Category Archives: Z-2015 Past Seminars

Bainbridge Island Gen Society News Flash

by Charles Hansen

Bainbridge Island

 

The Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS) will meet Friday, August 21, in the Bainbridge Island Public Library Meeting Room from 10:00 AM until noon.  The topic is “Tough and Unusual Cases: How we did it (finally).”  BIGS mentors, Sue Elving and Anna Dupen, will present case studies showing how they solved genealogy problems.  One particular case study involves a Scottish immigrant and a trip to the Supreme Court (1813).  Bring your questions.  Free to members, a $5.00 donation is suggested for nonmembers. For more information go to www.bigenealogy.org, or call 206-842-4978.  BIGS is a 501c(3) non-profit organization.

 

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Thank you!

 

Sylvia H. Nelson

Director of Publicity and Public Relations

Bainbridge Island, Genealogical Society

206-842-4978

Seattle Genealogical Society Upcoming Events

by Charles Hansen

Seattle

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

All programs are at the SGS Library at 6200 Sand Point Way unless otherwise indicated. Please Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be postponed.

Sunday, August 2, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “USING “FIND A GRAVE” FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH.” 
“Find A Grave” is a resource for finding the final disposition of family, friends, and famous people as a virtual cemetery experience.  “Find a Grave” memorials may contain rich content including pictures, biographies and more specific information. Speaker: Karen Sipe.

Sunday, August 16, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “LOVE, COURTSHIP, SEX & MARRIAGE”
Until Eve – It was a man’s world.  Without women, there would be no genealogy; but their status has changed throughout history, and this has had a profound effect on the records we use for research.  We’ll explore the surprising customs and practices of our ancestors, and the place of women in society over time. Speaker: Jean A. Roth

Saturday, August 22, 1:30 pm  – 4:00 pm
ETHNIC WORKSHOP: “BREAKING THROUGH THE WALL OF SLAVERY: AN INTRODUCTION to AFRICAN-AMERICAN GENEALOGY” Speaker:  Janice Lovelace, SGS Vice-President

Sunday, August 23, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING 
Join SGS members for a problem-solving session.  This is an open forum format.

Sunday August 30, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “USING FIRE INSURANCE MAPS”
These maps, including the famous Sandborn Maps, were originally created in the years following the Civil War and used for assessing fire insurance liability in urban areas in the United States. They are a highly useful resource for historical and genealogical research.   Speaker: Jill Morelli

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Seattle Genealogical Society Announcements and Meetings

by Charles Hansen

PARKING CHANGES AT SGS

Street parking in front of the SGS Library is often difficult, due to the limited spaces there and the use of those spaces by residents who live in the apartments above the library.
In an effort to improve parking for our patrons, particularly those with limited mobility, in April the Board authorized (and the landlord supported) our application to the City for installation of two two-hour time-limited parking places in front of our entrance.  The signs have now been placed.
Anyone with a handicapped placard or license plate can park in these spaces as long as they wish, without receiving a parking ticket.  Our hope is that the restricted places will make using the library easier for our members who need to park close to the building.  And others can use these spaces, when they are available, particularly for short visits or for dropping things off at the Library.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KAREN PORTZER!

Seattle Metro’s RapidRide buses and stations have a new poem every day of the year through November 2015 as part of the Poetry on Buses public art program.  The poem to be highlighted on July 30, 2015, is entitled “Irish Morn” by SGS member Karen Portzer.  This is the second year that one of Karen’s poems was selected.
If you’d like to read her poem, or any of the other poems in this series, visit http://poetryonbuses.org/collection/.

