TIP OF THE WEEK – FIND AN ANCESTOR’S NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE CENSUS, EVEN IF THEY DIDN’T OWN PROPERTY
If you have an ancestor who didn’t own property and whose location isn’t clear in the census records — maybe the township or division no longer exists, and no census maps are available for that time period. One way to narrow down a location is to look for landowners listed next to your ancestor in a census. See if you can find the location of the neighbor’s land. Since census records were often taken door to door, these people likely lived nearby. Cross examine multiple neighbors property locations through plat maps, deed records and patents to find an estimated location for your family.
Join SGS Today
to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button. January 1, 2025
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
Join Us for Our Annual Holiday Celebration in the SGS Library at the Good Shepherd Center
With the holiday rush over, let’s celebrate the new year. Bring cookies to share and say hello to your SGS friends in person at the library. Come early, come late (but not too late).
Stick around to join us for the Second Saturday Zoom presentation by Rebecca Whitman Koford at 1 p.m.
Catch (or ask for) a demo of library subscriptions and/or equipment
Do you have family history in the Northwest? If so you are likely to benefit from records held by the National Archives at Seattle. This facility maintains and provides access to permanent records created by federal agencies and courts in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
This tour will be Friday, January 17 at 9:30 a.m. It is limited to 20 people.
SECOND SATURDAY PRESENTATION TO HIGHLIGHT RESEARCH LOGS
Organizing is key to understanding. If you can’t find it, how can you compare and analyze the facts and clues in your ancestor’s life? Presenter Rebecca Whitman Koford, Vice President of the National Genealogical Society, will introduce three organizational tools that researches can benefit from using. These include strategic use of timelines, and how they can work together to improve your analysis skills and get closer to finding the answers you need.
This presentation will be offered via Zoom Saturday, January 11 at 1 p.m.
NEXT MONTH: “I Have a Civil War Ancestor: Now What?” Presented by Brian Rhinehart, Saturday, February 8, at 1 p.m. Sign up separately for this event.
SLOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR GET ORGANIZED CLASS
SGS’s “Organizing for Genealogy” class still has openings. This course will help participants create a system of organization or adapt their current system to meet their specific research needs. The class will be offered over four weeks in February with an option to attend either Monday evenings (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.) or Tuesday afternoons (1:00 to 3:00 p.m.).
Session 1: Organizing Our Self – Our thoughts, actions, time, and space
Session 2: Organizing Our System – Paper systems and Digital Systems
Session 3: Organizing Our Workflow – Research, Records, and Resources
Session 4: Pulling it all together – Developing a tailored organization system
Each class series is limited to 20 participants. Class Fee: $80 (SGS members $60)
SCANDINAVIAN SIG TO SHARE TIPS SEEKING NORWEGIAN AND SWEDISH RECORDS
Join Karen and Kathi on Sunday, January 12th at 1PM via Zoom as they reveal tips for searching Norwegian and Swedish records on both free and subscription sites. Plus, bring your questions— we’ll be answering all your burning inquiries about tracing your ancestors! The Scandinavian SIG was restarted about 10 years ago by Karen Knudson and has a co-leader Kathi M., SGS librarian. The group meets quarterly. See the SGS calendar of events at segensoc.org to register.
MEXICAN SIG LAUNCHES JANUARY 9
Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research. The inaugural meeting for this SIG will be Thursday, January 9th, at 7:00 p.m., via Zoom. Contact Diane Hughes-Hart via Education@seagensoc.org to join.
NEW SIGS IN PLANNING STAGES
SGS is planning to add three new Special Interest Groups. Each of these groups are in early development. Would you be interested in being a co-leader or a participant? Let us know of your interest and availability/preferences for meeting day and time. Please send us an email with your information.
Ancestry.com Ancestry.com has become one of the largest genealogical websites available today. With vast records collections and extensive tree building tools, there’s much to explore and optimize. If you would like to gain greater insight into this site or want to share your knowledge with others, please email: Education@seagensoc.org (Subject: Ancestry SIG).
Eastern Europe Eastern Europe is a regions with a rich and complex history and diverse ethic groups. It’s frequent border changes, language barriers and influences from several powerful empires can lead to challenges when researching family history. Share information and questions about this fascinating region. To get involved email: Education@seagensoc.org (Subject: Eastern Europe SIG).
Artificial intelligence The explosive growth in AI has lead to many applications for it in genealogical research. Do you use AI in your research or want to learn more about how to do so? Email: Education@seagensoc.org (Subject: AI SIG).
LIBRARY NEWS:
Evening Hours at SGS Library to Be Offered Once a Month
SGS is offering evening hours once a month at the library starting this month. The library will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every 3rd Wednesday of the month through April when the success of the endeavor will be reevaluated. If it proves popular these hours could continue past April. So use it or lose it. Come to the libary Wednesday nights January 15, February 19 … and show SGS that you want these additional hours.
Get Help Scanning Photos, Learn More About the Library; Tours to Be Offered Once a Month Want to know more about how the SGS library can help your research? With so many resources available it can be easy to overlook something that may be helpful. To help patrons learn more about the library and get help using the photo/document scanner, the SGS library will be offering tours every 4th Saturday of the month. The tour will start at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by assistance scanning documents and photos. The first tour will be Saturday, January 25, followed by February 22. Show up and let SGS know if this is a program that should be continued.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658
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 noted
Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the 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.
Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.
Wednesday, Jan. 8 2025, 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.
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 a.m., Mexican SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research. Email Education@seagensoc.org to join.
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Holiday Open House, Join us for our annual holiday celebration in the SGS library at the Good Shepherd Center. Bring cookies to share and say hello to your SGS friends IN PERSON at the library. Come early, come late (not too late). Stay for the Second Saturday Zoom presentation.
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, 1:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Research Logs: Write or Regret It!” Presented by Rebecca Whitman Koford. Organizing is key to understanding. This presentation introduces three organizational tools, including strategic use of timelines, and how they can work together to improve your analysis skills and get closer to finding the answers you need. Register here.
Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, 1:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Scandinavian Interest Group (Virtual), We will be reviewing free and subscription sites for researching records in Sweden and Norway. hosts Karen Knudson and Kathi M. Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research.
Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, 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.
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, 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, Jan. 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., NEW! SGS Library Evening Hours, SGS library introduces evening hours on a trial basis through April. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, 9:30 a.m., SGS Tour of National Archives at Seattle (Field Trips), Docent-led tour of the National Archives at Seattle This facility maintains and provides access to permanent records created by federal agencies and courts in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Limited to 20 people.
Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Topic to be announced. Register on the SGS website.
Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Get a virtual demo of SGS library online resources. Speaker: Jill Morelli. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.
Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 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, Jan. 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., “Pass It On” Writers’ 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.
Saturday, Jan 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DNA SIG, To participate in this quarterly SIG 1you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@seagensoc.org to join.
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, 10:30 a.m., NEW! SGS Library Tour/Scanning Help, SGS library introduces tours of the library and help scanning photos and documents. This is a trial basis through April. Every 4th Saturday of the month. Tour starts at 10:30 followed by scanning help.
Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, 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, Feb. 1, 2025, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the 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, Feb. 2, 2025, 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@seagensoc.org to join.
Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, 1:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “I Have a Civil War Ancestor: Now What?” Presented by Brian Rhinehart. Military records can be among the most genealogically significant sources you can find. Register here.
Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, 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.
** NOTE: There will be no Irish SIG in January.
OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND
“Finding the Origins of an Immigrant Ancestor” (Virtual) Eastside Genealogical Society Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m. (virtual doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Join Eastside Genealogical Society and Debbie Gurtler, AG and Assistant Director of the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City as the explore methods to find the homeland of an immigrant ancestor. This presentation will highlight the methodology and U.S. record types that should help you identify their hometown so you can expand your family tree. A case study highlighting the methodology needed will also be presented. For more information about the event see the EGS website.
Registration opens for AppGen Spring 2025 Classes (Virtual) Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The window for registration for the AppGen 2025 Spring semester will open 15-22 January. It is a random draw, not “first come first served.” For more information see the website.
“AI (Artificial Intelligence) Made Easy: Boosting Your Genealogy Research with Technology” (Virtual) Olympia Genealogical Society Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, 8:50 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Speaker Blaine Bettinger, will outline how AI can aid your research. In this 4-hour seminar he will cover:
Using Artificial Intelligence Tools for Genealogy
10 Generative AI Prompts Every Genealogist Needs to Know
Ethical Issues Associated with Generative Artificial Intelligence
Memories in the Digital Age: AI Transcription of Handwritten Diaries
For more information about the event see the OGS website.
Join SGS Today
to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button. January 1, 2025
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
TIP OF THE WEEK – GET THE MOST OUT OF FIND A GRAVE
Find a Grave — the crowd-sourced cemetery website — is a wonderful resource for genealogists and history buffs alike. But like any crowd-sourced material, such as the FamilySearch tree, it is important to verify the information found there.
Slate recently delved into the history of the site. Senior editor Tony Ho Tran talked to active users and discussed recent controversies. He also explains how he used the site to help solve a family mystery.
There is so much to explore on Find a Grave. One underused feature they offer is the ability to create virtual cemeteries for people of interest to users! Create a free account and start adding memorials to a virtual cemetery!
Do you have family history or ethnicity that might be called Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, Hispanic?
Did you have ancestors who lived in Mexico, the Mexican Empire, or the Spanish Empire?
Even if your family no longer lives in those places, if you research people with history from the lands of Mexican ancestry, this SIG is for you!
Join leader Diane Hughes-Hart, an experienced genealogist and instructor who has been studying the ancestry of her Mexican mother since 2010.
The group will meet monthly, ten times per year, at 7:00 p.m. for 90 minutes (not in August or December) on a weekday to be decided. Come to the virtual inaugural meeting January 9, at 7:00 p.m. to help decide on a permanent time going forward.
Contact Diane Hughes-Hart via Education@seagensoc.org to join.
images courtesy Sheyna Watkins
GET ORGANIZED WITH HELP FROM SGS CLASS
Managing all the information that is collected recording family history is a challenge. Papers, both physical and digital, accumulate and can be easily lost. To help researchers SGS will be offering a “Organizing for Genealogy” class in February. Through targeted and thoughtful presentations and exercises, instructor Susan McKee will help participants create a system of organization, or adapt their current system, to meet their specific research needs.
Successful organization starts with organizing ourselves. Over the course of four sessions we will look at why and how we research as the foundation of an effective personal organizational system.
Questions about who, what, where, and when we research clarify how best to apply our time, energy, and resources. This enables us to create and maintain a system of organization that best supports our needs as we engage in genealogical research.
Four weekly, two-hour class sessions:
Session 1: Organizing Our Self – Our thoughts, actions, time, and space
Session 2: Organizing Our System – Paper systems and Digital Systems
Session 3: Organizing Our Workflow – Research, Records, and Resources
Session 4: Pulling it all together – Developing a tailored organization system
Choose one of two class series during February 2025
Mondays evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., February 3–24 Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., February 4-25 Sign Up Today!
Each class series is limited to 20 participants. Class Fee: $80 (SGS members $60)
WRITER’S GROUP SEEKS NEW MEMBER
The Pass It On writer’s group has openings for 1 or 2 new members. The group is intentionally kept small, just 5-6 members. It focuses on writing genealogy history and memoirs for personal and family use. It meets monthly to review 3-5 pages of writing from each member. The group meets virtually using Zoom on the third Tuesday of each month from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon with the focus to review each member’s monthly submission for content, continuity, and interest for the intended audience.
If you are interested in joining this group, please contact the SGS Director of Education (education@seagensoc.org), who will forward your information to Kathi Hamilton, one of the current group members. Please include some information about your writing and what you hope to accomplish being in a writing group. You will be contacted to see if this group is a good fit for you.
GIVING TUESDAY IS DECEMBER 3
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support the Seattle Genealogical Society and Library during our Annual Appeal this holiday season. There are many ways to give, by check, credit card, from your IRA or donor advised fund. And now SGS can accept shares of stock. Donate Now Online If you have a PayPal account, you may donate to SGS via the PayPal Giving Fund and their transaction fee will be waived.
LOOKING FOR TECH HELP
SGS is planning to modernize the computer backup system used in the Library and could use some help. There are two computers (both on Windows 11) on the library network for which we want to make routine backups. The plan is to use external USB drives for the backup storage. If you have any experience setting up an automated backup for Windows computers on a network and would be willing to help us get this done, please contact either Ann Wright (libtech@seagensoc.org) or Jim Secan (mactech@seagensoc.org).
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658
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 noted
Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, 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@seagensoc.org to join.
Monday, Dec. 2, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the 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.
Monday, Dec. 9, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Monday, Dec. 9, 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.
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 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, Dec. 14, 2024, 1:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Exploring Your Empire State Roots,” Presented by Michelle Dowd Torosian. Are you interested in tracing your family’s roots in New York but aren’t sure where to start? Learn tips and techniques to best utilize the use records of the Empire State. Register here.
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2023, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Topic and speaker TBA. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.
Monday, Dec. 16, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 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, Dec. 17, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., “Pass It On” Writers’ 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.
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. Share information and discuss Irish ancestral research. View SGS calendar for details on joining this group.
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Register on the SGS website.
Monday, Dec. 23, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Monday, Dec. 30, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Saturday, Jan. 1, 2025, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the 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.
Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.
Wednesday, Dec. 8 2025, 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.
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 a.m., Mexican SIG (Virtual), Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research. Email Education@seagensoc.org to join.
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Holiday Open House, Join us for our annual holiday celebration in the SGS library at the Good Shepherd Center. Bring cookies to share and say hello to your SGS friends IN PERSON at the library. Come early, come late (not too late). Stay for the Second Saturday Zoom presentation.
Saturday, Jan. 14, 2025, 1:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Research Logs: Write or Regret It!,” Presented by Rebecca Whitman Koford. Organizing is key to understanding. This presentation introduces three organizational tools, including strategic use of timelines, and how they can work together to improve your analysis skills and get closer to finding the answers you need. Register here.
OUR NEIGHBORS AND BEYOND
“Piecing Together History: Using Maps and Directories to Rediscover Eastern European Towns” (Virtual) Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State Friday, Dec. 9, 7:00 p.m.
Michelle Chubenko, AG, will share how to use published materials such as gazetteers, schematisms, directories, and maps to build the historical image of your ancestral town or village. She will demonstrate how to use the statistical data and incorporate visual details using a variety of examples from locations across Central and Eastern Europe… For more information about the event see the website.
“How to Avoid Common Family History Pitfalls and Myths” (Virtual) American Ancestors by NEHGS Thursday, Dec. 19, 2025, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will share her top tips for avoiding common “hazards” in your research process. She’ll discuss how to develop a research plan, staying organized, analyzing your research, and more. For more information see the website.
“Finding the Origins of an Immigrant Ancestor” (Virtual) Eastside Genealogical Society Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m. (virtual doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Join Eastside Genealogical Society and Debbie Gurtler, AG and Assistant Director of the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City as the explore methods to find the homeland of an immigrant ancestor. This presentation will highlight the methodology and U.S. record types that should help you identify their hometown so you can expand your family tree. A case study highlighting the methodology needed will also be presented. For more information about the event see the EGS website.
“AI (Artificial Intelligence) Made Easy: Boosting Your Genealogy Research with Technology” (Virtual) Olympia Genealogical Society Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, 8:50 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Speaker Blaine Bettinger, will outline how AI can aid your research. In this 4-hour seminar he will cover:
Using Artificial Intelligence Tools for Genealogy
10 Generative AI Prompts Every Genealogist Needs to Know
Ethical Issues Associated with Generative Artificial Intelligence
Memories in the Digital Age: AI Transcription of Handwritten Diaries
For more information about the event see the OGS website.
Join SGS Today
to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button. December 1, 2024
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
The Seattle Genealogical Society empowers individuals to discover their family histories through education, collaboration, and preservation. 15 November 2024 Dear Members and Friends, Throughout the year, Seattle Genealogical Society volunteers work to deliver our programs, build our community, archive records, and responsibly plan our future. Once per year we ask for your financial support. This is our Annual Appeal. Please be as generous as you can. Your year-end contribution will help us continue, improve, and do more.
We are doing important work. We are helping people write their stories, discover their roots, and even make connections with relatives they didn’t know they had. We are helping people unpack their family lore and learn about their family’s place in history.
We exist for only one reason – our mission. We want to keep the cost of an SGS membership affordable for everyone. Annual membership revenue covers only 27% of our current fiscal year’s operating costs. The balance comes primarily from your gifts, with some from class fees and a grant. (Source: 2024-2025 budget)
We are happy to receive your contribution by check, credit card, stock, donor advised fund, or IRA. Thank you for your support of SGS. In gratitude,
Kathy Weber President of the Board president@seagensoc.org Donate Online NoworSend this form with a check or money order payable to:Seattle Genealogical Society 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Ste 302 Seattle, WA 98103-6955 ———————————————————————————————————————— SEATTLE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY DONATION – 2024 ANNUAL APPEAL Yes! I would like to support the Seattle Genealogical Society with a gift of:
$1000, $500, $100, something else $_____________
□ My employer will match my contribution. Company name:_________________________
_______________________________________________________________________ □ Check if you do not want your name to be published. ————————————————————————————————————————Did you know? You can now donate shares of stock to SGS. For instructions email treasurer@seagensoc.org. Find out more at the SGS website Donate page.
