
Registration is now open for FREE classes for Genealogy Week, September 18 – 24! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to expand your research skills. Check our calendar for details on each class. Click here to register now.
Registration is now open for FREE classes for Genealogy Week, September 18 – 24! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to expand your research skills. Check our calendar for details on each class. Click here to register now.
Saturday, October 9
Thomas MacEntee Presents “Brick Wall Breakthroughs”
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Webinar
IMPORTANT! A successful Brick Wall Breakthrough webinar relies upon submissions from our members.
Nationally known speaker Thomas MacEntee will walk participants through a step-by-step research methodology process to find clues and possible solutions to research problems submitted by you!
Please click this link: https://forms.gle/iVxneTwPeCHWL36v9 [forms.gle] and complete the form for possible selection as the featured case for the Brick Wall Breakthroughs webinar. PLEASE be as concise as possible . . . focus on the specific issue that is your brick wall. Try to avoid telling “The Story” but do add background info needed to possibly solve the brick wall.
Submissions are DUE no later than Friday, 2 October 2021!
The actual the link to register for this event will be sent shortly after September 20th.
August 24, 2021
For Immediate Release
Portland Genealogy Library Awarded Federal Grant
(Portland, Oregon, 08/24/2021) — The Genealogical Forum of Oregon has received a $1,400 federal American Rescue Plan Act grant for digitizing our holdings. The money will permit the purchase of a much-needed scanner that can be used by our trained volunteers. Records will then be made available to members at home via the GFO website. Prior to the pandemic, digitization was done on a modest basis, mainly to protect our periodicals. Patrons only had access to the digitized images onsite at our library.
In the past year, due to the pandemic, a team of dedicated volunteers moved more than 150 annual classes online and has transferred more than 334,000 pages of records onto the GFO’s website. This grant will increase that effort.
The GFO received the grant in a highly competitive process; less than a third of the total funding requested was approved. Grants were made possible thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, through the Library Services and Technology Act. The grants application process was administered by the State Library of Oregon.
The federal funds were included in the American Rescue Plan Act to help libraries, museums, and related nonprofits promote digital inclusion and connectivity, address needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and support efforts to provide equitable service to communities.
GFO Vice President Susie Chodorow, who secured the grant, says, “The majority of our members identify as 65 years and older. Many are living with disabilities, especially mobility concerns. It’s imperative that we continue to offer online services. This grant will help us work towards our goal of making our collections accessible online as quickly as possible for use by our members.”
We greatly appreciate Congress’s support of the American Rescue Plan Act. It is directly benefiting the residents of Oregon.
For more information about the federal library grants, please visit the Institute of Museum and Library Services at https://imls.gov. More information about American Rescue Plan Act grants awarded by the State Library of Oregon, is available at https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/lstagrants/arpaawards.
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Editors: For more information, contact GFO President Vince Patton at president@gfo.org
GFO Logo available: https://bit.ly/3pRnYxH
The Genealogical Forum of Oregon is an all-volunteer nonprofit founded in 1946
to promote, preserve and publish genealogical history.
The GFO operates the largest genealogy library in the Pacific Northwest
and offers more than 150 classes each year.
Genealogical Forum of Oregon
2505 SE 11th Ave., B-18
Portland, OR 97202
gfo.org
Greetings to all of our friends and colleagues! We want to let everyone know about our 2021 Heartland Family History Conference, which will begin May 7-8.
We will be hosting a virtual event again this year, with two days of “live” programming on May 7-8, followed by 90 days of on-demand access to recorded content, our virtual exhibit hall, and participant networking opportunities. Our featured speaker this year is Billie Stone Fogarty, who will be presenting four sessions. In addition, we will be offering more than 30 breakout sessions, presented by regional, national and international speakers. We also have some fun new networking and social activities planned. More details and registration information can be found on our conference website, https://heartlandfhc.org.
A conference brochure and registration form can be downloaded here.
We would like to ask your help in spreading the word and promoting our event – please feel free to share this information widely. We think that it is shaping up to be a great conference, one that your members and constituents won’t want to miss!
