Category Archives: Society News

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Parkland’s Journey from Indigenous Resource to PLU Campus

by Charles Hansen
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society General Membership Meeting
Tuesday, February 14th at 6:30 pm via Zoom

  Speaker: Marianne Lincoln, “Parkland’s Journey From Indigenous Resource to PLU Campus”   Before the fur trade, or British and American settlers arrived, the Parkland area was a shared resource for multiple populations of local Native Americans. In the early 1800’s, change arrived by sea and over the continent from far away. This story will tell of the major events and people that arrived and changed the Parkland area to what it is now.   Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86718143644?pwd=S0FjYU5acVVKbDEyamdXWWZVekFjdz0

Legacy Family Tree Webinars in February

by Charles Hansen

We have some fantastic free webinars from Legacy Family Tree Webinars in February. Check out the details below and let your audience know about February 2023’s live webinars:

  • Using Mitochondrial DNA Testing for Genealogical Problem Solving by Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
  • Gradual Emancipation and Enslavement in the North by Ari Wilkins
  • Hints & Tips for solving Irish cases of Unknown Parentage by Maurice Gleeson
  • Les derniers outils et ressources sur MyHeritage by Elisabeth Zetland
  • Family Statistics on MyHeritage by Uri Gonen
  • When a Place is New by Michelle Patient
  • Family History on the Canadian Prairies by Dave Obee
  • The Bengali and English Ancestry of Thomas Chapman: A Case Study with DNA by Meryl Schumacker, CG
  • Flying Under the Radar – Discovering Charles Olin’s Alias by Mary Kircher Roddy, CG
  • Tips and Tools for Navigating the English Probate System by Paul Milner, FUGA, MDiv

Click here to register.

logo-600

The Best of Elizabeth Shown Mills: Genealogy Problem Solving – a member’s only webinar series

Join us each month as Elizabeth encores her top-12 most beloved classes, teaching us how to break down our genealogy problems and create solutions with innovative strategies and sound methods.

On Friday, February 24 Elizabeth will teach “Smiths & Jones: Success with Families of Common Name”. Visit www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com/esm to learn more or to register.

Be sure to spread the news far and wide so your friends and followers don’t miss out on this fantastic content! You can use the graphic above.

Heritage Quest Research Library Ins and Outs of Indexes

by Charles Hansen
Mary Roddy

Mary Kircher Roddy CG lectures in Washington State and across the US and is a regular presenter for Legacy Family Tree Webinars. Mary has written for Internet Genealogy, NGS Magazine, FGS Forum, Family Chronicle and other publications. You can read more about her at MKR Genealogy – https://www.mkrgenealogy.com

Ins and Outs of Indexes – Keys to Unlock Probates, Deeds and More

Indexes for county records can be the key to finding deeds, probates and more. As Family Search continues to digitize and make available more and more records, it’s crucial to to familiar with different indexing systems and how to use them.
February 16, 2023
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PST)
ZOOM
Members $20
Non-Members $25
Sign-up and payments:
Go to hqrl.com and go to HQRL Store
(Sign in as a member to receive the discount)

A ZOOM LINK WILL BE SENT TO YOUR EMAIL 1-2 DAYS BEFORE THE CLASS.

Twitter
Facebook
Website
Copyright © 2023 Heritage Quest Research LIbrary, All rights reserved.
You have told us that you want to receive our news and updates from our library.

Our mailing address is:
Heritage Quest Research LIbrary
1007 Main St
Sumner, WA 98390-1412

Add us to your address book

South King County Genealogical Society February Early March Events and Meetings

by Charles Hansen

FEBRUARY – EARLY MARCH 2023 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Starting in February, we’re offering monthly online Beginning Genealogy Classes through the first week in June with instructor Winona Laird. The classes are free for SKCGS members and $20 per class for non-members. This is a great opportunity to brush up on skills or learn something new. More information at https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes.

SKCGS members are invited to join the 12-month study group that begins March 20, 2023 with the book “Research Like a Pro with DNA” by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin. Details can be found at https://www.skcgs.org/areas-of-interest/study.

At the May 2023 General Membership Meeting, SKCGS will hold its annual election for the positions of President and Treasurer. The Nominating Committee is pleased to share the slate of candidates and invite additional nominations. Learn more at https://www.skcgs.org/home/nominees.

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 Library
  • 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.


Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 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.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 6:30pm PT
Beginning Genealogy Class: Starting Your Genealogy Journey
More details at https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes

Monday, February 13, 2023 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
“DNA Study Source Citations”
Read or watch:

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 17, 2023, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Research Group (in-person)
For SKCGS members
Kent Family History Center 12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA
Seating is limited
RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org
Saturday, February 18, 2023, 9:30am PT social time; 10:00am – 11:30am PT program
SKCGS General Meeting (online)
Horace H Foxall, Jr. presents “The National Register of Historic Places – Beyond the Nomination Form”
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtd-mpqDMvHdZB3HQC6tfXmZ_iCXs4ZSEQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This meeting will be recorded for playback by members. 

Horace will present information on how the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form can help you find information on historical sites that are listed on the National Register. Properties listed in the Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. Information on these registration forms such as historic significance, context and bibliography can assist in finding genealogical and historical information that can be useful with brick walls research. Horace will also present information on the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and the grants that can be applied for by individuals or organizations. 


Horace worked for Seattle District, Corps of Engineers, for 30 years; 7 years in the Planning Branch and 23 years in the Design & Military Branches. In his position as the Seattle District Historical Architect and Program Manager of the Corps of Engineers National Center of Expertise (CX) for Preservation of Historic Structures and Buildings, Horace was responsible for Corps of Engineers technical assistance and coordination of national Historic Preservation Projects and Programs. He also assisted the Army and other Department of Defense agencies in developing historic preservation projects and programs. 

In February 2011 Horace was appointed to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation by President Barack Obama and also appointed the Board of Directors for the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, Natchitoches, LA – May 2005 to 2019. He also has received four mayoral appointments for the City of Seattle since 1978 and three re-appointments. He served as a commissioner on the Seattle Planning Commission, Seattle Landmark Preservation Board, and Seattle Design Commission and was a member of the Board of Historic Seattle Preservation and Development Authority. Horace served 10 years on the Washington State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

Monday, February 20, 2023 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Technical User Group (online)
“Wikitree 101 Workshop”
Read or watch:

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 Tech User Group email list for meeting invitations and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG
Thursday, February 23, 2023 ⋅ 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

Monday, February 27, 2023 ⋅ 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 3, 2023, 10:30 – 12:30 pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
“Introduction to CompGen Website and Databases”

Dr. Georg Fertig, Chairman of The Computer Genealogy Society (CompGen), will join us at 10:30 AM, PT, from Germany, to give us an introduction to the organization’s website. He will describe the databases available, and show how to use them – in English, of course.
Visitors welcome and more information at https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com

Registration is required:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvc-qprTosHdeZZupHO0yFcH1f-UEIhbXf

Saturday, March 4, 2023, 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

——————

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.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Follow – Twitter :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
PO BOX 582
AUBURN, WASHINGTON 98071-0582 

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society Finding Difficult Women

by Charles Hansen

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society

Presentation: Difficult Women-The Ways Our Female Ancestors Confound Our Research and SVGS monthly meeting- In-person and virtually

Tuesday, February 14 – Happy Valentine’s Day!

1:00 pm – SVGS Library 6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

You are invited to an educational presentation at our society library. If you prefer to watch virtually, a Zoom link and a syllabus to download can be found on our website www.stillygen.org

Janet Camarata will be speaking in-person and our monthly business meeting will follow the presentation.

Janet’s topic: Difficult Women: The Ways Our Female Ancestors Confound Our Research

The names of our female ancestor’s changed in expected and in some cases, unexpected ways. Onomatology is the study of names. Of all the problems encountered in genealogical research, names are some of the toughest.

Janet’s Bio:

Janet O’Conor Camarata is a genealogist with over 30 years experience. She is a seminar presenter, educator, and trainer in genealogy societies, libraries, retirement centers and senior centers across Washington. She has supported genealogy by volunteering in a variety of ways – newsletter editor, program coordinator, publicity, Education Director and past-president of South King County Genealogical Society (SKCGS).   She is the winner of the Washington State Genealogical Society Volunteer of the Year award for 2019.  Janet is a graduate of the University of Washington Genealogy and Family History program.  She has a B.A. (Education) degree from Central Washington University and a Master’s degree from Antioch University.  She also taught at w Pierce College – Puyallup and within The Boeing Company and the University of Phoenix.

Tri City Genealogical Society Upcoming Meetings

by Charles Hansen

  Please join us for Tri-City Genealogical Society’s February General meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8.  The meeting will be held on Zoom.  See below for the link.  Michelle Hedgepeth will be presenting on Finding Grandpa – The DNA Connections

  Planning continues for further speakers in 2023 with the intention to have the presentations continue to occur on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.  Currently planned for March 8 is a presentation by Richland Family History Center director Wayne Ross on the FamilySearch Wiki.  This presentation will be in person at the Richland Family History Center.  Please mark your calendar.

  Also in the planning stages are presentations on April 12 by Michelle Hedgepeth, on May 10 by Ryan Bennett who is a volunteer at the East Benton County Historical Society in Kennewick and on June 14 by Margie Belden.  Topics, location and Zoom status to be announced as plans firm up.

  RootsTech 2023 is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 2 and run through Saturday, March 4.  If you cannot attend in person you may register for the virtual presentations at no cost.  Search for RootsTech 2023 to register.

  Everyone is encouraged to join and / or renew their membership in TCGS.  The links for renewal are on the TCGS web site at http://tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/q/join/join_renew/ or http://tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/q/wp-content/uploads/TCGSBrochure.pdf

Topic: TCGS February 8 General Meeting

Time: Feb 8, 2023 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84179205291?pwd=RXNJTVJIMldIdm96QTVXUlZ5dUJtUT09

Meeting ID: 841 7920 5291

Passcode: 397011

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society Event Correction

by Charles Hansen

Dave Obee will present a  program using Google for Genealogy research for the Thursday  February 9, 2023  Zoom meeting of the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society

  Mr. Obee is an award winning international researcher, Author, Editor, publisher and public speaker.

The public is invited to join the Zoom meeting that will open at 6:30 pm for welcome of visitors and announcements.  Program will start at 7:00 pm.  For a Zoom link contact

Eastern Washington Genealogy Society Join us in Wisconsin

by Charles Hansen

Please Join us in Wisconsin!

Saturday, February 4

12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Hybrid Meeting (Zoom and In-Person) at Shadle Park Library, Spokane, WA

The handout for this presentation is already posted on the website…be sure you print it out before you get there.  

Don’t miss the Cookies, the Raffles, and the Great Company!

If you join us by Zoom be sure to wave!

“Genealogy and the Wisconsin Historical Society”

Presented by Lori Bessler

Reference Librarian and Instructor of local and family history

Lori Bessler has worked at the Wisconsin Historical Society Library Archives since 1988.  She is a Reference Librarian and instructor in local and family history.  Lori has lectured throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest on genealogical topics for over 30 years and has been researching family history for over 45 years.  She specializes in breaking down brick walls and finding hard-to-find resources.​

Zoom login will be on the EWGS website about a day before the meeting.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

THE HISTORY OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Initiated for the first time on February 7, 1926, Negro History Week, as it was called then, was the brain child of Carter G Woodson, PhD, historian, author, journalist, and educator. 

Carter G Woodson was born in 1875 into a sharecropping family. He got a late start on his education as he was needed to work on the farm. At 17 years old, he went to work as a coal miner to help support his family. By 20 years old, he had saved enough money from coal mining to start his formal education. He attended Frederick Douglass High School, in Huntington, WV; one of only a few high schools available to an African American. He finished high school in two years, as he was self-taught in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Carter went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Berea College in 1903. He continued on, earning his master’s in history from the University of Chicago. Later, Carter would earn a doctorate from Harvard.  

Dr Woodson realized early on that African Americans, their history, and their contributions were woefully missing in American history and academic textbooks. He made it his life long mission to rectify that. He was a co-founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now named the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). In 1921, he founded Associated Publishers Inc, to publish and distribute the works of African Americans, women, and minorities, giving a voice to underrepresented groups that traditional publishing companies ignored. 

In February 1970, the students, faculty and administration of Kent State, in Ohio, designated the entire month of February as a celebration of Black History—preceding the national holiday designation, established in 1976 under Gerald Ford. The story is that February was chosen as the month to celebrate because Frederick Douglass, abolitionist, and Abe Lincoln, both have birthdays in February. 

