Author Archives: Charles Hansen

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Book Club

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Book Club

Saturday, September 21, 2024, starting at 4:00 pm via Zoom

Please join us as we discuss a fictional genealogical book, Least Trodden Ground by Elaine L. Orr.

More information at: 

Amazon: Least Trodden Ground

Also available in print from various used bookstores.

We will also choose future books. 

TPCGS Book Club Zoom Meeting

Every month on the Third Sat beginning at 4:00 PM Pacific Time

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUkfuCqrzgsG9RrrhNAdU65Lz86P0s92mu1/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGppzIjGNWWthiHRpwcHYr4XerzmHZdjfpvjg3tLQFXV1WjGvgaZIIvA4GC

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81999213610?pwd=Qkk2WFZTZ2Rzdzc1Z0szN1AzdEZCUT09

Meeting ID: 819 9921 3610

Passcode: 479394

One tap mobile:

+12532050468,,81999213610#,,,,*479394# US

+12532158782,,81999213610#,,,,*479394# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:

        +1 253 205 0468 US

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 819 9921 3610

Passcode: 479394

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keibNHDdyf

Italian Interest Group of the Eastside Genealogical Society Maps for Genealogy

by Charles Hansen
21-Sep-2024 Meeting
Welcome to Italian Genealogy Let’s explore the world of Italian genealogy together, one person at a time.
Maps can be incredibly valuable tools for genealogy research. They allow us to visualize our ancestors’ world, understand historical boundaries, and discover new records. Remember, maps not only provide context but also connect you to the places your ancestors called home. Happy mapping!
                          ZOOM Meeting Topic:    
Using Maps for Genealogy
When:        21-Sep-2024, Saturday
Time:         1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (PDT)
If you aren’t an active member, please request a Zoom meeting invitation.
Meeting Request
COUNTDOWN TO THE MEETING:
Days Hours Minutes Seconds
Eastside Genealogical Society
– Italian Interest Group P.O. Box 374
Bellevue, WA 98009-0374

Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society Solutions to Researching in Today’s Economy

by Charles Hansen

Morning Members and Friends!

Just a reminder of the upcoming program this Saturday, September 14th at 1:00pm. We will be be discussing ways to best fulfill our research quests in today’s rising costs for subscription and membership fees.

We all want reputable and reliable resources for our work but for some researchers that is becoming a unattainable goal. This program bring suggestions and recommendations on how to best navigate resources in genealogy and history research. Laurel Smith will be joining us from the Genealogical Forum of Oregon providing information on their online databases which you can access from home and their new database NewspaperArchive. 

Please join us! The program is free as always and guests are welcome.

Please register here:  https://gorgegen.blogspot.com/ 

See you soon!

Fiske Genealogical Library Fall 2024 Classes

by Charles Hansen

Wednesday, September 18       

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Using the Research Wiki to Start Foreign Research

Presented by Jenny Hansen

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Starting research in a new country is a daunting task, especially when foreign languages, cultures and customs are considered.  With the development of the FamilySearch Research Wiki, detailed online help is always available.  This class will show what tools the wiki can offer anyone starting research in a foreign area.

Wednesday, September 25

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Exploring Your Hispanic Roots

Presented by Beth Swartz

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Basic research techniques using online resources to follow your family in the US and Mexico.

Wednesday, October 2     

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Using Collateral Relatives

Presented by Claire Smith

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Have you ever been unable to find the parents of an ancestor? Learn effective strategies to go beyond using your direct ancestors by going sideways to research your collateral ancestors. Learning about relationships across your family can help you reveal ancestors beyond your brick walls.

Wednesday, October 9     

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Hopping Down the Paper Trail

Presented by Sara Cochran

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

The records our ancestors left behind often lead us to other records, and sometimes take us down a rabbit hole. Learn how to scour those records for the next clue, and how to prioritize those clues so that you stay on track.

Wednesday, October 16   

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Intuitive Genealogy: Ancestral Healing Practices and Your Family Tree

Presented by Joseph Anderson

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

For millennia human cultures have established and maintained robust relationships with their ancestors through traditional practices. In this class you’ll learn how these practices are being revitalized in contemporary society, and how they can complement your own genealogical explorations. We’ll look at the use of focused and structured imagination to connect with ancestors known and unknown, and to deepen your understanding of the ways they live on in you.

Wednesday, October 23   

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Show, Don’t Tell: Creative Nonfiction Writing for Genealogists

Presented by Lisa Alzo

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

As genealogists, we often focus on facts and uncover so much information that our research produces nothing but boring lists. But do you really know what happened between the dashes of your ancestors’ lives? How can you share that information in a compelling way? Learn how to use creative nonfiction writing techniques to produce a “can’t put down” family history.

Wednesday, October 30   

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

New Frontiers in Genealogy

Presented by Lisa Alzo

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and the Metaverse. You may have heard these terms on the news, but what do they have to do with genealogy? This session will demonstrate how these emerging technologies will shape a new frontier in family history including how we research our ancestors and share their stories.

Wednesday, November 6  

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Missing: Reward! Locating Widows, Spinsters, and Bachelors

Presented by Sara Cochran

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Have some of the folks on your family tree disappeared?  Pick up some new ideas on how to find widows and never-married adults and then watch these techniques in action in three short case studies.

Wednesday, November 13

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Finding Treasures in NewspaperArchive

Presented by Mary Kircher Roddy

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Newspapers are a fabulous resource to learn more about your ancestors. The National Genealogical Society has recently partnered with Storied to make NewspaperArchive a free benefit of an NGS membership. Learn how to use this website to fill in the details of your ancestors’ lives.

Wednesday, November 20

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

MyMaps: Create a Map of Your Family’s Migration West

Presented by Janet O’Conor Camarata

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Create a private Google map to illustrate your family’s migration path.  Pin their locations, enhance by adding text, pictures or photos, links, and layers. Save to your story of your family or to illustrate your family’s book.

Clallam County Genealogical Society November Seminar with Judy Russell

by Charles Hansen

 November 9th, 2004

An all-day seminar featuring

Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL –           The Legal Genealogist

                 **A Legal Perspective for Genealogists**

Clallam County is hosting a three-part seminar featuring the incomparable Judy G. Russell.  She is one of the most popular speakers for Genealogical Societies and National Events.  Her unusual lectures reflect her legal background and are always interesting, educational, and fun to listen to.

Schedule and Topics Information:

          9:15 – 9:30am              Registration Sign-in/Tech Check

                           9:30 – 9:45am              Introductions/ Announcements

                           9:45-10:45am              Session I: Revelers, Hogkillers and Disobedient Children: Early State Laws.                  

The laws our ancestors lived by tell their own story of life in earlier times, and early state laws from every part of the nation tell the stories of Blue Laws, wild animals, and children needing humbling.  Judy will include a look at early Washington State laws.

10:45- 11:00am                 Break

11:00am – Noon          Session II:Landing The Ancestors: Federal and State Land Records

Land records are among the earliest, most complete and most valuable genealogical records and often among the most puzzling. Understanding how land was acquired, measured and recorded under the law is essential to using the records effectively.  This is a good introduction to land records overall according to Judy.

                            Noon – 12:45pm         Lunch Break

12:45 – 1:45pm             Session III:Landing the Fourths: Proving a Case with Court, Land, and DNA Evidence

The father of Gustavus Boone Robertson (1827 MS-1903 TX) was William M. Robertson (c1795 NC-1864 MS). But who was Gustavus’s mother? No record directly identifies her, but court, land, and DNA evidence combine to prove the case as to the identity of this third great-grandmother and, in doing so, landing the fourths—fourth great-grandparents, that is. (This is a complex case study but can readily be followed by a general audience)             

The Seminar will be presented via Zoom so that you may listen to at home, or attend at the CCGS Research Center located at 403 E. 8th Street in Port Angeles, Washington.

The Zoom pass code and meeting number will be sent to participants via e-mail as soon as payment is received. (See below for cost)

Cost: 

$50 for CCGS members               $55 for non-CCGS members and at the door 

Early Bird Registration begins Tuesday, October 1st .  Save $10 off registration fee!

Early Bird Registration ends Tuesday, October 15th

Prepaid Registration by check or Paypal  ends Tuesday, November 5th

For more information, call CCGS Tues-Fri 10am to 4pm, and Saturdays noon to 4pm or visit our website:

Phone:  360-417-5000      Website:  www.clallamcogs.org.

Checks should be made out to CCGS.  Credit cards can use the Paypal app found on our website.

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Program Change: Cousin Baiting & Cousin Stalking

by Charles Hansen

We apologize for the unexpected change and disappointment. But Christine Cohen’s presentation promises to be very informative and helpful for our

family research.

ITEM 2:  SVGS’ Weekly Digest Communications Chair, Barbara Johnson, is experiencing some unexpected health issues. We most importantly want Barb to get her helpful rest and recover ASAP so she can return to sharing her wit and wisdom with us on Mondays each week. So, two things please note:

1. There may not be an SVGS Weekly Digest this Monday, Sept 9th. That will be up to how Barb is feeling. We all understand and wish her Get Well Soon.

2. RE: Monthly Meeting Zoom Link: Either Barb or I have typically been the ones to email you as an SVGS member the ZOOM Link for the 2nd Saturday Monthly Meetings. Well, this month (September only) I am out-of town and out of reach of cell tower range in the wilderness on vacation and Barb is working on her health recovery. So, please make a note in your EMAIL INBOX and SPAM folder for the Saturday, Sept. 14 Monthly Meeting ZOOM LInk to be sent from SVGS Board MemberGeorge Ridgeway. His email address is:  georgewayjr@gmail.com. 

Please keep a lookout for that email with the Zoom link so you don’t miss the meeting. 

Sorry for the program change at this late date. “Life is what happens while you are making other plans” as John Lennon once said. How true!

I hope you enjoyed a lovely summer break, got lots of genealogy research in during the hiatus and that you will come join us on Saturday, Sept 14 for an interesting and educational program. AND….don’t forget to come join the fun and research help offered on the Genealogy Interest Group on 2nd Tuesdays of the Month from 11am-1pm at the Burlington Public Library (we will either be in the conference room or Gentry Room. So come look for us)

See you in October!

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Writing Family History

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Writing Family History

Wednesday, September 11, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom

The Writing Family History Special Interest Group (WFH-SIG) supports TPCGS members in documenting, writing, and preserving their family histories—formally or informally. Monthly meetings will provide a mix of presentations, writing exercises, and peer reviews to help members make progress in their projects.

Date & Time: Every month on the Second Wednesday, starting at 7:00 PM Pacific Time

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMoc-2qqDMjHNXnACfWJ0dop_pMeQXMRoYM/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvqz8uGNKduR-GRpwEGY-gLOrwplxEgo1lkj7GBRd5Mgf5Jt1SH7dOKPXi

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87544268961?pwd=oNtdztP51tePuSn3bt45J3wuxnGXzl.1

Meeting ID: 875 4426 8961

Passcode: 328639

One tap mobile:

+12532158782,,87544268961#,,,,*328639# US (Tacoma)

+12532050468,,87544268961#,,,,*328639# US

Dial by your location:

• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

• +1 253 205 0468 US

Meeting ID: 875 4426 8961

Passcode: 328639

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kclCP1SsOV

Clallam County Genealogical Society Ancestry Pro Tools

by Charles Hansen

Saturday, September 14th       9:45 to 11:00

The Clallam Genealogical Society will present Ancestry Pro Tools: Not Just for Professionals by Claudia Breland at their monthly meeting.

Earlier this year Ancestry.com rolled out an additional service called “Pro Tools,” which costs $10 per month.  This service includes charts, reports and analysis of your family tree discovering duplicates and errors.  And most useful to all those working with DNA, the program will include analyses of your shared matches and how much DNA they share with each other.  According to Claudia,  “This last one is a game-changer and worth every penny.”

In her presentation, Claudia will share how to use this new and powerful tool.

Claudia Breland is a professional genealogist since 2008, and has been involved with genealogy for 50 years.  She has a masters degree in library science.  She teaches classes, is a wonderful lecturer, has written several books and articles, and continues her studies in an everchanging world.

All are welcome to hear her presentation.   There is no charge for this lecture. 

You may join us by watching on Zoom or attending the lecture at the Clallam County Genealogical Society’s Research Center located at 402 E. 8th street in Port Angeles, Washington.

For more information or to get the Zoom meeting number and passcode, contact CCGS by phone:  (360) 417-5000 or by email: askus@clallamcogs.org. 

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting

Tuesday, September 10, 2024, starting at 6:00 pm

This month our educational meetings resume on Tuesday September 10, at 6:00 pm in person at the Parkland/Spanaway Library and on Zoom at 6:15. This will be interactive with attendees sharing what they did genealogy-wise over the summer and there will be short 5-to-10-minute presentations.

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.

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

+12532050468,,86718143644#,,,,*630507# US

+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