THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
19 July 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for July 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***

GFO’s July Star – Judith Leppert

Judith has worn many hats at the GFO and she is still wearing a few of them. (Thank goodness!) She has:
* Moved every book in the library at least four times,
* Served as Director at Large for the past four years,
* Sent cards to members who were ill or had lost a family member,
* Served as GFO Tour Coordinator,
* Coordinated the Treasures Raffle at our seminars,
* Acted as GFO hostess for Open House and other events,
* Taught classes for the Open House,
* Contributes articles for the Bulletin,
* Reviews donated books for the library committee,
* Spends many hours volunteering as an RA,
* Prepared and conducts a training program for new RAs.

She is also our “resident” singer. Many of your contributions will be missed, we’re grateful for the things you will continue doing, and we want to say: THANK YOU JUDITH!
Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s

Wednesday Evening

E-News

12 July 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for July 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).

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

***

WE’RE REBOOTED!!! Thank you all for your donations!

***

Calling All Volunteers! Calling All Volunteers!!

Library Office Revitalization Party – This Sunday!

We need strong and agile bodies to please please please help us reorganize the east wall of the GFO Library Office.

If you’re unafraid of climbing ladders or of lifting boxes and old equipment around, please email Laurel Smith at president@gfo.org, or feel free to stop by when you can. We’ll be working on this project and on labeling the rest of the Oregon section of books in the library.

We’ll be working away from 9am to noon! Hope to see you there! You know you want to!!

***

The Problem Solvers Special Interest Group (SIG) is cancelled for this month.

But why?!

Because no one has given the group a problem to work on. What a shame!

Three genealogy experts willing to help you with your own personal research problem–all for free–and no one has asked for help!

Have you hit a brick wall in your family tree research?

Get help from our Problem Solvers Group today! Send your problem to gps@gfo.org and a team member will contact you.

***

Just a few spots left for the Half-Day Workshop, Saturday, Aug 5th

Tips and Tricks: Finding What Your Need and Making the Most of What You Find

WHEN: Saturday, Aug 5th, 9:30am – noon
WHERE: GFO’s Multi-Purpose Room (map)
WHO: Pam Vestal, professional genealogist and lecturer
WHAT: As they say, borrow from the good, steal from the best! In this half-day workshop, you’ll learn from Pam, who is certainly one of the BEST, how to avoid popular pitfalls in genealogical research.

Click HERE to register now!

Don’t miss out! Sign up today!!

***

Book Reviewers Needed….

Below is a list of what’s on deck this month. If you’d like to read and review any of these, we’d be ecstatic!

1. KEMP, Thomas Jay. INTERNATIONAL VITAL RECORDS HANDBOOKS (Births, Marriages, Deaths. Application forms and ordering information for the vital records you need for driver’s licenses, passports, jobs, Social Security, proof of identity, etc.)

2. Mitchell, Brian. THE TOP 300 SURNAMES OF DERRY-LONDONDERRY.

3. Murray, Sonia Bennett. THEY CAME TO BELIZE (1750-1810). Complied from Records of Janaica, the Mosquito Shore and Belize at the British and Belize National Archives)

4. Ports, Michael A. GEORGIA GENEALOGY RESEARCH. Genealogy at a Glance.

5. QUICK SHEET, CITING ONLINE HISTORICAL RESOURCES. Evidence Style.

6. QUICK SHEET. CITING ANCESTRY.COM DATABASES & IMAGES. Evidence Style.

Anyone interested in reviewing one of these books, please either contact Joan or come by the GFO to pick up their book-of-choice from the bookshelf between the two offices and fill out the clipboard form. There is also a book review form on the shelf that can be used. For further information, please contact Joan Galles at bulletin@gfo.com.

If you’re currently reviewing a book, please let Joan know how it’s going and if you have questions!

***

Publishing Chair & Mail Labeling Assistant Needed

We’re still looking for someone to assist our Publishing Chair with attaching address labels on our quarterly Bulletin, and folding our Insider publications eight times a year for mailing. This work is generally scheduled on the third Wednesday of the month, but times may be adjusted depending on the printing schedule.

Thank you for all you do for the GFO! Contact publisher@gfo.org to sign up.

***

This Week at the GFO…

FRIDAY, JULY 14th

Mexican Ancestry Group 11:30am – 1:30pm

This Special Interest Group (SIG) pertains specifically to Mexican ancestors from Mexico and the American Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California). Beginning and intermediate researchers are very welcome. Some subjects will include online parish records, Hispanic genealogy societies, Family History Library, FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, solving genealogical problems, methodology of organizing your research, and so much more! Of course this group will also be about sharing our research experiences, and having fun.

If you know of any other people interested in Hispanic genealogy tell them about the up and coming group. The group is free and open to the public! For questions or comments, please email Vince at sw@gfo.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 15th

Illinois Interest Group noon – 2pm

Ciao to everyone interested in Italian genealogy research. This is a great opportunity to learn, share, and enjoy others with a common interest. Italian genealogy research in the Portland area now has a home. Come join our group. Facilitated by Keith Pyeatt.

SUNDAY, JULY 16th

Library Work Party 9am – noon

There’s another work party at the GFO library today for those of you who can come, and we’re pullin’ out all the stops and need your help reorganizing the Library Office space! There will also be lots of labeling 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 and you’re welcome to do the same. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there!

Family Tree Maker for Beginners 1 – 3pm

This is a beginning class for Family Tree Maker users and for those considering a purchase. It will be repeated quarterly.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19th

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
Wednesday Evening
E-News
5 July 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for May 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***
Half-Day Workshop, Aug 5th! Don’t forget to sign up!

Tips and Tricks: Finding What Your Need and Making the Most of What You Find

WHEN: Saturday, Aug 5th, 9:30am – noon
WHERE: GFO’s Multi-Purpose Room (map)
WHO: Pam Vestal, professional genealogist and lecturer
WHAT: As they say, borrow from the good, steal from the best! In this half-day workshop, you’ll learn from Pam, who is certainly one of the BEST, how to avoid popular pitfalls in genealogical research.

Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
28 June 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for May 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership??We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***
Click here to Reboot!

The items in the photo are a Southwest Technical Products 6800 computer with 36k of memory, dual mini floppies, a Hazeltine 1500 video terminal, and a Trendata1000 Selectric terminal. The small box on the disk drive is my homebrew 300 baud modem.

Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
21 June 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for May 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***
We Still Need Everyone’s Help in this Ongoing Search!!

Click HERE for the latest and greatest as far as the updates we’re getting in on this community-based effort. We don’t want ANYONE’s research time or efforts wasted. Check HERE to make sure you’re not duplicating your efforts!
Latest & Greatest RLGraham Research Updates
***

GFO’s June 2017 Star – Jackie Olson

Jackie Olson stepped up to help several years ago when the previous Forum Insider editor resigned. She consistently produces an attractive publication filled with interesting content. The Insider’s publication timeline is tight, and many times she receives information at the last minute, and she is always adaptable to making last minute adjustments to the publication before printing. She attends the Board of Director’s meetings in order to become aware of current information so she can keep our readers informed.
Thanks, Jackie!!
***

Wow! It’s Portland in the 40’s!!

The Oregonian/OregonLive is producing a book focused on Portland in the 1940s.

Portland Memories II: The War Years will feature nostalgic images of Portland including street scenes, education, celebrations, and commerce and will also showcase Portland’s role in the war effort as well as the rise and fall of Vanport.

You are being asked to participate. If you have photos that meet our guidelines, please bring them to one of the planned scanning sessions. For guidelines and scanning schedule click HERE.
***
How do you Save Memories? A Historic Preservation Conversation – Gresham City Hall

Memories surround us in the historic landmarks and architecture of Gresham’s houses and buildings.

Reflecting back, moving forward

Hear about Gresham’s historic places and local projects, what Oregonians are saying about historic properties, and what’s happening around the state.

Includes open panel discussion, short lectures, refreshments and raffle.

Hosted by the City’s Historic Resources Subcommittee. The GFO will be on the agenda as part of the panel discussion for this event! Come out and learn all about preserving the landscapes we live in.
This event is open to the general public including students, seniors, professionals, organizations and agencies.
RSVP
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This Week at the GFO…

SATURDAY, JUNE 24th

Italian Interest Group noon – 2pm

Ciao to everyone interested in Italian genealogy research. This is a great opportunity to learn, share, and enjoy others with a common interest. Italian genealogy research in the Portland area now has a home. Come join our group. Facilitated by Keith Pyeatt.
SUNDAY, JUNE 25th

Library Work Party 9am – noon

There’s€™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 and you’€™re welcome to do the same. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there!!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28th

Cataloging Meeting 1 – 3pm

GFO library cataloging volunteers will get together to discuss our processes and progress on the recataloging project. Anyone interested in cataloging for GFO is welcome to attend but must RSVP in advance to president@gfo.org.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
14 June 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for May 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***
Calling All Volunteers!! You really MUST come to the Party!! Saturday, June 17th, at the GFO!

