Yakima Valley Genealogical Society Fall Mini Seminar
Author Archives: Charles Hansen
Puget Sound Genealogical Society “No OMPH? No Problem!”
Our monthly PSGS Program this month will be “No OMPF? No Problem!” with Sara Cochran.
Join us on Wed, Nov 19 at 1pm (PT).
This will be hybrid. Join us in person at the Sylvan Way Library or on Zoom. No cost and open to the public. The Zoom link will be posted the day before on our website (psgsociety.org) and our Facebook page.
Researching 20th Century veterans is especially difficult as a fire destroyed millions of Official Military Personnel Files in 1973. This program will look at other ways to find the stories of the WWI and WWII veterans in our families.
Heritage Quest Research Library November Happenings 2025
| November Happenings |
| Final Class of 2025 Thursday, November 6 Inspiring the Next Generation of Genealogists (Classroom & Zoom) 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Members $20/ Non-members $25 Presenter: Sue Schlichting, professional Genealogist and webmaster of Pursuing your Past.com Who’s going to take over the family history quest when you’re no longer able? Getting young people interested in their family history is important work. Learn creative ways to get youth involved in their own history search. |
| Sue Schlichting is a native Nebraskan who has over 30 years of research experience. She has expertise in Midwestern research with an emphasis in German and Swedish records and working with youth. Sue got her start in genealogy as a 4-H member. She enjoys sharing her passion for family history with young people through interactive experiences and tours. The “Family History Detective Roadtrip” was a popular workshop shared with teens across Kansas. |  |
| Sign-up and Payment: ZOOM Go to hqrl.com and go to HQRL Store (sign-in as member to get discount) In Person (8 only) Call HQRL – 253 863 1806 Or come to the library 2102 E Main St., Suite 105 Puyallup WA 98372 |
| !!!! IMPORTANT NOTICE !!!! Washington State has expanded its retail sales tax to include in-person classes, seminars, workshops, and other “live presentations”. This means HQRL classes will cost a bit more in 2026. |
 Can’t find fime to do genealogy research during our regular open days – Monday through Saturday? Then here is something just for you! Heritage Quest Research Library will be open Sunday, November 9 10 am – 4 pm Experienced volunteers will be on hand in a friendly, stress-free atmosphere to Answer your questions Help you get your family history organized or back on track Work with you to solve those difficult research challenges Share common interests or storiesLooking forward to seeing on Sunday, November 9 ** It is always helpful to make a research plan before starting to get the most from your efforts. |
 Donate a Treasure! Support the Heritage Quest Research Library Holiday Fundraiser. Heritage Quest Research Library is gearing up for our Holiday Bazaar December 1 through December 15, 2025, to raise vital funds for our non-profit genealogy resources, services and community classes. To make this event a success, we are seeking donation of items to be offered for our holiday fundraiser. What We Are Seeking: Handmade crafts & creations Vintage items Holiday decor or collector’s items Fun & unique items for holiday gift giving What you need to know: We will be accepting items beginning November 1 through November 29. A box and instructions will be placed at the reception desk to receive donations each day. Items should be self-priced. However, we reserve the right to adjust prices and reject any items for donation. Unsold items are to be picked up by the donor by December 20. Unsold items will be donated to senior facilities. How Your Donation Helps: HQRL is an all-volunteer library dedicated to helping people in the community and beyond discover and preserve their family history. Your contribution ensures we can provide genealogy databases, offer personal assistance to help others discover their family story, maintain our extensive collection of books and resources, and keep our doors open. Please contact Terry Vaughan at tvaughan4775@outlook.com if you have any questions. Bring your donation to the library between the hours of 10 am-4 pm, Monday through Saturday NOVEMBER 1 – NOVEMBER 29. Thank you for helping us preserve the past for future generations! Sincerely, The HQRL Team November Bookstore Specials (These Books 50% Off)Unofficial Guide to Ancestry.com How to Find Your Family History on the #1 Genealogy Website By Nancy Hendrickson $16.50/Now $8.25 Master the world’s #1 genealogy website Discover the secrets to Ancestry.com success! This book shows you how to find answers to your genealogy questions within its billions of records and millions of AncestryDNA profiles. A section on AncestryDNA will also help you understand and analyze your DNA test results. The Beginners Guide to Using Tax Lists By Cornelius Carroll $17.25/Now $8.62 A primer for using historical tax records in genealogical research This book provides a guide on how to interpret various types of colonial and early American tax lists to help trace family histories. It explains the differences between tax lists, tithables, quit rents, and other colonial records, and details the laws governing them. Because tax lists place individuals in a specific place at a particular time, they can help trace migration routes. The Ultimate Search Book Worldwide Adoption, Genealogy & Other Search Secrets 2015 Edition By Lori Carangelo $16.75/Now $8.37 A wealth of hard-to-find data. You will learn 1. How search experts get past the wall of secrecy and roadblocks to their loved ones, 2. How, in the case of adoptees, they find someone without a prior knowledge of the name, and, 3. The trade secrets of both professional investigators and amateur sleuths for legally circumventing roadblocks to accessing information. |
Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week War of 1812 Records Available Now
TIP OF THE WEEK –
MORE WAR OF 1812 PENSION FILES AVAILABLE NOW
The National Archives has added more records to its pension collection for the War of 1812 (National Archives Identifier 564415). Files for veterans and widows from the surnames A — Laughlin are now available online.
