Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week Need Context? Try a Newspaper

TIP OF THE WEEK –
NEED CONTEXT? TRY A NEWSPAPER

When you run into a word or term you don’t understand that you believe is related to the time and place your ancestors lived, but you can’t tell the meaning, try searching their local newspaper if it is available. Often some local terms, expressions and even details about policies don’t make it into history books or even Google. Here are a few examples of things that provide context that you can find in the local paper that may not be available elsewhere: the details of the state pension rules, usages of local expressions, when a community opened their poor farm, or the name of a school or church and when it opened.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

ICE CREAM SOCIAL THIS SATURDAY! Come out to Meridian Park this Saturday (Aug. 5) for a dish of ice cream to celebrate SGS’s centennial year. This will be a 1923-style social, so come prepared for some cool treats and bring your friends. The event starts at 3:00 pm. Meridian Park is next to the Good Shepard Center.

The library will have extended hours as well that afternoon. It will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Be sure to checkout out the book sale while you chill with some ice cream.


image by Silvia from Pixabay

JILL MORELLI RECEIVES AWARD OF MERIT FROM NGS 

SGS Past-President Jill Morelli has been given the Award of Merit by the National Genealogical Society. This award is presented to an individual or non-profit genealogical or historical organization to recognize exceptional contributions to the field of genealogy over a period of five or more years. Their work must have significantly aided research or increased interest in genealogy. Jill was selected based on her work developing and running the Certification Development Group (CDG), designed to help genealogists who are working to become Certified Genealogists. Congratulations to Jill for this well-deserved award.

APPGEN REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 17

Applied Genealogy Institute Fall Registration will open August 17-23. Registration is open for that week. A lottery system will be used if courses are over-subscribed.

Five courses are available:

  • Applied Genetic Genealogy — Leah Larkin, PhD
  • Public Speaking for Genealogists — Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD
  • Transportation Nation: An Exploration of U.S. Routes & Records for Work and Travel in the 19th to Early 20th Centuries — Pamela Vittorio
  • Using Land Records to Solve Genealogical Problems — Lisa S. Gorrell, CG
  • Writing Reports: For Clients, Family Members, Other Researchers, and Yourself — Sara Gredler, CG

For detailed information about each class and how to register, check out https://appliedgen.institute/fall-2023-classes/. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list to get up-to-date information about upcoming courses.

SGS CENTENNIAL MEMBERSHIP

Join the Seattle Genealogical Society today and become a charter member for our second century!
 
If you are already a member, it’s time to log in to your account and renew your membership for 2023-24 as we continue the celebration of our 100th year.
 
Participate in special Centennial Events and enjoy discounted class and Seminar fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Your membership will extend through the 2023 Centennial Year and until May 31, 2024. 
 
Join online with a credit/debit card or print a membership application and send it together with your dues payment to SGS. Better yet, come by the SGS Library and join in person!

Find out more about membership at Join SGS.


100 YEARS AGO: 15 JULY 1923

The Skagit Power Project was in the headlines in July 1923.  The sub-headline was “Investigators Show that Demand Will Have to Increase 25 Times to Use Product of $57,000,000 Plant”. The article explained Investigators are skeptical of the need and whether Seattle can afford the cost of Skagit Power project and question whether it will bring industries to the area. They are also concerned that the enormous production of electrical energy will raise consumer costs rather than lowering the cost.

— “Skagit Power capacity Far Beyond Needs”, Seattle Daily Times, 15 Jul 1923, pp 1 and 11, col 5.

* Watch each eNews! issue for “100 years ago”, our new anecdotal series. We will be running it for the duration of 2023, our centennial year.

SAVE THE DATE

EGS Family Tree Maker SIG
August 18, 2023, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm


Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev.  The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance.  You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.
 
If you want to be on the Eastside Genealogical Society Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group email list, send your request to ftmsig@eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, 
usually 2nd Monday meetings
usually 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Pacific Time


JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 pm unless noted otherwise. The next meeting is Sept. 11, 2023, topic to be announced. For more information see
http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php

Fiske Library Legacy Family Tree User Group
September 21, 2023


Learn more about Legacy Family Tree. If you are interested in attending, please send a message to editor@fiskelibrary.org with your email contact information. 