We’re throwing you a party this Saturday, as we’d like to show our thanks for all you do for the GFO.

We will be celebrating our volunteers with snacks and prizes during our Annual Meeting, Saturday, June 17th beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
7 June 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for May 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***
Super Volunteers to the Rescue!! Help on Sundays??

Volunteer spots are open for Sundays, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s
Wednesday Evening
E-News
31 May 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for May 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership?? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
***
GFO’s German Interest Group this Saturday! June 3rd
1657 Jansson Map of Germany Germania – Geographicus – Germaniae-jansson-1657

Our meeting is Sat. June 3rd, from 1 – 3pm, at the GFO library (2505 S.E. 11th St., Suite B-18, Portland, OR)

Speaker: Lew Ebner

Topic: Searching for ancestors, partly travel log to Seelbach, Germany, and taking a closer look at the Arnstein Monastery (Kloster Arnstein) in the city of Obernhof, near Nassau.
***
Don’t Miss Out! Register for the June 4th Workshop!
REGISTER for the CENSUS WORKSHOP

It’s a half-day Workshop all about those pesky US & UK CENSUS RECORDS!!

A full morning of learning the full scope of what you can glean from census records.
That’s right, folks. We’re Digging Deeper into Census Records!!

WHERE: GFO Library
WHEN: Sunday, June 4th, 9:30am – noon
WHO’s THAT NOW?? Speaker Kate Eakman

Join speaker Kate Eakman for this amazing chance to learn all about “DIGGING DEEPER INTO ENGLAND, IRELAND, SCOTLAND, & THE U.S. CENSUS RECORDS.”
***

GFO’s May Star – Jerry Zimmer

Jerry has been the driving force for binding GFO’s periodicals for many years. He patrols the shelves looking for complete years or volumes of periodicals that need binding.

Lately, GFO has had an influx of binding requests, as our collection has been undergoing a re-cataloging and re-organizing project. But this hasn’t stopped Jerry!

Jerry also donates many of the supplies needed for the binding projects he undertakes!

We’re oh so grateful for all you do, Jerry. Thank you for your ongoing support!
***
GENEALOGY IN THE NEWS – Ancestry & DNA

STORY 1. New York Times article shows the value of using DNA & historical records to aid research of extinct apples.

What’s this got to do with genealogy??

The article touches on the importance of understanding DNA (albeit plant DNA), giving insights into just how valuable DNA research can be when coupled with researching through those dusty historical documents.

The article is also set right in the Pacific North West! Read the full story HERE.
STORY 2. Ancestry.com denies exploiting users’ DNA test results. This just in from BBC News.

The genealogy DNA services with Ancestry.com says it is changing its terms and conditions after criticism about privacy concerns. Read the full story HERE and continue uncovering the history of your family tree with no fear!
***
OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY LAUNCHES DIGITAL COLLECTIONS WEBSITE

The Oregon Historical Society is excited to announce the official launch of the OHS Digital Collections website, a ground-breaking step forward in providing broad access to the myriad collections held in the Research Library.

This new website allows online public access to a rich variety of materials from the OHS Research Library, including items from the manuscript, photograph, film, and oral history collections.
Check out OHS featured collections and see what’s new as the staff continues adding material!
***

STILL MORE BOOK REVIEWERS NEEDED

We’re got ONE new title below, and still some leftover from last week. You know you want to help review these exciting materials!
Here’s our most current list of the books we have to be reviewed:
1.     TIPS AND QUIPS for the Family Historian by Elizabeth Shown Mills and Ruth Brossette Lennon
2.     QUICK SHEET, Citing Ancestry.com Databases and Images, Evidence Style, by Elizabeth Shown Mills
3.     QUICK SHEET, Citing Online Historical Resources, Evidence Style, by Elizabeth Shown Mills.
4.     Boyle, Joseph Lee. WHITE PENNSYLVANIA RUNAWAYS, 1769-1772. “much addicted to strong drink and swearing”.
5.     Ports, Michael A. GEORGIA GENEALOGY RESEARCH. Genealogy at a Glance.
6.     NEW McCartney, Martha W. & Rountree, Helen C. POWHATAN INDIAN PLACE NAMES IN TIDEWATER VIRGINIA.

Anyone interested in reviewing one of these books, please either contact Joan or come by the GFO to pick up their book-of-choice from the bookshelf between the two offices and fill out the clipboard form. There is also a book review form on the shelf that can be used. For further information, please contact Joan Galles at bookreviews@gfo.org.

If you’re currently reviewing a book, please let Joan know how it’s going and if you have questions!
***

Go on! Click the calendar. I dare ya!!
SATURDAY, JUNE 3rd

Virginia Interest Group 10am – noon

Join us for our Virginia meeting this Saturday for a discussion about the colonial governors of Virginia and their impact on “The Old Dominion” and the formation of our country – presented by Carol Surrency. Everyone is welcome, as this is a free event, open to the public. See you Saturday for out last meeting of the season!

Group leaders are Judi Scott at judiscot@gmail.com and Carol Surrency at lcsurr@gmail.com.

German Interest Group 1 – 3pm

The German Interest Group was formed in the spring of 2011. It is intended to be a source of information and inspiration for anyone with German speaking ancestors. One goal is to provide information on a variety of topics related to Germanic history and migration. We also will provide time for members to share their research journeys and connect with others who may be researching the same region or time period. This month’s topic: searching for ancestors, partly travel log to Seelbach, Germany, and the Arnstein Monastery (Kloster Arnstein) in the city of Obernhof, near Nassau with speaker: Lew Ebner.
SUNDAY, JUNE 4th

Digging Deeper: US/UK Census Workshop 9:30am – noon

The Census: Digging Deeper into England, Ireland, Scotland & the U.S. Come spend the morning learning the ins and outs of census records in the U.S. and British Isles; where are these records located, how can you find your ancestor on a particular census, and how do you evaluate all the information it contains?

Kate Eakman holds a master’s degree in history, and is a Senior Researcher with Legacy Tree Genealogists. Register online HERE, or mail in the paper form…asap!
MONDAY, JUNE 5th

First Monday Free to Non-Members Hope to see you at the GFO Library this coming Monday, from 9:30am – 5pm!

The GFO Library is open for free (yep! none of that $7-day-pass stuff to worry about) the first Monday of every single month!! Come take advantage of our over 43,000 collection items among our analog materials, or pursue our various online database subscriptions on one of the many library computers. We also have a flatbed scanner and a digital microfilm reader for patron use.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7th

Learn & Chat 10am – noon

Join us to talk about your genealogy questions and help provide support to others. Facilitated by Jean Quan.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Wednesday Evening E-News 24 May 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for May 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).

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

***

Have You Saved Your Seat for the June 4th Workshop?

REGISTER for the CENSUS WORKSHOP

Don’t miss GFO’s upcoming Half-Day Workshop in just a couple weekends.
A full morning of learning the full scope of what you can glean from census records!
That’s right, folks. We’re Digging Deeper into Census Records!!
WHERE: GFO Library (map)
WHEN: Sunday, June 4th, 9:30am – noon
WHO’s THAT NOW?? Speaker Kate Eakman

Join speaker Kate Eakman for this amazing chance to learn all about “DIGGING DEEPER INTO ENGLAND, IRELAND, SCOTLAND, & THE U.S. CENSUS RECORDS”.

Tiny turtle eggs not included. Ahhhhh!!!!

Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Wednesday Evening E-News 17 May 2017

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for May 2017, 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 our new website (still gfo.org).

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

***

It’s GFO’s GenTalk This Saturday, May 20th, at 2pm

Don’t forget this month’s Free (don’t be silly! they’re always free) GenTalk!
WHERE: The GFO Library
WHEN: Saturday, May 20th, at 2 – 4pm
WHO: Author Zita Podany

Zita Podany will be presenting her book Vanport which is part of the Images of America series.

Zita is a longtime Portland resident with a wonderful new perspective on the history of this area that was lost so suddenly to raging flood waters on May 30, 1948.
Remember! All the GFO GenTalks are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC so bring your history-lovin’ friends and family.

***

Call For Volunteers – Are ya feelin’ helpful? Are ya?!

The GFO needs your help and expertise in the following areas:
1. Fall & Spring Seminar Raffle Coordinator – This is a position for someone who loves organizing all the STUFF that we get as donations for the raffles we hold at each of our semi-annual seminars.

2. Tours Coordinator – We need someone who can be the point person to receive requests for tours of the GFO Library, and who can then communicate the subsequent needs for tour guides and research assistants with our Volunteer Coordinator, Cathy Lauer.

3. Marketing Committee Chair – This has been a vacancy for some time. We need someone who is willing to put himself or herself OUT THERE to promote all things GFO. This position would include coming up with a marketing strategy and looking for ways to advocate for GFO within the genealogical community. You know you want to!

4. Obituary Editor – We need a person to coordinate the writing/editing and polishing of obituaries for our GFO members and friends as needed (usually two per quarter). Some interviewing skills recommended.
Click HERE to submit a volunteer form or to request more information. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Birds do it, Bees do it, Every Generous Fred Meyer Shopper Does it!

Donate to the GFO while you shop?? That’s crazy!
Just link it! Linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to the GFO will automatically send a donation from good ol’ Freddy’s to the GFO, with no reduction in Rewards benefits to you. Click HERE to just link it!

How does this happen? This is part of Freddy’s very own “Community Rewards” program for sending separate corporation donations to non-profits and the like.

What if I don’t have a Fred Meyer Reward Card? Ask your local Fred Meyer checkout assistant for a Rewards Card application next time you’re at the register!

Won’t you help us get to 100? If 100 GFO members link their Freddy’s cards and continue to use them, the GFO could receive over $1,000 per year. Well!!?? What are we waiting for??

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Remembering Those Who’ve Gone Before…

The GFO Bulletin is Calling for Stories!
Next year is the 100th anniversary of the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and 1919.

The GFO is putting out a special call for articles having to do with the Spanish Flu for March 2018 Bulletin. Stories (500-5,000 words) about the Spanish Flu or how the Spanish flu touched their family.

The Bulletin Editorial Group invites readers to submit articles, essays, and other articles for publication in the Bulletin.

We look for articles that are of interest to members of the GFO and those that encourage the sharing and research of family history. We appreciate articles about families with Northwest connections, but welcome articles with other geographic focuses.

Possible topics include:
· memoirs
· personal essays
· problem-solving articles
· research articles
· source guides
· articles on family history travel
· how-to articles
· using technology
· transcriptions or extractions from original sources, i.e. Bibles

More info can be viewed here: http://gfo.org/learn/our-publications/gfo-bulletin.html

The submission deadline for the March 2018 Bulletin is January 1, 2018. Submissions should be sent to bulletin@gfo.org.

***

This Week at the GFO…

SATURDAY, MAY 20th
GenTalk 9:30 – 11:30am

Nestled in the floodplain between North Portland and Vancouver, a housing project was built to help house World War II shipyard workers. Its very name, Vanport, is derived from Vancouver and Portland.

When the United States entered the war, the demand for ships and for workers to build those ships became a huge priority. Workers were recruited from all corners of the United States. Portland had a serious lodging shortage, so much so that these workers lived in cars, tents, parks, and whatever shelter could be found. Vanport, built in a little over a year, was a city that did not sleep.

In its heyday, Vanport was the second-largest city in Oregon with a population of over 40,000 residents. But on May 30, 1948, it was a city that disappeared.

This Saturday at the GFO, come hear Zita Podany discuss her book, Vanport, which is part of the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing, celebrating the history of neighborhoods, towns and cities across the country.
SUNDAY, MAY 21st
Library Work Party 9am – noon

There’s another work party at the GFO library this Sunday for those of you who can make it! There’s lots to do and we’d love to have your help. Doors open at 9am and work usually wraps up around noon. Come for as long or as short as you can. Any time you can share is so invaluable. Hope to see you there.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 24th
Open Late Wednesday Night 9:30am – 8pm

Did you know the GFO Library is open late every Wednesday!? What’s that? You have after-dinner research you want to do or late-evening assistance finding information within one of GFO’s online database subscription sources? NO PROBLEM!! We’re open till 8pm every single Wednesday of the year, barring catastrophes, natural disasters, and holidays.