VERDA R. HANSBERRY
August 19, 1919 – February 5, 2017
A life member of the Seattle Genealogical Society, Verda Romayne Hansberry, died on February 5, 2017, in Seattle. Verda, a librarian by profession, worked at the Seattle Public Library for much of her career. She worked in the Mobile Outreach Department, headed the the Circulation Department, and ultimately was Deputy City Librarian in charge of the Central Branch, as well as acting City Librarian in 1975. She also was president of the Washington Library Association in the early 1980s and was active on committees of the American Library Association.
Verda was the driving force in publishing three genealogy books about her father’s family, her mother’s family, and her husband’s ancestors. She is survived by her two sons, Russ (Kitty) Hansberry of Keller, Texas, and Doug (Patti) Hansberry of Beaverton, Oregon, and by her daughter, Anne Hansberry of Seattle, Washington.
A celebration of her life took place on February 10th. The family requests any donations in her memory should be made to the Seattle Genealogical Society or the Seattle Public Library Foundation.
You can read her full obituary or sign the guest book at:
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Verda-Hansberry&lc=4176&pid=184018647&uuid=3874a665-00db-48b0-a8ff-e983a37dd290
“Tracking Down Granddad” at SGS Library
Joyce Lindsey O’Keefe recently wrote a complimentary story about her experience at the SGS Library and the help she received from volunteers, Christine Shomaker and Jean Roth. This story was published in the February edition of the local magazine, Northwest Prime Time. The magazine can be found at King County Library locations as well as on-line. Check it out at :
http://northwestprimetime.com/news/2017/jan/29/tracking-down-granddad
Thank you, Joyce. We appreciate the recognition.
Message from SGS President, Jill Morelli
The SGS Nominating Committee has been hard at work finding volunteers to be placed on the ballot to serve as your Board members and you can help. The committee still has a few positions to identify candidates–Vice President, Publications, Education, and Volunteers. In addition, we need a couple more individuals to volunteer to serve on the Nominating Committee for 2018, If you, or anyone you know, would like to be contacted to discuss the possibility of serving in these positions, please send me an email at :
president@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org I will pass them on to the nominating committee. Thanks for your consideration.
IRISH WEEK COMING UP
We need volunteers to work two hour shifts at the SGS Booth at the Seattle Center House for our outreach activity during the official Irish Week. The dates are Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12. We have a number of our SGS books on Irish, Scots-Irish. and Scottish genealogy and help people with basic information. This is one activity that helps us with financial grants. If you can volunteer, please contact Jean A. Roth at (206)782-2629 or jeanaroth@juno.com
DO YOU HAVE A COOL CAR?
We need a classic car, preferably a convertible, and a couple of people to ride in the official St Patrick’s Day Parade in Seattle on Saturday, March 11. We have SGS signs for both sides of the car and we are announced at Westlake Center. Over 10,0000 people view this. Please contact Jean A Roth at (206) 782- 2629 or jeanaroth@juno.com
COMING UP – SAVE THE DATES
Ulster Historical Foundation – USA Tour – Lecture,
Pierce County Libraries, Administrative Center Library,
3005 112th St E,
Tacoma, WA 98446
Sunday, March 5, 1:00pm–5:00pm
Tel 253-548-3425 or 316-300-3383 (mobile)
Register online: www.piercecountylibrary.org/calendar.aspx?id=281
www.facebook.com/events/618976198289299
The Ulster Historical Foundation is a research and publishing agency based in Belfast, N.Ireland which uses its knowledge to help those looking for their Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors. They are conducting a USA Lecture Tour during the month of March and fortunately this includes a stop in Tacoma on March 5. Hosted by the Pierce County Library System, the lecture is free of charge, but registration is required.
Whether you are just beginning your Irish research or have been at it for years, you won’t want to miss this workshop. Learn how to get the most out of Irish resources and records, gain strategies for breaking down brick walls, and grasp important historical context that may help fill in gaps in your research.
ALL DAY IRISH GENEALOGY WORKSHOP,
Luther Memorial Lutheran Church,
130th & Greenwood Ave N,
Seattle, WA
Saturday, March 25th
Sponsored by the Irish Heritage Club with help from the SGS Irish Interest Group. Speakers are Steve W. Morrison and Jean A. Roth. The schedule and registration are on the Irish Heritage Club Website at www.irishclub.org
For more information contact Jean A. Roth at jeanaroth@juno.com
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society – Spring Seminar,
La Quinta Inn and Suites,
1425 East 27th St,
Tacoma, WA
April 28-29, 2017
Speaker will be The Legal Genealogist, Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL and the emcee will be Cyndi Ingle. Some of the topics are :
•No Vitals? No Problem! — Building a Family through Circumstantial Evidence
•When Worlds Collide: Resolving Conflicts in Genealogical Records
•Don’t Forget the Ladies — A Genealogist’s Guide to Women and the Law
•Beyond X and Y: The Promise and Pitfalls of Autosomal DNA Testing
Additional Information available on the TPCGS website at: http://www.tpcgs.org/seminar.html
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather.
FEBRUARY
Saturday, February 18, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish Interest Group, an open session on Irish research using old and new resources Leader: Jean A. Roth
Saturday, February 18, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German Interest Group, an open session on German research using old and new resources Leader: Jean A. Roth
Tuesday, February 21, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday/DNA Focus, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – this meeting’s focus will be DNA issues. Hosted by Lisa Chan.
Saturday, February 25, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Family Tree of FamilySearch.org Presentation, Lou Daly will be presenting her experience creating Family Tree on FamilySearch.org, a free site for building your own family tree. She is an accomplished genealogist having spent many years researching and creating her family legacy. This presentation is for anyone interested in exploring Family Tree on FamilySearch https://familysearch.org/
MARCH
Saturday, March 4, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian SIG, David Robert, leader
Sunday, March 5, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, Led by Cary Bright
Tuesday, March 7, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more. Hosted by Lisa Chan.
Saturday, March 11, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Family Tree Maker Users Group, members helping one another with FTM, led by Reiley Kidd and Betty Ravenholt; email Reiley at secretary@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org for more info.
Sunday, March 12, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Scandinavian Interest Group, Karen Knudson, facilitator
Saturday, March 18, 1:30 pm – 12:15 pm, SGS Spring Membership Meeting
Tuesday, March 21, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy. Hosted by Lisa Chan.
Saturday, March 25, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, DNA SIG, The group meets quarterly at the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church. For more information contact SGSDNASIG@gmail.com. Co-chaired by Cary Bright and Herb McDaniel.
Sunday, March 26, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm, “Making Sense of the US Census Records”, What can the genealogist learn from the data of the U.S. censuses from 1790-1940? What is included and why do we care? This session will also cover some special census schedules, including slave, mortality and agricultural schedules. This session takes an in-depth look at the value of census data and how to analyze the information.
Presenter: Janice Lovelace, BU Certificate in Genealogical Research; G&FHC (U of WA). Janice is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogist.