Seattle Genealogical Society News

NEW MEMBERS ON THE SGS BOARD

SGS has found two new board members to fill vacancies. Sue De Laat is the new technology officer and Heidi Mair is the new volunteer coordinator.

Sue recently retired as IT manager for King County. She has 40 years of experience in the tech field.  She is a graduate of the UW Certificate in Genealogy and Family History program and is currently working toward becoming a nationally certified genealogist.

Heidi has been doing genealogy since she was 14 years old. It has been a lifelong passion. She has an extensive background in non-profits, specifically in volunteer coordination.  She, too, is a graduate of the UW Certificate in Genealogy and Family History program. She also teaches yoga.

Heidi Mair’s contact at SGS is volunteers@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org  and
Sue De Laat’s is technology@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

Welcome, ladies.  Good to have you on board.

WHAT TO THINK ABOUT
BEFORE YOU SHARE YOUR DNA

Several SGS members are recommending you read and understand these informative articles by Judy G Russell, the Legal Genealogist, before you upload your raw DNA to Prothease or any websites offering to provide reports and glean genetic health information from your DNA.

Will the genetic health Information drawn from your DNA be fun, fact, or fiction? It’s safe to say it’s probably going to be interesting and fun, but how much credence can you give it?  What does it really mean? They do tell you the report is for educational and research purposes only, and it is important to remember it is not a medical diagnosis.

You should understand the implications of sharing your DNA. Always carefully read the agreement, privacy policy, and terms and conditions. Do your homework. These articles by Judy G Russell are a good place to start.

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2017/12/10/promethease-promotion/

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2016/11/20/that-other-health-option/

THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT

In the spring of 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act passed by Congress was the first law restricting immigration. This act provided an absolute 10-year moratorium on Chinese labor immigration. In 1892, it was extended. And in 1902, made permanent.  It was not repealed until 1943.

Documents, records of individual case files, and Certificates of Residence housed in the National Archives detail the individual stories resulting from this and subsequent legislation. Very detailed stories!  On Saturday, January 13, at 1 pm, Trish Nicola of NARA will speak on this fascinating subject at our Second Saturday Speaker Series.

Come learn more about it.

SAVE THE DATE 

Family History Fanatics,
eConference,
“Finding Family Stories and Passing Them On”,
January 19th at 8:45 am Central Time. 

Speakers will be Randy Seaver, Eric Wells, Victoria Woo and Tammy Hepps. Participants will learn about how to find, preserve, and share their family stories.  Five hours of interactive instruction for the early bird price of $19.99 through January 10th, and $24.99 thereafter. More details and registration can be found at: https://www.familyhistoryfanatics.com/jan2018. Feel free to let any of your friends or family know about this eConference.

          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.

JANUARY 

Saturday, January 6, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch

Saturday, January 13, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Second Saturday Speaker Series, “Chinese Exclusion Act Files – Original Documents at NARA” will be presented by Trish Nicola

Sunday, January 14, 1:30pm – 3:00pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson; there will be a review of online cemetery sites similar to Find-a-Grave.

Saturday, January 20, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, January 20, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Saturday, January 27, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, DNA SIG, this group meets at the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle. For more information contact SGSDNASIG@gmail.com Co-chaired by Cary Bright and Herb McDaniel.

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 3, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Sunday, February 4, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, DNA Workshop, Led by Cary Bright with first hour on a specific topic, and the second hour open for sharing DNA issues with focus on GenomeMate Pro.

Saturday, February 10, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Family Tree Maker (FTM) Users Group, leaders Reiley Kidd & Betty Ravenholt, this group meets  the second Saturday of every even month, FTM is the tool long associated with Ancestry.com

Saturday, February10 , 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Second Saturday Speaker Series, “Using Academic Libraries for genealogy Research” with Lisa Oberg

Sunday, February 11, 1:30pm – 3:00pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson. Jill Morelli will give her talk “Finding your Nordic Parish of Birth” & be available for questions following the presentation.

Saturday, February 17, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, February 17, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth