THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s

Thursday Evening

E-News, Edition

29 March 2018

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for April 2018, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at www.gfo.org.

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

Easter Day GFO Closure

GFO’s Library will be closed this coming Sunday, April 1st, for the Easter Holiday.

We hope to see you again bright and early on Monday, April 2nd, at 9:30am!

As always, thanks for all you do for GFO.

Call for Raffle Tablers

GFO needs several superhero volunteers at the Spring Seminar.

Contact GFO’s Vice President, Sharyle Kingston, at vicepresident@gfo.org asap if you’re even the least bit interested!
Duties include staffing our raffle table during the Saturday Seminar on April 14th.

Location: Oregon Military Museum @ Camp Withycombe, 15300 SE Minuteman Way, Clackamas, Oregon
Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Note: Photo ID required by venue.

As always, thank you for all you do for GFO.

GFO’s Spring Seminar is Around the Corner! Register Now

How can you prove your ancestors fought in the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War or World War I?

Come hear one of the most engaging national experts in military records at the GFO’s Spring Seminar April 14 & 15.

We’re bringing Michael Strauss in for two great days of lessons.

Location: Oregon Military Museum @ Camp Withycombe, Details Here!

Call for Bulletin Co-Editors!

Our fearless co-editor, Marti Dell, needs your help to keep our quarterly publication alive and well!

We have an opening for another co-editor for The Bulletin. This exciting position includes:

Interested? Please contact Marti at bulletin@gfo.org.

Greek, Not German Please

Online Greek Dictionary

We apologize for the incorrect link to a German online dictionary in last week’s E-News.

The intended Greek dictionary website, linked HERE, is not only a “modern Greek dictionary” but also has many additional resources for your research and cultural curiosities.

Illinois Annexes Other States (Well, Our Interest Group Does)

The Illinois Special Interest Group has officially become: The Great Lakes Region Special Interest Group.

This group generally meets on the second Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at the GFO library. No meetings in July, August, December, and always check the GFO calendar for updates to this schedule.

Interest in the Great Lakes Region can be broad and diverse, as some ancestors settled and remained there for generations, while others spent a short time there before moving on. The group’s interests include migration, travel, trade, historical events, and research techniques specific to the area.

If you would like more information about this group or have questions, you may contact Lynn Rossing via email at GreatLakes@gfo.org.

Do you have Cuban ancestors?

Database of Officers of the Ten Years War 1868-1878! Click HERE for all the info on this expansive project.

The database is published on CubaGenWeb and is the compilation work of Eugenio de J. Perez Ferrer and Jose de Santa Cruz Pacheco Rivery.

Don’t forget the May 19th GenTalk at GFO (free event…oh so very free) all about Cuban ancestry!

At the GFO This Week…

SUNDAY, April 1st

The GFO Library will be closed this Sunday for the Easter holiday.

MONDAY, April 2nd

First Free Monday!! 9:30am – 5pm

Not a member of the GFO, but desperate to find out what’s in our holdings and to use all our wonderful online database subscriptions (Newspapers.com, World Library Ancestry.com, HistoryGeo, and more)? No problem! Every first Monday of every month GFO’s library is absolutely free and open to the public! Hope to see you there.

WEDNESDAY, April 4th

Learn & Chat 10am – noon

At Learn & Chat some of the learning comes from speakers with particular expertise but most of it comes from the sharing of experiences and knowledge of attendees who have developed methods that work for them. And if you have been doing genealogy for any length time you have likely experienced the wonderful moments of exhilaration, the successes that you then share with others and that drive you to continue researching. Unfortunately those times can be few and far between. Join us to talk about your genealogy questions and help provide support to others. Facilitated by Jean Quan.

DNA Q&A 1 – 3pm

Lisa McCullough will be available to help answer your DNA questions, whether you are new and just getting started or have more involved questions.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s

Thursday Evening

E-News, Edition

22 March 2018

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for February 2018, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at www.gfo.org.

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

GFO Star – Nanci Remington

Nanci deserves recognition for again doing a splendid job of organizing GFO’s Open House.

She arranged the speakers, kept the calendar, managed the handouts, taught classes, and this year, she filled in for speakers who had to cancel – one at the last minute.

She is a Research Assistant, co-chairs the Manuscript Committee, writes many articles for the Bulletin, and she is the one to answer most of the messages sent to info@gfo.org.

Thank you, Nanci, for all you do for the GFO!

Don’t Miss GFO’s Spring Seminar!

How can you prove your ancestors fought in the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War or World War I?

Come hear one of the most engaging national experts in military records at the GFO’s Spring Seminar April 14 & 15.

We’re bringing Michael Strauss in for two great days of lessons.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s

Thursday Evening

E-News, Edition

15 March 2018

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for February 2018, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at www.gfo.org.

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

GFO’s Open House – A Success Story

Welcome and Many Thanks!!

Another GFO Open House has come and gone. Classes were attended by 652 people–this includes a lot of people counted more than once as many attended multiple classes.

We’d like to extend our warmest WELCOME to all our newest members who signed up for GFO Membership at last week’s Open House. All your membership benefits can be viewed HERE on our website!

A very special THANK YOU to everyone who played a part in our biggest educational event of the year:

Nanci Remington, who arranged all the speakers, collected all the information, posted the schedule online, and kept us all updated as things evolved.

Judith Leppert, who served as hostess all nine days, baking and making coffee and cleaning up afterward every day.

Thank you also to everyone who brought in goodies and treats to share at our coffee corner tables.

Early Bird Registration Ends Tomorrow!

Feeling Lost? Join Genealogy Problem Solvers (GPS) this Saturday, March 17th

This month’s Genealogy Problem Solvers (GPS) meets Saturday, March 17th, 9:30 – 11:30am

Location: GFO’s Multipurpose Room

This month’s brick wall is the 3rd great grandmother, Anna Rosetta (Halverson) French of one of our members.

The only documented fact is her death at age 36, and her marriage to William French in 1812 in Philadelphia. Only her mothers’ first name and married surname are known, and her sea captain father is said to be anything from a Slave Trader to a shipper of Catholics to the Colonies. He is dead before 1800.

GPS is a monthly support group where we help each other find information about a family line. We will learn to do a reasonably exhaustive search and develop research plans. The focus will shift depending on the needs of the group. Several experienced researchers have volunteered to help. Beginners and intermediate researchers are encouraged to submit problems to work on. For more information contact Katie Daly at GPS@gfo.org.

All of the GFO’s Special Interest Groups are FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.

Finding James, GenTalk – Saturday, March 17th

Presenter: Kate Eakman

GFO’s Multipurpose Room, 2pm

Join us after the GPS meeting this Saturday to uncover as much information as possible about a U.S. serviceman who died on Utah Beach on D-Day during WWII. What followed was a study in dead ends, perseverance, and one of the most meaningful projects it has ever been Kate’s privilege to work on!

Kate Eakman holds an M.A. in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to her career as a professional genealogist, Kate spent 20 years as a college history professor. Today she is a Senior Researcher for Legacy Tree Genealogists. Kate’s article “Writing the Professional Research Report: Style and Format” was awarded the APGQ Excellence Award for 2016.

All of the GFO’s GenTalks are FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.

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Don’t Forget the Annual Member Meeting at 2 – 2:15pm

Find out who’s running for our various open offices, nominate someone (with their prior permission), or even throw your own hat in the ring.

Did someone say “French Canada”? Join Our Newest SIG this Sunday!

The French Canada Special Interest Group (SIG) will have its FIRST MEETING on Sunday, March 18th, 3:30 – 5pm.

Location: GFO’s Multipurpose Room

Bob LaMarche will be our fearless facilitator.

Please check the GFO CALENDAR for updates and class details.

The group will be discussing topics of interest in French Canada as well as Acadian genealogy and history.

Did you know the GFO has the 2nd largest French Canada collection outside of Canada?

Lost and Found Items

We found these poor abandoned coats, hats, and this single lonely, albeit lovely, earring after last week’s Open House.

Please call the GFO’s reception desk at 503-963-1932 to claim any of these items that may have wondered off your person last week.

We’ll hold these items until the end of March.

Sizzlin’ Hot Tips in Genealogy this Month…

Portland’s 77th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Aquinas Hall, 340 NE Clackamas St in Portland, 3:30 – 8pm, and doors open at 3 p.m.

Don’t miss out on this fun afternoon and evening filled with all things Irish! Authentic Irish music, song, and dance. Penny’s Puppet show for the children. Food and beverages available for purchase. More info HERE.

Overlooked – NYTimes Women’s Obituaries

This recent NYTimes article, accessible HERE, tells all about how the shape of history is often made without our awareness. The article also discusses how we choose to remember and who our documentation often allows us to remember.

Featured in these Obituaries…

Roots Tech 2018

Saturday, March 17th, 9am – 4:00pm
To see this year’s line up for classes and the teacher bios, visit roots.fgos.org. This is a free community event. All are welcome. Registration is to give us a count for the free lunch only. We look forward to seeing you!

At the GFO This Week…

SATURDAY, March 17th

Genealogy Problem Solvers (GPS) 9:30 – 11:30am

This is a free event designed to help attendees gather research tips from the best in the field! Join the fun every third Saturday of the month. If you’re a GFO member and have a genealogy problem for our experts to solve, email GPS@gfo.org today!

Annual Membership Meeting 2 – 2:15pm

Find out who’s running for office, nominate someone (with their prior permission), throw your hat in the ring, and be on hand for the GenTalk to immediately to follow.

GenTalk – Finding James 2pm

Presentation will start after the Membership Meeting.

Presenter Kate Eakman, MA

It sounded like an average assignment for professional genealogist Kate Eakman: uncover as much information as possible about a U.S. serviceman who died on Utah Beach on D-Day during WWII. What followed was a study in dead ends, perseverance, and one of the most meaningful projects it has ever been her privilege to work on.

SUNDAY, March 18th

Library Work Party 9am – noon

There’s another work party at the GFO library today for those of you who can come. There’s lots to do and we’d love to have your help. Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there!

French Canada Ancestry Group 3:30 – 5pm

Sharing stories of our history. Come and join this new group to learn more about French Canadian ancestry and Acadia. The group leader is Bob LaMarche.

WEDNESDAY, March 21st

Learn & Chat 10am – noon

At Learn & Chat some of the learning comes from speakers with particular expertise but most of it comes from the sharing of experiences and knowledge of attendees who have developed methods that work for them. And if you have been doing genealogy for any length time you have likely experienced the wonderful moments of exhilaration, the successes that you then share with others and that drive you to continue researching. Unfortunately those times can be few and far between. Join us to talk about your genealogy questions and help provide support to others. Facilitated by Jean Quan.

DNA Q&A 1 – 3pm

Lisa McCullough leads a discussion on various DNA related subjects, with each meeting focused on a particular subject. General questions are welcome at the end of each planned discussion.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s

Thursday Evening

E-News, Edition

1 March 2018

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for February 2018, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at www.gfo.org.

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

Don’t forget your Boots!

Beginning Genealogy Boot Camp

Laurel Smith and Barbara Schrag
from 9am – 5pm

Join Laurel Smith and Barbara Schrag for a day of beginning genealogy.

There will be sessions about the census, vital records, immigration and naturalization, discussions about genealogy software and database use,
organizing your research and more–all geared toward beginners.

Only a half hour will be set aside for lunch so we suggest you bring a sack lunch. Limited to the first 50 to register by sending a message to RSVP@gfo.org.

A link to the class notes and a first assignment will be sent out beforehand.

It’s Open House Week at the GFO Our Biggest Event of the Year!

Click HERE for the full detailed class schedule. Click the here for a quick video.

Complete printed schedules with class descriptions are also available at the library’s reception desk by the front door. OR see our online calendar HERE.

Open House Lineup:

Saturday March 3: Virginia Group (pensions), German Group (Recent research trip to Germany.)
Sunday March 4: All Day Boot Camp. (see above.)
Monday March 5: Irish Day (3 classes), Are You Stuck? (Harold Hinds says Probably Not!)
Tuesday March 6: Land Records Day (3 classes), Case of the Mystery Dad (Keith & Darlene Pyeatt solve a case.)
Wednesday March 7: Learn & Chat, Write it Up!, Good Writing & Personal Archiving.
Thursday March 8: Heritage Quest, PERSI (the mostextensive genealogy and local history subject index on the planet), Timelines, Sharing Your Genealogy.
Friday March 9: Google for Genealogy, Mexican Ancestry, Make the Most of Your Time
Saturday/Sunday March 10-11: DNA Days. 6 Sessions each day!

Please Arrive Early! Allow extra time to find parking in the area and to sign in at the door.
All sessions are free and open to the public. Please share this with your friends and family.

NGS Conference Ticket Discount

Help represent GFO at this year’s National Genealogical Society (NGS) 2018 Family History Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 2nd – 5th.

If you’re headed to the conference, we have a discount that could help reduce the cost of admission. NGS is offering two discount tickets for GFO to utilize!

Contact Laurel Smith at president@gfo.org to learn more.

Thanks for all you do for the GFO!

GFO’s Diversity & Inclusivity Statement

Adopted by the Board of Directors on February 13, 2018

The primary purposes of the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Inc. (GFO) are to promote interest in genealogy and to preserve and provide genealogical and historical records and information. GFO strives to fulfill this mission by offering educational classes and materials, by compiling, preserving and publishing genealogical and historical records, and by providing access to abundant resources.

GFO is committed to supporting every individual’s genealogical research. Insights gained through…read full text HERE.

Hot Tips in Genealogy this Spring…

Blake Little’s Photographs from the Gay Rodeo – High Desert Museum, Bend, OR

Through April 30th
Consisting of 41 black-and-white photographs taken between 1988 and 1992, Blake Little: Photographs of the Gay Rodeo documents the gay rodeo circuit and the lives of many of its participants during those years. The collected body of work not only serves as a stunning example of black-and-white portraiture and rodeo photography, it also explores the diverse and complex natures of individual and community identity in the West.

Where We All Came From – Multnomah County Library

March 4th, 1 – 4pm
Exploring your family’s history can provide personal insight and a larger historical perspective about what motivates people to migrate. But where to start? Join us for an afternoon of genealogical detective work. We’ll provide access to research tools as well as one-on-one help with experts from the Oregon Genealogical Society, Genealogical Forum of Oregon and Multnomah County Library research librarians.

Swedish National Archives Now Free

Have Swedish roots? You’ll like this news: access is free to the Swedish National Archives. Now all you need into be able to read Swedish.

Ulster Historical Foundation Lecture Tour comes to Seattle
Join Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt from the Foundation during their annual North American lecture tour on Sunday, March 18th, in Seattle, hosted by the Irish Heritage Club.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s

Thursday Evening

E-News, Edition

22 February 2018

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for February 2018, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at www.gfo.org.

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

What’s on Feb 25th? GFO’s Civil War Era Workshop!

TOPIC: African American Civil War Military and Pension Files

This coming Sunday, 9:30am to noon, at the GFO.

Presenter: Kate Eakman, M.A.

Come learn all about using the Freedmen’s Bureau Records and other Reconstruction Era documents to trace your African American Ancestors.

After the Civil War’s end in April of 1865 the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands (the Freedmen’s Bureau) was created to provide assistance to former slaves (and impoverished whites) in the South. The war had resulted in the liberation of about 4 million enslaved people, but it also destroyed many of the southern cities and towns as well as the plantation-based economy. Former slaves were free, but they had been dislocated from their homes and they faced starvation and powerful racial biases and inequalities.

The records from the Freedmen’s Bureau and other records of 1865-1872 include local censuses, marriage records, medical records, bank account records, and voting registers. These, in turn, can provide the names of spouses, children, siblings, parents, and former slave-owners as well as places of birth and locations where an individual lived between birth and freedom. This class will focus on the contents of these documents, where to locate them, and how to use them to add details to, and possibly extend your family tree.

Thank you so much for sharing GFO’s events with your patrons!

Below are links to flyers for our upcoming events at GFO.

If your organization has events or news items you’d like GFO to share, please email news@gfo.org.

If you’d like paper copies of any of these flyers, please email publisher@gfo.org. We’ll happily send your organization a color copy and multiple black & white copies.

Saturday, March 3rd thru Sunday, March 11th, at GFO’s Library

GFO’s Annual Open House

Multiple Presenters! Free & Open to the Public!

See the full list of events at our Calendar.

Saturday, March 17th, 2 – 3pm, at GFO’s Library

GFO GenTalk – Finding James

“A World War II Repatriation Project”

Presenter: Kate Eakman, MA

Saturday, April 14th, 10am – 4:30pm, at Oregon Military Museum

GFO’s Spring 2018 Seminar

“Your American Soldier: Then And Now”

Presenter: Michael Strauss, AG

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Sunday, April 15th, 9:30am – noon, at GFO’s Library

GFO’s Spring 2018 Half-Day Workshop

“A House Divided: The Civil War”

Presenter: Michael Strauss, AG

Saturday, May 19th, 2 – 3pm, at GFO’s Library

GFO GenTalk – Finding and Following the Paths of My Cuban Cousins

Presenter: Janice Sellers

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s

Thursday Evening

E-News, Edition

1 February 2018

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for February 2018, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” > “Our Publications” menu at www.gfo.org.

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

Don’t Miss GFO’s Open House, March 3rd – 11th