Before 1871, Veterans could only qualify for a pension if they could prove that a war injury prevented them from earning a living. For widows, they had to prove they had married the solider before the end of the war in 1815. After 1871, all veterans and widows could apply provided the solider had served for at least 60 days. After 1878 benefits were further extended to include veterans, widows and their children if the soldier served at least 14 days. Those who served the war effort in capacities other than soldier were also made eligible.
Pension files area wealth of genealogical information, often containing testimony of a comrades and family Bible records.
As with any collection, be sure to check back often for when more records are added.
Seattle Genealogical Society November 2025
 TOUR TO EXPLORE THE GENEALOGY DEPARTMENT OF THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Thursday, Nov. 13, 10:30 a.m.Tour of the Genealogy Department at the Seattle Public Library (with optional research time in the Seattle Room) Join SGS on Thursday, Nov. 13, at Seattle Public Library’s Central branch for a tour of the Genealogy Department and an optional opportunity to research in the library’s Seattle Room. SPL genealogical librarian and SGS Board member Mahina Oshie, will guide the tour through SPL’s Genealogy Collection and provide an overview of their resources. SGS and SPL have a long history of collaboration starting 102 years ago. The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Seattle Room Collection comprises over 50,000 items documenting and exploring the culture and history of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. The room is open to researchers by appointment only. This tour will have access for 10 researchers in the afternoon. Attendees wishing to research in the Seattle Room should indicate their interest when registering for the tour and have a pre-planned research focus. Those who do not get a reserved research space in the afternoon (if demand exceeds 10 people) will be given guidance to arrange for a return visit. The tour begins at 10:30 a.m. at the library, afterward there will be an optional lunch gathering at a nearby food court (a two-block walk). Pre-registration required. $20 nonmembers ($15 for SGS members). Library tour limited to 20 people. Researching in the Seattle Room is limited to 10 people (places allocated on first come, first served basis). Join the Tour photo courtesy Sylvia Yang / Unsplash  Second Saturday: Nov. 8, NoonJoin Dr. Janet Few for an exploration of historical occupations—especially those of women—both paid and unpaid. From lacemaking and straw plaiting to other female-dominated roles, she’ll discuss working conditions, tools, and hazards. Though examples are drawn from England, the insights apply broadly to researching women’s work in the past. Note: This presentation will begin one hour earlier than usual to accommodate Dr. Janet Few, who will be joining us from England. Dr. Janet Few earned her Ph.D. in Community History and is an experienced family, social and community historian. She has written several books of interest to genealogists and contributes to family history journals. Janet is currently serving as the president of the Family History Federation. She is heavily involved in the work of family history societies and was awarded the Society of Genealogists certificate of recognition in 2020 for her work. Sign Up Today!NEXT MONTH’S SECOND SATURDAY: “Cataloging Digital Images,” presented by Nancy Loe. Sign up separately for this event held Dec. 13. photo of women making lace in Ireland, courtesy Library of Congress FAMILY STORIES COME TO LIFE THROUGH PRESENTATIONS Virtual Sunday: November 16, 1 p.m. Have you ever worried that your family members won’t read your written family history? Giving a presentation can be captivating way to share your research with relatives and gain support of those who can help you! Join SGS President and family historian, Kathy Weber, Sunday, Nov. 16, as she shares how she transformed her Irish family history research into an engaging presentation for her relatives during a trip to Ireland. She will outline her approach — structuring the talk, incorporating findings, and share their reactions.Register Here ANNOUNCING 2025 SGS VOLUNTEER OF SUMMER QUARTER Molly Tarlofsky, SGS Eastern European SIG Leader and Volunteer The Board of Directors is delighted to recognize Molly Tarlofsky as Volunteer of the Quarter. Tarlofsky joined SGS in late 2024 and has been quick to make an impact. When asked how she got involved so early in her membership, her dynamism was evident. Tarlofsky shared that Eastern European research is a passion for her, and she wasn’t seeing a lot of genealogical discussion happening locally. Upon joining SGS, Tarlofsky became aware of vacancies for a number of special interest groups (SIGs). She wasn’t sure exactly what successful SIG leadership required, but rather than wait on the sidelines, Tarlofsky took the opportunity to head up the Eastern European SIG. She also volunteers with the SGS publicity team and recently joined her first field trip to MOHAI.  