Tag Archives: Seattle Genealogical Society

Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) Spring Seminar

by Charles Hansen

Saturday, May 19, 2018 SGS Annual Spring Seminar

Family History: What the Future Holds by D.Joshua Taylor

The Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) invites you attend our Annual Spring Seminar featuring nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher, D. Joshua Taylor, M.A., M.L.S. The title of his lecture is: Family History: What the Future Holds. Glimpse the future of family history through changes in technology, research methods, and other community developments.

On Saturday, May 19, from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Fairview Christian School, 844 NE 78th Street, Seattle, WA. For more information visit: http://www.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/. Questions? Email: seminar@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –  INTRODUCTION TO DNA AT SPL

On Monday, March 12, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, John LaMont, Genealogy Librarian at Seattle Public Library – Central Branch, will present an “Introduction to DNA”.  The description says, “You will learn about DNA testing for genealogy including types of tests, major DNA testing companies, and tools and techniques for analyzing the results.”  This event is free and everyone is welcome, but registration is required and space is limited, so register early. Registration closes on March 9.  For all the particulars and to sign up for this event, go to the Seattle Public Library Website and find it on the Calendar of Events for the month of March. Start here:
http://www.spl.org/calendar-of-events

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

SGS MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND
2ND SATURDAY SERIES 

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.

 “WASHINGTON AT WAR:
THE EVERGREEN STATE IN WWI”,
AT THE SGS LIBRARY,
SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1:00 PM  

Over one hundred years ago in 1917, the US entered The Great War to fight alongside our European allies. But Washington’s home front experience began long before the country entered the war, and continued afterward.

This program, led by historian Lorraine McConaghy, begins with an illustrated introduction to the war’s themes before offering a “Readers’ Theater:” a script that is read aloud together, allowing participants to speak the history they are discovering. The script includes excerpts from newspapers, diaries, writings, speeches, and correspondence, and is based on extensive research in primary source material focused on the war’s impact on Washington—and how Washington impacted the war.

Don’t miss this event. Lorraine McConaghy has received recognition and awards for her works from the Oral History Association, AASLH, Washington State Historical Society,  Pacific Northwest Historians Guild, and Humanities Washington.IRISH WEEK FESTIVAL – HELP WANTED

Jean Roth still needs a few volunteers to man the SGS Booth at the Seattle Center’s Irish Week Festival on Saturday, March 17 & Sunday, March 18.  If you can help on either day, please contact Jean Roth at 206 782-2629 or jeanaroth@juno.com

VOLUNTEER  OPPORTUNITIES

“Greetings” from your new Director of Volunteers. SGS is buzzing with activity and we need your help! I’ve composed this list of volunteer opportunities to share with you.

Call for Interested Candidates for SGS Election 2018-2019

The SGS April election is near and there are two open Board of Directors positions:

  • The Director of Education establishes and leads the Education Committee (program planning) of three (3) to five (5) SGS members. The goal is to schedule at least six educational programs per month, including speakers on specific topics of interest to genealogists, panel discussions, educational classes, including a series of beginning genealogy research classes at least twice a year.

  • The Library Director, manages the library and makes available to researchers the society’s collection of genealogical resources.

Both positions require you attend the monthly board meeting. The outgoing Directors are available to discuss the responsibilities of their respective position with you. You may contact  Karin (education) or Ann (library) directly with any questions:
education@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org
library@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

Call for Members of the SGS Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee solicits candidates for the annual election each spring. We need help with our current search and to fill next year’s Nominating Committee members.

If you are interested in any of these open positions or have a question, you may contact nominations@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org , contact a current board member, or call the SGS phone number 206-522-8658 and leave a message.

Call for Indexing Volunteers 

SGS is ready to launch the indexing project for the VFW cards we have added to our collection! This is something members can do online, from home. Whenever you have a few moments, or more, pull up a card on the computer, index it, and submit your transcription. Training will be provided with the first class scheduled for Wednesday, February 21st.

Ann Wright has prepared a detailed press release for this indexing project.  Read it here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2b76c2acbc8531a2e530e3d9c/files/289f9cb3-11a6-4113-998c-4ba36017a0d6/SGS_VFW_Index_Proj.pdf

If you have any questions on the project,  Ann may be contacted at :  library@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org 

Call for Mailing Party Volunteers

  • Election mailing on March 30th (470 pieces) – Due April 1st
  • Membership mailing on April 27th (600 pieces) –  Due May 1st
  • Spring Seminar mailing in mid to late March (900 pieces) – Due early April

Call for SGS Booth Volunteers

  • Five volunteers are still needed to staff the SGS Booth, pass out brochures, and answer questions at the Seattle Center’s Irish Week Festival on Saturday, March 17 & Sunday, March 18.  If you can help on either day, please contact Jean Roth at 206 782-2629 or jeanaroth@juno.com
  • Two volunteers needed to set up screen and projector on Friday evening, May 18, and take them down after the Spring Seminar, May 19.

