Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, starting at 6:00 pm
Remedies for Copy & Paste Genealogy, Speaker Cyndi Ingle Family trees and the information they contain are easily copied and re-published by others online. This means errors are duplicated many times over. We will discuss solutions for dealing with these issues.
Cyndi Ingle is the owner and webmaster of Cyndi’s List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet, a categorized index to more than 337, 000 on-line resources. A genealogist for more than 40 years, she is an active member of several genealogical societies. Guest lecturer for genealogical society meetings and seminars. (http://www.cyndislist.com/speaking-calendar) Author of three books for genealogical research on the Internet.
Our meetings are held monthly except for July and August starting at 6:00 PM, Zoom comes live about 6:15 PM.
Attend in person at:
Parkland/Spanaway Branch of Pierce County Library
13718 Pacific Ave S.
Tacoma, WA 98444
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.
Please join us for Tri-City Genealogical Society’s February General meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14. The presentation will be at the Richland FamilySearch Center located at 1314A Goethals Dr. Entrance is down the ramp from the parking lot that is to the north of Dairy Queen. The presentation will also be on Zoom so you can join in from the comfort of your own home. See below for the Zoom link.
February’s presentation will be by TCGS member Veronica Anguiano and will be a preview of RootsTech 2024. RootsTech begins on February 29 and continues through March 2 and will be both in person and online. Free registration gives online access to 200+ online sessions, keynote sessions, syllabi and handouts and the opportunity to chat online with other attendees. Veronica will be presenting tips on what presentations will be available and how to access these presentations along with archived presentations from previous years.
At the May 2024 General Membership Meeting, SKCGS will hold its annual election for the positions of Vice President and Secretary. Please send nominations to nominating-committee@skcgs.org.
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PROGRAM UPDATES
In-person Genealogy Help expanded to Federal Way Library
All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at the Auburn and Federal Way 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 or use links below. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.
FEBRUARY – EARLY MARCH 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS
Friday, February 2, 2024 ⋅ 10:30-12:30pm PT (time change) EGS German Interest Group (online) Topic: Practical Advice for Family Research in Pomerania presented by Dr. Klaus-D. Kohrt Learn how to find where your ancestors lived, which records have survived and where to find them both in archives and online.
This seminar will cover the tools provided via the website of the Pommerscher Greif and how they will lead you to sources in various archives and demonstrate what and where to find on the internet or how to contact organizations holding the original records. The focus of the presentation will be on (Protestant) church books and civil registers and explain the organizational structures of the Protestant church and the civil administration in Pomerania until 1945. For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/
Saturday, February 3, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT Family Tree Maker Users Group (online) Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM. Register in advance for this Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsdu6uqzgiGdDn7eCsOAgkvdOXktX127sz After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG
Monday, February 5, 2024, 11:00am PT Beginning Genealogy Class: Military Records (online) More details at https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes/bgc Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 6:30pm PT SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online) All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.
Monday, February 12, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online) Topic: Strategies For Using the Smaller Databases: 23andMe, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, LivingDNA
If there is time we can also discuss the upload-only sites such as Gedmatch, Geneanet, Geni. Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIucuCvqTsqHNcN7wBEC0fB_3-TRYD1rZLm After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy Friday, February 16, 2024, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Research Workshop (in-person) For SKCGS members Kent FamilySearch Center 12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA Seating is limited RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.orgSaturday, February 17, 2024, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program (online) SKCGS General Membership Meeting (Online) Christine Cohen presents “Grand Army of the Republic – Researching Your Civil War Veterans” Do you have a Union Civil War Veteran? Did you know that in 1890 there were over 400,000 Veterans who belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R), including members of the USCT? This organization existed from 1866 to 1956. It generated records noting Civil War service, birth, marriage, death, residences, occupations, detailed biographies and even photographs. Christine will show where and how to find these hidden gems.
Christine Cohen is a 21-year member of the Whittier Area Genealogical Society (WAGS), and currently the Program Director of WAGS. She is a member of the El Redondo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, The Society of Daughters of Holland Dames, and the Association of Professional Genealogists. Her interest in genealogy began in 1977 with the airing of the TV mini-series “Roots”. A native Californian, she is a graduate of UCLA, and recently retired to pursue genealogical education full time. The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome! Register at https://www.skcgs.org
Monday, February 19, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Technical User Group (online) Topic: Preparing for RootsTech Registration, your profile, how to communicate with cousins, and more. Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAucuigqj4uH92bWWD2uycX9Z1uSsRLY4K6 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for meeting invitations and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG Wednesday, February 21, 2024 ⋅ 6:30pm – 7:30pm PT
Genealogy with SKCGS and KCLS (online) County Histories
Join professional genealogist, Winona Laird, from South King County Genealogical Society for a series of programs to help you along on your genealogical journey. King County Library will email a Zoom link no later than 24 hours before the program start time. If you do not see an email, check your Junk or Spam folder. If you need assistance, please contact Jennifer at jwooten@kcls.org. Register at KCLS: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/65565abcb036662f00807fad
Thursday, February 22, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer 1102 Auburn Way S Auburn, WA 98002 Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org
Thursday, February 22, 2024 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person) Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer 34200 1st Way S Federal Way, WA 98003 Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668
Monday, February 26, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Genealogy Chat (online) Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Register in advance for this Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUud-uqpzoiGtEMxlqDBQ_fUeS8oZjScF71 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for meeting invitations and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society
Friday, March 1, 2024 ⋅ 10:30-12:30pm PT (time change) EGS German Interest Group (online) Co-hosted by EGS German Interest Group and Ahnenforscher Stammtisch Unna: “Working with Marginal Notes on German Civil Records” by Ursula C. Krause in Germany The program will be in the English language. Visitors welcome and more information at https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com
Saturday, March 2, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT Family Tree Maker Users Group (online) Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM. Register in advance for this Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsdu6uqzgiGdDn7eCsOAgkvdOXktX127sz After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG
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MEMBERSHIP: We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. Regarding our programs, even if and when we can meet again in person, we will continue with some virtual programs. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.
You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.
TIP OF THE WEEK – NEW CONTENT ON FOLD3 During the Civil War, many benevolent and philanthropic groups ran homes where disabled soldiers could live and receive care on a short-term basis. In 1865, Congress approved the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. Later, the name was changed to the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers.
Fold3 recently added records for soldiers who resided in these homes covering 1866-1938. The collection contains records for twelve National Homes where disabled soldiers and sailors could live following the Civil War.
In addition to Fold3, Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com (full access), American Ancestors and Historygeo.com are available on the library’s computers. SGS is also a FamilySearch affiliate library which allows access to some locked records when logged on to the library’s Wi-Fi.
February 1, 2024
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
JOIN US AT THE SGS LIBRARY FOR SECOND SATURDAY WORKSHOP
Debbie Wilson Smyth
Come down to the SGS Library as we learn more about effective evidence analysis methods. Debbie Wilson Smyth’s live presentation will be shared on the big screen at the library. It is a great opportunity to discuss what we learn together — and checkout something you’ve been meaning to get from the Library while you are here.
Debbie Wilson Smyth holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. She is past-president of the Suncoast Genealogy Society and a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. RSVP to attend in personRSVP to attend via livestream from home
AMANDALEI BENNETT, FRONT DESK COORDINATOR, NAMED 2024 VOLUNTEER OF WINTER QUARTER
“Wow–how very nice,” was Amandalei Bennett’s reaction to the news that she has been selected by the SGS Board as this quarters Top Volunteer.
“Amandalei has made the transition from outstanding SGS Secretary to an equally outstanding Front Desk Coordinator,” observed SGS President Jim Secan. “She makes sure we have a reliable person sitting at the Library’s front desk and takes that worry off both the Library Director and the President.”
Amandalei Bennett Bennett isn’t sure what year she joined, but she had been attending events and classes, including Cary Bright’s DNA Special Interest Group. Then one January during that SIG she noticed that she could sign up for a 15-month membership and has been with SGS ever since.
When asked how long she has been volunteering, she replied: “My volunteering started fairly early by helping clean the library, rearrange books and price books for sale. I also helped at the seminars. But, my volunteering escalated when Reilly Kidd and Linda Fitzgerald, both roped me into more serious volunteering, first as a Desk Volunteer and then as the Nominating Committee Chair. I’ve been Board Secretary, election committee chair, and helped Jean Roth at Irish Day and the Highland Days. Now I’m the Library’s Desk Volunteers Coordinator, trying to fill Elizabeth’s very capable shoes.”
Sheyna Watkins, an active member and SGS eNews editor recalled getting to know Bennett through the SGS Write It Up Special Interest Group. “Amandalei’s contributions, not just to the group but to the activities of SGS in general show the depth of her knowledge and her enthusiasm for our mission. She is always engaged, faithful and thoughtful.”
What Bennett enjoys about volunteering is meeting other members and patrons — all who are equally passionate as she is about genealogy.
Bennett attends many of the events and seminars put on by SGS. These include some downtown at the Library, Volunteer Appreciation Days, last year’s Ice Cream Social and the recent Smith Family Day Open House. Bennett especially noted SGS’s 100th year celebration at Dunn Gardens: “an exceptional event from the gardens to the food to the lecture.”
When asked how she became interested in family history research Bennett said she got into genealogy determined to find out if her dad was related to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. “Since his middle name was Wadsworth, as was his mother’s. How hard can it be?”
This lead Bennett on a much longer search then she initially thought.
“Longfellow had six kids but none of them had kids, so I had to go to the National Archives during the limited time they were open on Saturdays, groping around in the dark, trying to read the microfiche there. Ten years later, I finally found out we were indeed related to Longfellow through his mother, Zilpha Wadsworth (sheese — I should have figured).”
More discoveries followed. With the Longfellow connection confirmed, Bennett was “off to the races” as she described it. Longfellow was already proven to be related to the Mayflower members, Priscilla Mullins and John Alden (he authored ‘The Courtship of Myles Standish’). And just like that Bennett had confirmed she had Mayflower ancestors.
“Most of my ancestors moved from Cape Cod to Maine and never left, so I’m heavy into New England and Colonial research. I’m lucky there are so many resources, since I’m fairly lazy about researching, but I am addicted, since I’ve found quite a number of famous ancestors. After all, if you have one Mayflower relative, you’ve probably got a fair number!”
When not focusing on genealogy, Bennett enjoys gardening, reading, traveling and art, giving thanks to her dad who was an artist, an educator and wildflower enthusiast. SGS ELECTIONS DRAW NEAR
SGS elections are coming up in April. So far the following slate of SGS members have volunteered to run for SGS officer and director positions:
At this time there is only one name per position. If you would like to volunteer to run for any of these positions, or if you know of someone who you think would be a good candidate, please contact either Jim Secan or Kathy Weber.
SAVE THE DATEOlympia Genealogical Society Seminar: “Immigration & Naturalization” by Rich Venezia (Virtual) Saturday, February 3, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Emerald Isle Express: Researching Irish Ancestors
Discovering Your Immigrant’s Origins: Exhausting Every Resource
Ship Manifests: An In-Depth Look
Naturalization Know-How: The Laws and Records of U.S. Citizenship
More information on the OGS site.Eastside Genealogy Society “Voting Records: the Best Kept Genealogical Secret” presented by Pam Vestal Thursday February 8, 2024, 7:00 pm
Looking for a date of birth or death? The date and court of naturalization? Where your ancestor disappeared to, or where he came from? His political outlook? Even what kind of house he lived in? Voting records may have the answer. More information available on the group’s page.Please sign up at least two days prior to the event.
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, usually 2nd Monday meetings usually 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Pacific Time
JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 pm unless noted otherwise. The next meeting is Feb. 12, 2024, “Help! I Got My DNA Results and I’m Confused, Part 2: Next Steps for 2024,” presented by Gil Bardige. For more information see http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php
GRIP Registration for 2024 Opens Tuesday, February 20
This year the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) offers two sessions of classes: June 23-28, 2024, on Zoom and July 14-19, 2024, in-person. Download a list of the 2024 courses.