Molly Tarlofsky Tarlofsky shared her enthusiasm for SGS, its people and work. Her tip – especially to those who may be new to genealogy or the Society, or those who have not yet gotten actively involved: “You don’t need to be a pro. It’s an amazingly accomplished group with experts who are welcoming and helpful regardless of your experience. And if you look, you’ll definitely find someone who shares your interests.”A self-described learner who truly enjoys digging into problems, Tarlofsky started to look into her ancestors in elementary school, but realized how little immediate family members knew and also how much of Eastern European life had been left behind. Finding time on her hands during the pandemic, she became more seriously involved in her personal genealogical research, reaching out to distant cousins and recognizing how helpful a hands-on approach can be. Tarlofsky lives in West Seattle with her husband and dog. She relocated to the area about 10 years ago from the East Coast and, not surprisingly, has enjoyed finding new places to explore around the Northwest. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with SGS. WELCOME OUR NEW VOLUNTEER CHAIR: SCOTT LAING  Scott Laing Scott Laing was appointed by the SGS Board to serve as our new Volunteer Chair. Laing has been involved in genealogical research for the past few years and is looking forward to getting more involved with our Society’s activities and connecting with the members. He plans to attend our Beginning Genealogy series to improve his research methodology. His research has led to active participation in the Seattle Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.Outside of family history work, Laing has had a long career in market research, working for startups as well as larger firms. He has participated as an elected officer on several boards in the Puget Sound Community. He is looking forward to using his skills of strategic planning, program development and effective communications in coordinating our volunteer program. As a lover of travel and food, Laing is looking forward to combining those interests with his genealogical discoveries. BEHIND THE BOOKS: A CONVERSATION WITH SGS AUTHORS Join us Wednesday, Dec. 10 for an evening of stories, discoveries, and inspiration. Three SGS authors, Susan McKee, Jill Morelli and Carolyn Schott will share their research adventures, writing choices, and creative sparks that shaped their books. Susan McKee (An Irish Life: Selected Poems of William Thomas Brennan) Jill Morelli (Journeys of the Forgotten: The Orphans of Hamilton County, Iowa) Carolyn Schott (Visiting Your Ancestral Town: Walk in the Footsteps of Your Ancestors) Enjoy refreshments, conversation, and time to connect with fellow researchers and writers. This event will be held in-person at the SGS Library, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. Questions? Contact education@seagensoc.org JOIN THE NEW TRANSCRIPTION GROUP Do you want to improve your transcription skills? A new special interest group is forming to help you do just that. The group’s focus will be on transcribing and tagging historical documents, rotating through various federal, state, and local records. The first project will focus on Revolutionary War Pension Records, one of the National Archives’ largest Citizen Archivist missions. Come learn more about the group and ask questions at the meeting on Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. The group will meet the third Wednesday of each month at the SGS Library. Help shape this new SIG. Contact Betsey Cotter at cotterbetsey@gmail.com to sign up and ask questions SAVE THE DATE: HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE SGS LIBRARY Saturday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m. Join us for our annual in-person holiday celebration in the SGS library at the Good Shepherd Center. This year’s celebration will be Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SGS Library. Bring cookies to share and celebrate the close of the holiday season.SGS LIBRARY NEWS Adopt a Book at the Surplus Book Sale The library has a number of surplus books that are looking for new homes. Come to the SGS Library to peruse the books and name your price. This is a first come-first served opportunity to provide a new home to one of these surplus books. Lots to Do at Wednesday Evening HoursThe Library is open the third Wednesday of the month from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Collaborate with SGS members, join the new Transcription SIG which meets in the library during evening hours, peruse the book and map collection or use the Library’s subscription websites — Ancestry, Newspapers.com, Fold 3, Archion, ArkivDigital, FindMyPast or Historygeo. While in the Library, you can also use FamilySearch to images on some of FamilySearch’s locked records. The Library’s Wednesday evening hours will continue through June 2026. Learn More From a Library TourInterested in learning more about SGS Research Library? Contact the Director of Library (library@seagensoc.org) to schedule a tour. HELP SPL PATRONS RESEARCH THEIR FAMILIES Members Sought for SGS-SPL Pilot ProjectThe SGS Board and the Seattle Public Library have agreed to a pilot project bringing genealogy volunteers to branch libraries. This not only shares our genealogy skills with the public who visit their neighborhood library but also introduces more people to SGS and our Special Interest Groups, classes and Library resources. We need 10-15 volunteers to sit in one of three SPL branch libraries and answer genealogy questions from library patrons. SGS members will work in teams of two people on specific weekday afternoons. You should have at least intermediate level research skills. Training will be provide by SPL staff. Email splvolunteers@seagensoc.org. SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658 Hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ** 10:00 a.m .