Ongoing Need

  • Four Desk Volunteers needed! SGS Desk Volunteers work at the library front desk assisting patrons, collecting membership dues, giving tours, etc. While we are most in need of volunteers for Fridays and Saturdays, volunteers for any day, Tuesday – Sunday, are also needed. The schedule is flexible – volunteer for one day a month, or one a week, or to fill in when needed. Training will be provided.

Whether you are interested in a one-time volunteer opportunity, or an ongoing role with SGS, we appreciate your contribution. If you have questions, feel free to contact me, Heidi Mair, Director of Volunteers at volunteers@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

I am at the SGS library most Tuesdays from 1 pm – 3 pm. Check with me in advance and we’ll set up a time to meet.

Again, thank you for your support to make the Seattle Genealogical Society a continued success!

SAVE THE DATE
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  

See the feature article about this event in this issue of the eNews!  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

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.  Presentation will start promptly at 7:15 PM.  All are welcome to attend this free genealogy event.

          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.

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 17, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, February 17, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Sunday, February 18, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Norwegian Webinar, with Liv Birgit Christensen

MARCH 1-15th

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 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 

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –  THE CLEVELAND NECROLOGY FILE

Prior to 1976, the Cleveland Public Library staff clipped death notices from the local newspapers and maintained a file of these notices known as the Cleveland Necrology File. The Library has converted this file into an on-line database that is a breeze to search, readily accessible, and free to everyone. This is about 800,000 paid death notices and local cemetery records available online. No need to be a Cleveland Public Library patron.

It contains the complete full text of paid death notices as published in the following newspapers during the time periods listed:

  • The Cleveland Plain Dealer – 1850-1975
  • The Cleveland Herald – 1833, 1847-1848, 1876, 1878-1879
  • The Cleveland Press – 1941-1975
Just go to :  http://newsindex.cpl.org and enter your search criteria. To narrow your search results, be sure to enter your search criteria  in the format “last  name, first name”.  Example : “Doe, Jane”

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

LIV BIRGIT CHRISTENSEN LIVE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2018

 

Join us on Sunday, February 18th from 10:00-11:30 AM to learn more about researching your Norwegian ancestors with Liv Birgit Christensen. Liv will be speaking live from Norway with examples of how to research your ancestors.
For 20 years, Liv has been doing research and helping others with their genealogy. Some areas of interest are the home counties of her grandparents, establishing provenance to family heirlooms, identifying persons and places in pictures and DNA. She is the administrator and contributor to many local and family Facebook pages.

Liv is the president of the organization “Friends of the Local/Baerum Library”. They work to make the politicians uphold and increase the library services in the municipality with 125,000 inhabitants. She says about travelling in Norway, “I always try to visit the local libraries and archives. In the ‘hunt’ for new knowledge from the archives, I have found much new material to include in my research, which gives the research a richer story.”

Not only does Liv speak Norwegian, English, German, and some French, she also understands Danish and Swedish.  From 1968-1969, she lived stateside, in Atlanta, Georgia.

2ND SATURDAY SERIES

Our Second Saturday Series presentation this month will be “Using Academic Libraries for Genealogy Research” by Lisa Oberg. Academic libraries (college and university libraries) can feel intimidating, but scratch beneath the surface a bit and you’ll discover the millions of books, government documents, historical photographs, maps, atlases, journals, magazines, microfilm and newspapers in these collections can provide unexpected details for your family history research. Lisa Oberg will demonstrate how academic libraries can aid in your genealogical research and she will provide tips for searching library catalogs and databases.

Join us for this presentation Saturday, February 10, 2018  from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

IRISH GENEALOGY SEMINAR WITH PRESENTERS FROM
THE ULSTER HISTORICAL FOUNDATION, BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
Here’s a great opportunity sponsored by the Irish Heritage Club and Seattle Galway Sister City Association.  Finton Mullan is the executive director, and Gillian Hunt  is a research officer of the Ulster Historical Foundation, Belfast, Northern Ireland. They will be the presenters at the Irish Genealogy Seminar at Seattle Center, on March 18, 2018.  It will be in the Upper Armory (formerly the Center House).

Welcome and registration starts at 9:30 AM. A full day of presentations start at 10:00 AM, ending with an opportunity for questions and answers at 5:30 PM.

