TIP OF THE WEEK – GET A FREE PASS TO BC GENEALOGICAL LIBRARY The BC Genealogical Society Library and Research Centre is offering a free library pass to SGS members interested in visiting their facility located in Surrey BC. It is one of the larger genealogical libraries in North America, with over 18,000 books, 2,000 maps, 6,000 films and microfiche, and 100,000+ newspaper clippings. More information can be found on their website https://www.bcgs.ca
July 1, 2023
SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!
SUSAN McKEE AND CAROLYN SCHOTT, VOLUNTEERS OF THE SPRING QUARTER
This Spring Quarter 2023 we are celebrating and thanking two of our Society’s Special Interest Group (SIG) leaders – Carolyn Schott and Susan McKee. Carolyn (a member for 10 years) runs the German SIG and Susan (a member of 6 years) heads the Irish SIG along with Jim Ryan.
Carolyn’s area of expertise is Germans who lived in the Black Sea Region (which is now primarily Ukraine) and she is also the co-founder of a Black Sea German Research group (www.blackseagr.org). A fascinating but sad discovery of hers has been getting NKVD (the predecessor to the KGB) arrest records on some of her family members!
Susan, born and raised in Ireland, concentrates her research on her Irish family lines although she has discovered that her mother’s great grandfathers came to Ireland from rural England. “Researching this line continues to remind me of the very complex and long-standing interconnections that exist between Ireland and England and how important it is to remain open to the ever-changing nature of identity”, she says.
Susan and Carolyn enjoy their regular interactions with SIG members and the enthusiasm everyone brings to their research. Both women appreciate the use of Zoom. “Although there are many things I miss about in-person meetings, I actually love doing this by Zoom because we get people attending from all over the U.S. It has also made it possible to line up speakers from all over,” says Carolyn.
When not working on genealogy Carolyn is skiing, hiking, or supporting Ukraine at the local rallies – “Slava Ukraini!” She also loves to travel and is so passionate about it that she wrote the book entitled “Visiting Your Ancestral Town”. Many of Susan’s interests outside of genealogy involve similar skills. She enjoys word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and mysteries, whether in books, films, or escape room experiences!
Both Carolyn and Susan would love you to join their SIG meetings. Both groups meet on the third Saturday of the month (Irish 10:15-12:15 and German 1:00-3:00). Please check the calendar of events at www.seagensoc.org.
Thank you, Carolyn and Susan, for all you do for SGS and our members!
SUMMER BOOK SALE
The SGS Library receives many wonderful donations of books from our members and friends and we simply can’t keep them all. So stop by the library and find a treasure on our surplus book tables, for sale until July 15th.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE CLANS OF IRELAND BOOTH
Continuing our community outreach commitment initiated by Jean Roth, SGS is sharing the Clans of Ireland Booth at the 27th Annual Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival in Mt Vernon, WA, Saturday, July 8, 2023 & Sunday, July 9, 2023, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to help SGS staff this booth. No experience necessary.
If you can help staff our table in the booth for several hours on either day, Saturday, July 8th, or Sunday, July 9th, please contact James Ryan at janglinjehu@yahoo.com.
DON’T GET SCAMMED
You get an email that says it’s from MacKiev, maker of Family Tree Maker software. It has an offer for a free upgrade. Not so fast …. Several people are receiving similar messages by email or chat that are actually fraudulent. Here’s how to spot the scam.
The messages ask you to call a telephone number, but MacKiev does not actually have a phone help line.
The email address provided in the message is not connected to MacKiev. If a message seems to come from a company you know, a good rule of thumb is to use Google to find the company’s real site to validate claims.
Family Tree Maker 2019 is the most current version of the program. There is no 2023 version.
Don’t trust everything you hear in a chat. If you need assistance with Family Tree Maker, go to: https://www.mackiev.com/techsupport/ftm/livechat.html. This way you know you are speaking to a real representative of the company.
WATCH THE SGS100 PRESERVATION SEMINAR
“Just finished watching this wonderful set of seminars by Denise Levenick. Fantastic!”
In Celebration of our Centennial, SGS members may log in to view video recordings of all four presentations from the SGS100 Preservation Seminar with Denise Levenick, The Family Curator, until Monday, July 17, 2023.
Not an SGS member? You may register to view the presentations for $25, click here.