- 3:00 p.m. ** Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links, registration, or for last minute updates or changes to the schedule. Be advised you may need to register in advance to join a meeting. All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email SGSFamilySearchSIG@seagensoc.org to join the mailing list. NOTE: New starting time! Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join. NOTE: Change of time, this month only. Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Organizing for Genealogy SIG, Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey. Contact Susan McKee at sgsOrganizingsig@seagensoc.org to join. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday, Nov. 8,2025, noon-1:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Women at Work” Presented by Dr. Janet Few. Register here. NOTE: Change of time, this month only. Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., MAC Computer SIG, Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings address topics and resources for Macintosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software program. A link to login will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. If you would like to join, send an email to macusersig@seagensoc.org to be added to the email list. Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. Share information and discuss Irish ancestral research. View SGS calendar for details on joining this group. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025,1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Register on the SGS website. Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm, Virtual Sunday: Bringing Family History to Life through Presentations (Virtual), Join SGS President Kathy Weber as she helps you find ways to share your research with relatives. Register here. Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Transcription SIG, Join this group will be on transcribing and tagging historical documents. To join or learn more, contact Betsey Cotter, at cotterbetsey@gmail.com. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Sheyna Watkins at sgsWriteItUpSIG@seagensoc.org. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., SGS Quarterly Program Planning (Virtual), be a part of SGS’s strategic planning effort, collaborate with the leaders of our education programs (e.g., SIGs, field trips, classes, seminars, discussion groups). Register here. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m. Family Tree Maker SIG, Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Organizing for Genealogy SIG, Share information and discuss organization tips, techniques, and habits to enhance your genealogical journey. Contact Susan McKee at sgsOrganizingsig@seagensoc.org to join. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Genealogy SIG (Virtual), explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and genealogical research Email SGSAISIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email SGSFamilySearchSIG@seagensoc.org to join the mailing list. NOTE: New starting time! Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright and Craig Gowens. To participate you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at sgsdnasig@seagensoc.org to join. Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. See SGS Calendar for more information. Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., SGS Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved. Members must sign in to website to see Zoom link. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Tech Tuesday (Virtual), informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. Bring us your problem; we’ll try to help. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Ancestry Users SIG (Virtual), The Ancestry Users Special Interest Group is for people who use Ancestry.com (and AncestryDNA) to research their family histories. Email SGSAncestrySIG@seagensoc.org. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Behind the Books: A Conversation with SGS Authors (in person), Join us for an evening of stories, discoveries, and inspiration as SGS authors Susan McKee, Jill Morelli and Carolyn Schott share their research adventures, writing choices, and creative sparks that shaped their books. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Publishing SIG, Participate in writing and publishing the SGS Journal twice a year. Email SGSPubSIG@seagensoc.org. Saturday, Nov. 8,2025, 1:00 p.m-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Cataloging Digital Images” Presented by Nancy Loe. Register here. OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND Fiske Library Classes, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Nov. 5: What the Law Put Asunder: Divorce in America with Sara Cochran Nov. 12: Point of Origin: How to Find Your Ancestral Village with Lisa Vogele Nov. 19: What’s New in Genetic Genealogy with Karin Borgerson Learn more and register “Transcribing My Father-in-law’s Journals,” presented by Helen Edwards Olympia Genealogical Society Thursday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. (virtual) Helen Edward’s first book, “Dutchy’s Diaries,” is a transcription of journals her father-in-law kept daily up to 1929, providing a compelling first-person perspective on life as a young naval officer and offering valuable insights into naval operations of that era. Learn more and register. “Translating and Transcribing Documents for Jewish Genealogical Research Using AI,” presented by Thomas MacEntee Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State Monday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m. (virtual) Learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating and transcribing a variety of records used for Jewish genealogical research. Learn more and register. Join SGS Today * to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button. DONATE TO SGS Your donations represent a significant part of the SGS budget. Your continued generosity helps us increase our financial security and expand our services for everyone. We make it easy for you to contribute appreciated stock from your portfolio. Perhaps you’d like a tax write-off before year end? We have a brokerage account established and ready to receive your donation from any firm. For details, write treasurer@seagensoc.org. For questions about our needs and our vision, write president@seagensoc.org. | |
| November 1, 2025 SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews! forward this email to a friend | |
Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society The Challenge of WWII Military Research
The Challenge of World War II Military Research and Records
For many of us, the story of a World War II veteran— whether a parent, a grandparent, an uncle, or an aunt—is a significant and moving chapter in our family history. But the search for details can often be frustrating and discouraging. We know they served, but finding the records that bring their story to life can feel like searching for a needle in a historical haystack.
The biggest roadblock is the catastrophic fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO, in 1973, which destroyed millions of Official Military Personnel Files. By necessity, genealogists have learned to search other ways to reconstruct their ancestor’s records. Some other sources include; Draft Registrations, Morning Reports, Submarine War Patrol Reports, and Missing Air Crew Reports.
On Friday, November 21st at 10:00, Michael L. Strauss will be presenting, via Zoom, World War II Military Research and Records. This lecture focuses on sources and strategies to reconstruct those records most affected by the fire.
Michael L. Strauss is a professional genealogist and a military historian. He has a B.A. in history with a concentration on the Civil War and an M.A. in military history. He has lectured extensively and authored multiple publications.
You are invited to join us! No membership necessary. Go to the BIGS website to register and receive the Zoom link: bigenealogy.org/events.
Eastside Genealogical Society DAR and SAR Explained Researching your Revolutionary War Ancestor
Networking and announcements at 6:30 pm Pacific; program at 7:00 pm
Via Zoom—https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82046663133
Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society Women in the Army in WWII
South King County Genealogical Society November 2025
November to Early December 2025 with South King County Genealogical Society
Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io
Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:
- we communicate and share information with each other
- other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
- you can unsubscribe at any time
PROGRAM UPDATES
- All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at the Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland Libraries
- Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
- Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.
NOVEMBER – EARLY DECEMBER 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS
Saturday 1 November, 10–2am: Family Tree Maker Users Group (Online). Topic: Question & Answer.
Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG
Tuesday 4 November, 6:30pm: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). All SKCGS Members are invited; write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.
Friday 7 November, 12:30–2:30pm: German Interest Group (Online, EGS).
Topic: Civil Marriage in Germany in the 19th Century.
Presenter Roland Geiger discusses civil marriages in Germany using examples to illustrate the content of the records and the information that can be gleaned from them. Register: https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/meetings
Monday 10 November,⋅1–2pm: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online).
Topic: Analyzing Your DNA Matches when the Site Tools Aren’t Helping. Let’s share tactics and ideas.
Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy
Wednesday 12 November, 2–3pm: WikiTree User Group (Online).
Topic: How to Add Categories to profiles & Why You Want to. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth.
Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.
Thursday 13 November,11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (In-person). No registration required.
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 2801 NE 10th Street, Renton WA
Saturday 15 November,10am: SKCGS Speaker Series (Online). 9:30am– 10am: Social time;sign in early to chat. 10am: Featured speaker presentation: Mags Gaulden presents “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org“
Mags co-leads the DNA integrators team at WikiTree, a collaborative global family tree. Working to improve DNA functionality on WikiTree and integrations with outside sites, she has helped to make WikiTree and its DNA features accessible and available to all collaborative genealogists.