SGS100 Birthday Party
October 20, 2023


Mark your calendar now! SGS is turning 100. Join the celebration at Dunn Gardens on October 20th. There will be a keynote speaker you will not want to miss!

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206 522-8658


The elevator is back in service!

Please call ahead to make sure our library will be open. We are short on front desk volunteers.

Hours :  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday   
** 10:00 am – 3:00 pm **

Masks are recommended  inside the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom. Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting. 

NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room.  The host must take action to let people into each meeting.  The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.

All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted 

Saturday, Aug 5, 2023, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm,  1923 Ice Cream Social in the Park (Special Events). Come celebrate our heritage, our future, our centennial with a “1923 Ice Cream Social in the Park!” We will be dishing out ice cream to all comers 1923-style in Meridian Park, next to the Good Shepherd Center.

Saturday, Aug 5, 2023, 10:00 am-5:00 pm,  SGS Library Open House: Extended Hours (Special Events). Come for the Ice Cream Social (see above) and checkout what’s new at the library. The library will be open until 5 pm in honor of the celebration. There will be a book sale.

Monday, Aug 7, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
`
Tuesday, Aug 8, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. 

Monday, Aug 14, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Monday, Aug 14, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group  to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Alaine Keisling at keisling@gmail.com 

Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023, 10:00 am-12:00 pm,  Family History Writers’ Group (Social Interest Group), Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. Please note: The Writers’ Group is at the maximum number of participants and is not currently accepting any new members.

Saturday, Aug 19, 2023, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. New Zoom link started in July.

Monday, Aug 21, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Tuesday, Aug 22, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. 

Monday, Aug 28, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Sunday, Sept 3, 2023,  1:00 pm-3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join. 

Seattle Genealogical Society Volunteers Needed

SGS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR  BOOTH AT THE
ENUMCLAW SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
JULY 22-23, 2023
SGS is sharing a booth with the Irish Heritage Club @ the 76th Annual Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering [ www.SSHGA.org ] to be held @ the Enumclaw Expo Center [ King County Fairgrounds ] on Sat, 22 Jul & Sun, 23 Jul from 8 AM to 5 PM.

If you can help by staffing our booth for a few hours, please contact James Ryan at janglinjehu@yahoo.com.
If you would like more information on this popular festival, go to: https://sshga.org 
The 76th Annual
Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering, 
Enumclaw Expo Center (King County Fairgrounds),
Enumclaw, WA 98022
* Friday, July 21, 2023 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, July 22, 2023 8:00 am – 8:00 pm  & 
Sunday, July 23, 2023 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
* Admission is free to Friday evening’s events
Copyright © 2023 Seattle Genealogical Society, All rights reserved.
All SGS members have been automatically signed up for this e-letter.

Our mailing address is:
Seattle Genealogical Society4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 302Seattle, WA98103-6955

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week Free Pass to BC Genealogical Library

TIP OF THE WEEK –
GET A FREE PASS TO BC GENEALOGICAL LIBRARY

The BC Genealogical Society Library and Research Centre is offering a free library pass to SGS members interested in visiting their facility located in Surrey BC. It is one of the larger genealogical libraries in North America, with over 18,000 books, 2,000 maps, 6,000 films and microfiche, and 100,000+ newspaper clippings. More information can be found on their website https://www.bcgs.ca
July 1, 2023

SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!

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Seattle Genealogical Society News

SUSAN McKEE AND CAROLYN SCHOTT,
VOLUNTEERS OF THE SPRING QUARTER

This Spring Quarter 2023 we are celebrating and thanking two of our Society’s Special Interest Group (SIG) leaders – Carolyn Schott and Susan McKee. Carolyn (a member for 10 years) runs the German SIG and Susan (a member of 6 years) heads the Irish SIG along with Jim Ryan.

Carolyn’s area of expertise is Germans who lived in the Black Sea Region (which is now primarily Ukraine) and she is also the co-founder of a Black Sea German Research group (www.blackseagr.org). A fascinating but sad discovery of hers has been getting NKVD (the predecessor to the KGB) arrest records on some of her family members!

