Tag Archives: Seattle Genealogical Society

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

JOHN ESHELMAN,
VOLUNTEER OF WINTER QUARTER

Each quarter, the Seattle Genealogical Society recognizes one volunteer as our Volunteer of the Quarter. Our Volunteer of the Winter Quarter is John Eshelman.

John has been an SGS member for seven years and a volunteer for more than four years. Like many of our volunteers, John wears many hats. He served on our Nominations Committee for one election cycle; indexes books for eBay sales; staffs our Library Desk on most Saturdays; and is currently in his first year as a Library Trustee and a member of the Materials Review Committee. For three years, John also helped staff the SGS table at Irish Heritage Week.

If that were not enough, John contributes to our digitization projects. He alphabetizes and indexes hard copy collections of birth, death and marriage records as well as our VFW records (currently on index cards). These projects will make our extensive collections more readily accessible. John chips in wherever he sees a need and often helps set up for our Second Saturday Speaker Series, User Groups and Interest Groups. John enjoys interacting with SGS members and working with other volunteers on projects. He also enjoys the flexibility our volunteer projects provide.

John was lucky enough to inherit his own family histories from an aunt and a great aunt. Since then, he has researched other branches of his family as well as his wife’s family. His current research areas are Ireland and Finland; and in the U.S. – East Tennessee and Kentucky.  SGS is full of expertise and John has expanded his knowledge of genealogy and family history over the past few years, both formally at presentations and informally in casual conversations. Genealogists love to share their tips!

John came to SGS with a strong academic and administrative background. He taught Economics at Seattle University and served as their Provost for several years. He has volunteered for other organizations including his current work with St. Francis House serving low-income and homeless families. When John is not volunteering, he enjoys spending time with his family, including three grandchildren.

Next time you visit the Seattle Genealogical Society on a Saturday and see John Eshelman, say hello.

Thank you, John for your contributions to SGS! Continue reading →

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –
GET THE MOST FROM ANCESTRY DNA

If you have not linked a public family tree to your Ancestry DNA results you are not utilizing the most powerful feature of Ancestry DNA.  If you have a public family tree in Ancestry, be sure to link it to your DNA results. If you don’t have one, create one from scratch or upload one as a gedcom file.  Without a linked family tree, Surnames, Maps, and Locations tabs will contain no information. You also need a linked public family tree for the DNA Circles function to work. The larger your tree, the more dynamic your results will be, but even a few generations is better than no tree at all. 

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

VOTING FOR 2018-2019
SGS OFFICERS

Check your email for your ballot to select the 2018-2019 officers of the Seattle Genealogical Society. We are beta testing electronic voting. If it is successful, the SGS by-laws will be modified and we will continue to vote electronically. We have email addresses for all SGS members except about 20 individuals; those individuals will receive a printed ballot in the mail. If you choose to opt out of electronic voting and wish to receive a printed ballot, do not hesitate to call the SGS Libary, (206) 522-8658, to request one. Voting will be closed the end of April. Thanks to the Nominating Committee (Siri Nelson, David Rimmer) for finding such a great list of candidates, and to the Elections Committee (Lisa Oberg, Bruce Findlayson) for spearheading the electronic voting initiative.

GiveBIG – MAY 9TH

GiveBIG, a 24 hour online, annual fund-raising program for non-profits, presented by Seattle Foundation, will be held May 9, 2018. This will be the 8th and final GiveBIG event.  Sadly, the program is being terminated. Donations SGS receives through the GiveBIG event are an important portion of our annual budget. So let’s make this the year to remember!

We are so lucky to have had your support and generous donations over these years. Help us continue to celebrate the mission of the Society by rallying a significant increase in donor participation. We hope to increase the number of donors by 15% –  so even a $5 donation will help us reach that goal.

As the event nears, a reminder and link will be emailed to you. You will be able to donate in advance, schedule your donation, or contribute online any time during the day of the event, May 9th. Watch your inbox for this notice.
BRAVO, INDEXERS, BRAVO  


Congratulations to our top indexers for March — Jess, Dona and Sue! They, together with eight other volunteers, indexed more than 4,000 VFW cards during this last month! Want to join the fun? It’s fast and its easy. Just go to:
https://csindexing.com/

There you can sign up (no, they won’t send you emails!), join the group SGS and search for VFW cards. You will see how easy it is! And you can help us get the last 15,000 cards indexed.