As a sought-after international speaker and workshop coordinator, Mags continues to share her expertise on various topics related to genetic genealogy and family history research. Her talks are known for their easy flow of technical terminology and knowledge, combined with a down-home, relaxed, humorous style that connects with audiences.
She is a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, among other organizations. Her passion for family history and her expertise in genetics and genealogy have helped many people uncover their family histories and connect with their roots.
Mags Gaulden is a genetic genealogist based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She has dedicated decades to researching family histories and exploring the role of genetics in genealogy. Born and raised in the United States, Mags developed an early interest in family history and genealogy. She started researching her family tree, which led her to discover the power of genetic testing in genealogy.
Mags is the founder of Grandma’s Genes in Ottawa and mitoYDNA.org, a free and accessible Y and mitochondrial DNA database for the genealogy community. The non-profit organization is a 501(c) 3 based in Maryland.
Monday 17 November, 1–2pm: Tech Users Group (Online).
Topic: How to add & use browser extensions for genealogy.
Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG
Thursday 20 November, 11am–1pm: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (In-person). No registration required.
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA.
Thursday 20 November, 2–4pm. Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Main Library (In-person). No registration required.
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer: 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA
Monday 24 November, 1–2pm: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics.
We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Tuesday 2 December, 6:30pm (Online) SKCGS Board Meeting if necessary. All SKCGS Members are invited; write to Board@skcgs.org for the Zoom link.
Friday 5 December, 12:30–2:30: German Interest Group (Online, EGS). Anette Isaacs presents “Frohe Weihnachten: Unwrapping the Charms of German Christmas Traditions.” Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Christmas customs and holiday treats.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DpxnmOaKRpuxVYX0I8UHzw. More at https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/
Saturday 6 December, 10am–noon, Family Tree Maker User Group (Online).
Topic: Question & Answer.
Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG
Monday 8 December, 1–2pm, Genetic Genealogy / DNA Interest Group (Online).
Topic: Ancestry’s Custom Clusters. See
Introducing Custom Clusters: A Smarter Way to Find “Matches That Matter & Struggles with Smithville
Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy
Wednesday 10 December,⋅2–3:pm: WikiTree User Group (Online).
Topic: Wikitree Projects, taking Collaboration to the Next Level. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Projects.
Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth.
Subscribe to our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG
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SKCGS Speaker Series: Monthly on the third Saturday, 10am. Featured speakers:
- November 15, 2025: Mags Gaulden: “WikiTree’s DNA Features, With A Splash of mitoYDNA.org”
- January 17, 2026: Mary Kircher Roddy: “Putting Your Learning to Work: Getting the Most From an Educational Opportunity”
- February 21, 2026: Robyn N. Smith: “Cluster Research: Using Other People to Find Your People”
- March 21, 2026: Winona Laird: “Publish Your Story using AI and Kindle Direct Publishing”
- April 18, 2026: Robbie Johnson: “Writing for Relatives 101-–From Research to Family History”
- May 16, 2026 Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal: “Research at the library…without leaving home!”
- 20 June 2026: Steven Morrison “Digging Up New Dirt: Part 1 Unearthing the Real New England Immigrant” AND Part 2 “Finding, Proving and Publishing”
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SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting November 2025
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, starting at 6:00 pm
We will begin with our annual Business meeting to elect Officers for the 2026-2027 term and vote on a motion from the Board regarding a donation to the Veteran Bounty Land Records Capital Campaign led by the National Genealogical Society.
This month’s presentation: After the business meeting is concluded we will have a presentation by Nancy Thaut talking about her trips to the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake city and how to prepare before your first visit.
This meeting will be hybrid and we encourage everyone who is able to attend in person at our new meeting location:
University Place Library
3609 Market PL W.
University Place, WA 98466
and via Zoom for those unable to attend in person.
Attend virtually via Zoom:
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZIqduGpqjgsHtBNs9zc8CGna6R-KHlcz5so/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGuqToiG9CWth2DRpwAB4j4WevwiHZdgrd_sgy8GSMLQST4N7Rwf5lXHNvK
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86718143644?pwd=S0FjYU5acVVKbDEyamdXWWZVekFjdz09
Meeting ID: 867 1814 3644
Passcode: 630507
One tap mobile
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+12532158782,,86718143644#,,,,*630507# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 867 1814 3644
Passcode: 630507
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcFbCNTY39