THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Wednesday Evening E-News 15 February 2017
For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!
For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.
Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for February 2017, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” –> “Our Publications” menu at our new website (still gfo.org).
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TAKE US TO YOUR CANDIDATES! We still NEED YOUR HELP for candidate suggestions for March’s elections!
Curious what makes the GFO go?? So curious you want to have a direct impact on the process!? Here’s your chance.
Positions still in need of candidates:
▪ Treasurer (one position)
▪ Director-At-Large (one position)
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If you have a candidate you’d like to put forward for one of the following Board Member positions, please email president@gfo.org or any of the existing Board or Staff contacts anytime from now until our Membership Meeting scheduled for Sat, March 25, 12:30pm – 1:00pm.
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Have a love for books you just can’t quench!?
The GFO needs YOUR HELP with cataloging our collection items!
Want to learn a new skill while making a huge difference in genealogical research? Well, have we got the gig for you!
Email president@gfo.org to sign up today!!
Training on the job is expected. Basic computer know-how, a willingness to contribute, and an investigative mind are all that’s required! We so need your help, so please send us a note if you’re even the tiniest bit interested!
As always, thanks for all you do for the GFO.
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Come one, come all! GFO’s February 18th GenTalk – Parking Forum
We’d like to hear from you on this matter!! Please bring your ideas and suggestions.
You may have heard by now that the Ford Building’s parking lots (reference the map above) are now pay-to-park. While paid parking is not uncommon in the Portland Metro Area, we agree that change is difficult!
In light of this, we’re calling all members to attend the February GenTalk to learn what the board is doing, to get the most up-to-date information, to discuss parking alternatives, and to brainstorm ideas for additional actions we might take.
You’re invited to bring both your frustrations and solutions to this safe and cooperative environment to help us all don our thinking caps to work together to try to make things better.
Please remember that the new pay-to-park rules initiated by the Ford Building Management went into effect this past Monday, February 13th.
February’s GenTalk is on Saturday, the 18th, from 2 – 4pm.
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Just beginning on the journey of your genealogical research? Come learn with GFO President, Laurel Smith, Thursday, Feb 16th, at 6pm, at the Oak Lodge Library!
We all know that just starting out on any venture can be frightening. But it can also be exciting, with the wind at your back pushing you toward the promise of self and ancestral discovery! And what better way to begin your genealogical research adventure than with a fearless leader as wise and experienced as our very own Laurel Smith, president of the largest genealogical library from Seattle to San Francisco.
Hope to see you there!
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Don’t miss out on GFO’s Mystery Photo Album…
Who is this joyous couple? Where are they going? Did they ever get married and have children? Could I be one of those children?
We’re looking for pictures just like this one from our patrons and visitors to our website HERE, and we’re looking for genealogical and historical detectives to give us the answers.
How’s this work?
STEP ONE Find a mystery photo that you or a family member or friend has been wondering about for years (or just seconds! we’re not picky).
STEP TWO Send said mystery photo of these people you are desperate to know more about to webmaster@gfo.org and be sure to include your name and whatever information you already know about the photo or where it came from.
STEP THREE Watch the GFO website’s Mystery Photo Album page, where our webmasters will post your mystery photo.
STEP FOUR See what responses get posted to the Mystery Photo Album page from users and other genealogical gurus from around the world!
STEP FIVE Do a little dance of happiness wherever you are because now you know more than you did before and another genealogical mystery has been solved!!
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Now don’t be shy! It’s the GFO Annual Open House!! March 18 – 26, 2017
With over 30 different free genealogical classes all week, we can’t even contain the level of excitement!!
WHERE? You gasp! Why, right here at the GFO! Our location and hours are available at our website HERE and the Open House schedule of events can be viewed HERE.
From two days chalk full of DNA learnin’ to how to create a blog to understanding the French-Canadian Collection at the GFO to census records, HistoryGeo.com, and Mexican records, there’s so much you won’t want to miss a minute.
Please help spread the good news by sharing the printer-friendly GFO Open House flyers available just for you (that’s right! no kidding! YOU, my friend) right HERE.
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What’s Happening this Week at the GFO?
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18th
Genealogy Problem Solvers 9:30 – 11:30am
Join us for a monthly support group where we help each other find information about a family line. We will learn to do a reasonably exhaustive search and develop research plans. The focus will shift depending on the needs of the group. Several experienced researchers have volunteered to help. Beginners and intermediate researchers are encouraged to submit problems to work on. For more information contact Katie Daly at GPS@gfo.org.
Italian Interest Group noon – 2pm
Ciao to everyone interested in Italian genealogy research. This is a great opportunity to learn, share, and enjoy others with a common interest. Italian genealogy research in the Portland area now has a home. Come join our group. Facilitated by Keith Pyeatt.
GenTalk – Parking Forum 2 – 4pm
GFO’s parking situation got you down? You’re not alone! As the situation is evolving a little every day, we’re calling all interested members to attend this GenTalk. Learn what the board is doing, get the most up-to-date information, discuss parking alternatives, and brainstorm ideas for additional things that might be done. So bring your frustrations and solutions and we’ll all put on our thinking caps to work together to explore our options.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19th
Library Work Party 9am – Noon
There’s another work party at the GFO library today for those of you who can come. There’s lots to do and we’d love to have your help. Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so and you’re welcome to do the same. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there.
Beginner DNA 1 – 3pm
Are you using a spreadsheet for your DNA tests? Are you not comfortable with using a spreadsheet? Then this presentation is for you. SIG leader Emily Aulicino (aulicino@hevanet.com) will explain how to download your matches list and the matching segments list from Family Tree DNA into a spreadsheet. Please download the presentation notes and the evaluation then bring both to class. The evaluation will be completed after the session and submitted for the instructor’s self-improvement. The handouts can be can be found here and here and here. The evaluation form can be can be found here.