THE SGS 2018 SPRING SEMINAR – MAY 19TH

Don’t miss the SGS 2018 Spring Seminar, “Family History: What the Future Holds”. Glimpse the future of family history through changes in technology, research methods, and other community developments.

  1. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS is a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher and a frequent speaker at family history events across the globe. He will be covering the following topics:
  • Beyond Belief: The Wealth of Genealogical and Historical Societies
  • Bridging the Gap: Finding Ancestors in the United States Between 1780 and 1830
  • Successful Searching Online: Clustering for Genealogists
  • New Tools and Ideas in Research

To register online:
https://goo.gl/forms/YpXYtA6cJH8MPSgQ2

** The two optional class sessions scheduled for Sunday May 20th are full. When registering for the Seminar, you may register to be on a waiting list for one or both classes, but do not include payment for the Sunday classes. If a place becomes available, you will be notified.

SIGN UP SOON FOR AN INTRO TO DNA

There are a few places available for the 3-part series “AN INTRODUCTION TO DNA FOR GENEALOGY – SEATTLE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY – ONLINE COURSE”, on Thursdays, May 10, 17, and 24,  from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. The instructor is Karin Borgerson. You may register using the  “Join SGS” online membership form. In the first drop-down menu on that form, “New or Renewing”, you should select “Class”. In the second drop-down menu, “Membership Type”, you want to select “DNA Class”.  Start here:

http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/content/join-sgs
SAVE THE DATES

​

SGS 2018 Spring Seminar, 
“Family History: What the Future Holds”, 
with D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
Fairview Christian School,
844 NE 78th St,
Seattle, WA
Saturday, May 19, 2018 

Glimpse the future of family history through changes in technology, research methods, and other community developments

  1. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS is a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher and a frequent speaker at family history events across the globe.

Clark County Genealogical Society Conference and
Washington State Genealogical Society Annual Awards,
Vancouver, WA 98551
(360) 750-5688
May 25-27, 2018 

Events run May 25-27th, with the Conference on the 26th. Out-of-towners, notice there is a special conference rate at the local Hilton.

2018 Northwest Genealogy Conference,
Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society,
Byrnes Performing Arts Center,
18821 Crown Ridge Blvd,
Arlington, WA
August 15 – 18, 2018  

As usual, the first day of this four day conference is designed for beginners and is free (registration required).

Days 2-4 will be packed full of lectures and activities, such as post a surname on the “Cousin Board”; have fun connecting with other attendees you may be related to. On Friday, participate in the optional  “Dress As Your Ancestor”  day to honor your heritage.

Keynote speakers will be Beth Foulk, CeCe Moore, Peggy lauritzen, and Amie Bowser Tennant.

For more details and to register, visit their website:
https://stillygen.org/cpage.php?pt=50
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather.

The SGS Library will be closed on Mother’s Day, May 13, and the day of our Spring Seminar, May 19.

APRIL

Sunday, April 15, 1:00 pm- 4:30pm, Drop-in Work Session, It started with a conversation between 2 gen addicts about shared interest in a drop in type working group to practice the skills learned at more formal trainings at SGS, sharing information in a more informal way as we work on our family research. At this first session we can talk through what will work best according to your needs. Fluidity in structure is our shared vision. New to researching? No problem. We are hopeful that this will at least be a monthly event, but are open to more frequent meet ups if possible. Hope to see you there. Drop in when you can. Leave when you must. Bring your laptop, notes, water bottle and ideas. Chaired by : Lynda Collie Johnson & Ellen Blackstone.

Wednesday, April 18, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Seattle Mac Genealogy SIG, Sponsored jointly by SGS, Fiske, and dBug, meets quarterly at Pioneer Hall at the Fiske Genealogical Library, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle. Contact Diane Hettrick at dhettrick@earthlink.net with questions.

Thursday, April 19, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 3, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 21, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, April 21, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Thursday, April 26, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 4, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.   

MAY

Saturday, May 5, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian SIG, Come join David Robert, group leader, for help researching your Canadian ancestors.

Saturday, May 5, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Sunday, May 6, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright, First hour focuses on questions that group members bring; second hour focuses on Genome Mate Pro

Wednesday, May 9, midnight-to-midnight,  GiveBig the one day online giving event to raise funds for non-profits.  Please consider remembering  Seattle Genealogical Society with a donation on this day. Details on how to donate will be emailed to you as the date nears.

Thursday, May 10, 12:00pm – 1:30pm, Online Intro to DNA for Genealogy – Part 1, Karin Borgerson will be the instructor of this 3 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 3 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, May 12, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm,  Second Saturday Speaker Series- “Profile of a Quaker – Finding a Friend in Colonial America”,  by Steven Morrison   

Thursday, May 17, 12:00 pm – 1:30pm, Online Intro to DNA for Genealogy – Part 2, Karin Borgerson will be the instructor of this 3 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 3 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, May 19 , 9:00am-4:00pm , Spring Seminar with D. Joshua Taylor, seminar will be at Fairview Christian Church, 844 NE 78th St, Seattle.  See the featured article above and the SGS website for more details.

Sunday, May 20, 9:00 am, Special Session #1 “Treasures in the Archives: Using Archive Grid” with D. Joshua Taylor,  separate registration and fees apply – see the seminar brochure – there is a waiting list for this session.
Sunday, May 20, 10:30 am, Special Session #2 “Building Context and Making Connections: Using JSTOR for Family History” with D. Joshua Taylor,  separate registration and fees apply – see the seminar brochure – there is a waiting list for this session.

Thursday, May 24, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, Online Intro to DNA for Genealogy – Part 3, Karin Borgerson will be the instructor of this 3 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 3 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

REMEMBER TO VOTE

If you are an SGS member and have not yet voted for 2018-2019 officers, please take a moment to search in your inbox for your link to the ballot and vote. Subject of the email is “SGS Election Ballot 2018”. If you think you are a member and did not receive a ballot, please contact the SGS library. Thank you!

Seattle Genealogical Society Optional Sunday Sessions Waiting List

by Charles Hansen

 SGS 2018 SPRING SEMINAR
* Optional Sunday Sessions *
Have a Waiting List

 

Registrations have been pouring in for the SGS 2018 Spring Seminar featuring D. Joshua Taylor to be held Saturday, May 19, 2018.  Send in your registration form soon to ensure your place at the seminar.  Or register online at this link:

https://goo.gl/forms/4zQAcwg0rpAKiUu12

Please note, the SGS 2018 Spring Seminar optional classes scheduled for Sunday, May 20, 2018:
Session I “Treasures in the Archive: Using Archive Grid” and
Session II “Building Context and Making Connections: Using JSTOR for Family History”,  are full.

Any additional registrations we receive for either of these Sunday sessions will go on a wait list, in the order received, or postmarked.

If you still care to register and be placed on the wait list, you may do so, but we request that you do not include payment at this time.

* For Mail in Registration *  If you wish to register for a Sunday Session in hopes that a space becomes available, you may send in registration for the session, but please do NOT include payment for the Sunday Session. If a seat becomes available for you, payment will be requested.

* For ONLINE registration * If you wish to register for a Sunday Session in hopes that a space becomes available, please fill out the online registration and you will be placed on the waiting list. You will not be invoiced for the Sunday Session unless a space becomes available for you.

If you have questions, feel free to email membership@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org, or call the SGS Library, (206) 522-8658.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –
SGS Bulletins – Past and Present

The Seattle Genealogical Society, founded in 1923, is an educational organization devoted to promoting interest in family history, preserving records, and furthering genealogical research –  not just for Seattle, but nationally and worldwide.

The SGS Bulletin, published by the Seattle Genealogical Society since 1952, provides a wealth of information for genealogists and local history researchers. The SGS Bulletin includes transcriptions of genealogical records from the Seattle area and beyond, along with articles about genealogy research and methodology.

If you are a SGS Member, volumes 60-66 of the Bulletins, from years 2010-2017, are available to you online at the SGS website, in the Members Only section, after you login. The Bulletins are fully searchable online; try it.
Additionally, Volumes 1-59, from years 1952 – 2010, have been nicely bound and are available for anyone to peruse. They are on a shelf in the SGS Library. The call id# is SEA/4-Per/SGS. The helpful SGS library desk volunteer can lead you right to them.
Thanks to the efforts of Seattle Public Library, volumes 1-59 are also full-text searchable online! I found that using the Advanced Search feature and being specific with your search, was more productive. To get to the Special Collections Online, first go to the Seattle Public Library Website and step through the menus until you find the “go to Special Collections Online”.  Once at spl.org, click on the following , in this order:
  • Library Collection
  • Special Collections
  • Go to Special Collections Online

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

Watch your mailbox….
the “SGS 2018 Spring Seminar” brochures
were mailed this week!! 

We are excited and very honored to be hosting D. Joshua Taylor for our 2018 Spring Seminar,“Family History: What the Future Holds”.  D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS is a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher and a frequent speaker at family history events across the globe. He holds an MLS (Archival Management) and an MA (History) from Simmons College and has been a featured genealogist on Who Do You Think You Are? with Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Clarkson, Ashley Judd, Reba McEntire, and Rob Lowe. At the present time Joshua can be seen taking America through their past as a host on the popular PBS series Genealogy Roadshow.

The 2018 Spring Seminar will be held Saturday, May 19, 2018, 9:00 am at Fairview Christian School, 844 NE 78th St, Seattle. Doors will open at 8:00 am. SGS Members $55.00, all others $65.00. Pre-order a box lunch $12.00. A additional $10 fee will be charged for registrations received after May 12, 2018.

On Sunday, May 20, 2018, two optional sessions for seminar attendees will be held at Seattle Genealogical Society Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Session I: “Treasures in the Archives: Using Archive Grid” will be at 9:00 am and Session II: “Building Context and Making Connections: Using JSTOR for Family History” will be at 10:30 am. You must register in advance for these sessions when you register for the seminar. Each session is limited to 30 persons. Fee for each session is SGS Members $30.00, all others $40.00.

Don’t miss this seminar. Send in your registration today. If you prefer to register online, registration opens on April 1 and you may do so here:

https://goo.gl/forms/FxooB1XKPtr2NTeS2

SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE 

Last chance to register for the SGS Online Class “AN INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY” with instructor Heidi Mair.  Class will meet online Thursdays: April 5, 12, 19, 26 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.  SGS Members $30.00, All others $40.00. Class description and registration form is here:

http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/content/registration-introduction-genealogy-online-class

 WASHINGTON  STATE GENEALOGY SOCIETY
ANNUAL  AWARDS CEREMONY

This year the WA State Genealogy Society Annual Awards Ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Clark County Genealogical Society Conference. It looks to be a great program, a great speaker and lots of fun activities.  If you have not already made plans to go, please consider attending.  Events run May 25-27th, with the Conference on the 26th. To take advantage of the early registration discount, be sure to register now, before April 2nd.  The registration forms,as well as more info on the conference, are available on the website, www.ccgs-wa.org . Out of towners, notice there is a special conference rate at the Hilton.

The Clark County Genealogical Society conference seminar key speaker will be David Allen Lambert. Serving as chief genealogist for the venerable New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), David’s seminar topics include 1) World War 1 Military 2) Great Migration Era settler research 3) Probate & Deed Records research.  As an honored guest at the Hudson Bay Company Gala Reception Friday evening, he will be able to share his genealogical gems; seemingly small finds that lead to amazing stories. Check out all the activities and details for this weekend on their website mentioned above.

BEGINNER?

All necessary materials will be provided for this free beginners class, Tuesday, April 10, 2018, from 10:15 am – 3:00 pm. No reservation required and no fee for this full day of instruction at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Please bring your own sack lunch as there is nowhere close to the SGS Library to get lunch.  Everyone is welcome. Linda Fitzgerald, past SGS president, will be the instructor.

CORRECTION

The time for the “AN INTRODUCTION TO DNA FOR GENEALOGY” SEATTLE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY – ONLINE COURSE, 3 Part Series”, on Thursdays, May 10, 17, and 24, is 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. It was inaccurately reported as ending at 1:00 pm in the March 15, 2018, eNews! Apologies.

There is still space available for this series of online classes with Karin Borgerson. You may register using the  “Join SGS” online membership form. In the first drop-down menu on that form, “New or Renewing”, you should select “Class”. In the second drop-down menu, “Membership Type”, you want to select “DNA Class”.  Start here:
http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/content/join-sgs

SAVE THE DATES

​

2018 Northwest Genealogy Conference,
Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society,
Byrnes Performing Arts Center,
18821 Crown Ridge Blvd,
Arlington, WA
August 15 – 18, 2018  

As usual, the first day of this four day conference is designed for beginners and is free (registration required).

Days 2-4 will be packed full of lectures and activities, such as post a surname on the “Cousin Board”; have fun connecting with other attendees you may be related to. On Friday, participate in the optional  “Dress As Your Ancestor”  day to honor your heritage.

Keynote speakers will be Beth Foulk, CeCe Moore, Peggy lauritzen, and Amie Bowser Tennant.

For more details and to register, visit their website:
https://stillygen.org/cpage.php?pt=50

          SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. The SGS Library will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 1, and  Mother’s Day, May 13. It will also be closed May 19 due to our Spring Seminar.

APRIL

Thursday, April 5, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 1, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 7, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian SIG, Come join David Robert, group leader, for help researching your Canadian ancestors.

Saturday, April 7, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Sunday, April 8, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson. There will be a short review of Nordic Gothic handwriting & a discussion of what topics to cover in future meetings. Please bring your projects and ideas.

Tuesday, April 10, 10:15am – 3:00pm, Beginning Beginning Genealogy, with Linda Fitzgerald. All necessary materials will be provided for this free beginners class.  No reservation required and no fee for this full day of instruction. Please bring your own sack lunch as there is nowhere close to SGS to get lunch.

Thursday, April 12, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 2, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 14, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Family Tree Maker (FTM) Users Group, leaders Reiley Kidd & Betty Ravenholt, this group meets  the second Saturday of every even month, FTM is the tool long associated with Ancestry.com

Saturday, April 14, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm,  Second Saturday Speaker Series, the speaker will be Janet Camarata, the topic “General Land Office Records”.

Wednesday, April 18, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Seattle Mac Genealogy SIG, Sponsored jointly by SGS, Fiske, and dBug, meets quarterly at Pioneer Hall at the Fiske Genealogical Library, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle. Contact Diane Hettrick at dhettrick@earthlink.net with questions.

Thursday, April 19, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 3, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 21, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, April 21, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Thursday, April 26, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 4, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.   

MAY

Saturday, May 5, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian SIG, Come join David Robert, group leader, for help researching your Canadian ancestors.

Saturday, May 5, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Sunday, May 6, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright, First hour focuses on questions that group members bring; second hour focuses on Genome Mate Pro

Thursday, May 10, 12:00pm – 1:30pm, Online Intro to DNA for Genealogy – Part 1, Karin Borgerson will be the instructor of this 3 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 3 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.
Saturday, May 12, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm,  Second Saturday Speaker Series- “Profile of a Quaker – Finding a Friend in Colonial America”,  by Steven Morrison   

Thursday, May 17, 12:00 pm – 1:30pm, Online Intro to DNA for Genealogy – Part 2, Karin Borgerson will be the instructor of this 3 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 3 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, May 19 , 9:00am-4:00pm , Spring Seminar with D. Joshua Taylor, seminar will be at Fairview Christian Church, 844 NE 78th St, Seattle.  See the featured article above and the SGS website for more details.

Sunday, May 20, 9:00 am, Special Session #1 “Treasures in the Archives: Using Archive Grid” with D. Joshua Taylor,  separate registration and fees apply – see the seminar brochure
Sunday, May 20, 10:30 am, Special Session #2 “Building Context and Making Connections: Using JSTOR for Family History” with D. Joshua Taylor,  separate registration and fees apply – see the seminar brochure

Thursday, May 24, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, Online Intro to DNA for Genealogy – Part 3, Karin Borgerson will be the instructor of this 3 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 3 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

COMING IN MAY
“AN INTRODUCTION TO DNA FOR GENEALOGY”
SEATTLE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY – ONLINE COURSE
 THURSDAYS –  MAY 10, 17, 24
 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Have you thought about doing a DNA test for genealogy? Have you taken a test and now you want to know how to make the most of your results?

Join Karin Borgerson for an online three-part Introduction to DNA for Genealogy. Bring your curiosity and your questions! The course is conducted via video chat and students will learn how to use ZOOM software​.

Week 1 – Why use DNA in your genealogy research? Learn about the different types of DNA tests and what you can learn from each.