TIP OF THE WEEK – YOUR ANCESTOR OWNED NO LAND? FIND APPROXIMATE LOCATION WHERE LIVED
If you have an ancestor who didn’t own property and whose location isn’t clear in the census records — maybe the township or division no longer exists, and no census maps are available for that time period. One way to narrow down a location is to look for landowners listed next to your ancestor in a census. See if you can find the location of the neighbor’s land. Since census records were often taken door to door, these people likely lived nearby. Cross examine multiple neighbors property locations through plat maps, deed records and patents to find an estimated location for your family.
CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRISTINE SCHOMAKER, SGS VOLUNTEER OF WINTER QUARTER
It has been a long time coming to celebrate this longtime member and volunteer. Christine Schomaker joined SGS in 1997 and immediately became a Desk Volunteer, which grew to a weekly gig in 2001 when she had her first Board position. For the last 17 years (give or take a few) she has served the Board in many roles including: Director of Operations, Treasure, Director of Library and most recently, Director of Membership, which was moved to a Chair position outside of Board duties. That move finally allowed her to be nominated and accepted by the Board.
Christine Schomaker continues managing the responsibilities of maintaining membership the same as before keeping track and maintaining the membership roster. She can explain a lot about the statistics upon request. At any in-person event during membership renewal time, it isn’t unusual to see her sliding a letter opener through an envelope to collect new membership dues or renewal payments that still come through the USPS mail.
It’s safe to say, her hand goes up whenever help is needed. She has helped chair committees, assists with publishing, mailing, or emailing the SGS Journal (formerly Bulletin), as well as newsletters, syllabi, and publicity fliers. At one time she also managed the fundraising book sales at in-person SGS Seminars.
Schomaker served as Webmaster for the first SGS website and continues to assist in maintaining and improving what is now the third edition website. She is also a loyal Desk Volunteer nearly every Tuesday and serves as Class and Event Registrar which can keep her busy before, during and after Seminars and classes.
When asked what she enjoys about volunteering with SGS Schomaker said, “Serving on the Board has given me the opportunity to get to know and learn from many dedicated and long-term SGS members and I like having a hand in planning programs to benefit all of us on our genealogical journeys.”
In the 27 years of membership and participation, Schomaker has also gained experience and knowledge attending Second Saturday programs. “I like the camaraderie of in-person activities, open houses and SGS Seminars,” and “there are all the online Special Interest Groups, so convenient to attend. I’m a member of several and I try to squeeze in as many as I can.”
Christine’s own family research is focused on finding parents for Overton Harris (c1785-c1818) of Albemarle Co, Virginia and identifying the origins of John Chittum/Cheatham (c1737-1834) of Rockbridge Co Virginia. Requests for information about these men and their families has led to Tennessee, North Carolina, and now Maryland. Original records and newspaper articles have yielded many small discoveries but Schomaker is still searching for that breakthrough document.
Her other interests include: Birding, Botany, Astronomy, Wordle, and Sudoku. Schomaker began sharing a dual SGS membership with her husband, Eric in 2005. They have 3 adult children and recently traveled to California to celebrate a grandson’s first birthday.
SECOND SATURDAY: LOOK AT HOUSE HISTORIES
Have you ever wondered about the history behind a building or property? Join us for an informative presentation where Midori Okazaki, Archivist from the Puget Sound Regional Archives, will guide us through the process of uncovering the stories behind the walls.
From historical records to architectural clues, this session will provide insight into how you can trace the history of a building, whether it’s a family home or local landmark with an intriguing past. Learn how to use maps, deeds, censuses, and other resources to paint a full picture of a property’s historical significance.
images courtesy Library of Congress and Ian MacDonald, Ismael Paramo, Ahmed Muntasir and Steven Cordes /Unsplash
ANCESTOR ART PROJECT
image courtesy Sheyna Watkins Once living memory of a person fades, paper records are often all that remains of their life. SGS eNews editor Sheyna Watkins made this image of her great grandmother that she never knew using the documents about her. Although a photograph of her was used as a reference, this image includes no photograph.