Susan, born and raised in Ireland, concentrates her research on her Irish family lines although she has discovered that her mother’s great grandfathers came to Ireland from rural England. “Researching this line continues to remind me of the very complex and long-standing interconnections that exist between Ireland and England and how important it is to remain open to the ever-changing nature of identity”, she says.

Susan and Carolyn enjoy their regular interactions with SIG members and the enthusiasm everyone brings to their research. Both women appreciate the use of Zoom. “Although there are many things I miss about in-person meetings, I actually love doing this by Zoom because we get people attending from all over the U.S. It has also made it possible to line up speakers from all over,” says Carolyn.

When not working on genealogy Carolyn is skiing, hiking, or supporting Ukraine at the local rallies – “Slava Ukraini!” She also loves to travel and is so passionate about it that she wrote the book entitled “Visiting Your Ancestral Town”. Many of Susan’s interests outside of genealogy involve similar skills. She enjoys word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and mysteries, whether in books, films, or escape room experiences!

Both Carolyn and Susan would love you to join their SIG meetings. Both groups meet on the third Saturday of the month (Irish 10:15-12:15 and German 1:00-3:00). Please check the calendar of events at www.seagensoc.org.

Thank you, Carolyn and Susan, for all you do for SGS and our members!

SUMMER BOOK SALE

The SGS Library receives many wonderful donations of books from our members and friends and we simply can’t keep them all. So stop by the library and find a treasure on our surplus book tables, for sale until July 15th.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR
THE CLANS OF IRELAND BOOTH

Continuing our community outreach commitment initiated by Jean Roth, SGS is sharing the Clans of Ireland Booth at the 27th Annual Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival in Mt Vernon, WA, Saturday, July 8, 2023 & Sunday, July 9, 2023, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to help SGS staff this booth. No experience necessary.  

If you can help staff our table in the booth for several hours on either day, Saturday, July 8th, or Sunday, July 9th, please contact James Ryan at janglinjehu@yahoo.com

DON’T GET SCAMMED

You get an email that says it’s from MacKiev, maker of Family Tree Maker software. It has an offer for a free upgrade. Not so fast …. Several people are receiving similar messages by email or chat that are actually fraudulent. Here’s how to spot the scam.

  1. The messages ask you to call a telephone number, but MacKiev does not actually have a phone help line.
  2. The email address provided in the message is not connected to MacKiev. If a message seems to come from a company you know, a good rule of thumb is to use Google to find the company’s real site to validate claims.
  3. Family Tree Maker 2019 is the most current version of the program. There is no 2023 version.
  4. Don’t trust everything you hear in a chat. If you need assistance with Family Tree Maker, go to: https://www.mackiev.com/techsupport/ftm/livechat.html. This way you know you are speaking to a real representative of the company.

WATCH THE SGS100 PRESERVATION SEMINAR

“Just finished watching this wonderful set of seminars by Denise Levenick. Fantastic!”

In Celebration of our Centennial, SGS members may log in to view video recordings of all four presentations from the SGS100 Preservation Seminar with Denise Levenick, The Family Curator, until Monday, July 17, 2023

Not an SGS member? You may register to view the presentations for $25, click here

JOIN US FOR AN 1923 ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Come out to Meridian Park on August 5th for some ice cream and to celebrate SGS’s centennial. We will be dishing out ice cream to all comers 1923-style. The park is located behind the Good Shepherd Center. Watch the SGS website Calendar of Events for more details.

SGS CENTENNIAL MEMBERSHIP

Join the Seattle Genealogical Society today and become a charter member for our second century!

If you are already a member, it’s time to log in to your account and renew your membership for 2023-24 as we continue the celebration of our 100th year.

Participate in special Centennial Events and enjoy discounted class and Seminar fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Your membership will extend through the 2023 Centennial Year and until May 31, 2024. 

Join online with a credit/debit card or print a membership application and send it together with your dues payment to SGS. Better yet, come by the SGS Library and join in person!

Find out more about membership at Join SGS.