Week 2 – Beyond the pie chart: Explore how autosomal tests like AncestryDNA and 23andMe (and several others) can help you learn about all of the branches of your family tree—there’s more to it than the ethnicity estimates!

Week 3 – A closer look at Y-DNA; tools and resources for learning more.

Fee for the 3-part series :​ ​$30 for SGS members,  ​$40 for all others

Register here:​ http://www.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/content/join-sgs

At “New or Renewing Membership” select:​ Class

At “Membership Type” select:​ DNA Class – SGS Member ($30) or Intro Class – All others ($40)

Registration is processed in order received.

Course limit: ​14

Questions:​ email Karin – karin@borgersonresearch.com

Course Instructor: Karin Lovisa Borgerson is a professional genealogist specializing in using DNA to solve family mysteries. Her genealogical education includes the Institute for Genetic Genealogy (2016), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (Practical Genetic Genealogy, 2017) and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (Advanced Genealogical Methods, 2018). She holds a BA in biology and anthropology, an MBA, and has done graduate study in science, health, and environmental journalism.
3x your impact! From March 12-31, Amazon is tripling the donation rate on your first smile.amazon.com purchase! Go to smile.amazon.com/ch/91-0850085 and Amazon donates to Seattle Genealogical Society. For additional details about the promotion, visit the promotion detail page.
​
BEGINNING BEGINNING GENEALOGY
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2018
10:15 AM – 3:00 PM

All necessary materials will be provided for this free beginners class.  No reservation required and no fee for this full day of instruction. Please bring your own sack lunch as there is nowhere close to SGS to get lunch.  Everyone is welcome. Linda Fitzgerald, past SGS president, will be the instructor.

 
* VOLUNTEERS NEEDED * 

Help us get the word out about the May 19th Spring Seminar with D. Joshua Taylor. The brochure will be ready for folding and labeling beginning March 15th and we plan to mail @ 900 brochures by March 27th. All work with be done during normal library hours Tuesdays – Sundays. If you can help, even if only for an hour or so, please respond to (include your availability information) :  seminar@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org  

SGS 2018 SPRING SEMINAR,
“Family History: What the Future Holds”,
featuring D. Joshua Taylor,
Co-host of the PBS series Genealogy Roadshow

The SGS Spring Seminar on May 19th is fast approaching. Mark your calendar. Brochures for the seminar will be mailed the last week in March and seminar registration will open April 1.

At the SGS 2017 Fall Seminar,  the new idea “Lunch Table Topics” was well received, so we will have more topics and more tables at our spring seminar.  The expanded list of lunch topics will be posted on our website and you may sign up for your choice during check-in at the seminar.

SAVE THE DATES

SEATTLE’S 2018 IRISH FESTIVAL,
Seattle Center Armory,
Seattle, WA
Saturday and Sunday, March 17 & 18, 2018
FREE admission both days

This year the festival is actually on St Patrick’s Day.  How fun will that be!  More info :
http://irishclub.org/irish-festival-seattle/

IRISH GENEALOGY SEMINAR,
Seattle Center Armory,
Seattle, WA
Sunday, March 18, 2018
9:30AM – 6:00PM  

You won’t want to miss speakers Finton Mullan and Gillian Hunt from the Ulster Historical Foundation, Belfast.  Registration and more details at :

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/irish-genealogy-seminar-tickets-42301967323?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_term=viewmyevent_button
          SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. Note there will be no Irish or German Interest Group meeting in March due to the Irish Week festivities that same weekend. The SGS Library will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 1.

MARCH

Saturday, March 17, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, “Washington at War:  The Evergreen State in World War I”, presenter is Lorraine McConaghy, public historian, Humanities Speakers Bureau Program of Washington State

Saturday, March 24, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, “Finding a Father for Molly Using DNA” , presenter Jill Morelli. This presentation is featured above in this edition of the eNews!

Saturday, March 31, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, DNA SIG, this group meets at the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle. Co-chaired by Cary Bright and Herb McDaniel. For more information contact SGSDNASIG@gmail 

APRIL

Thursday, April 5, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 1, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 7, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian SIG, Come join David Robert, group leader, for help researching your Canadian ancestors.