Each year, ASALF designates a theme for Black History Month. This year’s theme is Resistance. Follow this link for a list of events happening nationally this February: 
https://blackhistorymonth.gov/

Locally, Janice Lovelace, PhD, is presenting two classes; both virtual online. One is sponsored by Fiske, Wed, February 8, at 10:00 AM, “Precarious Lives of Free Blacks Pre-1865”. The other sponsored by SGS, Saturday, February 11, at 1:00 AM, “Black Miners in the Western US”. Links for both of these are under Calendar of Events on the SGS website page. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

St Patrick’s week activities are coming soon and SGS will have an information booth during Irish Festal at Seattle Center on Saturday, March 11, 2023 and Sunday, March 12, 2023. The booth will operate from noon to 6:00 pm both days. Volunteers are needed to man the booth for two hour shifts and answer simple genealogy questions. If you can help out, please call or text Jean Roth at 206-510-5202. This outreach activity helps SGS get it’s annual 4Culture grant funding.

100 years ago: 31 January 1923

“TELEGRAMS IN SUBWAY SPEED” article celebrated the installation of the new pneumatic tube that ran down Union to First Avenue and then to Cherry Street. The Western Union office on Fourth Avenue was also served by the pneumatic tube. The article exclaimed, “It’s only forty seconds now from Henry Building to First Avenue and Cherry Street by Western Union Tube”. And it was “possible to get a message from the Henry branch to New York in eight minutes.”

“Telegrams in Subway Speed,” Seattle Post Intelligencer, 
31 January 1923. p. 13, col 2. 

* Watch each eNews! issue for “100 years ago”, our new anecdotal series. We will be running it for the duration of 2023, our centennial year. 

SAVE THE DATE

Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, 
usually 2nd Monday meetings
usually 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST

JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 PM unless noted otherwise. Next meeting is Feb 13, 2023. The topic is “How to Read a Jewish Tombstone” with Robin Meltzer. 

http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php

“RootsTech 2023”, 
Family History Library, 
Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 2-4, 2023

Choose how to attend; in person or online! Visit the website for more info and registration. Virtually attendance is no fee. In person is only $98. 

https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/home?mc_cid=d8c7b37731&mc_eid=2ae79ab586

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206 522-8658

New Hours :  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
10:00 am – 3:00 pm ** Please call ahead to make sure our library will be open. We are short on front desk volunteers. *** The elevator in the Good Shepherd Center will be out of service for the next several weeks. 

Masks are recommended  inside the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom. 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. 

NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room.  The host must take action to let people into each meeting.  The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.

All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted 


Saturday, February 4, 2023, 10:15 am- 12:15 pm, FamilySearch SIG, 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, February 5, 2023,  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, February 6, 2023, 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, February 11, 2023, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, Second Saturday: Black Miners in the Western US,  with Janice Lovelace. 

Monday, February 13, 2023, 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, February 14, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. 

Saturday, February 18, 2023, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, Irish SIG, with Susan McKee and Jim Ryan. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.

Saturday, February 18, 2023, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm, German SIG, with Carolyn Schott See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.

Sunday,February 19, 2023,  1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Virtual Sundays: Something Old, Something New, Jill Morelli is the usual host.

Monday, February 20, 2023, 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, February 27, 2023, 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, February 28, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. 

Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society Documents DNA Methods Luck

by Charles Hansen

On February 17, 2023 BIGS Presents

At 10AM, Friday, Feb 17, 2023, on Zoom,

Elizabeth Williams Gomoll will present:

“Documents + DNA + Methods + Luck,”

Combining Tools to Find Biological Family

Finding an adopted child’s biological family is especially challenging for genealogists. This presentation uses a success story to show how good methodology combined with document research and DNA matches (plus a dose of good luck) finally put to rest a decades-old question.

Elizabeth Williams Gomell, A recipient of many awards, Liz is co-editor of Minnesota Genealogist, the quarterly journal of the Minnesota Genealogical Society and immediate past-president of the Association for Professional Genealogists Northland Chapter and has served on numerous boards and committees.

Liz is based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

So, please join us on February 17th at 10AM for this informative presentation. The Zoom link will be available on our website bigenealogy.org on February 16th, the day before the meeting.

Everyone Welcome! No membership necessary.