Cost is just $35 per person, or $25 for registering before February 21, 2018.  Cost is also $25 for current 2018 members of the Irish Heritage Club.  Lunch is not provided.  A small registration fee may apply.  Check out all the 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

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR IRISH WEEK
Volunteers are needed to help man the SGS Booth at the Seattle Center’s Irish Week Festival that takes place on Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18.  If you can help on either day, please contact Jean Roth at 206 782-2629 or jeanaroth@juno.com  
SAVE THE DATE
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  

See the feature article about this event in this issue of the eNews!  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.

FEBRUARY

Friday, February 2, 10:15 am – 3:00 pm, Beginning Genealogy Class,  All you need to bring is a pencil and a sack lunch! You are welcome to bring your laptop. The instructor, Linda Fitzgerald, will provide a handout of class materials.

Saturday, February 3, 10:15am – 12:15pm, 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, February 4, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, DNA Workshop, Led by Cary Bright with first hour on a specific topic, and the second hour open for sharing DNA issues with focus on GenomeMate Pro.

Saturday, February 10, 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, February 10 , 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Second Saturday Speaker Series, “Using Academic Libraries for genealogy Research” with Lisa Oberg

Sunday, February 11, 1:30pm – 3:00pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson. Jill Morelli will give her talk “Finding your Nordic Parish of Birth” & be available for questions following the presentation.

Saturday, February 17, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, February 17, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Sunday, February 18, 10:00am – 11:30am, Norwegian Webinar, with Liv Birgit Christensen

MARCH 1-15th

Saturday, March 3, 10:15am – 12:15pm, 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 , 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Second Saturday Speaker Series, “Using Academic Libraries for genealogy Research” with Lisa Oberg

Lisa Chan Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Lisa K. Chan

Today we’re introducing Lisa K. Chan of Seattle, Washington, who was nominated by the Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS). She was recognized for her willingness to share her technical skills and abilities, moving the society to a higher level in a technical world.

Although Ms. Chan has been a member of SGS for less than two years, she has had a transformational impact on their society. With a background in computers, technology and training, Ms. Chan introduced society members to Google Apps for Non-Profits, a free suite of applications and cloud-based storage and coached them through its implementation. Ms. Chan was also instrumental in the creation of SGS’s digital scanning lab, enabling them to digitize decades of SGS records. The society is now digitizing many of their printed assets, enabling them to be searched. Ms. Chan also helped create sound policies and procedures regarding SGS’s growing digital assets. In addition, Ms. Chan provides biweekly drop-in sessions called “Tech Tuesdays” at the SGS Library, on technology, genealogical software, genetic research and more.

Ms. Chan has been instrumental in SGS’s efforts to move ahead in today’s technological world, and richly deserved being a recipient of a 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Seattle genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –
SVAR, the National Archives of Sweden

Don’t have an ancestry account, but want to access original Swedish records? Beginning this year, SVAR, the National Archives of Sweden, are offering their previous subscription records for free. These records are the same film you see if you log into Ancestry. It is still an open question of how many of the other records they possess will be made available under this program. Thanks to the Swedish government who funded this initiative in an effort to make all Swedish records freely available to all. Did you catch the word “free”?

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

CERTIFICATION DISCUSSION GROUP
SIGN UP FOR SPRING 

SGS is seeking individuals who are interested in becoming a Certified Genealogist, or who are interested in knowing more about it. Registration is now open for the Spring Certification Discussion Group series. SGS members and Washington State residents will be given priority. The 7-part series is entirely online. The goal of the program is to demystify the process and ensure you are “really ready” when you submit your portfolio.

You can learn more of the details here :  https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2b76c2acbc8531a2e530e3d9c/files/b0446169-1809-47f5-abf2-e2ea8a02ea36/CDG_poster_2018.pdf

To sign up, or ask a question, send an email to jkmorelli@gmail.com

BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2
10:15 AM – 3:00 PM 

New to genealogy? Get started on the right foot. Research veteran and past president of SGS, Linda Fitzgerald, will teach you how to get your genealogy project going. Come join in. It’s a full day, so bring a sack lunch. Laptops welcome, but not necessary.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL?

The SGS Publications Committee invites you to submit articles for the Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society. We are looking for articles about genealogical research and family history that would be of interest to our members. We welcome submissions from all areas of genealogy. Some possibilities include memoirs, research articles, how-to and problem solving articles, and genealogical technology. Book reviews, historical photographs, and blog posts are also welcome.

Help is available for inexperienced writers!

Send submissions or questions to: publications@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org.