Watkins used Adobe Photoshop to make this montage, but this same project can also be done by cutting and gluing photocopied and printed out records. Try it yourself, or adapt it as an activity for kids. Start by outlining the clothing, hair, head and eyes … (trace from a photo if you need to). Next, cutout the parts from the drawing and use them as a pattern to cutout parts of the documents to make your montage. Glue the pieces on a separate piece of paper to make the finished portrait. SAVE THE DATEFiske Genealogical Library Classes Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
• Nov. 6 — “Missing: Reward! Locating Widows, Spinsters, and Bachelors” with Sara Cochran • Nov. 13 — “Finding Treasures in NewspaperArchive” with Mary Kircher Roddy • Nov. 20 — “MyMaps: Create a Map of Your Family’s Migration West” with Janet O’Conor Camarata
For more information see the Fiske Library website. Ten Steps to Writing and Publishing Your Family History American Ancestor of New England Historic Genealogical Society Thursday, Nov. 14, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Writing and publishing your genealogy is a fantastic way to preserve your family history for future generations and to share it with others. Join American Ancestors Vice President of Publishing, Sharon Inglis, as she discusses her top tips for writing and publishing your family history.
Family Tree Maker SIG Eastside Genealogical Society Nov. 15, 2024, 10:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
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.
2024 GFO Virtual Fall Seminar Genealogical Forum of Oregon Eastside Genealogical Society Friday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
GFO has announced there 2024 Fall Seminar. It will feature a feast of DNA topics. Genetic Genealogist Paul Woodbury will discuss using DNA to solve genealogical questions. Friday evening will be a beginner session, with Saturday devoted to intermediate and advanced techniques. For more information visit the GFO’s website.
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 notedSaturday, Nov. 2, 2024, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the 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, Nov. 3, 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@seagensoc.org to join.
Monday, Nov. 4, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, 11:00 a.m., SGS Tour of NW African American Museum (Field Trips), we invite you to join us there on a guided tour to learn more about Black heritage, including how African Americans got to the Pacific Northwest. Register here by Nov. 4. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 1:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Walls That Talk: How to Research the History of Your House,” Presented by Midori Ozaki. From historical records to architectural clues, this session will provide insight into how you can trace the history of a building, whether it’s a family home or local landmark with an intriguing past. Register here. Monday, Nov. 11, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.Monday, Nov. 11, 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, Nov. 11, 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, Nov. 12, 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, Nov 13 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.
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. Share information and discuss Irish ancestral research. View SGS calendar for details on joining this group.
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Topic this month: German Emigration Records. Register on the SGS website.
Monday, Nov. 18, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., “Pass It On” Writers’ 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, Nov. 25, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.Tuesday, Nov. 26, 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.
Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, 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@seagensoc.org to join.
Monday, Dec. 2, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the 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.
Join SGS Today* to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page and click the green renew membership button. November 1, 2024
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
TIP OF THE WEEK – ACCESS PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF WEBSITES
Remember back in the olden days when you could see the cached version of a web page from the Google search results? This was especially helpful if the page was no longer accessible or had changed and no longer included the content of interest to you. Google sunsetted that feature earlier this year, but there’s good news! They have partnered with Internet Archive to add links directly to archived page crawls from the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine! Read more about it.
Join us for an Open House celebrating Family History Month on Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.. SGS invites members and the community to drop by the SGS Library and get assistance with everything from getting started with genealogy to breaking down brick walls. Learn more about what SGS membership offers and watch our Second Saturday presentation together! There will be activities for kids, cookie decorating, snacks and more! All are welcome! Open House Volunteers Needed!We will be offering drop-in assistance for both beginners and brick walls as part of our Family History Month Open House. If you are available to volunteer on Saturday, October 12, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., we need you! You don’t need to be on hand for the whole event. If you’re interested, please email Lisa Oberg at vicepresident@seagensoc.org. Even if you aren’t able to volunteer, we hope to see you there!TOP: photo courtesy Alisa Anton / Unsplash
TOUR THE NORTHWEST AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM WITH SGS
Join SGS on a guided tour of the Northwest African American Museum to learn more about Black heritage, including how African Americans got to the Pacific Northwest.
We will see the work of the esteemed painter Jacob Lawrence, and view a series of his paintings examining Black history through his eyes. We’ll learn about his connections to Seattle.
We will see how a mother’s bravery opens the tragic story of her son’s visit from Chicago to Mississippi in the 1950’s. This highly respected traveling exhibit of Emmett Till’s story is only in Seattle through November. We’ll learn about his connections to Seattle.Sign up for the NAAM Tour The cost is $30 per person and $20 for members. Tour is limited to the first 25 paid registrations received.
STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS SGS’s Beginning Genealogy class starting Oct. 8 still has open spots for both the daytime and evening class times. Having a good foundation of genealogy skills can save researchers years of mistakes. Learning with a group of enthusiastic family historians helps build skills and kick start their research.Join the class!MEXICAN GENEALOGY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP IN THE WORKSSGS is in the planning stages for the launch of a SIG for Mexican genealogical research. Watch this space for more information.
SGS GAUGING INTEREST IN BOOK GROUP As the days get shorter, who else has visions of reading rainy days away? Lisa Oberg, SGS Vice President, has been pondering arranging a quarterly in-person evening book group discussion aimed at reading books of interest to genealogists. This would not mean how-tos, or methodology, but history works, fiction based on family history, and more.
The idea is still in early stage. If you’re interested in participating in such a book group, have questions or reading suggestions at contact Oberg at vicepresident@seagensoc.org. SAVE THE DATE Fiske Genealogical Library Classes Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Oct. 2 — “Using Collateral Relatives” with Claire Smith
Oct. 9 — “Hopping Down the Paper Trail” with Sara Cochran
Oct. 16 — “Intuitive Genealogy: Ancestral Healing Practices and Your Family Tree” with Joseph Anderson
Oct. 23 — “Show, Don’t Tell: Creative Nonfiction Writing for Genealogists” with Lisa Alzo
Oct. 30 — “New Frontiers in Genealogy” with Lisa Alzo
For more information see the Fiske Library website. Family Tree Maker SIG Eastside Genealogical Society Oct. 5, 2024, 10:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
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.
2024 GFO Virtual Fall Seminar Genealogical Forum of Oregon Eastside Genealogical Society Friday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
GFO has announced there 2024 Fall Seminar. It will feature a feast of DNA topics. Genetic Genealogist Paul Woodbury will discuss using DNA to solve genealogical questions. Friday evening will be a beginner session, with Saturday devoted to intermediate and advanced techniques. For more information visit the GFO’s website.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Good 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 noted Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.
Saturday, Oct. 1, 2024, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the 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, Oct. 6, 2024, 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, Oct. 7, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.Tuesday, Oct. 8, 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, Oct. 12, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Family History Month Open House (Special Events), Just getting started? Stuck on a brick wall? We’ll have experts on hand to help. Drop by and learn more about SGS, our library collection, membership perks and tips and tricks.Stay for a group viewing of Second Saturday.
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, 1:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Second Saturday, “Breaking Down Irish Brick Walls: Successful Case Studies in Finding Place of Origin,” Presented by Kerri Tannenbaum. Register here.Monday, Oct. 14, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this month.Monday, Oct. 14, 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, Oct. 14, 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, Oct. 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., “Pass It On” Writers’ 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.
Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Scandinavian Interest Group SIG (in person), Share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestral research. This event will be in person at the SGS library.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Irish SIG (Virtual), with Susan McKee. Share information and discuss Irish ancestral research.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m, German SIG (Virtual), Share what you know OR get help with problems in your own research. Topic this month: German Emigration Records. Register on the SGS website.
Monday, Oct. 21, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this monthTuesday, Oct. 22, 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, Oct. 26, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., DNA SIG, Topic to be announced. Message SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join.
Monday, Oct. 28, 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. Remember the new Zoom link started this monthSaturday, Nov. 2, 2024, 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., FamilySearch SIG, Discover the 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, Nov. 3, 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.
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Pacific Northwest Interest Group (Virtual), Share information and discuss Pacific Northwest genealogical research. Register on the SGS website.Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, 11:00 a.m., SGS Tour of NW African American Museum (Field Trips), we invite you to join us there on a guided tour to learn more about Black heritage, including how African Americans got to the Pacific Northwest. Register here.Monday, Nov. 11, 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.
October 1, 2024
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
Join Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) members as we celebrate Family History Month with a Fall Fling! We will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, October 12, from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM at our library location at the Good Shepherd Center in Seattle. All are welcome! We will have volunteers on hand to assist with beginning genealogy questions as well as breaking down brick walls. Refreshments will be on hand, there will be coloring pages for kids and cookie decorating for all! SGS has access to several databases in our Library including Find My Past,American Ancestors, and more. SGS is also a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, if you have a record you would like to access. We have several computers onsite for quick lookups or bring your own device and access FamilySearch from our WIFI network.
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