Saturday, April 7, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Sunday, April 8, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson. There will be a short review of Nordic Gothic handwriting & a discussion of what topics to cover in future meetings. Please bring your projects and ideas.

Tuesday, April 10, 10:15am – 3:00pm, Beginning Beginning Genealogy, with Linda Fitzgerald. All necessary materials will be provided for this free beginners class.  No reservation required and no fee for this full day of instruction. Please bring your own sack lunch as there is nowhere close to SGS to get lunch.

Thursday, April 12, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 2, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 14, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Family Tree Maker (FTM) Users Group, leaders Reiley Kidd & Betty Ravenholt, this group meets  the second Saturday of every even month, FTM is the tool long associated with Ancestry.com

Saturday, April 14, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm,  Second Saturday Speaker Series, the speaker will be Janet Camarata

Wednesday, April 18, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Seattle Mac Genealogy SIG, Sponsored jointly by SGS, Fiske, and dBug, meets quarterly at Pioneer Hall at the Fiske Genealogical Library, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle. Contact Diane Hettrick at dhettrick@earthlink.net with questions.

Thursday, April 19, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 3, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 21, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, April 21, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Thursday, April 26, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 4, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.   

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –  Yearbooks at SGS

Did you know SGS has an extensive collection of Seattle area schools yearbooks?

If you are looking for local school annuals, come check out our assortment. We have some from Broadway High School. Also known as Seattle High School, Broadway was Seattle’s first building constructed specifically to be a high school. We have Roosevelt High School annuals from 1923 through 1988!

Some other alma maters you’ll find on our shelves include:

* Eckstein Junior High/Middle School
* Franklin High School
* Garfield High School
* Queen Anne High School
* University of Washington “Tyee”
* West Seattle High School

Stop by.  Browse the shelves.  We are open:
Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –  VOOM IN, VOOM OUT, RESET

Do you realize you can zoom in and zoom out on any web page using just your keyboard? No need to have a touch screen or a touchpad.

This works on virtually any operating system –  Windows, Mac OS, or Chrome OS.  On a Mac, the Command key takes the place of the CTRL key; otherwise, it is the same.

You’ll be using the control key (marked CTRL) ,  the plus key (marked +), and the zero key (numeric 0).

To zoom in, just hold down the CTRL key and tap the + key at the same time. Each tap will increase the size of the font/images on the web page in front of you.

To zoom out, just hold down the CTRL key and tap the – key at the same. Each tap will decrease the size of the font/images on the web page in front of you.

To reset everything on the web page to its original default size, hold down the CTRL key and tap the 0 once.

Easy to remember, too.   Use plus to zoom in, minus to zoom out, and zero to reset to the original default. Try it now.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

“AN INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY”
SEATTLE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY – ONLINE COURSE
 THURSDAYS –  April 5, 12, 19, 26
 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Do you want to solve a family mystery? Learn more about your ancestors? Test your DNA and find your DNA cousins? Or simply pass along your family story to your grandchildren? Genealogy is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. According to some experts, nearly 75% of Americans are interested in discovering their family history. And thanks to the availability of information online, you can conduct research at home or your local library.

Join Heidi Mair for a fun, online and interactive four-part Introduction to Genealogy and Family History. Share your family history story, research challenges and more. The course is conducted on video chat and students will learn how to use Google Hangouts​.

Week 1 – Discover the records, resources and tools available to beginning genealogists and how to record and interpret them.
Week 2 – Learn how to build a Family Tree.
Week 3 – Discuss the use of historical records, photos and events to understand your ancestors’ life and times.
Week 4 – Learn about the types of DNA testing available and how to understand the results.

Fee for the 4-part series :​ ​$30 for SGS members,  ​$40 for all others

Register here:​ http://www.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/content/join-sgs
At “New or Renewing Membership” select:​ Class
At “Membership Type” select:​ Intro Class – SGS Member ($30) or Intro Class – All others ($40)

Registration is processed in order received.

Course limit: ​14

Questions:​ email Heidi – heidi.mair@gmail.com

Course Instructor: Heidi Mair has a Master’s degree in Anthropology with an emphasis on American Cultural History. In 2012, she completed the Certificate in Genealogy and Family History from University of Washington’s Educational Outreach. She has written and researched family histories for several branches of her family as well as those of friends.

