Seattle Genealogical Society News

WOOHOO! 
OUR 1000th SUBSCRIBER
Recently the SGS eNews! reached a milestone – our 1000th subscriber, Peg Boyle Morgan. Peg is a new member of SGS. She is interested in learning more about her father’s Irish Boyle clan, who migrated to New Brunswick, Canada, in the early 1800’s. More urgently, she is searching for the identity of her maternal grandparents. Of SGS she says, “Thank you for being so welcoming and helpful!”.

Peg is also enthusiastically exploring the volunteer opportunities at SGS. Welcome to SGS, Peg!


SGS ANNUAL APPEAL – REMINDER
Membership dues cover less than half of the costs of maintaining the unique SGS research library, educational programs, and family history services that enrich our broader community. So, each year SGS makes an appeal to our generous members and friends for the contributions that are needed to sustain the society. Our annual appeal request went out via email on December 12th, but it bears repeating. 

SGS turned 95 on October 18th. Please make a tax-deductible contribution today to provide much-needed sustenance for SGS as we look forward to the even grander age of 100! For your convenience you may make your donation online with a credit or debit card at the link below.  Thank you in advance for your support.
Donate Now


* SECOND SATURDAY SPEAKER SERIES * 
Here’s what is coming up next quarter for the Second Saturday Speaker Series.  

Saturday, January 12, 2019, with Mary Kircher Roddy, “Ins and Outs of Indexing” – Indexes for county records are the key to finding deeds, probates and more. As FamilySearch digitizes more and more records, it’s crucial to be familiar with different indexing systems and how to use them. The same skills are necessary for onsite courthouse and archive research. Learn about 15+ indexing systems. Discover strategies to use when you can’t find the index or instructions to use it.

Saturday, February 9, 2019, with Steven Morrison, ”Using Manuscripts and Family Records for Genealogical Proof” – To some, family records, diaries, letters, and personal photographs may be seen as having little genealogical value. Nothing could be further from the truth! Explore how original information can shine new light on undiscovered facts or family relationships.  
Saturday, March 9,2019, with Lisa Oberg, “Finding Your Female Ancestors” – Come learn some helpful techniques to use when trying to track down your elusive female ancestors.  Correction to SGS Board Meeting Time
The SGS Board has changed the hours for their monthly board meeting. Generally the Board will meet on the 2nd Monday of each month from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

SAVE THE DATE
SGS JAPANESE GENEALOGY SEMINARwith Linda Harms Okazaki,
Seattle Public Library,
1000 4th Ave,
Seattle, WA,February 2-3, 2019 
Join the Seattle Genealogical Society and our partners for a weekend of learning how to research Japanese American ancestry. The program is free, but registration is required.  Registration is now open.  
Register for SGS Japanese Genealogy Seminar

To read the brochure:  Seminar Brochure

Saturday’s all-day program “Exploring Our Nikkei Genealogy” is geared toward entry level family historians who have friends or family with Japanese ancestry. A box lunch ($15.00) may be ordered in advance. Those who attend this session are invited to return Sunday afternoon, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, for “Ask a Genealogist”.

Sunday morning’s program “Japanese American Research for Genealogists”, is designed for intermediate and advanced researchers. Those who attend this session will volunteer their research skills on Sunday afternoon, helping Saturday’s registrants to get started on their family history journey by talking to an experienced researcher.

This seminar is funded through the generosity of the Heritage Grant program by 4Culture, the cultural services agency of King County.            

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. The holiday closure in December will be from December 21, 2018 through January 1, 2019. DECEMBER While there are no SIG meetings or programs scheduled for the remainder of December, the library will be open during regular hours through December 20.  
JANUARYSaturday, January 5, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly is leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Wednesday, January 9, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, MAC SIG, Sponsored by SGS and Fiske, this group meets at the Fiske Genealogical Library in Madison Park. Meetings are open to the public and will address topics and resources helpful for those using MacIntosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion program in their genealogy research. $3.00 library use fee applies.

Saturday, January 12, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, (FTM) Family Tree Users Group, Reiley Kidd & Jess Ramey co-leaders, this group will begin meeting on the 2nd Saturday of every odd month (Jan 2019, Mar 2019, May 2019). Family Tree Maker is the genealogy software long associated with Ancestry.com   

Saturday, January 12, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Second Saturday Speakers Series – “ Ins & Outs of Indexing”  with  Mary Kircher Roddy – for more info this program and the other Second Saturday Series programs coming up, see the featured article in this issue.  T