JOIN US FOR AN 1923 ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Come out to Meridian Park on August 5th for some ice cream and to celebrate SGS’s centennial. We will be dishing out ice cream to all comers 1923-style. The park is located behind the Good Shepherd Center. Watch the SGS website Calendar of Events for more details.
SGS CENTENNIAL MEMBERSHIP
Join the Seattle Genealogical Society today and become a charter member for our second century!
If you are already a member, it’s time to log in to your account and renew your membership for 2023-24 as we continue the celebration of our 100th year.
Participate in special Centennial Events and enjoy discounted class and Seminar fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Your membership will extend through the 2023 Centennial Year and until May 31, 2024.
The University of Washington Stadium was noted to be “the only structure of its kind in the country built primarily for a university which is opened to the public uses.” The article pointed out the student body was trying to reduce the remaining indebtedness to save on interest charges. This could allow them to take on other projects such as a basketball pavilion, armory and gymnasium. The article also noted the numerous large affairs to which it was being put – last year’s The Wayfarer, the presentation this year of “Americanus”, when President Harding would be in the city, the Fourth of July Celebration, , and musical concerts.
— “The University of Washington”, Seattle Daily Times, 15 Jun 1923, p 6, col 2,
* Watch each eNews! issue for “100 years ago”, our new anecdotal series. We will be running it for the duration of 2023, our centennial year.
SAVE THE DATE
Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival Edgewater Park, Mt Vernon, WA 98271 Saturday and Sunday July 8-9, 2023 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
This Festival, now in its 27th year, attracts over 10,000 people annually. It is part of an annual circuit of Scottish competitions held in the Pacific Northwest and Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The organizers call it “Scottish 3-ring circus” with a wide range of activities for young and old alike.
Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy 2024 Classes Saturday, July 22, 2023, 9:00 am
Registration opens for SLIG 2024 Classes (Virtual Event-$$), SLIG 2024 (virtual) courses run daily, January 22–26 from 7:30 to 3:00 pm PST; some will include homework and other sessions outside those times. Registration opens on 22 July 2023 at 10 am Mountain / 9:00 am Pacific. Some classes fill very quickly. More information on courses, faculty, and registration here.
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, usually 2nd Monday meetings usually 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Pacific Time
JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 pm unless noted otherwise. The next meeting is Sept. 11, 2023, topic to be announced. For more information see http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php
SGS100 Birthday Party October 20, 2023
Mark your calendar now! SGS is turning 100. Join the celebration at Dunn Gardens on October 20th. There will be a keynote speaker you will not want to miss!
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658
The elevator is back in service!
Please call ahead to make sure our library will be open. We are short on front desk volunteers.
Hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ** 10:00 am – 3:00 pm **
Masks are recommended inside the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom. 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.
NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room. The host must take action to let people into each meeting. The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.
All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted
Monday, July 3, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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. ` Monday, July 10, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Monday, July 10, 2023, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Board of Directors Meeting at SGS (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved.
Monday, July 10, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Alaine Keisling at keisling@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 11, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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, July 12, 2023, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, MAC Computer SIG, Co-chaired by Lisa Marker and Diane Hettrick. Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings address topics and resources for Macintosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software program. Meetings are on the second Wednesday of alternating months. 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, July 15, 2023, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, IRISH SIG, with Susan McKee. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. New Zoom link starting this month.
Sunday, July 16, 2023, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Topic TBD, with Jill Morelli. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.
Monday, July 17, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Tuesday, July 17, 2023, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Family History Writers’ Group (Social Interest 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, July 21, 2023, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Family Tree Maker SIG, the FTM by Software MacKiev user’s group meets via Zoom on the 3rd Friday of each month. If you would like to attend and are not on the SIG e-mail distribution list, please send an e-mail to egsgenealogyhelper@yahoo.com.
Monday, July 24, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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.
Monday, July 31, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Monday, August 7, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Tuesday, August 8, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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.
SGS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR THE CLANS OF IRELAND BOOTH! Continuing our community outreach commitment initiated by Jean Roth, SGS is sharing the Clans of Ireland Booth at the 27th Annual Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival in Mt Vernon, WA, Saturday, July 8, 2023 & Sunday, July 9, 2023, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to help SGS man this booth. No experience necessary.
If you can help staff our table in the booth for several hours on either day, Saturday, July 8th, or Sunday, July 9th, please contact James Ryan at janglinjehu@yahoo.com.
If you would like more information on this popular festival, go to: http://celticarts.org The 27th Annual Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival, Edgewater Park, Mt Vernon, WA 98273 Saturday, July 8, 2023 & Sunday, July 9, 2023 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
TIP OF THE WEEK – SEATTLE CENTER CULTURAL FESTIVALS At Seattle Center, under the theme “Where the World Gathers”, 24 free cultural festivals are scheduled for 2023. A fun, learning experience for the entire family. Coming up in June and July are:
Sadly we report that long-time SGS member and zealous SGS volunteer, Sarah Little, has passed away. SGS remembers Sarah as a dedicated leader who was determined to see that SGS survived and prospered.
Sarah joined SGS in 1985 and immediately became involved. Jim Secan, current SGS president, provided this list of all the positions she held at SGS and he commented, “She was on the Board pretty much full time from 1987-2003!”
Director of Membership 1986-1987
President 1987-1989
Vice President 1989-1990
President 1990-1992
Director of Operations 1993-1995
Director of Membership 1995-1997
Director of Operations 1997-1999
President 1999-2001
Treasurer 2001-2002
Quite deservedly, a SGS Honorary Lifetime Membership was bestowed on Sarah. In addition to all her SGS volunteer work, she also taught a certificate program in genealogy at the University of Washington.
A service for Sarah is being planned for later this summer.
Some of you may be aware that Barbara Rae-Venter, J.D., Ph.D. is the genetic genealogist who cracked the Golden State Killer case using DNA. She needs your help. She emailed the following: “We are working on identifying a suspect for a homicide in Fife, Pierce County. We have very low DNA matches (highest is 23 cM) and would like to do some outreach into the local Slavic community to do DNA testing in the hopes that we could identify some closer matches. Do you have primarily Slavic bio ancestry? If so, would you be willing to do a DNA test? The DNA kits would be provided by FTDNA. In return for the (free) kit, the test taker would provide their family tree going back to their great grandparents, if possible.”
On 20-23 April ten writers came together on Friday Harbor for the SGS100 Writers’ C(r)amp. The outcome was a lot of writing, some great conversations, and growing camaraderie.
SGS100 Writers’ C(r)amp attendees
SGS CENTENNIAL MEMBERSHIP
Join the Seattle Genealogical Society today and become a charter member for our second century!
If you are already a member, it’s time to log in to your account and renew your membership for 2023-24 as we continue the celebration of our 100th year.
Participate in special Centennial Events and enjoy discounted class and Seminar fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Your membership will extend through the 2023 Centennial Year and until May 31, 2024.
Meet the Board, talk about the election results, SGS business, and the budget. Stay on for the Second Saturday program.
You may attend this meeting in the SGS Library or virtually; your choice. Please register either way. Instructions are on the SGS website calendar of events.
100 years ago: 17 March 1923
On 17 May 1923, a front page headline in the Seattle P-I read “5 Suspended in High School Pie-Egg War”. The article went on to say “Sons of Capitol Hill People Disciplined After Fracas in Broadway-Garfield fued [sic].” “Instructor Questioned for Reckless Driving Following Capture of Youthful Warriors”.
5 boys of prominent families were suspended from Broadway High School and an instructor at Garfield was taken to the police station for questioning. The cause was the athletic rivalry between the two schools. The Broadway baseball team had recently defeated Garfield. One engagement entailed pumpkin pie throwing by Garfield students at Broadway students, the second involved a “barrage of eggs” thrown by Broadway students at Garfield students.
“5 Suspended in High School Pie-Egg War” , Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 17 May 1923, p1, col 2.
* Watch each eNews! issue for “100 years ago”, our new anecdotal series. We will be running it for the duration of 2023, our centennial year.
SAVE THE DATE
Fiske Genealogical Library, Spring Classes 2023 – Virtual, Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time
The topic for May 31 is “The FamilySearch Research Wiki” with Celia McNay. The link to the Fiske Library website is: https://www.fiskelibrary.org/
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, usually 2nd Monday meetings usually 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Pacific Time
JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 PM unless noted otherwise. The next meeting is June 12 2023, and the program is “In Search of Mishpocha – Creative Methods for Finding Cousins” with S Lynn Diamond. http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658
The elevator is back in service!
Please call ahead to make sure our library will beopen. We are short on front desk volunteers.
Hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ** 10:00 am – 3:00 pm **
Masks are recommended inside the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom. 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.
NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room. The host must take action to let people into each meeting. The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.
All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted
Saturday, June 3, 2023, 10:15 am- 12:15 pm, FamilySearch SIG, with Lou Daly. Discover 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, June 4, 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.
Monday, June 5, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Saturday, June 10, 2023, 12:30 pm-1:00 pm, SGS Membership Meeting , meet the board and talk about SGS business. Register for in-person or online attendance.
Saturday, June 10, 2023, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Second Saturday: The “Push” and “Pull” Decision Making of the 19th Century Immigrant, with Jill Morelli. Please register in advance.
Monday, June 12, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Monday, June 12 2023, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Board of Directors Meeting at SGS (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved.
Monday, June 12, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Alaine Keisling at keisling@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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.
Monday, June 12, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Friday, June 16, 2023, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Family Tree Maker SIG, the FTM by Software MacKiev user’s group meets via Zoom on the 3rd Friday of each month. If you would like to attend and are not on the SIG e-mail distribution list, please send an e-mail to egsgenealogyhelper@yahoo.com no later than Thursday, May 18th to request the meeting ld.
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm, PRESERVATION SEMINAR, with Denise Levenick, free to SGS members, small fee for non-members, registration required.
Sunday, June 18, 2023, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm, Special Preservation Seminar with Denise Levenick continuation. Free to SGS members. Register today.
Monday, June 19, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Saturday, June 24, 2023, 10:00 am-12:30 pm, DNA SIG, 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, June 26, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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.
When SGS moved to its new location in the Good Shepherd Center, a team of volunteers, led by the Library Trustees, curated our existing collection to focus on the Pacific Northwest. In that process they discovered that we had several incomplete sets of books and many underrepresented counties. The SGS Librarian submitted to the Board of Trustee’s a request for funding, which was granted. With a purchasing plan in place, the Trustees have been active in procuring these volumes as they become available.
If you would like to support this effort, please consider a donation to the Society. If you have book(s) in your personal library which might supplement our Pacific Northwest collection, please first contact Director of Library at library@seagensoc.org. Thanks!
EXTRA! EXTRA! THE ELEVATOR IS BACK There are plenty of news items for this issue, but none more exciting to some than the fact the elevator in the Good Shepherd Center is now working! So “come on in” to all who have been waiting so patiently. SGS is open to the public Tues-Saturday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and the building elevator is back in service!2023 SGS ELECTION RESULTS AND A NEW TRUSTEEThe results of the SGS election are as follows:Officers and Board of Directors: President: Jim Secan Vice President: Kathy Weber Secretary: Alanna Stanton Treasurer: Betsey Cotter Director of Education: Cecellia Rogers Director of Library: Kathi MAlso serving on the Board will be Jill Morelli, Past President, and Mahina Oshie, Seattle Public Library representative, non-voting. The term of office begins on June 1, 2023 and runs through May 31, 2024.The proposed changes to the SGS Bylaws were approved, so the following positions have changed from board positions to committee chairs: Membership Chair: Christine Schomaker Publications Chair: Lisa White Technology Chair: vacant Volunteers Chair: Melanie MoserThanks to Amandalei Bennett (chair), Bruce Finlayson, and Woods Fairbanks for serving as the Election Committee.
SGS member Melinda McRae has been approved by the SGS Board to replace Julia Marconi as a Library Trustee. She will join current Trustees Caitlyn Oiye Coon and Helen Shawcroft. Congratulations to Melinda and thank you to Julia for her service. SGS CENTENNIAL MEMBERSHIPJoin the Seattle Genealogical Society today and become a charter member for our second century!If you are already a member, it’s time to log in to your account and renew your membership for 2023-24 as we continue the celebration of our 100th year.Participate in special Centennial Events and enjoy discounted class and Seminar fees, free research requests, special interest groups, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Your membership will extend through the 2023 Centennial Year and until May 31, 2024. Join online with a credit/debit card or print a membership application and send it together with your dues payment to SGS. Better yet, come by the SGS Library and join in person!
