I’d bet a nickel that there is a museum to just about anything you can name. I’d also bet that you’ve visited a good many museums for that’s a “genealogy thing.” But I’d bet that you’ve never heard of these three museums that I just discovered.
Wikipedia tells us that there are some 4500 species of crab scattered in the world’s oceans. In Margate, England, is the Crab Museum where inside is a diorama featuring all things “crab,” real and fanciful. The museum aims to teach visitors about crab anatomy, mating habits and their importance to marine ecosystems, including environmental threats. Their website is both fun and informative and you can sign up for their newsletter for free.
The Museum of Failure first began in Sweden as a traveling exhibit and now is located in Malaga, Spain. This museum highlights digital disasters, medical mishaps, bad taste things, Failure in Motion, Failure to Innovate, “What WERE they thinking,” and “So Close But Yet So Far….” The museum has over 200 new items and artifacts added every year because “innovation needs failure. All progress, not only technological progress, is built on learning from past failures and mistakes.”
Last of all, a museum in Reykjavik, Iceland: The Iceland PhallogicalMuseum. This eclectic museum purposes to “collect, study and preserve some 200 phalluses of land and sea mammals (including man).” I visited this most unusual museum and to be honest found it to be most interesting. The gift shop offerings were definitely “something else.”
This 1 hour and 15 minutes presentation focuses on clues in the genealogical records to find ancestors that may have been Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer. Clues to ancestors can be found in photographs, census, newspapers, obituaries, cemeteries, military records, marriage records, and LGBTQ Archives around the world. Stewart tells stories of many LGBTQ ancestors in the historical context of LGBTQ rights. The presentation is both factual and emotional in portraying LGBTQ people in the past centuries.
The second part of the presentation focuses on current genealogical software and the difficulty faced by LGBTQ and adoptive families. Sometimes the software just doesn’t fit. Stewart makes recommendations on how software needs to evolve for today’s families.
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.
We are pleased to announce that we now offer access to Find My Past. In library ONLY
We invite you to join us in the library! In addition we offer access to:
AMERICAN ANCESTORS AMERICAN CIVIL WAR DATABASE ANCESTRY LIBRARY EDITION FAMILY SEARCH (AFFILIATE) FIND MY PAST (NEW) HISTORY GEO (MAPS) MENNONITE LIFE (formerly Mennonite Lancaster Historical Society) MY HERITAGE LIBRARY EDITION WASHINGTON DIGITAL ARCHIVES WASHINGTON DIGITAL NEWSPAPERS We are OPEN: Monday thru Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 2102 East Main Avenue, Suite 105 Puyallup, WA 98372 253-863-1806 June classes: June 6, 2024 “Get Me to the Church on Time” with Janice Sellers and June 20, 2024 “Beginning Your Family History” Part A: Getting Started with Heidi Geise
OFFICER ELECTIONS – RESULTS Congratulations to Alexis Hacker Scholz, Vice-President, and Melanie Hinds, Secretary. Their terms of office will run June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2026. Also, a thank you to members for approving the budget.
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 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. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.
JUNE – EARLY JULY 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS
Tuesday, June 4, 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.
Friday, June 7, 2024 ⋅ 12:30pm PT EGS German Interest Group (online) Topic: Is this the End? Taking Your German Brick Walls Down Piece by Piece by Luana M. Darby, AG® For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/
Monday, June 10, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online) Topic: Where Are We? Taking stock of new tools and personal progress.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy Saturday, June 15, 2024, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program (online) SKCGS General Membership Meeting (Online) Daniel Horowitz “MyHeritage New Advanced Features and Technologies” Presenting an advance review of new features and technologies on MyHeritage, the online family history service. Take full advantage of MyHeritage’s unmatched technologies to help you find long-lost relatives, uncover historical records about people in the family tree, and even add an entire branch in one click. The Consistency Checker will alert you of 36+ types of potential errors and inconsistencies in your tree. PedigreeMap(TM) locates all events in your tree and plots them on a map to help you understand and improve the research localization. The Theory of Family Relativity(TM) and AutoCluster will help you understand the relation path between you and your DNA matches. Learn about the new records released, and those forthcoming on the MyHeritage Search Engine.
Daniel Horowitz is a genealogy expert at MyHeritage, providing key contributions liaising with genealogy societies, bloggers, and media, as well as lecturing, and attending conferences around the world. Dedicated to Genealogy since 1986, he was the teacher and the study guide editor of the family history project “Searching for My Roots” in Venezuela for 15 years. Daniel is involved in several crowdsource digitization and transcription projects and holds a board level position at the Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA). The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome! Register at https://www.skcgs.org
FamilySearch Help (AI): https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/help-search/ Register at https://www.skcgs.org 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 announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG Friday, June 21, 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.org
Monday, June 24, 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 at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society Wednesday, June 26, 2024 ⋅ 6:30pm – 7:30pm PT
Genealogy with SKCGS and KCLS (online) Writing Your Ancestor’s Stories
Join professional genealogist, Winona Laird, from South King County Genealogical Society for a program 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/65565bff61803d36006d6b6b
Thursday, June 27, 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, June 27, 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
Saturday, July 6, 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 at https://www.skcgs.org After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements 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.
I’m sorry to announce that our June zoom meeting (tonight) with Amber Oldenburg has been cancelled. She unexpectedly called to say she cannot make this meeting with her presentation. Her topic was Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defense Registration Card.
Pat Crimmel
Lower Columbia Genealogical Society
Amber Oldenburg
Genealogist and lecturer
Women’s Committee of the Council
Of National Defense RegistrationCard
Speaker atthe Lower Columbia Genealogical Society’s
June 13th Zoom meeting.
Virtual meeting doors will open at 6:30 pm and speakers
program will begin at 7:00 pm. Public is invited to attend
Presentation – Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Public Library?
(This presentation and meeting will not be available via Zoom)
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
1:00 pm
SVGS Library
6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA
You are invited to this free presentation at the SVGS library.
Everyone is welcome!
Nate Cushman will be speaking in person at our June 11th meeting. Our business meeting will follow the presentation.
Nate’s topic: Are You Getting the Most Out on a of Your Public Library?
Nate is from the Snohomish Library will introduce strategies for using public libraries in your genealogical research and give a tour of resources and services available from Sno-Isle Libraries.
Bio: Nate has worked as a Librarian with Sno-Isle Libraries for 30 years. His love for libraries began at an early age due to being a military brat and moving every 2 years. Being a shy kid, (at least until basketball season rolled around), libraries became his refuge whenever he arrived in a new town. Over his career, genealogical research has evolved from a professional requirement to a personal passion.
There will be a short break with refreshments. The monthly meeting will follow.
SDIG – DNA Special Interest Group
Also join us at the SVGS library from 1-3pm on Thursday, April 18th for our DNA Special Interest Group (DIG). This group works together to develop a better understanding of DNA techniques and strategies for finding relatives, discuss and review new DNA developments and tools and help members with their research problems. This group meets at the same time on the 3rd Thursday of the month.
All DNA skill levels are welcome to attend.
If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for this group, please send an email info@stillygen.org
Also, if you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for the DIG group, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the DIG email list.
TIP OF THE WEEK – FREE EDUCATIONAL SERIES FROM THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES The National Archives has loads of fantastic records that can help your research, but did you know they also host seminars as well? Every year, the National Archives hosts a free, educational genealogy event broadcast on YouTube. The sessions offer family history research tools on federal records for all skill levels. Join thousands of family historians participating during the live broadcast event. Presentations are pre-recorded, but viewers may ask questions during each session’s YouTube video premiere. The presenter will respond in real time. After the initial showing, the video and handouts will remain available on this web page and YouTube.
There are still three broadcasts coming, one is today. June 4 at 1 p.m. ET — Captured German Records Related to American Prisoners of War During World War II June 18 at 1 p.m. ET — Alien Files (A-Files): Researching Immigrant Ancestors at the National Archives June 25 at 1 p.m. ET — World War II Enemy Alien Records Related to Japanese Americans at the National Archives Three previous sessions are still available on the NARA YouTube channel.
June 4, 2024
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
Carol B. Jenner, Karen Knudson, Shirley Mouer and Karen Portzer
Last month eNews reported about four volunteers who helped local Facebook group, Friends of Magnuson Park, find living relatives of the Army Corp Fliers who departed Sandpoint Airfield April 6, 1924 to become the first persons to circumnavigate the world by air. Now those same volunteers are being named SGS’s Volunteers of Spring Quarter 2024.
Carol P. Jenner joined SGS in 2016 and this was her first volunteer project.
“This project drew me in,” she said, “because of the chance to explore a new family and also my interest in aviation. I’m a licensed pilot and have flown float planes in the same airspace as the aviators! As I read the accounts of the ‘round the world flight, I am amazed at the confidence and courage they all displayed.”
Jenner researched Lowell Herbert Smith. He had joined Pancho Villa’s air force to get experience and played a role in many other aviation firsts. He had no children. Jenner searched for nieces and nephews and was able to identify and provide contact information for descendants of Smith’s brother, sister and a half-brother.
Karen Knudson, who was previously Volunteer of Summer Quarter 2023, has been a member of SGS for 16 years and was the treasurer for eight years. Knudson’s paternal side is “completely Swedish,” which is likely why she started the Scandinavian special interest group, which she now co-hosts with SGS Librarian, Kathi M.
Knudson researched pilot Alva L. Harvey. He became a test pilot for the B17 bomber and flew important missions for the Air force. He was also instrumental in the construction of the B29 bomber. Harvey married twice and had two daughters and one step-daughter. Knudson found a distant relative on Ancestry who was able to provide contact information for a grandson and granddaughter, that she shared with the Friends of Magnuson Park.
Shirely Mouer joined SGS in 2022 and this was her first volunteering experience.
“As a beginning genealogist, I was a bit intimidated to do the research on my own,” Mouer said, “but Kathi, SGS Librarian was helpful and encouraging. I was surprised by how emotionally connected to this family I began to feel. They became so real to me. Although I have felt that in researching my own family, I wasn’t expecting it with this project.”
Mouer researched General Leigh Wade. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1916 and became an aviation cadet one year later.
For the 1924 flight around the world, Wade served as a first lieutenant and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1925 for his services as pilot and supply officer. He reverted to inactive status in 1926. He returned to active duty as a major in 1941 with the Air Corps and continued with the Air Force. In 1952, he because Chief of the Air Section of the Joint Brazil-U.S. Military Commission at Rio de Janeiro. He did not have any children. However, his oldest sister, Allene, had 12 children and many of Leigh’s grandnephews/nieces and great grandnephews/nieces were found.
Karen Portzer loves volunteering for short term projects. She began genealogy in 1987 and wrote her first article for the SGS Bulletin in 1992. Since then, she has written more articles and, also chaired a Pennsylvania interest group. In Pennsylvania, she has direct lines living in 29 counties!
Portzer was thrilled to participate in this project because of her love of genealogy and aviation. She grew up near SeaTac International Airport and fondly remembers going to the side of the road near the airfield with her father, an airplane mechanic and private pilot, to watch planes take off and land. She researched First Lt Leslie P. Arnold, and although he didn’t have children, his sister had children and grandchildren that Portzer was able to share with the Friends of Magnuson Park. Karen also researched Henry H. Ogden, the youngest of the flyers. He had five daughters. He became a vice president of Lockheed.
“This was an incredible flight,” Portzer declared. “I found excerpts from their diaries in the newspapers with a byline for Lowell Arnold. I found their passport applications which listed every planned stop along the way. These men lived incredible lives afterward, many becoming executives or key people for the major airlines or aviation.”
This flight was followed closely and made worldwide headlines. When they returned to Sandpoint Airbase on Sept. 28, 1924, they were welcomed home by 50,000 Seattleites
Congratulations to Pam Pracser Anderson for her Award of Merit from the National Genealogical Society. Anderson, a volunteer, was recognized for her work for the Certification Discussion Group, an SGS managed program. Pam manages the CDG Accountability Group and Mentorship Program, which provides the only formal program of its kind in the country. Created and maintained by Anderson, the program is composed of CDG graduates who are pursuing the certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG). While not affiliated with BCG, the program provides incentive and motivation for those who are writing their portfolios and other work products. The program began three years ago and presently has over 90 people enrolled in either the small accountability writing groups or with one-on-one mentors. Congratulations, Pam! JOIN GENEALOGY WRITER’S GROUP
Get inspired to write about your ancestors, share what you have written and get feedback. Join SGS’s Write It Up special interest group. This group of enthusiastic genealogists meets virtually on the second Monday each month at 6 p.m. Members may share any type of writing they are working on. Share anything from a research proof to a collection of your grandma’s stories. This group covers it all. To join or learn more, contact SGS Director of Education (education@seagensoc.org).
Some writing prompts to inspire you:
Does your family have any traditions? Where did they come from?
Did a grandparent share stories with you? What were they?
Did your family take road trips as your were growing up? What happened?
SGS MEMBERS, REMEMBER TO RENEW
Take a few moments now to renew your membership as we begin our next century! When you renew online you can pay your dues with a credit/debit card right away or print out your invoice and send it with your dues payment to SGS. First log in at Members Home then click the green “Renew Membership” button. If you haven’t logged in before or have questions, send an email to membership@seagensoc.org.
NOT AN SGS MEMBER YET?
Join online today and enjoy a full year of discounted class and event fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Find out more about membership at Join SGS.
TOUR EXPLORED SEATTLE’S CIVIL WAR HISTORY
Richard Heisler (in group photo, front row, first from left) of Civil War Seattle, lead SGS attendees on a tour of Seattle’s historic Civil War cemeteries on June 1. He shared the stories of the veterans buried there and spoke of the contributions the region made to the war. Washington once had more Civil War veterans per capita than any other state
Look for more outings to places of genealogical interest offered by SGS in future months
SAVE THE DATE
Family Tree Maker SIG Eastside Genealogical Society June 21, 2024, 10:30 pm-12:30 pm
Join Eastside Genealogical Society and SGS to learn and share tips and tricks for using Family Tree Maker by Software MacKiev. The meetings open about 15 minutes in advance. You can join and/or leave whenever you have to, and you may email your question(s) in advance or bring them up during the meeting.
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 Monday June 10, 2024, “Crossing the Ocean: US Records to Ancestral Towns” presented by Susan Weinberg. For more information see http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php
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 a.m .- 3:00 p.m. ** 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 notedWednesday, June 5, 2024, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), This month’s focus in on Oregon resources. Register on the SGS website.
Monday, June 10, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 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,
June 10, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., 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, June 10, 2024, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact SGS Director of Education (education@seagensoc.org).
Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., 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, June 15, 2024, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. Share information and discuss Irish ancestral research. Note the later time, this month only.
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., German SIG (Virtual), Speaker Lisa Oberg will present “From Sauerkraut to Liberty Cabbage: Anti-German Activities during World War I.” Register on the SGS website.
Sunday, June 16, 2024 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Virtual Sundays: Something Old, Something New, Series finale. Topic “AI: Live.” Join Jill Morelli for an impromptu AI experiment (or two). Please visit the SGS website to register in advance for this event.
Monday, June 17, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 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, June 18, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., “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, June 24, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 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, June 25, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., 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, June 29, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., DNA SIG, Learn how to calculate DNA coverage, collaborate with relatives who have already tested and figure out who to test next for the best coverage. Message SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join.Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), This SGS-sponsored special interest group meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. Register in advance.
Monday,
July 8, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., 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, July 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact SGS Director of Education (education@seagensoc.org).
Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., 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.Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., MAC Computer SIG, Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings address topics and resources for Macintosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software program. A link to login will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. If you would like to join, send an email to macusersig@seagensoc.org to be added to the email list.
You are free to copy articles to any non-commercial web site or message board or printed publication you wish. Don’t bother to ask permission, just do it.
We are pleased to announce that we now offer access to