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Whatcom Genealogical Society September Seminar

by Charles Hansen
Greetings from the Whatcom Genealogical Society!
We would like to remind everyone of our WGS Fall Seminar to be held Sept. 26th at Saint James Presbyterian Church, 1910 – 14th Street, Bellingham, WA.  Doors open 8:30, and the program is from 9 am – 4 pm.  Jill Morelli and Jim Johnson are our speakers.  Jill will speak on “The Push and the Pull:  Decision Making of the 19th Century Emigrant”, “Insanity in the 19th Century”, and “Getting the Most from Insurance Maps”.  Jim Johnson will speak on “Finding and Using Your Ancestors’ Church Records”, and he will bring his Heritage Quest Traveling Bookstore.  There will be a Raffle, and lunch will be available.  For more information and a registration form, please go to http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/WGS/wgs.htm.  Reserve your space before we are sold out!  We look forward to welcoming you.
Sharon Neem
Publicity Chair
WGS  

Seattle Genealogical Society Upcoming Meetings

by Charles Hansen
SGS GAINS EXEMPTION FROM THE WA STATE
PROPERTY TAX AS A FREE LIBRARY –
WILL SAVE $4700 IN 2016
Under the terms of our lease for the our Library space, SGS has been responsible for a component of the real property tax each year.  That component has been growing annually, placing an increasing strain on our budget.
Upon investigation, we determined that we could qualify for an exemption from this tax as a Free Library, if we eliminated the daily User Fee we charge non-members to use the library, and met several other criteria.  The Board took the necessary steps, and our application for this exemption was granted by the WA Secretary of State on June 15.  The exemption begins in 2016; in that year, we’ll save over $4,700 due to this exemption.
THANK YOU, RESPONDENTS
Marilyn Rose, President of SGS, recently sent a letter to the membership outlining the Society’s five main goals for the next 5-8 years, and asking for members to consider how they could help the Society reach those goals.
Many SGS members responded to that letter by returning their Member Interest Forms or by volunteering their help.  To those members, the Society says, “Thank you very much!”
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN GENEALOGY
& FAMILY HISTORY AT UW
Each year the University of Washington offers a nine-month evening certificate program in Genealogy and Family History.  This program prepares students to conduct their own genealogical research into family history with an understanding and appreciation of the social and historical context within which their ancestors found themselves.  Over the years, several SGS members have completed this course.
The 2015-16 program begins on October 8, and meets one evening a week for three quarters, culminating in a family history writing project in the spring.  Sarah Thorsen Little, SGS Life Member and Past President, is one of the program instructors for this program.
A preview class for this course will be held on Monday, July 20, 6-8 pm at the UW Seattle campus.
Full information about the program and this preview class can be found online at http://www.pce.uw.edu/certificates/genealogy-family-history.html.
HELP WANTED
NEEDED: Someone to give one or more presentations on how to use FOLD3, the web site formerly known as Footnote.com.  If you have experience and expertise with this repository of military records, and would like to share that with others, please contact Jean A. Roth, SGS Director of Education at jeanaroth@juno.com.NEEDED: Several more members for the 2016 Seminar Planning Committee, to join the 4 members we presently have.  This committee has its first meeting at SGS on Wednesday, July 15 at 6 p.m.  Anyone interested in possibly being part of this critical committee, or who has ideas about either subjects or speakers for next year’s seminars is invited to attend and participate.  Many hands make light work!
Contact Jean Roth, jeanaroth@juno.com for more information.Needed: Still need at least two more people each day to help at the SGS Booth at the Scottish Highland games, the last weekend in July. Contact Jean Roth, jeanaroth@juno.com for more information.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
All programs are at the SGS Library at 6200 Sand Point Way unless otherwise indicated. Please Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be postponed.
Friday-Sunday, July 3-5 SGS Closed for 4th of July HolidayWednesday, July 8, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
DATE CHANGE – SEE JULY 22, BELOW Wednesday, July 15, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “ROUTES to OUR ROUTES”: EXPANSION WESTWARD FROM THE ATLANTIC
Our “Manifest Destiny” with Trails, Timelines, and Transportation. We’ll discuss North America’s major migration patterns and regional history.
Speaker: Jean A. Roth , SGS Director of EducationWednesday, July 15, 6-8 p.m.    SGS SEMINAR PLANNING MEETING
Preliminary planning for 2016 and 2017 – topics and speakers for future seminars.
Anyone interested in helping the 2016 Seminar Planning Committee is welcome!