Find out more about membership at Join SGS.FREE! FREE! FREE! SGS100 PRESERVATION SEMINAR with DENISE LEVENICK JUNE 17-18, 2023 To commemorate our 100th year, SGS is putting on a special online seminar. It will be 4 lectures presented over 2 days. This seminar is FREE to SGS members. Non-members will be charged a small fee. Registration is required and now open: Register for the SGS100 Preservation SeminarSeminar dates and times : 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 17 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sunday, June 18 Seminar lectures : Preserving the Past: Archiving and Digitizing Your Family Keepsakes Selecting and Preparing Images for Family History Projects Archival Storage Strategies and Solutions Family History Projects for the Digital Ag The Family Curator,Denise Levenick, is the author of How to Archive Family Keepsakes and How to Archive Family Photos.
The seminar will be recorded and the video will be available on the SGS website for a period of time to SGS members and paying registrants of the seminar. SGS MEMBERSHIP MEETING JUNE 10, 2023, 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM Meet the Board, talk about the election results, SGS business, and the budget. This is a hybrid meeting; you can attend in person or online. Please register
100 years ago: 9 March 1923
On Sunday 9 May 1923. The front page news was “Port Site Purchase Directed by Voters”. The article went on to explain that that vote was to acquire the Skinner & Eddy waterfront property from the United States shipping board, as well as to grant authority to extend the port development plans. But the purchase was nevertheless in doubt due to the need to transfer bonds from Smith Cove project to this project for the purchase.
[This area was apparently part of what is today part of the Pier 36 area. For further history of the site see “Seattle Historical Sites, Summary for 1561 Alaskan Way/Parcel ID 7666207695”, Department of Neighborhoods; digital image, seattle.gov (https://web.seattle.gov/DPD/HistoricalSite/QueryResult.aspx?ID=2147012063: accessed 9 May 2023).]
“Port Site Purchase Directed By Voters” , Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 9 May 1923, p1, col 2.
* Watch each eNews! issue for “100 years ago”, our new anecdotal series. We will be running it for the duration of 2023, our centennial year.
SAVE THE DATE
Fiske Genealogical Library, Spring Classes 2023 – Virtual, Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time
The program for May 17 is “Beginning Scandinavian Research” with Jenny Hansen. The programs for May 24 and May 31 are on their website. Check the Fiske Library website for updates: https://www.fiskelibrary.org/
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, usually 2nd Monday meetings usually 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Pacific Time
JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 PM unless noted otherwise. The next meeting is June 12 2023, and the program is “In Search of Mishpocha – Creative Methods for Finding Cousins” with S Lynn Diamond. http://www.jgsws.org/meetings.php
International German Genealogy Partnership 2023 Conference, June 9-11, 2023 Fort Wayne, Indiana
This is a conference not to be missed by anyone doing German genealogy research anywhere in the world. Attend in person or online. For more info and registration visit: https://iggp.org
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658
The elevator is back in service!
Please call ahead to make sure our library will beopen. We are short on front desk volunteers.
Masks are recommended inside the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom. 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.
NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room. The host must take action to let people into each meeting. The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.
All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted
Monday, May 15, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Friday, May 19, 2023, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Family Tree Maker SIG, the FTM by Software MacKiev user’s group meets via Zoom on the 3rd Friday of each month. If you would like to attend and are not on the SIG e-mail distribution list, please send an e-mail to egsgenealogyhelper@yahoo.com no later than Thursday, May 18th to request the meeting ld.
Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, IRISH SIG, with Susan McKee and Jim Ryan. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.
Saturday, May 20, 2023, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm, GERMAN SIG, with Carolyn Schott See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.
Sunday, May 21, 2023, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Time-keeping: Calendars & Feast Days”, with Jill Morelli. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.
Monday, May 22, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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.
Monday, May 29, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Saturday, June 3, 2023, 10:15 am- 12:15 pm, FamilySearch SIG, with Lou Daly. Discover 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, June 4, 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.
Monday, June 5, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Saturday, June 10, 2023, 12:30 pm-1:00 pm, SGS Membership Meeting , meet the board and talk about SGS business. Please register in advance.
Saturday, June 10, 2023, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Second Saturday: The “Push” and “Pull” Decision Making of the 19th Century Immigrant, with Jill Morelli. Please register in advance.
Monday, June 12, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Monday, June 12 2023, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Board of Directors Meeting at SGS (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. SGS is an all volunteer organization. Please be involved.
Monday, June 12, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Alaine Keisling at keisling@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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.
Friday, June 16, 2023, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Family Tree Maker SIG, the FTM by Software MacKiev user’s group meets via Zoom on the 3rd Friday of each month. If you would like to attend and are not on the SIG e-mail distribution list, please send an e-mail to egsgenealogyhelper@yahoo.com no later than Thursday, June 15th to request the meeting ld.
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm, PRESERVATION SEMINAR, with Denise Levenick, free to SGS members, small fee for non-members, registration required.
Sunday, June 18, 2023, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm, Special Preservation Seminar with Denise Levenick continuation. Free to SGS members. Register today.
Monday, June 19, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Saturday, June 24, 2023, 10:00 am-12:30 pm, DNA SIG, 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, June 26, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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.
TIP OF THE WEEK – DO YOU REMEMBER THIS ELEPHIND TIP?
Elephind, is a the Search Engine for Historical Newspapers. Many genealogist love the Library of Congress – Chronicling America – historical, digitized newspapers website, but have you heard of Elephind.com? Their goal is to search all the world’s digitized, historical newspapers from one place at one time; it’s similar to the idea behind Travelocity.com with the airline industry.
Elephind currently is at over 200 million items from over 4,300 newspaper titles worldwide. That is far more than what you will find at Chronicling America. In fact, Chronicling America is one of the sites Elephind has covered. Also like Chronicling America, Elephind is adding volume almost daily.
At the website for elephind, start with the Search Tips.
The “proximity search” is particularly useful. An example, using this syntax “Jane Doe”~4 in Search will find for you :
•Jane Doe •Jane E Doe •Jane Elizabeth Doe •Elizabeth Jane Smith, nee Doe
But it will exclude something like “Jane and Sally found a young, frightened doe in the woods”.
Elephind.com will be a good addition to your arsenal of historical newspapers websites and someday it might become the only one you will ever need.
SGS100 PRESERVATION SEMINAR with DENISE LEVENICK, THE FAMILY CURATOR JUNE 17-18, 2023
To commemorate our 100th year, SGS is putting on a special seminar. It will be four lectures presented over two days.
The dates and times :
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 17
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sunday, June 18
The lectures :
Preserving the Past: Archiving and Digitizing Your Family Keepsakes
Selecting and Preparing Images for Family History Projects
Archival Storage Strategies and Solutions
Family History Projects for the Digital Age
This seminar is free to SGS members. Non-members will be charged a small fee. This will be an online seminar via Zoom. Registration is required. Registration will open in May 2023. Watch for it on the SGS website.
The Family Curator,Denise Levenick, is the author of How to Archive Family Keepsakes and How to Archive Family Photos. Her roots are in Kansas, Illinois, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Germany, and she loves researching in old courthouses and town halls.
The seminar will be recorded and the video will be available on the SGS website for a period of time after the seminar. SGS members and paying registrants of the seminar will have access to the video.
SGS MEMBERS, DID YOU REMEMBER TO VOTE?
The SGS 2023 Election is April 1-30! Vote on SGS Board Members for 2023-24 and Changes to Bylaws
The manager of the Good Shepherd Center has informed SGS that the elevator will likely be out of service well into May, and quite possibly until the end of May. The major hurdle at this point is getting all the permitting and reviewing required by Seattle and King County government done. Our apologies for the continued inconvenience.
100 years ago: 25 April 1923
If one is looking for aerial maps of Seattle from 1923, you are probably in luck. Three articles in two days noted the fact that two army planes had been in Seattle taking aerial photographs of the City for mapping purposes. “photographers had to take 750 snap shots to get her all in…” The article further explains “The pictures were taken to form a mosaic of the city… The map is being prepared for the army, but copies will also go to congressional committees to enable them to visualize the harbor and development problems of Seattle.”
“Aviators Snap Seattle From Dizzy Height, City Has Pictures Taken Yesterday From Army Planes; to Make U.S. Army Maps,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 24 Apr 1923, p H 13, col 8.
“Army Planes Leave Seattle,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 25 Apr 1923, p H6, col 4.
“Seattle Majestic Queen City, Revealed by Aviators,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 25 Apr 1923, p H7, col 1.
* Watch each eNews! issue for “100 years ago”, our new anecdotal series. We will be running it for the duration of 2023, our centennial year.
CALL FOR CONFERENCE PROPOSALS
The Pacific Northwest Historians Guild invites proposals for presentations at its biennial conference on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the downtown Seattle Public Library.
