Wednesday, April 2
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
“Beyond the Hints”- Digging deeper into other search options available in FamilySearch & Ancestry websites
Presented by Beth Swartz
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Using online search options available at FamilySearch and Ancestry can offer diverse research tools beyond their main hints. FamilySearch includes options like recommended tasks, recent views, a catalog of genealogies, books, records and Full Text search. Ancestry provides access to military records, public trees, and collections. Exploring these can uncover valuable sources often missed by automated suggestions.
Wednesday, April 9
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Cemeteries and Funeral Homes
Presented by Lisa Gorrell
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
There is more to cemetery research than online cemetery sites such as Find A Grave. Learn how to find these other records, what to do when visiting a cemetery, and how funeral home records can add to the family story.
There is no class on April 16,
Wednesday, April 23
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Discovering African American Ancestry
Presented by Beth Swartz
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Researching African American ancestry blends traditional genealogy with unique historical challenges. The 1870 Federal Census, the first to list African Americans by name, is a key starting point. Earlier records, such as the Freedmen’s Bureau, probate documents, and slave narratives, can help trace enslaved ancestors and their last owners. Understanding historical context, including Freed People of Color and U.S. Colored Troops service, is essential for uncovering these rich and complex family histories.
Wednesday, April 30
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Putting Your Learning to Work: Get the Most from an Educational Opportunity
Presented by Mary Kircher Roddy
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Genealogists are constantly learning. Societies and libraries around the world offer webinars and courses galore. With each opportunity you take, you spend your most precious resource – your time. How can you decide what to watch and how to get the most out of any educational opportunity? Discover ways to make what the presenter told you part of your research toolbox.
Wednesday, May 7
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Who ‘Owned’ Solomon? A Case study of 19th Century African American Research Presented by Janice Lovelace
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Many African American researchers struggle to break through the brick wall of slavery. This presentation looks at techniques to identify the slave-holders of Solomon through the use of land, probate and court records.
Wednesday, May 14
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Packrat or Genealogist? Effective Methods for Organizing Your Family History Research
Presented by Lisa Alzo
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Are you drowning in a sea of papers, documents, old photographs and other research materials? This talk will cover how to organize family history documents, photographs, etc. for quick retrieval. Traditional methods and computer technology will be featured along with ways for distributing/sharing this information with others.
Wednesday, May 21
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
Wills & Probate Records for Genealogy Research
Presented by Claire Smith
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Wills and probate records are some of the richest sources of documents for researching your ancestors. These records contain an abundance of details about an individual’s life, often proving the key to resolving a tough problem. Find out how to use them to break your research brick walls.
Wednesday, May 28
10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)
The Nuts and Bolts of Accreditation
Presented by Jenny Hansen
For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org
Have you ever wondered about earning a professional genealogy credential? Learn more about the nuts and bolts of the process during this hour. You will learn some of the details about what is required and how to best prepare for earning the Accredited Genealogist credential.