100 YEARS AGO: 15 JUNE 1923

The University of Washington Stadium was noted to be “the only structure of its kind in the country built primarily for a university which is opened to the public uses.” The article pointed out the student body was trying to reduce the remaining indebtedness to save on interest charges. This could allow them to take on other projects such as a basketball pavilion, armory and gymnasium. The article also noted the numerous large affairs to which it was being put – last year’s The Wayfarer, the presentation this year of “Americanus”, when President Harding would be in the city, the Fourth of July Celebration, , and musical concerts.

— “The University of Washington”, Seattle Daily Times, 15 Jun 1923, p 6, col 2,

* Watch each eNews! issue for “100 years ago”, our new anecdotal series. We will be running it for the duration of 2023, our centennial year.

SAVE THE DATE

Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Edgewater Park,
Mt Vernon, WA 98271
Saturday and Sunday July 8-9, 2023
9:00 am – 5:00 pm


This Festival, now in its 27th year, attracts over 10,000 people annually. It is part of an annual circuit of Scottish competitions held in the Pacific Northwest and Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The organizers call it “Scottish 3-ring circus” with a wide range of activities for young and old alike.

If you are interested in helping staff our table for several hours, please contact James Ryan at janglinjehu@yahoo.com. For more information see https://celticarts.org

Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy 2024 Classes
Saturday, July 22, 2023, 9:00 am


Registration opens for SLIG 2024 Classes (Virtual Event-$$), SLIG 2024 (virtual) courses run daily, January 22–26 from 7:30 to 3:00 pm PST; some will include homework and other sessions outside those times. Registration opens on 22 July 2023 at 10 am Mountain / 9:00 am Pacific. Some classes fill very quickly. More information on courses, faculty, and registration here.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, 
usually 2nd Monday meetings
usually 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Pacific Time


JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 pm unless noted otherwise. The next meeting is Sept. 11, 2023, topic to be announced. For more information see
http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php

SGS100 Birthday Party
October 20, 2023


Mark your calendar now! SGS is turning 100. Join the celebration at Dunn Gardens on October 20th. There will be a keynote speaker you will not want to miss!

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206 522-8658


The elevator is back in service!

Please call ahead to make sure our library will be open. We are short on front desk volunteers.

Hours :  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday   
** 10:00 am – 3:00 pm **

Masks are recommended  inside the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom. Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting. 

NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room.  The host must take action to let people into each meeting.  The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.

All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted 

Monday, July 3, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
`
Monday, July 10, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Monday, July 10, 2023, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm,  Board of Directors Meeting at SGS  (Virtual),  All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. 

Monday, July 10, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group  to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas.  To join or learn more, contact Alaine Keisling at keisling@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 11, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. 

Wednesday, July 12, 2023,  7:00 pm-9:00 pm, MAC Computer SIG,  Co-chaired by Lisa Marker and Diane Hettrick. Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings address topics and resources for Macintosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software program. Meetings are on the second Wednesday of alternating months. A link to login will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. If you would like to join, send an email to macusersig@seagensoc.org to be added to the email list. 

Saturday, July 15, 2023, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, IRISH SIG, with Susan McKee. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. New Zoom link starting this month.

Sunday, July 16, 2023, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Topic TBD,  with Jill Morelli. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance. 

Monday, July 17, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual),Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Tuesday, July 17, 2023, 10:00 am-12:00 pm,  Family History Writers’ Group (Social Interest Group), Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. Please note: The Writers’ Group is at the maximum number of participants and is not currently accepting any new members.

Friday, July 21, 2023,  10:30 am-12:30 pm, Family Tree Maker SIG, the FTM by Software MacKiev user’s group  meets via Zoom on the 3rd Friday of each month. If you would like to attend and are not on the SIG e-mail distribution list, please send an e-mail to egsgenealogyhelper@yahoo.com.

Monday, July 24, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual),informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. 

Monday, July 31, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual),Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Monday, August 7, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual),Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual),informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help.

Seattle Genealogical Society Needs Volunteers

SGS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
FOR THE CLANS OF IRELAND BOOTH! 
Continuing our community outreach commitment initiated by Jean Roth,  SGS is sharing the Clans of Ireland Booth at the 27th Annual Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival in Mt Vernon, WA, Saturday, July 8, 2023 & Sunday, July 9, 2023, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to help SGS man this booth. No experience necessary.  