Saturday, July 18, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm   BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS
An overview of basic genealogy techniques and resources. Advance registration requested at SGS.  Instructor: Janice Lovelace, SGS Vice President

Wednesday, July 22, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING
Join SGS members for a problem-solving session.  This is an open forum format.
Leader: Jean A. Roth

Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES – Enumclaw. SGS will have a booth and offer genealogical help. We need volunteers for both days and for two hour sessions. You will be provided with a ticket for the games.  Please contact Jean Roth at jeanaroth@juno.com or (206) 782-2629

Sunday, July 26, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
PROGRAM: “INSANITY IN THE 19th CENTURY: ONE FAMILY’S STORY”, Speaker: Jill Morelli.
We are told as children, “Shhh, don’t talk about Aunt Jane.” As genealogists, we may find that she was in an insane asylum or mental health hospital (depending on the era of the confinement). Explore the history of institutionalization and treatment of the insane from Bedlam to the 20th century with an in-depth look at the life of one man confined in Illinois in the 19th century. Records publically available will be compared with those accessible through the courts.

AUGUST
Sunday, August 2, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “USING “FIND A GRAVE” FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH.”  “Find A Grave” is a resource for finding the final disposition of family, friends, and famous people as a virtual cemetery experience.  “Find a Grave” memorials may contain rich content including pictures, biographies and more specific information. Speaker: Karen Sipe.Sunday, August 16, 1:30-3:30 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “LOVE, COURTSHIP, SEX & MARRIAGE”
Until Eve – It was a man’s world.  Without women, there would be no genealogy; but their status has changed throughout history, and this has had a profound effect on the records we use for research.  We’ll explore the surprising customs and practices of our ancestors, and the place of women in society over time. Speaker: Jean A. RothSaturday, August 22, 1:30 pm  – 4:00 pm
ETHNIC WORKSHOP: “BREAKING THROUGH THE WALL OF SLAVERY: AN INTRODUCTION to AFRICAN-AMERICAN GENEALOGY” Speaker:  Janice Lovelace, SGS Vice-PresidentSunday, August 23, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING  .
Join SGS members for a problem-solving session.  This is an open forum format.

Sunday August 30, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “USING FIRE INSURANCE MAPS” These maps, including the famous Sandborn Maps, were originally created in the years following the Civil War and used for assessing fire insurance liability in urban areas in the United States. They are a highly useful resource for historical and genealogical research.
Speaker: Jill Morelli
 

SAVE THE DATES!
August 13-15 Northwest Genealogy Conference
Arlington, WA  – details at http://www.nwgc.org/
Saturday October 17 and Sunday, October 18
Seattle Genealogical Society Fall Seminar
“The Family History Detective: Finding Solutions to Your Toughest Research Problems.” Speaker: Dr. Thomas W. Jones
Visit http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/content/seminars for more information.

Victoria Genealogical Society October Seminar

by Charles Hansen

The Victoria Genealogical Society is proud to report that our 2015 Annual Seminar Program is now finalized for October 24th at Victoria, BC, CAN.

We have an impressive lineup of speakers to address this year’s theme, “Creating Connections Through DNA: Genetic Genealogy in the Digital Age“.  More info at http://www.victoriags.org/seminar.php

I wanted to let you know with the hope that you would pass this information to your members and followers. Some may like the idea of combining a visit to Victoria with genealogy……a great little get-a-way.

Whitman County Gen Society Newsflash

by Charles Hansen

The dedicated-but-small membership of the Whitman County Genealogical Society in Pullman, WA, just went on their annual “picnic.” This is really an annual outing and since I am a member I joined them this time. The group rendezvoused in Pullman early on a Friday morning and drove the 90 minutes southeast to the town of Pomeroy and a great lunch at the being-restored Pataha Flour Mill. Here are Mary, Janet, Marge and Luke at the entrance…. old vintage “stuff” was everywhere! (Monica and Don not shown.)

P1120148 (640x480)

 

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Seattle Genealogical Society Upcoming Events

by Charles Hansen

 

SGS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS at the 2015 PACIFIC NORTHWEST SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26, 2015
Enumclaw Expo Center
COME LISTEN TO THE BAGPIPES – WATCH THE DANCERS – VISIT THE CLANS – AND HELP SGS PROMOTE GENEALOGY


We need volunteers to help at the Seattle Genealogical Society and Library booth during the Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games in Enumclaw next month. We have been participating for many years and it is a great way to let the public know about SGS and to promote membership. Our participation also gives us valuable community outreach credit for our grant applications with 4Culture. which has resulted in thousands of dollars for our equipment and projects. Game attendance is about 30,000 for the weekend. Most of the people who come to the SGS booth don’t have an understanding of their Scottish or Irish heritage and have not done any research. They primarily want to know two things:

1. “What clan do I belong to?”
2. “What tartan can I use?”

We will have a number of reference books available at the booth that help answer those questions. If you decide to help us that weekend – you will receive an e-mail attachment prior to the games that will give you a refresher course on Scottish and Celtic genealogy. There will also be a handout about SGS and other information. Highland Games material, maps and instructions will be sent out about 10 days before the games after we receive confirmation of our location and tickets.

Volunteers will cover a 2-hour shift each day.
We will supply you with a free ticket for the games. This will entitle you to enjoy the rest of the day at the Games. Parking will be at your own expense at $5.00 per day. We encourage carpooling.

Contact JEAN A. ROTH, SGS Director of Education at (206) 782-2629 or jeanaroth@juno.com by June 25, as I have to pre-order tickets to get SGS the best rate.  Please provide your name, email, phone contact, and if you are over 62 (to get Senior discount).

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS


All programs are at the SGS Library at 6200 Sand Point Way unless otherwise indicated. Please Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be postponed.

Sunday, June 21  FATHERS DAY – SGS Closed

Saturday, June 27, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm,
SGS DNA Interest Group   
Location change for this meeting only – Seattle Genealogical Society Library – 6200 Sand Point Way NE.  This meeting will review new discoveries in DNA testing and focus on learning to analyze your autosomal DNA testing results.  To be added to our email list, contact sgsdnasig@gmail.com

Saturday, June 27, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
ETHNIC SERIES: SCOTTISH and SCOTS-IRISH WORKSHOP
Leader: Patricia Younie, Clan coordinator and historian will discuss researching these two different groups from Scotland and Ireland that were important early settlers in North America.

JULY


Saturday July 4 and Sunday, July 5     SGS Closed for Holiday

Wednesday, July 8, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING
DATE CHANGE – SEE JULY 22, BELOW

 Wednesday, July 15, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
PROGRAM MEETING: “ROUTES to OUR ROOTS”: EXPANSION WESTWARD FROM THE ATLANTIC
Our “Manifest Destiny” with Trails, Timelines, and Transportation. We’ll discuss North America’s major migration patterns and regional history.
Speaker: Jean A. Roth , SGS Director of Education

Saturday, July 18, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS
An overview of basic genealogy techniques and resources. Advance registration requested – email SGSVicePresident@gmail.com.
Instructor: Janice Lovelace, SGS Vice President

Wednesday, July 22, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
BRICK WALL PROBLEM SOLVING
Join SGS members for a problem-solving session.  This is an open forum format.
Leader: Jean A. Roth

Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26
SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES – Enumclaw.
SGS will have a booth and offer genealogical help. We need volunteers for both days and for two hour sessions. You will be provided with a ticket for the games.  Please contact Jean Roth at jeanaroth@juno.com or (206) 782-2629

Sunday, July 26, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm      PROGRAM: “INSANITY IN THE 19th CENTURY: ONE FAMILY’S STORY”, Speaker: Jill Morelli.
We are told as children, “Shhh, don’t talk about Aunt Jane.” As genealogists, we may find that she was in an insane asylum or mental health hospital (depending on the era of the confinement). Explore the history of institutionalization and treatment of the insane from Bedlam to the 20th century with an in-depth look at the life of one man confined in Illinois in the 19th century. Records publically available will be compared with those accessible through the courts.