We Thank You for your assistance,
The Heartland Family History Conference planning team
Topeka Genealogical Society P.O. Box 4048 Topeka, Kansas 66604-0048 US |
MARCH 27 – APRIL 3 – GFO’s Virtual Genealogy Open House
The Genealogical Forum of Oregon celebrates its 75th Anniversary with a Free Virtual Genealogy Open House online this year.
Join us for 18 free classes from March 27 through April 3.
Classes include Freedmen’s Bureau Records, Oregon Land Claims, Indentured Servants, U.S. Census Records, and more, including these theme days:
Sunday, March 28: Irish Day
Monday, March 29: Online Sources Day
Tuesday, March 30: DNA Day
Each class requires its own advance registration. Please invite your friends to see how the GFO can help you in your family history sleuthing.
Note times are all Eastern Time Zone not Pacific Time Zone.
January 14th Seminar Register here
We wanted to let your group know about the 3rd annual A Winter of DNA virtual conference coming up on Saturday, 30th January 2021 The past virtual conferences were very successful and had great attendance.
Speakers will be talking about the following:
DNA & Law Enforcement – Marian Woods
GEDmatch Basics – Kitty Cooper
Tracing Ancestral Lines in the 1700s Using DNA – Tim Janzen
A Guide To Chromosome Browsers & DNA Segment Data – Michelle Leonard
The online sessions will begin at 10am Eastern Time on Saturday, 30th January 2021. Some answers to common questions that people have asked us:
1. Yes, the sessions are live. These are not pre-recorded, so if you have questions, then please ask them in the chat during any of the sessions and we’ll get them answered.
2. Yes there are door prizes.
3. No, you don’t have to be watching the live presentations to win (although we hope you do), everyone who is registered will be eligible to win the door prizes.
4. Yes, recordings of the sessions will be available for 30 days after the virtual conference so even if you can’t make the live session, register so that you can watch the recordings.
5. Yes we use our webcams. You don’t have to watch slides all the time. You also get to see people.
6. Yes, this event is open to anyone who wants to register. No need to travel or even change out of your pajamas if you don’t want to.
As with past events there will be a 5th hour panel discussion where you can ask questions about any of the topics or even anything else related to genealogy and research. Early bird registration is only $19.99 until January 22nd. The regular registration price is $24.99. Learn more at the website (https://www.familyhistoryfanatics.com/winterdna) and register today.
Feel free to post this information on your website or Facebook page and let your members know. If you would like graphics to post, let us know and we can send them to you.
Thanks,Andrew & Devon Noel Lee
Family History Fanatics Humble, TX | 346-704-1433familyhistoryfanatics.comYouTube: Family History Fanatics | Twitter: @FHFanatics Facebook: Family History Fanatics | Twitter: @FHFanatics |
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Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member! gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR. Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider Click here for a PDF version of this E-News. |
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This is your last chance to sign up to hear personally from the popular Lisa Louise Cooke, host of Genealogy Gems Podcasts! We’ve added extra online “seats” so there is plenty of room! If you can’t attend live, videos of these sessions will be available until December 15 for anyone who registers, so it’s worth signing up! |
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Lisa is an extremely popular international genealogy speaker, and the GFO is thrilled she will join us online this weekend for our Fall Seminar, November 14 and 15. And everyone will get a great view of her presentations from the comfort of whatever seat they choose in their home. In addition, GFO members get big discounts at this seminar! $20 off the first day, $15 off the second. Sign up now! *NOTE: If you registered after 7:30 a.m. Thursday, you should have received an email with meeting information in the past day. If you have not seen one, contact seminars@gfo.org |
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“Kathrine Willson is one of the most talented and engaging genealogy speakers I’ve heard. I’m thrilled she’s doing a GenTalk for the GFO.” — Laurel Smith, GFO Library Chair |
Katherine R. Willson will be our featured online GenTalk speaker for Genealogical Timelines & Research Checklists on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. Discover the magic of methodology that may break down your brick walls. She is a genealogy lecturer from Michigan; an educator teaching beginning through advanced genealogy classes since 2001; the author of The Genealogist’s Guide to Grand Rapids, Michigan; and a professional researcher for private clients. Go to our GenTalk page to register now. It’s free for everyone. |
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Friends. Associates. Neighbors. We’ve heard of the F.A.N. principle of genealogy. But what about our own GFO F.A.N club? The GFO Board has made it a priority to better serve all groups in our area. We are pleased to present Linda Harms Okazaki, who helps genealogical societies to embrace different cultures within our communities. |
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A fourth-generation Californian active in the genealogy and Japanese American communities in California and beyond, Linda is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, a charter member of the Nikkei Genealogical Society, and a contractual genealogist with Ancestry ProGenealogists™. She is also a featured columnist for the Nichi Bei Weekly. Please come ready to ask questions and to engage in a lively dialogue. Register here for this free, online, engaging session. |
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©2020 New England Historic Genealogical Society To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s arrival in America, American Ancestors has just released an online database containing authenticated lineages of all the passengers on the Mayflower who left descendants. These family histories are taken from approved membership applications for the Mayflower Society (General Society of Mayflower Descendants), the earliest of which dates back to 1895. This is another great reason to be a member of the GFO. Your membership includes access to American Ancestors to search these records! They are graciously extending this to our members at home at this time during the pandemic. Login through our exclusive Members Area. |
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For those wishing a more comprehensive review of the new American Ancestors’ online data base of records pertaining to the Mayflower, the Oklahoma Genealogical Society will host a full day webinar entitled “The 400th Anniversary of The Mayflower 1620-2020,” featuring New England Historical Genealogical Society Chief Genealogist, David Allen Lambert. |
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Please Volunteer from Home |
The GFO Library may be closed but there’s still plenty of work that can be done from home. We’re currently recruiting volunteers to help with these projects. |
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“It is interesting going through the old Bulletins. I have found some of my ancestors in them!” Please contact Loretta Welsh at loretta.welsh@gfo.org if you’d like to help. |
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What’s New Online? |
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How Research Plans Prevent Distractions Join the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society and guest speaker Tammy Priolo for a free webinar on Tuesday, November 17 at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific) where she will discuss the Genealogical Proof Standard, distractions, research plans, and how these all impact correct documentation and family history preservation. Register in advance, here. |
Separating and Merging Identities of Same-named Men Can the same man die twice? Join BCG Certified Genealogist Shannon Green, for a free Legacy Family Tree Webinar, Wednesday, November 18 at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific) for a review using a comprehensive case study where she will elaborate on how to distinguish same-named men as well as provide warnings of how identities can be incorrectly conflated. Register here. |
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Surplus Book: Somerset Homecoming |
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![]() Saturday, November 14 Fall Seminar: Lisa Louise Cooke 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Online The GFO is pleased to present Lisa Louise Cooke, the host of the Genealogy Gems podcast, for the first day of a two-day fall seminar, live online. For details regarding the day’s presentations and to register, click here or consult the article in the main body of this E-News. Writer’s Forum 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Online Join this peer group of genealogists, who meet to learn about writing and to share their writing with each other. Peggy Baldwin facilitates this group and can be reached at writers@gfo.org Sunday, November 15 Fall Seminar: Lisa Louise Cooke 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. Online The GFO is pleased to present Lisa Louise Cooke, the host of the Genealogy Gems podcast, for the second day of a two-day fall seminar, live online. For details regarding the day’s presentations and to register, click here or consult the article in the main body of this E-News. French Canada Group 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Online Come and join this group to learn more about French Canadian ancestry and Acadia, while we share stories of our history. There will be discussions about next year’s agenda, book summary, and how to access information. For more information and a link to this meeting, write to FrCan@gfo.org. Wednesday, November 18 Learn & Chat 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Online Join our “genealogy self-help” group. Please bring tales of your latest genealogy related adventures and a wish list of subjects to build our calendar. For questions and a link to the meeting, contact Jeanne Quan and Sandy Alto at: learnandchat@gfo.org. |
![]() Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider Click here for a PDF version of this E-News. ![]() ![]() Short blurbs work best. A single paragraph or two are ideal. If you have a nice head shot photo of yourself, it’d be great to feature that too.Our longest time member, who joined in 57 years ago in 1963, has already shared a story with us. Please share yours too. Contribute your GFO Memories ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() • Genealogy and Family History Book • Genealogical Methods and Sources • NGSQ Article Excellence • Youth Writing: Grades 6-8, and 9-12 Check out the full list and entry requirements here. The deadline for entries is December 15. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() All GFO members are invited to attend. To receive a link to this online meeting, send an email in advance to president@gfo.org. Thursday, November 12The Q Review 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Online For this month’s meeting, please read “DNA Identifies a Father for Rachel, Wife of James Lee of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania,” by Patricia Lee Hobbs. For a link to this online meeting, e-mail Alexa Waddle at qreview@gfo.org |