If you can help staff our table in the booth for several hours on either day, Saturday, July 8th, or Sunday, July 9th,   please contact James Ryan at janglinjehu@yahoo.com.   

If you would like more information on this popular festival, go to: http://celticarts.org 
The 27th Annual
Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival, 
Edgewater Park,
Mt Vernon, WA 98273
Saturday, July 8, 2023  & 
Sunday, July 9, 2023
9:00 am – 5:00 pm 
Copyright © 2023 Seattle Genealogical Society, All rights reserved.
All SGS members have been automatically signed up for this e-letter.

Our mailing address is:
Seattle Genealogical Society
4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 302
Seattle, WA98103-6955

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week Seattle Center Cultural Festivals

TIP OF THE WEEK –
SEATTLE CENTER CULTURAL FESTIVALS

At Seattle Center, under the theme “Where the World Gathers”, 24 free cultural festivals are scheduled for 2023. A fun, learning experience for the entire family. Coming up in June and July are:

  • June 3-4 Pagdiriwag Philippine Festival
  • June 24 Seattle Iranian Festival
  • July 8 Polish Festival Seattle
  • July 14-16 Festival Sundiata Black Arts Festival

For a complete list of festivals and to learn more, visit:
https://seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/festal

Seattle Genealogical Society News

SARAH LITTLE
1947-2023

Sadly we report that long-time SGS member and zealous SGS volunteer, Sarah Little, has passed away. SGS remembers Sarah as a dedicated leader who was determined to see that SGS survived and prospered.

Sarah joined SGS in 1985 and immediately became involved. Jim Secan, current SGS president, provided this list of all the positions she held at SGS and he commented, “She was on the Board pretty much full time from 1987-2003!” 

  • Director of Membership   1986-1987
  • President                       1987-1989
  • Vice President                1989-1990
  • President                       1990-1992
  • Director of Operations     1993-1995
  • Director of Membership   1995-1997
  • Director of Operations     1997-1999
  • President                       1999-2001
  • Treasurer                       2001-2002

Quite deservedly, a SGS Honorary Lifetime Membership was bestowed on Sarah. In addition to all her SGS volunteer work, she also taught a certificate program in genealogy at the University of Washington. 

A service for Sarah is being planned for later this summer.  

You may read Sarah’s full obituary here:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/everett-wa/sarah-little-11249288

HELP IDENTIFY A SUSPECT!

Some of you may be aware that Barbara Rae-Venter, J.D., Ph.D. is the genetic genealogist who cracked the Golden State Killer case using DNA. She needs your help. She emailed the following: “We are working on identifying a suspect for a homicide in Fife, Pierce County. We have very low DNA matches (highest is 23 cM) and would like to do some outreach into the local Slavic community to do DNA testing in the hopes that we could identify some closer matches. Do you have primarily Slavic bio ancestry? If so, would you be willing to do a DNA test? The DNA kits would be provided by FTDNA. In return for the (free) kit, the test taker would provide their family tree going back to their great grandparents, if possible.” 

For more information, please see: 
http://www.FirebirdForensics.org
If you are interested, contact Barbara Rae-Venter at 
genealogyconsult@gmail.com
or 831.620.5621


On 20-23 April ten writers came together on Friday Harbor for the SGS100 Writers’ C(r)amp. The outcome was a lot of writing, some great conversations, and growing camaraderie.

SGS100 Writers’ C(r)amp attendees


SGS CENTENNIAL MEMBERSHIP

Join the Seattle Genealogical Society today and become a charter member for our second century!

If you are already a member, it’s time to log in to your account and renew your membership for 2023-24 as we continue the celebration of our 100th year.

Participate in special Centennial Events and enjoy discounted class and Seminar fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Your membership will extend through the 2023 Centennial Year and until May 31, 2024. 

Join online with a credit/debit card or print a membership application and send it together with your dues payment to SGS. Better yet, come by the SGS Library and join in person!

Find out more about membership at Join SGS.

FREE! SGS100 SEMINAR

Don’t forget the special preservation seminar coming up is free for SGS members. Non-members will be charged a small fee. 