SGS Second Saturdays: Women in Special Collections Saturday March 9, 2024, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm Zoom and in person at the SGS library
What can you find in special collections at libraries and archives? Learn more about the lives of your women ancestors by digging into special collections of diaries, letters, manuscripts, and photographic material generated by women. To view at the library, register here. To view from home online register here.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTSGood Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658Hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ** 10:00 am – 3:00 pm ** 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 notedSaturday, Feb. 3, 2024, 10:15 am-12:15 pm, FamilySearch SIG (Virtual), with Lou Daly. Discover many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email Lou to get on the email list: loudaly@nwlink.com
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 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@gmail.com to join.
Monday, Feb. 8, 2024, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, 1:00 am-2:30 pm, Second Saturday: Evidence Analysis (Virtual or at the SGS library), Effective evidence analysis requires analyzing not only the source, but also the information it contains and the evidence it provides. Join Debbie Wilson Smyth as she offers an in-depth look into the evidence analysis process.: To view at the library, register here. To view from home online register here.
Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 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.
Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm, Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Alaine Keisling at keisling@gmail.com
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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.
Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information.
Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, German SIG (Virtual), Bring your favorite German research resource to share with the group. Carolyn Schott is the facilitator. Get the new Zoom link. Register on the SGS website.
Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, “Pass It On” Writers’ Group (Social Interest Group), Create your family history and share with others in an effort to improve your writing. Please note: The Writers’ Group is at the maximum number of participants and is not currently accepting any new members.
Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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.
Saturday, Mar. 2, 2024, 10:15 am-12:15 pm, FamilySearch SIG (Virtual), with Lou Daly. Discover many ways to use the FamilySearch website in your research. Meeting includes instruction and time for Q&A. Email Lou to get on the email list: loudaly@nwlink.com
Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 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@gmail.com to join.
Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, 1:00 am-2:30 pm, Second Saturday: Women in Special Collections (Virtual or at the SGS library), Celebrate Women’s History Month with “Special Collection Repositories: Finding Women’s Stories and Voices,” presented by Janice C. Lovelace: To view at the library, register here. To view from home online register here.
February 1, 2024
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
Friday, February 16 @ 10AM On Zoom and at the Bainbridge Public Library Mary Kircher Roddy will present Recreating Your Ancestor’s World
Learn about your ancestor’s world by learning more about what was going on during their lifetimes in the places they lived. Discover where such information sources are and just how to access them.
Mary Kircher Roddy frequently lectures in Washington State as well as at conferences across the US on methodology and records. She is a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, one of the founders of the Applied Genealogy Institute, and is the co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ). She also earned a certificate in Genealogy and Family History at the University of Washington.
Mary became interested in genealogy in 2000 in anticipation of a sabbatical with her husband and children in Ireland. She was sure she would complete all her Irish BIGS Programs genealogy in a year. Two decades later, that genealogy is still a work in progress.
So, please join us on February 16 at 10AM on Zoom or in-person
Everyone Welcome! No membership necessary but registration is required.
Smarter Searching: Refining Search Parameters for Genealogists (EWGS Meetings)
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Hybrid Meeting at The Hive – 2904 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
Are you still using only the basic search options available on your favorite genealogical research sites? Do you get a lot of less-than-helpful search results? We will explore features and strategies you can use to tighten up the searches and make your online research more productive.
Smarter Searching: Refining Search Parameters for Genealogists by Cyndi Ingle (of Cyndi’s List)
We are meeting at The HIVE, 2904 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Legacy Family Tree SIG Meeting
Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm virtual via Zoom
This month’s topic is: Cleaning up your Legacy Family File.
This meeting we will be working on our Legacy Family Files so we will be backing them up, loading the sample file making changes to the sample files and showing you how to cleanup Legacy lists like the Master Location List.
If you have any suggestions for future topics, please send them in.
This is our monthly meeting to share tips & tricks, problems & solutions. Sometimes we will watch videos or share our screens to aid in learning more about using Legacy Family Tree software.
Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the learning. If you are just thinking about trying Legacy for the first time, you’ve been using it for a year or two or you are an old pro with many years of experience using Legacy this is the group for you.
We look forward to meeting with you, every month on the First Tuesday at 7:00 PM Pacific Time
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
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