TIP OF THE WEEK – NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY GUIDES The New York Public Library (NYPL) is on the short list of top libraries for genealogy research. Anyone who lives, works, attends school, or pays property taxes in New York State can get a library card and visit the library in person, or online. For the rest of us, there is still some good information to be had via the NYPL Local History and Genealogy Research Guides. These guides are available online to anyone. No NYPL library card required. You’ll find dozens of helpful articles. Some titles of guides available on the site are:
Genealogy How-To Books: How a Little Reading Can Save You A Lot Of Time
Genealogy Tips: Searching the Census by Address
Using Maps for Genealogy Research, Parts 1 thru 5
How to Research Dutch Ancestors
Introduction to Polish Genealogy
5 Ways to Research Your Italian Heritage Without Leaving Home
VOLUNTEERS OF SUMMER QUARTER, The LIBRARY and ARCHIVES COMMITTEES Each quarter, the Seattle Genealogical Society recognizes one member as our Volunteer of the Quarter. This quarter we are honoring all the members of our Library and Archives Committees as our Volunteers of Summer Quarter 2021.
Thanks to the diligence of the Library and Archives Committees, the daunting task of preparing the library’s holdings for our upcoming move to The Good Shepherd Center is moving along nicely.
‘Working together for a common goal’
The Library Committee is in the process of taking inventory, culling the collection, and digitizing items. This is to trim the collection to fit the shelving space that will be available in the new location.
Many of the library committee volunteers have been with the group since it officially began in 2013. Sue Jensen has been working on comparing the SGS catalog with what is available at the Seattle Public Library, Open Library, and Google Books to determine the duplicates and online availability of items. She has also been training with Ann Wright to help her with her webmaster duties. Ann has been working on digitization and databases. Dona Bubelis, a retired reference librarian, is also working hard on the databases. Charlotte Wixon has been putting her skills to good use doing book repair, binding, and labeling.
The library has an extensive collection of periodicals. Linda Fitzgerald has been culling these, especially the history items that don’t include genealogical information. The duplicates and culled items are destined to find good homes. The committee has already determined that there are gaps in the holdings of the Seattle Public Library that SGS can fill. SGS’ catalog will direct users to the Seattle Public Library if the needed items are not physically available at the SGS library.
The digitization and indexing efforts are moving along very well, but there is so much work still to be done. Each item, once imaged, has to be checked against the original, organized, prepared for publication, and cataloged. In addition to Ann, Jess Ramey and Ellen Peterson have been working on this and could use extra help. Jess said that volunteering “is a wonderful way to share your life learned skills with others and to make a difference even in a small way.”
These volunteers love their work and are very dedicated to the needs of SGS. And as Ann said, “The best part is coming in and working together for a common goal – that’s what keeps us coming back.”
‘Murders, suicides, romances, joys and sorrows’
If the word “archives” makes you think of musty tomes in the dank basements of county courthouses, think again. SGS has had a vibrant Archives Committee for much of the past decade, and it is anything but musty.
“We support each other, laugh too much and, some say, too loud,” said committee member Nancy Hevly. “We organize histories that read like novels – murders, suicides, romances, joys and sorrows.” Hevly retired in 1991 after nearly 40 years as a writer-editor for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and has been active with SGS in the intervening years.
Pat Younie is another longtime SGS member who’s held numerous leadership roles and was in on the ground floor when the Archives Committee was founded, along with SGS member Ida McCormick. She said she’s “learned lots of little tricks” about researching family history over her years on the committee, but the supportive nature of the group is equally important to her.
Once committee members were vaccinated last January, Younie said, “we met socially at the beach and parks; we would bring a brown bag lunch, a camp chair and have lunch observing the 6-foot rule.” The group has supported each other through medical problems and “good news, bad news, and sad news” about family members. “We’ve created our own little bubble to work in,” Younie said.
And speaking of work, the committee began preparing for the move of the SGS Library months before its reopening earlier this summer. They’ve been painstakingly going through materials, sorting, and deciding where duplicates or other items should be sent. Ingrida Gray, a member since 2013, said she enjoys “learning proper methods to organize and save valuable research material,” including donated family records. Also on the subject of donated family records, long time committee member, Bernice Keller, recalls these records will sometimes contain funny stories, including “black sheep, strange events” and other surprises. Bernice has been a member of SGS for over 20 years and she was Volunteer of the Quarter – Winter 2019.
The work of the Archives Committee won’t end when SGS moves into its new library at the Good Shepherd Center in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. New volunteers are welcome. As Hevly said, “I found my true calling” after responding to a notice seeking new Archives Committee members. “I gained lessons in genealogy from professionals, work that is entertaining as well as educational and, most important, a set of dear friends.”
