Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

FIRST SNOWFALL OF THE DECADE

Welcome to 2020! Seattle has already had its first snowfall of the decade. Here’s a reminder that while normal operating hours for the SGS Library are Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, during times of inclement weather the SGS Library may be closed. During icy, snowy, excessively windy or stormy weather, call in first to make sure we are open. Our phone# is 206 522-8658.     CALLING FOR INTERESTED CANDIDATES 
FOR SGS ELECTION 2020-2021
As we move toward the upcoming SGS election in April 2020, we are seeking candidates for SGS officer and director positions. SGS is a member-driven and volunteer-run organization. We could not succeed without the support of our members and welcome anyone interested to let us know of your interest in any of these positions:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Director of Education
  • Director of Library
  • Director of Membership
  • Director of Operations
  • Director of Publications
  • Director of Volunteers
  • Director of Technology
  • Director of Social Media
  • Nominating Committee (six positions, for 2021-2022 election)

Short descriptions of the duties associated with these positions can be found on the SGS website at: https://seagensoc.org/cpage.php?pt=93

New officers and directors will assume their offices in early June 2020. If you have questions regarding these positions, the outgoing directors of these offices are more than willing to discuss the position responsibilities. The new Nominating Committee members (also voted on by the membership) will not start their work until Fall 2020 in preparation for the 2021-2022 elections. 

If you have any questions or are interested in any of these positions. please email nominations@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org or call the main SGS phone# 206 522-8658 and leave a message.

HOW YOU CAN HELP THE CITY OF SEATTLE 
DOCUMENT AND DECODE HISTORY 
Thanks to Dick Eastman for staying abreast of all things genealogy including this project in Seattle that needs your help. 

In his January 8, 2020, newsletter Dick reported that Seattle Municipal Archives department needs some help and he cited a story by Ellen Meny on the King5 News website as his source. It says:  

“Seattle is rich with history- and the archivists at the Seattle Municipal Archives keep it all safe and accounted for. But as dedicated as they are, this time, they need some help. 

Part of the job as an archivist is transcribing old documents, both printed and written. Usually, the archivists use transcription software that makes it easy for them to decode handwriting or decipher old printing. However, sometimes the software gets hung-up on handwriting, which can be messy or hard to read. That’s where you come in.”

This is a job you will do online from the comfort of your home. If you are interested in helping out, read the full story at : http://bit.ly/39QSi4s  “The Price of Love:
American Women, the Cable Act and Lost Citizenship” 
February 8, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Lisa Oberg kicks off Seattle Genealogical Society’s lecture and workshop series: Women’s Suffrage in your Family History with this lecture you won’t want to miss it. 


American women proselytized and protested for more than 70 years to finally win the right to vote. And yet, the victory wasn’t complete with the ratification of the 19th amendment in 1920. In this session, Lisa explores the rights of women from the founding of America’s colonies to the turmoil of the suffrage era in the 20th century and beyond. She will delve into various laws that have affected the rights of your female ancestors.   SAVE THE DATE
Spring 2020 SGS Seminar 
with Fritz Juengling,
Fairview Christian School,
844 NE 78th St,
Seattle, WA
Saturday, May 16, 2020   Mr Juengling is the German, Dutch and Scandinavian Research Specialist at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. SGS is happy to have Fritz as the presenter for our spring seminar.  

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 18, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish  SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, January 18, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German  SIG, with Jean Roth

Saturday, January 25, 10:00am-12:30pm, DNA SIG, Meets quarterly in the fellowship hall of Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle. Come early for the Beginner Session 9:30-10:00am. Co-chairs Cary Bright & Herb McDaniel. An annual $5 contribution is collected at the door to fund rental of the space.   

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 8, 10:15 am-12:15 pm, FamilySearch  SIG, with leader Lou Daly, discover the many ways to use Family Tree & FamilySearch.org. Each meeting will feature an aspect of the FamilySearch website.  There will be time for Q&A.  

Saturday, February 8,  1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Second Saturday Series: “The Price of Love: American Women, the Cable Act and Lost Citizenship” – presenter will be Lisa Oberg. American women proselytized and protested for more than 70 years to finally win the right to vote. And yet, the victory wasn’t complete with the ratification of the 19th amendment in 1920. Come learn more. 

Saturday, February 15, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish  SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, February 15, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German  SIG, with Jean Roth 


Not a SGS member yet? Join now for $60

During January 1st through March 31st, 2020, new members may join the Seattle Genealogical Society with a membership that extends through May 31, 2021. Dues are $60 individual, or $75 dual (two people in the same household). That’s nearly a year and a half of free research requests, discounted class and event registration fees, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Read more…
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