“FINDING A FATHER FOR MOLLY USING DNA”
SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

It was a typical problem: descendants knew Henry wasn’t the biological father of their mother, but who was? Some evidence made the search easier…oral traditions gave some clue but might be wrong. The 1920 census revealed the family structure at the time of the birth, but other facts made the task more difficult–many candidates existed.

This presentation will show how logic, analysis and correlation solved this mystery by using information obtained from those who had already tested to narrow the field of candidates. Finally, targeted testing of a finite group of candidates revealed the father. Documentary evidence completes the puzzle. The GPS and the Genetic Code of Conduct guided the work.

This example illustrates that by using simple tools you can solve those near-ancestral questions and result in a typical problem well solved.

Jill Morelli will be the presenter.  Everyone is welcome.  Hope to see you there.

REMINDER FOR THE SGS MEMBERSHIP MEETING
AND 2ND SATURDAY SPEAKER PRESENTATION 

Join us, Saturday, March 10, for a short SGS membership business meeting at 1:00 pm. It will be followed by Claudia Breland’s presentation “Finding and Using Historic Newspapers” at 1:30 pm. Claudia is a professional genealogist, author, and lecturer.

SAVE THE DATES

Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State,
LDS Factoria Building,
4200 124th Ave SE,
Bellevue, WA
Monday, March 12, 2018
Doors open at 6:30 PM

JGSWA proudly presents  “Hidden Ones: A Veil of Memories” with Marcia Fine. If you’d like to bring any of her books along with you, Ms. Fine will be happy to autograph them.  Doors open at 6:30 PM.  Presentation will start promptly at 7:15 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Come early to network.  All are welcome to attend this free genealogy event.
For additional info : http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php

SEATTLE’S 2018 IRISH FESTIVAL,
Seattle Center Armory,
Seattle, WA
Saturday and Sunday, March 17 & 18, 2018
FREE admission both days

This year the festival is actually on St Patrick’s Day.  How fun will that be!  More info :
http://irishclub.org/irish-festival-seattle/

IRISH GENEALOGY SEMINAR,
Seattle Center Armory,
Seattle, WA
Sunday, March 18, 2018
9:30AM – 6:00PM  

You won’t want to miss speakers Finton Mullan and Gillian Hunt from the Ulster Historical Foundation, Belfast.  Registration and more details at :

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/irish-genealogy-seminar-tickets-42301967323?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_term=viewmyevent_button
          SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. Note there will be no Irish or German Interest Group meeting in March due to the Irish Week festivities that same weekend. The SGS Library will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 1.

MARCH

Saturday, March 3, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Saturday, March 10, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, SGS Membership Meeting & Second Saturday Speaker Series, a short SGS business meeting will be followed by Claudia Breland presenting “Finding and Using Historic Newspapers”

Saturday, March 17, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, “Washington at War:  The Evergreen State in World War I”, presenter is Lorraine McConaghy, public historian, Humanities Speakers Bureau Program of Washington State

Saturday, March 24, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, “Finding a Father for Molly Using DNA” , presenter Jill Morelli. This presentation is featured above in this edition of the eNews!

Saturday, March 31, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, DNA SIG, this group meets at the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle. Co-chaired by Cary Bright and Herb McDaniel. For more information contact SGSDNASIG@gmail 

APRIL

Thursday, April 5, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 1, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 7, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Sunday, April 8, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson

Thursday, April 12, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 2, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 14, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Family Tree Maker (FTM) Users Group, leaders Reiley Kidd & Betty Ravenholt, this group meets  the second Saturday of every even month, FTM is the tool long associated with Ancestry.com

Saturday, April 14, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm,  Second Saturday Speaker Series, the speaker will be Janet Camarata

Wednesday, April 18, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Seattle Mac Genealogy SIG, Sponsored jointly by SGS, Fiske, and dBug, meets quarterly at Pioneer Hall at the Fiske Genealogical Library, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle. Contact Diane Hettrick at dhettrick@earthlink.net with questions.

Thursday, April 19, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 3, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.

Saturday, April 21, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, April 21, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Thursday, April 26, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Online Introduction to Genealogy and Family History – Part 4, Heidi Mair will be the instructor of this 4 part interactive online class series. Cost for the 4 class series is $30 for SGS Members, $40 for non-members.  Registration required.