the field of genealogy, family or local history, the genealogical community, records preservation or made an important single contribution in those areas that will endure into the future.
• Demonstrated a high degree of energy, commitment, flexibility, and professional conduct.
• Provided significant support and impact to the local genealogical community time and time again.
• Exhibited personal influence and example to society members and/or the general public with their unselfish service.
• Supported or advanced local or statewide genealogical research.

Nominations may be submitted by any individual, local society or organization, regardless of WSGS membership. Nominees do not have to have been officers in their local societies.

Previous recipients of this prestigious award include:

2015 – Fred Pflugrath, Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society
2016 – Margie Wilson, Skagit Valley Genealogical Society
2017 – Joanne Egbert Calhoun, Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society
2018 – Ann Olson, Olympia Genealogical Society
2021 – Helen McGreer Lewis, South King County Genealogical Society (posthumous)
2022 – Jill Morelli. Seattle Genealogical Society
2023 – Karen Mitchell, Clallam County Genealogical Society

Additional information, including the nomination form, is available here. Questions should be directed to Info@wasgs.org. Please type “President’s Award” in the Subject Line.

Mardi Scott Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

Mar23 by Roxanne Lowe

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 Mardi Scott of Wenatchee, Washington, who were nominated by the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS).

Mardi has been creating eye-catching bulletin boards for the WAGS Library since 2017. They are inviting and bright, often illustrating a solution to a genealogy problem; sometimes highlighting items from the monthly newsletter; or going wherever her curiosity leads her. In February 2023, she did a delightful board commemorating what would have been her late mother’s 100th birthday. Her work helps make the WAGS Library a welcoming and vibrant place.

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.

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society April Seminar

Mar23 by Charles Hansen

SEMINAR:Where Are You Grandpa – You Did What?
Saturday, April 6
SEMINAR:Where Are You Grandpa – You Did What? (Seminars & Workshops)
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Hybrid Meeting at the South Side Community Center – 3151 E 27th Ave, Spokane, WA

We have three speakers to share their expertise with you. Handouts available on the website prior to seminar.

1) Betty Ellis speaks about land records. “Grandpa, Where Did You Farm?”

Strategies for mining U.S. Land Records to further family history research. This session will discuss descriptions in historical context, the Homesteaders, clues found in land deeds and where to search.

2) Judy Russell presenting “Where There Is – or Isn’t – a Will”

3) Sunny Jane Morton presenting “How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records”

Seminar includes Lunch of baked ham, mac n’ cheese, dilled sauteed carrots, mixed green salad, carrot cake

$40 (includes lunch) $50 for non-members

$15 for Zoomers

Note: Cancellation for full refund MUST BE RECEIVED by APRIL 1 st at 5:00 P.M.. NO REFUNDS after this date.

DOOR AND RAFFLE PRIZES

ANNUAL BOOK SALE!

ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Go to our STORE (located on the left side menu tab) to register. MEMBERS: You MUST log in to get the member price.

Let’s Talk About…. In The Olden Days

Mar22 by Donna Phillips

This lovely old photo is my hubby’s grandmother, Mary Ethel Leverich Oswald (1886-1967). This was her high school graduation photo……. today’s high school graduation photos look nothing like this, do they?? Yes, the Olden Times were different…… for instance:

If We Didn’t Have It We Used:

Q tip — cotton wound around a match
Scouring powder — wood stove ashes
Glue — raw egg white
Hot water bottle — heated rock or bag of heated rock salt
Toothpaste — salt mixed with baking soda
Paste — flour mixed with water
Bandage — torn-in-strips old bedsheets
Adhesive tape — needle and thread
Deodorant — baking soda
Ice — hailstones or blocks cut in winter from a pond or river
Waxed paper — found inside cereal boxes
Sandwich bags — waxed paper
Foil — gum wrappers
Ink — laundry bluing
Group transportation — truck with seats in back
Tire repair kit — can of rubber patch and glue
Air for tires — hand operated tire pump
Toilet tissue — Sears or Wards catalog
Salad dressing — cream, sugar and vinegar mixed well
Sanitary napkin — old sheets
Pencil sharpener — knife
Fingernail clipper — kitchen scissors
Salve/Ointment for wounds — lard mixed with kerosene and turpentine
Hand lotion — cream or lard
Laundry soap — you made it from grease and lye
Lunch pail — lard bucket with a handle
New mop — old clothing on a mop stick
Cough syrup — raw onion and sugar syrup
Fresh milk — milked a cow twice daily

So do you really think life was better in the good old days? How would you have fared?

(Thanks to Nostalgia Magazine, Nov-Dec 2010 issue for this wonderful article by Leone A. Browning.)

Foundation for Eastern European Family History Studies Annual Conference

Mar20 by Charles Hansen

Dear Members and Friends of Washington State Genealogical Society

The Foundation for East European Family History Studies (FEEFHS) will be holding its annual conference on August 6-9, 2024, held in Salt Lake City, Utah. More than 60 sessions will be presented in the German, Polish, Russian, Germans from Eastern Europe, Austro-Hungarian, Jewish, DNA, and Resources tracks. The classes will be presented by experts from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Israel and can be viewed at https://feefhs.org/conference-2024/announcement-main. The sessions are focused on genealogists with beginner and intermediate researcher skills. An electronic syllabus will be provided to all attendees. The conference schedule can be viewed at https://feefhs.org/conference-2022-classes.

If you are interested, please use this special promotional code: 65v3ak

A pre-conference workshop on August 5 is also available for an extra fee.

We hope you take advantage of this offer.

National Genealogical Society 2024 Virtual Family History Conference

Mar20 by Charles Hansen

2024 Virtual FOCUS Event will Help Your Organization with Outreach and Engagement

Dear NGS Organization Members, Administrators, and Delegates,

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) is hosting our FOCUS pre-conference event for genealogy organizations virtually in 2024, and we welcome your organization’s leaders, volunteers, staff, and members to attend on 16 May.

FOCUS offers learning opportunities that foster collaboration and share successes among societies, libraries, archives, museums, and other institutions. Its goal is to strengthen our genealogy and family history community as we work to support everyone in search of their ancestors’ stories.

This year’s theme is outreach and engagement. FOCUS sessions will offer practical tips and ideas to help your organization reach new people, activate volunteers, and highlight family history as a part of the America250 celebration in 2026. Watch presentations and participate in live Q&A on 16 May, then see sessions you missed at your convenience over a few months. Registrants will have access to FOCUS recordings until 15 August.

Learn More and Register for FOCUS

Learn from Fellow Organizations in Keynote and Breakout Sessions

FOCUS_2024_Keynote_Dr Tonya Matthews_250pxWide_2768487.jpg

FOCUS begins with a keynote presentation at 2:00 p.m. (ET) by International African American Museum (IAAM) President and CEO Tonya M. Matthews, PhD. She will share lessons from the launch of IAAM, one of the country’s newest and most compelling museums. Join us to find inspiration, a renewed sense of mission and purpose, and motivation to expand public outreach, engage volunteers, and grow your community. Matthews is a nonprofit executive leadership veteran with insights that will benefit you and your organization.
FOCUS breakout sessions take place 3:15–6:45 p.m. (ET) on 16 May. The nine available breakout options by genealogy and family history organizations include:

"Fabric of the Past: Teaching Local and Family History Research to School Teachers"—Charity Rouse, Spartanburg County Public Libraries
"Street Genealogy: Family History in a Parking Space Pop-Up"—Shamele Jordon, Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
"Using Multimedia Approaches for Public Family History Outreach to Include Diverse and Marginalized Populations"—Marcia Johnson, The National Grigsby Family Society
"Branch Out: How to Partner Societies with State or Local Libraries"—Korina Tueller and Linda Caldwell McCleary, Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records and Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board
"Cemetery Digitization Project: Engaging Volunteers and the Community to Save History"—Lynne Deese, Wake County Genealogy Society
"We Are Three Lakes: Genealogy + History = Community"—Marie Byatt, Three Lakes Genealogical Society
"Creating an Exhibit and Celebration that Captures Hearts and Gets Attention"—Marcia Fraser, Williamson County Public Library
"Growing Membership and Increasing Value with a PBS Affiliate Partnership"—Heather O’Hara, Maryland Genealogical Society
"Densho’s Story: Preserving and Sharing History by Leveraging Technology"—Caitlin Oiye Coon, Densho

Learn more about all the FOCUS sessions online and share the information with other people in your organization.
Organization Member Discount Offer for 2024 FOCUS
The FOCUS registration fee is $50, but NGS organization members with three or more FOCUS registrants can get a $40 registration for each person they sign up (a $10 discount per person). Visit the Organization Member Registration page for discount details and to access the required form.

We look forward to seeing you on 16 May at FOCUS!

Copyright © 2024 National Genealogical Society (NGS), all rights reserved.
National Genealogical Society · 6400 Arlington Blvd · Suite 660 · Falls Church, VA 22042-2318 · USA

Supportive Grant Applications Due July 31

Mar20 by Roxanne Lowe

Is your local genealogy society interested in financial assistance for a special project or need? Applications for the WSGS Supportive Grants are being accepted through July 31, 2024.

The grants, up to $250 each, are designed to support the inventive and creative efforts of WSGS-member societies and organizations or fill a need that your society has. The awards do not have to be repaid — they’re yours to support worthy projects. Two grants will be awarded in 2024.

The simple application is only ONE page. The application and additional guidance is available here. For more information, visit our website at https://www.wasgs.org/cpage.php?pt=90.

Contact Outreach@wasgs.org if you have other questions. Please note “Grants” in the Subject Line.