Again, thanks to all the members of these committees for all their hard work. For information about joining either the Library or Archives Committee, please contact volunteers@seagensoc.org
Ann Wright, Sue Jensen, and Dona Bubelis, members of the Library Committee, collaborate. Remember SGS is a member-driven, volunteer-run organization. We could not continue to operate without the support of our members, and the talents and dedication of our volunteers. * SAVE THE DATE
*SGS 2021 Fall Seminar – Online with Ari Wilkins Saturday, October 16, 2021, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Mark your calendars now for our all-day seminar!
Ari Wilkins is a genealogist and library associate at Dallas Public Library, where she provides genealogy-programming education. She specializes in African American genealogy and research, with a focus on North Carolina and Louisiana, and has been researching her family history since 1998. Ari worked with the esteemed genealogist, Dr. James Rose, on his project, “Generations: The WPA Ex-Slave Narrative Database.” She has spoken nationally at the National Genealogical Society, Federation of Genealogical Societies, RootsTech, Texas State Genealogical Society, Ohio Genealogical Society, the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, American Library Association, and at a multitude of local societies.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS*
The SGS Library is open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, for computer-based research only. Visit the SGS Website for details. We recommend you plan your visit and call ahead – 206 522-8658. ** Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links and for any last minute updates or changes to the schedule.
Wednesday, Aug 4, 2021, 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 10, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary.
Wednesday, Aug 11 , 2021, 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.
Wednesday, Aug 18, 2021, 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 24, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary.
Wednesday, Aug 25, 2021, 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.
MEMBERSHIP SGS members, did you remember to renew? If you have not done so, please take a few moments now to renew your SGS membership. It is our 98th year! When you renew online you can pay your dues with a credit/debit card right away, or print out your invoice and send it with your dues payment to SGS. Log in at Members Home, then go to your Member Profile and click the green “Renew Membership” button. If you have any questions, send an email to membership@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org. Not a member yet? Join online today and enjoy discounted class and event fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases, as well as video recordings of some of our past Second Saturday presentations. Find out more about membership at Join SGS.
“New” Records! Historic Washington Donation Land Claims
For years, researchers have relied on the Genealogical Forum of Oregon (GFO) to provide them with print or digital images of Oregon Donation Land Claims from the 1800s quickly and at a reasonable price.
To be honest, the GFO didn’t realize it had these treasures in the library’s microfilm drawers, as no one had time to explore them earlier.
This makes for an exceptional set of land records for the first settlers of the Pacific Northwest. A GFO volunteer has fully indexed the names of these 1070 original landholder claims.
GFO Members can get free digital images of claims by using the Lookup form in the website’s MemberSpace.
The GFO has digitized only one Washington land claim so far. As more are requested and scanned, they will be added to MemberSpace.
Non-members can order copies for a small fee. Our customers say they’re surprised how quickly we send the copies to them.
The Genealogical Forum of Oregon is an all-volunteer nonprofit founded in 1946 to promote, preserve and publish genealogical history. The GFO operates the largest genealogy library in the Pacific Northwest and offers more than 170 classes each year, many now online.
We would be thrilled if you would inform your respective societies and the members of your societies of our new institute. Here is the short announcement followed by the full press release. If you have questions, contact any of the three of us in the To: line above.
Mary Kircher Roddy, CG, Lisa Hork Gorrell, CG and Jill Morelli, CG are happy (gleeful even) to announce a new virtual practicum-based learning option for genealogists! Do you best “Learn by Doing”? Do you want smaller classes that allow for significant class discussion and to receive responses to your assignments–all at an affordable price? Then the Applied Genealogy Institute is for you! Check us out at https://appgen.institute and sign up for the mailing list at the website to be the first to get our opening window for registration.
Very interesting YouTube on the Applied Genealogy Institute: http://www.carolinagirlgenealogy.com/2021/07/genfriends-applied-genealogy-institute.html
Jacqueline Eva Alexander Lawson April 4, 1928 – July 15, 2021
Jacqueline born in Seattle on April 4, 1928, to Irene Eva Harvey Alexander and Ernest Alexander, passed away at home on July 15, 2021. Jacqueline (Jackie) married Walter Vernon Lawson, and had 3 children, Gwendolyn Eva Lawson Townsend, Ronald Charles Lawson, and Michael David Lawson. Jackie’s accomplishments included photography, being the first Black certified genealogist in the Pacific Northwest, a trained oral interviewer and transcriber, and specializing in genealogical research which led to 6 books, many articles, and a curriculum intitled “Genealogy 101.” She was founder and Chair of the Collections Committee of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc., an aide at the Pacific-Alaska Region National Archives and at the Museum Of History And Industry, and co-founder of the Seattle Black Genealogy Research Group. Her expertise was freely shared but her enthusiasm as the family griot was written and oral history of her family. Jacqueline’s memory and legacy is cherished by her 3 children, 14 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. Services will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Greater Glory Ministries (6419 Martin Luther King Jr. Way South in Seattle) at 10:30am (viewing will only be done from 9:00-10:00am). Seattle Times Published on July 27, 2021
Join the Hunts for Daily Prizes – All Participants Welcome
Registration is now open for five daily genealogical scavenger hunts (quizzes) which begins Monday August 2. For five days there will be a set of seven questions about a historical figure from the United States (or American colonies) ranging from the 16th through the 20th centuries.
Each answer can be found online using free resources. The challenge of the genealogical scavenger hunt lies in digging up those answers from a wide variety of sources.
A link to the daily quiz questions will be emailed to each player not later than 9 pm the night before that quiz.
Players will follow the link, enter their registration code, answer the questions, give the source URLs used, then click the “Submit” button to enter the daily prize drawing.
Daily Prizes: Players timely submitting the most correct answers will be eligible in a daily drawing for one daily prize. A player may win only one daily prize during the week, but will still be eligible for the grand prize drawing.
Grand Prize: Players timely submitting the most correct answers for the 5 daily games will be eligible in the grand prize drawing.
Awarding Prizes: Quiz Masters will notify winners via email prior to revealing all winners and awarding prizes on Saturday, August 7 at 3 pm in the CCGS Library.
A modest donation is requested but not required.
The Clark County Genealogical Society is a local nonprofit, completely run by volunteers, supported solely by member dues. Formed in 1972, CCGS is dedicated to encouraging, fostering, educating, and organizing activities related to genealogy in Southwest Washington and around the world. CCGS maintains an active schedule of classes, meetings and seminars. The library shelves house 10,000-plus volumes, subscriptions to several periodical magazines, and in-house computers with subscriptions to Ancestry.com and the New England Historic and Genealogical Society database are provided for internet research. Volunteer librarians are available to provide assistance.
After being closed during the Covid Pandemic, the library is now open for in-person research Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm. Visit the website at ccgs-wa.org for a calendar of upcoming classes and meetings
TIP OF THE WEEK – FamilySearch BLOG It can be a daunting task to stay abreast of all the updates and enhancements constantly being made by FamilySearch. To assist you in this quest, consider checking out their BLOG. Updates to FamilySearch are listed there in reverse-chronological order!
For example in March 2021, a new feature was installed to allow you to see which other researchers are following the same person/ancestor in a tree that you are following.
There are also links to a list of enhancements from prior years. Scroll down to the bottom of the blog. You will see:
More Updates from 2020
More Updates from 2019
I like the Nov 2, 2020, enhancement. It lets you create a slide show from the photos in your “Memories” area. You can then share this slide show with your family by emailing them a link. They do not need a FamilySearch account. Or you can share the slide show on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc. FamilySearch has made this process easy.
Attention! All writers of family history stories. The deadline for this year’s SGS Family History Writing Contest has been extended to September 30th.
This year’s theme is They Survived and takes its cue from events of the past year and earlier – the pandemic, floods, fires, droughts, heat waves, racial and ethnic strife, and more. Many of our ancestors also survived such events. Please tell us their stories!
First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded, and your story will be published in the Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society.
Descendants of Friedrich Muench (1799-1881) gathered at their forefather’s grave in Missouri on the centennial of his birth June 25, 1899.Guidelines for submission:
Keep the word count under 3,000 and submit an MS Word document.
Cite your sources as endnotes (interviews, letters, books, websites, censuses, etc.).
Unpublished works are preferred. If your story has been published before, ensure you have permission to republish. Let us know the name and date of publication.
A committee will review all submissions and award prizes. Some entries selected for publication will receive prizes.
Subjects need not relate to Washington, the Pacific Northwest or the United States.
The committee makes all decisions and all decisions are final.
Volunteers SGS is a member-driven, volunteer-run organization. We could not continue without the support of our members and the talents and dedication of our volunteers. Benefits of volunteering include camaraderie with fellow genealogists, sharing genealogical tips, enhancing your current skills, or discovering skills you never knew you had! But mostly meeting and working with other genealogists.
We are currently looking for people to fill SGS Board positions that remain open after the recent elections. Vice President and Director of Volunteers are now vacant and several positions will open up next year. You can volunteer now to assist a board member like Secretary, Treasurer, or Director of Membership to learn more. Serving on the board is a great way to connect in these times of limited public interaction.
We also need someone to communicate with and schedule Desk Volunteers now that the library is open to members and the public. The Desk Volunteer Coordinator can work from home and will have the opportunity to become acquainted with some of our most active members.
With our move to the Good Shepherd Center on the horizon, we need someone to coordinate our move volunteers – we already have a long list – for activities that will be scheduled by the Director of Operations. Serving as our Move Volunteer Coordinator will be a short-term, one-time commitment, expected to happen this Fall.
* SAVE THE DATE *The International German Genealogy Partnership presents, a “Researching Together Worldwide / Weltweit Gemeinsam Forschen”, the first ever International German Genealogy Virtual Conference, July 17-24, 2021
Is German genealogy one of your New Year’s resolutions for 2021? If so, be sure to mark your calendars for July 17-24, 2021. The IGGP Conference, which only takes place every two years, is your chance to take a deep dive into all things German genealogy – and learn from the experts themselves. This year, the conference will be virtual, which means you can tune in from anywhere in the world! https://iggp.org
SGS 2021 Fall Seminar – Online with Ari Wilkins Saturday, October 16, 2021, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Mark your calendars now for our all-day seminar!
Ari Wilkins is a genealogist and library associate at Dallas Public Library, where she provides genealogy-programming education. She specializes in African American genealogy and research, with a focus on North Carolina and Louisiana, and has been researching her family history since 1998. Ari worked with the esteemed genealogist, Dr. James Rose, on his project, “Generations: The WPA Ex-Slave Narrative Database.” She has spoken nationally at the National Genealogical Society, Federation of Genealogical Societies, RootsTech, Texas State Genealogical Society, Ohio Genealogical Society, the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, American Library Association, and at a multitude of local societies.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS*
The SGS Library is open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, for computer-based research only. Visit the SGS Website for details. We recommend you plan your visit and call ahead – 206 522-8658.
** Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links and for any last minute updates or changes to the schedule.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021, 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 27, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary.
Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 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.
Wednesday, Aug 4, 2021, 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 10, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary.
Wednesday, Aug 11 , 2021, 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.
Wednesday, Aug 18, 2021, 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 24, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary.
Wednesday, Aug 25, 2021, 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.
MEMBERSHIP SGS members, did you remember to renew? If you have not done so, please take a few moments now to renew your SGS membership. It is our 98th year! When you renew online you can pay your dues with a credit/debit card right away, or print out your invoice and send it with your dues payment to SGS. Log in at Members Home, then go to your Member Profile and click the green “Renew Membership” button. If you have any questions, send an email to membership@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org. Not a member yet? Join online today and enjoy discounted class and event fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases, as well as video recordings of some of our past Second Saturday presentations. Find out more about membership at Join SGS.
For Immediate Release New Practicum-Based Institute Established: Applied Genealogy Institute Contact: Jill Morelli, CG at jkmorelli@gmail.com for more information Website: https://appgen.institute The Applied Genealogy Institute, a new virtual genealogical institute, where attendees “Learn by Doing” will begin fall 2021. Sign up on the Mailing List to get the latest updates and the opening of the course signup window. Are you yearning for practicum-based learning in a virtual environment from instructors you signed up to hear? The Applied Genealogy Institute (AppGen) is for you. The modest price and the virtual environment make intermediate to advanced practicum-based education topics available and accessible to everyone. Three courses will be offered in October/November of 2021:
“Irish Research,” instructor, Mary Roddy, CG
“Land Research,” instructor, Lisa S. Gorrell, CG
“Exploring Broad Context,” instructor, Jill Morelli, CG More information on course content can be found at the website. AppGen is structured to capitalize on the best practices of the on-site institutes and virtual options. • There is a demand for strong intermediate and advanced genealogy education in a non-intimidating atmosphere. • “Learn by Doing” practicums enhance student learning and provide practical skills. • Practicums are most effective with small numbers of students. No more than 15 students will be enrolled in a class, allowing for meaningful class discourse. • A single instructor with smaller classes will monitor the students’ progress and provide feedback on assignments. • Expenses are lower, so the cost is lower. • AppGen provides options to those who can’t leave home for a week of classes because of work, family obligations, or other personal circumstances. • The registration system is based on a lottery system with an open registration window—no more “first come, first served” and no more system crashes. The Applied Genealogy Institute is the outcome of many discussions with emerging genealogical leaders regarding the type of education that is possible for busy but committed genealogists. By combining the best practices of many different educational opportunities and rectifying the weaknesses, AppGen achieves a balance that provides affordable and accessible genealogy education for all.
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