Register for the SGS100 Preservation Seminar

Seminar dates,  times, and topics:

  •  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 17
  • 1:00 PM –   4:00 PM on Sunday, June 18 
  • Preserving the Past: Archiving and Digitizing Your Family Keepsakes
  • Selecting and Preparing Images for Family History Projects
  • Archival Storage Strategies and Solutions
  • Family History Projects for the Digital Ag

The Family Curator, Denise Levenick, is the author of How to Archive Family Keepsakes and How to Archive Family Photos.

SGS MEMBERSHIP MEETING
HYBRID * JUNE 10, 2023,
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM 

Meet the Board, talk about the election results, SGS business, and the budget. Stay on for the Second Saturday program.

You may attend this meeting in the SGS Library or virtually; your choice. Please register either way. Instructions are on the SGS website calendar of events. 

100 years ago: 17 March 1923

On 17 May 1923, a front page headline in the Seattle P-I read “5 Suspended in High School Pie-Egg War”. The article went on to say “Sons of Capitol Hill People Disciplined After Fracas in Broadway-Garfield fued [sic].” “Instructor Questioned for Reckless Driving Following Capture of Youthful Warriors”.  

5 boys of prominent families were suspended from Broadway High School and an instructor at Garfield was taken to the police station for questioning.  The cause was the athletic rivalry between the two schools. The Broadway baseball team had recently defeated Garfield.  One engagement entailed pumpkin pie throwing by Garfield students at Broadway students, the second involved a “barrage of eggs” thrown by Broadway students at Garfield students.  

“5 Suspended in High School Pie-Egg War” , Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 17 May 1923, p1, col 2.

* Watch each eNews! issue for “100 years ago”, our new anecdotal series. We will be running it for the duration of 2023, our centennial year. 

SAVE THE DATE

Fiske Genealogical Library,  
Spring Classes 2023 – Virtual, 
Wednesdays, 
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time


The topic for May 31 is “The FamilySearch Research Wiki” with Celia McNay. The link to the Fiske Library website is: 
https://www.fiskelibrary.org/

Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, 
usually 2nd Monday meetings
usually 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Pacific Time


JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 PM unless noted otherwise. The next meeting is June 12 2023, and the program is “In Search of Mishpocha – Creative Methods for Finding Cousins” with S Lynn Diamond. 
http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206 522-8658


The elevator is back in service!

Please call ahead to make sure our library will beopen. We are short on front desk volunteers.

Hours :  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday   
** 10:00 am – 3:00 pm **

Masks are recommended  inside the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom. Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting. 

NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room.  The host must take action to let people into each meeting.  The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.

All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted 

Saturday, June 3, 2023, 10:15 am- 12:15 pm, FamilySearch SIG, with Lou Daly. Discover many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email Lou to get on the email list: loudaly@nwlink.com 

Sunday, June 4, 2023,  1:00 pm-3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join. 

Monday, June 5, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Saturday, June 10, 2023,  12:30 pm-1:00 pm, SGS Membership Meeting , meet the board and talk about SGS business. Register for in-person or online attendance.

Saturday, June 10, 2023,  1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Second Saturday: The “Push” and “Pull” Decision Making of the 19th Century Immigrant, with Jill Morelli. Please register in advance. 

Monday, June 12, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Monday, June 12 2023, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm,  Board of Directors Meeting at SGS  (Virtual),  All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. 

Monday, June 12, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group  to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas.  To join or learn more, contact Alaine Keisling at keisling@gmail.com 

Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. 

Monday, June 12, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Friday, June 16, 2023,  10:30 am-12:30 pm, Family Tree Maker SIG, the FTM by Software MacKiev user’s group  meets via Zoom on the 3rd Friday of each month. If you would like to attend and are not on the SIG e-mail distribution list, please send an e-mail to egsgenealogyhelper@yahoo.com no later than Thursday, May 18th to request the meeting ld.

Saturday, June 17, 2023, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm, PRESERVATION SEMINAR, with Denise Levenick,  free to SGS members, small fee for non-members, registration required. 

Sunday, June 18, 2023, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm, Special Preservation Seminar with Denise Levenick continuation. Free to SGS members. Register today. 

Monday, June 19, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Saturday, June 24, 2023,  10:00 am-12:30 pm, DNA SIG, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join. 

Monday, June 26, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. 

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week Book Procurement Program

TIP OF THE WEEK –
SGS  Book Procurement Program

When SGS moved to its new location in the Good Shepherd Center, a team of volunteers, led by the Library Trustees, curated our existing collection to focus on the Pacific Northwest. In that process they discovered that we had several incomplete sets of books and many underrepresented counties. The SGS Librarian submitted to the Board of Trustee’s a request for funding, which was granted. With a purchasing plan in place, the Trustees have been active in procuring these volumes as they become available. 

If you would like to support this effort, please consider a donation to the Society. If you have book(s) in your personal library which might supplement our Pacific Northwest collection, please first contact Director of Library at library@seagensoc.org. Thanks!

Seattle Genealogical Society News

EXTRA! EXTRA!
THE ELEVATOR IS BACK
 There are plenty of news items for this issue, but none more exciting to some than the fact the elevator in the Good Shepherd Center is now working! So “come on in” to all who have been waiting so patiently. SGS is open to the public Tues-Saturday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and the building elevator is back in service!2023 SGS ELECTION RESULTS
AND A NEW TRUSTEE
The results of the SGS election are as follows:Officers and Board of Directors:   
    President:  Jim Secan    Vice President:  Kathy Weber    Secretary:  Alanna Stanton    Treasurer:  Betsey Cotter    Director of Education:  Cecellia Rogers    Director of Library:  Kathi MAlso serving on the Board will be Jill Morelli, Past President, and Mahina Oshie, Seattle Public Library representative, non-voting. The term of office begins on June 1, 2023 and runs through May 31, 2024.The proposed changes to the SGS Bylaws were approved, so the following positions have changed from board positions to committee chairs:  Membership Chair:  Christine Schomaker  Publications Chair:  Lisa White  Technology Chair:  vacant  Volunteers Chair:  Melanie MoserThanks to Amandalei Bennett (chair), Bruce Finlayson, and Woods Fairbanks for serving as the Election Committee.

SGS member Melinda McRae has been approved by the SGS Board to replace Julia Marconi as a Library Trustee. She will join current Trustees Caitlyn Oiye Coon and Helen Shawcroft. Congratulations to Melinda and thank you to Julia for her service.
SGS CENTENNIAL MEMBERSHIPJoin the Seattle Genealogical Society today and become a charter member for our second century!If you are already a member, it’s time to log in to your account and renew your membership for 2023-24 as we continue the celebration of our 100th year.Participate in special Centennial Events and enjoy discounted class and Seminar fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Your membership will extend through the 2023 Centennial Year and until May 31, 2024. Join online with a credit/debit card or print a membership application and send it together with your dues payment to SGS. Better yet, come by the SGS Library and join in person!

Find out more about membership at Join SGS.FREE! FREE! FREE!
SGS100 PRESERVATION SEMINAR
with DENISE LEVENICK
JUNE 17-18, 2023

To commemorate our 100th year, SGS is putting on a special online seminar. It will be 4 lectures presented over 2 days. This seminar is FREE to SGS members. Non-members will be charged a small fee. Registration is required and now open: 
Register for the SGS100 Preservation SeminarSeminar dates and times :  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 17 1:00 PM –   4:00 PM on Sunday, June 18  Seminar lectures :  Preserving the Past: Archiving and Digitizing Your Family Keepsakes Selecting and Preparing Images for Family History Projects Archival Storage Strategies and Solutions Family History Projects for the Digital Ag The Family Curator, Denise Levenick, is the author of How to Archive Family Keepsakes and How to Archive Family Photos.

The seminar will be recorded and the video will be available on the SGS website for a period of time to SGS members and paying registrants of the seminar. 
SGS MEMBERSHIP MEETING
JUNE 10, 2023,
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM 
Meet the Board, talk about the election results, SGS business, and the budget. This is a hybrid meeting; you can attend in person or online. Please register

100 years ago: 9 March 1923

On Sunday 9 May 1923. The front page news was “Port Site Purchase Directed by Voters”. The article went on to explain that that vote was to acquire the Skinner & Eddy waterfront property from the United States shipping board, as well as to grant authority to extend the port development plans. But the purchase was nevertheless in doubt due to the need to transfer bonds from Smith Cove project to this project for the purchase.