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition October 29, 2020 |
Thank you to all who have renewed their membership, especially those who included a donation with their renewal. We are so grateful for your loyalty and support. |
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member! gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR. Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider Want to share an easy-to-read version of this E-News? Click here. |
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Thank You For Sticking With Us |
We don’t say it often enough. Thank you. We are truly indebted to all our loyal GFO members who have stuck with us during this chaotic year. Unfortunately, recent numbers do give us cause for concern. This month alone, we lost 41 members, the largest loss of renewals in one month since the pandemic began. |
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The GFO is proud to host the popular host of Genealogy Gems Podcasts Lisa Louise Cooke for our Fall Seminar, now online. We’ve added extra seats! Sign up for one or both days. GFO Members get big discounts! |
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Lisa is an extremely popular international genealogy speaker, and the GFO is thrilled she will join us for our Fall Seminar, November 14 and 15, this year online. And everyone will get a great view of her presentations from the comfort of whatever seat they choose in their home. GFO members get significant discounts: $20 off the first day, $15 off the second. Sign up now! |
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Katherine R. Willson will be our featured online GenTalk speaker for Genealogical Timelines & Research Checklists on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. Willson is a genealogy lecturer from Michigan; an educator teaching beginning through advanced genealogy classes since 2001; the author of The Genealogist’s Guide to Grand Rapids, Michigan; and a professional researcher for private clients. Go to our GenTalk page to register now. It’s free for everyone. |
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GFO’s Biggest Idea Needs Your Input |
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Many of you responded. Thank you! However, a number of you offered to serve on a committee, but you did not give your names or contact information. If you answered the survey already and offered to help but have not yet received an email from us, please take the survey again and let us know who you are and how to reach you. Several of you left out your contact information. (Do not “reply” to this E-News email.) Please note that this committee is limited to GFO Members. |
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Local Boy Scout Asks Your Help: Index Family Records |
We are happy to share a request from Daniel Clark of Boy Scout Troop 46 in Canby, Oregon. He’s close to earning his Eagle Scout rank, but still has a project to fulfill. For that, he’d like your help. |
And he wants to achieve this between November 1-14. |
If you’d like to help, here are Daniel’s instructions: • Go to FamilySearch.com and login or create an account. • Then go to ” indexing “ • Select “Web Indexing.” • Scroll down to the bottom and in the “Groups” section select “Find Groups.” • Finally search “Daniel J. Clark” and click on “Join group.” FamilySearch has indexing training here. Good luck, Daniel! |
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Do you have a child or grandchild who might be interested in family history? Here’s something for them. |
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Please Help: Volunteer from Home |
For the last few years, our volunteers have been organizing, scanning, and creating finding aids for the many papers that have been donated. Some collections predate computer research. Often, the most interesting part is the correspondence because it is unique and includes information that cannot be found in other sources. |
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What’s New in Online Digital Resources |
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Those who speak Spanish or have Mexican heritage are invited to participate in ExpoGenealogía — a free, virtual family history event entirely in Spanish on October 30–31. Coinciding with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), this event is similar to RootsTech and will provide a varied program aimed at “honoring and celebrating family” that will also be available for on-demand viewing for a year. Learn more and register for free here. |
What does the symbol on your ancestor’s gravestone mean? Check out a great review on Legacy Tree Genealogists blog, entitled, “Details in the Graves: Using Tombstone Symbolism to Unlock your Ancestor’s History.” These symbols can unlock information about military service, fraternal organization membership, religious affiliation, and more. Recognizing and then interpreting these symbols can lead you to records relating to those symbols that further unlock the history of your ancestor. |
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Surplus Book: England and Wales Research |
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Our Price for this set: $35, shipping included. Contact booksales@gfo.org if you’d like to purchase this. |
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