SAVE THE DATE 

Family History Fanatics,
eConference,
“Finding Family Stories and Passing Them On”,
January 19th at 8:45 am Central Time. 

Speakers will be Randy Seaver, Eric Wells, Victoria Woo and Tammy Hepps. Participants will learn about how to find, preserve, and share their family stories.  Five hours of interactive instruction for the early bird price of $19.99 through January 10th, and $24.99 thereafter. More details and registration can be found at: https://www.familyhistoryfanatics.com/jan2018. Feel free to let any of your friends or family know about this eConference.

          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.

JANUARY 

Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, MAC SIG, Sponsored jointly by SGS, Fiske, and dBug, meets quarterly at the Fiske Genealogical Library, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle

Saturday, January 20, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, January 20, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Saturday, January 27, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, DNA SIG, this group meets at the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle. For more information contact SGSDNASIG@gmail.com Co-chaired by Cary Bright and Herb McDaniel. This is an extended meeting. The first 30 minutes will be dedicated to beginners, those new to DNA.

FEBRUARY

Friday, February 2, 10:15 am – 3:00 pm, Beginning Genealogy Class,  All you need to bring is a pencil and a sack lunch! You are welcome to bring your laptop. The instructor, Linda Fitzgerald, will provide a handout of class materials.

Saturday, February 3, 10:15am – 12:15pm, 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, February 4, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, DNA Workshop, Led by Cary Bright with first hour on a specific topic, and the second hour open for sharing DNA issues with focus on GenomeMate Pro.

Saturday, February 10, 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, February 10 , 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Second Saturday Speaker Series, “Using Academic Libraries for genealogy Research” with Lisa Oberg

Sunday, February 11, 1:30pm – 3:00pm, Scandinavian SIG, with Karen Knudson. Jill Morelli will give her talk “Finding your Nordic Parish of Birth” & be available for questions following the presentation.

Saturday, February 17, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, February 17, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth

Seattle Genealogical Society Class

by Charles Hansen

You Are Invited
Saturday, January 13, 2018
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
at the SGS Library
with Trish Hackett Nicola

“Chinese Exclusion Act –
Original Documents at NARA Seattle”

Please join us for a 2nd Saturday presentation by Trish Hackett Nicola!

There are over 50,000 Chinese Exclusion Act case files at NARA-Seattle–all original documents. The Act was in effect from 1882 to 1943. Each file contains about 7-10 pages, sometimes more. The files include biographical information about the applicant, and sometimes his family and friends, affidavits from Chinese and Caucasian witnesses, maps, vital records, court records, photos and other unique items. This presentation will explain what led up to the Act being passed, who was excluded, give you examples of the documents and photos, and tell you how to search the records.

 

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK –
FamilySearch.org Affiliate Libraries

In the last issue of the eNews! we reported that as of December 13, 2017, patrons visiting FamilySearch.org need an account and need to login. In this issue we’re going to explain the different meaning of these two camera icons used at FamilySearch.org and when you need to visit a Family History Center or a FamilySearch Affiliate Library:

When you search historical records or the catalog at FamilySearch.org you may see one of these two similar looking, camera icons. They have totally different meanings.

The first icon, a camera alone, means there is a digital image available. You can click on it and view this image even from your personal computer, in the comfort of your home. Wonderful.

The second icon, the camera with a key over it, means access is restricted to these images and you must do one of the following:

  • Access the images from a Family History Center computer
  • Access the images from a FamilySearch affiliate library

An affiliate library will have access to nearly everything a Family History Center does. There are 3 affiliate libraries in the greater Seattle area and you may prefer to visit one of these, instead of a Family History Center, for the convenience of its location, or for its extended hours.

If you are far north of Seattle, the Snohomish Library in Snohomish, WA is an affiliate library with 40+ computers available and the reputation of having a very, helpful staff.

In South Seattle, the Northwest African American Museum is another affiliate library. They have two computers for your use. The computers are in the free area; no need to pay the museum entrance fee. Right now they are doing some updating, so hold off on your visit until the middle of January.

Last, but not least, is the Seattle Public Library. While you can access FamilySearch.org from any of the internet workstation computers in the library, the staff in the genealogy section, on the 9th floor of the downtown central library suggest you, as a newcomer to the process, come up and use one of their 5 computers. They are experienced FamilySearch users, and will be glad to help you navigate the slightly more complex login process. Don’t forget you will need your library card number, your library card password, your FamilySearch.org user name and FamilySearch user password.

No matter what affiliate library or Family History Center you use, don’t forget a USB thumb drive/flash drive with plenty of space. You will want to download copies of all those documents you are going to find.