[This area was apparently part of what is today part of the Pier 36 area. For further history of the site see “Seattle Historical Sites, Summary for 1561 Alaskan Way/Parcel ID 7666207695”, Department of Neighborhoods; digital image, seattle.gov (https://web.seattle.gov/DPD/HistoricalSite/QueryResult.aspx?ID=2147012063: accessed 9 May 2023).]

“Port Site Purchase Directed By Voters” , Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 9 May 1923, p1, col 2.

* Watch each eNews! issue for “100 years ago”, our new anecdotal series. We will be running it for the duration of 2023, our centennial year. 

SAVE THE DATE

Fiske Genealogical Library,  
Spring Classes 2023 – Virtual, 
Wednesdays, 
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time


The program for May 17 is “Beginning Scandinavian Research” with Jenny Hansen. The programs for May 24 and May 31 are on their website. Check the Fiske Library website for updates: 
https://www.fiskelibrary.org/

Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, 
usually 2nd Monday meetings
usually 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Pacific Time


JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 PM unless noted otherwise. The next meeting is June 12 2023, and the program is “In Search of Mishpocha – Creative Methods for Finding Cousins” with S Lynn Diamond. 
http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php

International German Genealogy Partnership 2023 Conference,
June 9-11, 2023
Fort Wayne, Indiana 


This is a conference not to be missed by anyone doing German genealogy research anywhere in the world. Attend in person or online. For more info and registration visit:
https://iggp.org

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206 522-8658


The elevator is back in service!

Please call ahead to make sure our library will beopen. We are short on front desk volunteers.

Hours :  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday     10:00 am – 3:00 pm **

Masks are recommended  inside the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom. Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting. 

NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room.  The host must take action to let people into each meeting.  The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.

All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted 

Monday, May 15, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Friday, May 19, 2023,  10:30 am-12:30 pm, Family Tree Maker SIG, the FTM by Software MacKiev user’s group  meets via Zoom on the 3rd Friday of each month. If you would like to attend and are not on the SIG e-mail distribution list, please send an e-mail to egsgenealogyhelper@yahoo.com no later than Thursday, May 18th to request the meeting ld.

Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, IRISH SIG, with Susan McKee and Jim Ryan. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.

Saturday, May 20, 2023, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm, GERMAN SIG, with Carolyn Schott See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.

Sunday, May 21, 2023, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Time-keeping: Calendars & Feast Days”,  with Jill Morelli. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance. 

Monday, May 22, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. 

Monday, May 29, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Saturday, June 3, 2023, 10:15 am- 12:15 pm, FamilySearch SIG, with Lou Daly. Discover many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email Lou to get on the email list: loudaly@nwlink.com 

Sunday, June 4, 2023,  1:00 pm-3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join. 

Monday, June 5, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Saturday, June 10, 2023,  12:30 pm-1:00 pm, SGS Membership Meeting , meet the board and talk about SGS business. Please register in advance. 

Saturday, June 10, 2023,  1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Second Saturday: The “Push” and “Pull” Decision Making of the 19th Century Immigrant, with Jill Morelli. Please register in advance. 

Monday, June 12, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Monday, June 12 2023, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm,  Board of Directors Meeting at SGS  (Virtual),  All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. 

Monday, June 12, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group  to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas.  To join or learn more, contact Alaine Keisling at keisling@gmail.com 

Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help.

Friday, June 16, 2023,  10:30 am-12:30 pm, Family Tree Maker SIG, the FTM by Software MacKiev user’s group  meets via Zoom on the 3rd Friday of each month. If you would like to attend and are not on the SIG e-mail distribution list, please send an e-mail to egsgenealogyhelper@yahoo.com no later than Thursday, June 15th to request the meeting ld.

Saturday, June 17, 2023, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm, PRESERVATION SEMINAR, with Denise Levenick,  free to SGS members, small fee for non-members, registration required. 

Sunday, June 18, 2023, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm, Special Preservation Seminar with Denise Levenick continuation. Free to SGS members. Register today. 

Monday, June 19, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Saturday, June 24, 2023,  10:00 am-12:30 pm, DNA SIG, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join. 

Monday, June 26, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am,  Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help.