This year’s conference title is “Revisit and Reimagine Pacific Northwest Histories.” What and how we research, how facts are interpreted, and how history is written are changing. How do broader perspectives inform our understanding of old stories and provide insight into new ones? How can history inform, repair and recast contemporary issues? Join us to share how you have revisited or reimagined a facet of regional history.
Fiske Genealogical Library, Spring Classes 2023 – Virtual, Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time
The program for May 3 is “Recreating Your Ancestor’s World” with Mary Kircher Roddy. The programs for May 10 and May 17 have yet to be announced. Check the Fiske Library website for updates: https://www.fiskelibrary.org/
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, usually 2nd Monday meetings usually 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Pacific Time
JGSWS meets on the second Monday of each month, from Sept-June. Doors open at 6:30 PM unless noted otherwise. The next meeting is May 8, 2023, and the program is “Three Minutes in Poland” with Glenn Kurtz.
International German Genealogy Partnership 2023 Conference, June 9-11, 2023 Fort Wayne, Indiana
This is a conference not to be missed by anyone doing German genealogy research anywhere in the world. Attend in person or online. For more info and registration visit: https://iggp.org
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Good Shepherd Center, Suite 302 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206 522-8658
New Hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm ** Please call ahead to make sure our library will be open. We are short on front desk volunteers. *** The elevator in the Good Shepherd Center will be out of service for the next several weeks.
Masks are recommended inside the Good Shepherd Center. Due to COVID the events listed below continue to be virtual, online via Zoom. 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.
NOTICE: SGS has imposed more security on our Zoom meetings. Some meetings will begin with a waiting room. The host must take action to let people into each meeting. The host will try to open the waiting room about 10 minutes ahead of time. Please be patient.
All times listed are Pacific Time unless otherwise noted
Monday, May 1, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Saturday, May 6, 2023, 10:15 am- 12:15 pm, FamilySearch SIG, with Lou Daly. Discover 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, May 7, 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.
Monday, May 8, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Monday, May 8, 2023, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Board of Directors Meeting at SGS (Virtual), All SGS members are welcome to attend. Remember SGS has several board positions open. We need to fill them. Maybe you have the skills and time.
Monday, May 8, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Write It Up! SIG (Virtual), Join this group to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. To join or learn more, contact Alaine Keisling at keisling@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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, May 10, 2023, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, MAC Computer SIG, Co-chaired by Lisa Marker and Diane Hettrick. Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske. Meetings address topics and resources for Macintosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion genealogy software program. Meetings are on the second Wednesday of alternating months. 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, May 13, 2023, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Second Saturday: Creating Keepsakes, with Mary Kircher Roddy. Please register in advance.
Monday, May 15, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Friday, May 19, 2023, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Family Tree Maker SIG, the FTM by Software MacKiev user’s group meets via Zoom on the 3rd Friday of each month. If you would like to attend and are not on the SIG e-mail distribution list, please send an e-mail to egsgenealogyhelper@yahoo.com no later than Thursday, May 18th to request the meeting ld.
Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm, IRISH SIG, with Susan McKee and Jim Ryan. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.
Saturday, May 20, 2023, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm, German SIG, with Carolyn Schott See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Notice there is a new Zoom link.
Sunday, May 21, 2023, 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm, Virtual Sunday: Something Old, Something New, Time-keeping: Calendars & Feast Days”, with Jill Morelli. See the SGS website Calendar of Events for further information. Please register in advance.
Monday, May 22, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 10:00 am-11:00 am, 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.
Monday, May 29, 2023, 10:00 am-11:30 am, 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.
Recently I had the pleasure of reading Generation by Generation: A Modern Approach to the Basics of Genealogy by Genealogy Guys Podcast co-host Drew Smith.Coincidently it came to me at a very appropriate time. Lately I have been involved in many discussions about how best to get started in genealogy. This book addresses this question wonderfully.
Directed towards beginning genealogists, this book provides an upbeat and clear guide to the steps involved in doing good genealogical research. The main focus is on United States records, but there is also a chapter devoted to research outside of the U.S. such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The chapter on DNA testing is especially good as it provides the basics for understanding types of DNA and how testing can help us with our projects.
Even if you are a seasoned genealogist, I recommend that you read this book. In genealogy, as in most things, there is always something to learn, and I came away rejuvenated with so many ideas and insights. I can’t wait to put some of these suggestions to work, especially in regards to organizing my digital files. Some of the tips can even save you money!
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