Tag Archives: Skagit Valley Genealogical Society

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting

by Charles Hansen

 

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting Program:
How Healthy is Your Family Tree?  Physical and Mental Health Issues of Our Ancestors 

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS) presents: How Healthy is Your Family Tree: Physical and Mental Health Issues of Our Ancestors, presented by Janice C. Lovelace, PhD. This program offers an in-depth look at building a health genogram starting with a traditional genealogical pedigree chart. Also covered in the program is a basic overview of DNA, epigenetics and inheritance of health issues. Several health issues are discussed in detail.  This educational program will be held on Saturday, March 11, 1:00-3:00pm, Burlington Senior/Community Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington. Everyone is welcome. For details: skagitvalleygenealogy.org or contact genealogy0715@gmail.com.

Janice Lovelace, Ph.D. recently retired from 30 years of full-time college teaching in social sciences and American Cultural Studies. She has over 20 years of experience in genealogical research and academic work in the area (Genealogy and Family History certificate at University of Washington, Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate, ProGen 18). Her presentations include mental health and genealogy, genetics, ethnic minority research and courthouse research.

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Seminar O CANADA!

by Charles Hansen

 

The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society invites you to join us for a special heritage weekend during the Tulip Festival.

O CANADA!
CHILDREN OF A COMMON MOTHER:
Heritage Weekend & Genealogy Seminar – April 21-23, 2017

On-line registration on the SVGS website  ( skagitvalleygenealogy.org ) is now open! Tuition payment by PayPal is also now available through SVGS’ website.

Or if you wish to mail a check: Print a copy of the brochure* with the registration form cut out the form, include a check, and mail it to:

SVGS, PO Box 722, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

*The brochure is designed for 8.5×14″ format but you can use 8.5×11″ paper but select “shrink to fit the page” before printing.

Questions? genealogy0715@gmail.com

Join us for a fabulous Genealogy Weekend shared with our Canadian Cousins! Sign up early, space will be limited.

See you there!
SVGS Seminar Committee

 

Barbara Jeanne Gorham Johnson Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Barbara Jeanne Gorham Johnson

Today we’re introducing Barbara Jeanne Gorham Johnson of Sedro Woolley, Washington, who was nominated by the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for the organizational skills she willingly exhibits and shares at the local society.

Ms. Johnson is an active member of the SVGS known for her teaching expertise, most recently in the emerging, complex field of genealogical DNA. She has shared her DNA interest at society programs and as a lecturer at other seminars. She has served as SVGS vice president and secretary, spending eight years on the board of directors. In addition, she has been an active member of the seminar planning committee for several years, including being chair of the successful 2015 event.

Ms. Johnson is a true example of what an outstanding volunteer is, and richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 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, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society The Scandinavian Immigrant Experience

by Charles Hansen

Skagit  Valley Genealogical Society
to present
“The Scandinavian Immigrant Experience”

BURLINGTON — The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society’s Saturday, January 14, 2017 meeting features the program: “The Scandinavian Immigrant Experience”. Guest speaker, professional genealogist, Linda Duffield, will discuss her research using the Pacific Lutheran University’s (PLU) archives and how to access this on-line information. SVGSmeets 1-3pm, Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., (Use the east entrance). For details: skagitvalleygenealogy.org.
PLU is home to a collection called the “Scandinavian Immigrant Experiences”.  The collection, stored in their Archives, is accessible for research in person or using an on-line database and includes oral interviews, taped conversations, and photographs.
This presentation will assist the audience in how to navigate the on-line access to documentation of the 282 immigrants interviewed by Pacific Lutheran University students. Come learn how this resource can help family historians discover more about their Pacific Northwest Scandinavian ancestors.

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society’s “O Canada! Heritage Weekend” for April 21-23, 2017.

by Charles Hansen

PRESS RELEASE

TO:        All Media

FROM:    Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS), PO Box 715, Conway, WA 98238
Email: genealogy0715@gmail.com / Website: skagitvalleygenealogy.org
Contact: Margie Wilson, SVGS Vice-President; (360) 757-6224 /                         rootsproject@frontier.com

DATE:        November 21, 2017

RE:        O Canada! Heritage Weekend presented by SVGS

Release at Will No Later than January 2, 2017

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society presents
O Canada! Heritage Weekend and Genealogy Seminar

BURLINGTON, Washington, USA – In honor of Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS) is organizing a special Heritage Weekend, “O Canada!” for genealogists from both sides of the border. O Canada! Heritage Weekend begins with an anniversary celebration and opening reception on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 7:00pm, Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington, WA, U.S.A.  Internationally respected historian, author, lecturer and genealogist, Dave Obee of Victoria, British Columbia will present: “Between Friends: Cousins Across the Border.”

On Saturday, April 22, 8am-4:30pm at the First United Methodist Church, 1607 E. Division St., Mount Vernon, WA, SVGS gets to the heart of the weekend – O’ Canada! Genealogy Seminar. The theme of the seminar is Canadian and U.S. immigration patterns and paths and the extensive challenges researchers face in tracing their ancestors across the border. Guest genealogy instructors are professional genealogist, Mary Kathryn Kozy, discussing U.S. immigration topics, such as naturalization records, and research strategies using time lines.  For the Canadian perspective, author/historian and genealogist, Dave Obee, will examine the Canadian immigration experience and historical influences affecting our ancestors.

Topping off this heritage weekend will be a guided living history tour of historic downtown Burlington. The tour begins Sunday, April 23, at 10am at the Burlington Visitors’ Information Center, 520 E. Fairhaven, Burlington. Local genealogist, and living history storyteller, Margie Wilson, in character as Burlington’s first school teacher, Clara Garl-Morrison, will conduct the history tour. Tour participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and be prepared to walk approximately one-half mile, on and off sidewalks, crossing streets and railroad tracks numerous times. Rain will move the tour inside the visitors’ center for a history summary of the tour.

For details, and registration for this heritage weekend activities and the genealogy seminar, visit the SVGS website: skagitvalleygenealogy.org. For a mail-in registration form contact: 360-424-4608 or genealogy0715@gmail.com.

11×17-o-canada-2017-poster Continue reading →

Skagit Valley Genealogy Society Basic Genealogy Workshop

by Charles Hansen

Basic Genealogy Workshop

SKAGIT VALLEY GENEALOGY SOCIETY

LeftSidePicsTrans-1
The Burlington Public Library, has agreed to allow SVGS to use their facilities for a series of classes for people who want to learn how to get started in researching their personal family history.

Beginning this coming October, SVGS will present a workshop consisting of four 2-hr classes covering topics of  “How to begin?”,  “How to organize your materials?”,  “How to find information that has been hidden from you for years?” These workshops will not be just a series of lectures. Each presentation will be a hands on journey in researching your family history.  Emphasis will be on precise detective-like procedures to find the information needed to complete the puzzle of  “Who do you think you are?”  These classes will be held on a Saturday from 10 am to Noon on October 1, 8, 15 and 22.

If you are interested, simply click the PayPal link on the sidebar.  Or you can download and print a flyer describing the classes and a registration application. Complete the registration and mail it in with check or money order for the correct amount to the address listed below or you can drop it off just before class.

The cost is $50.00 for all 4 classes if registered by September 26th. Registration will be $60 after that date.  Walk-ins at the library are welcomed as long as seating is available. Individual lessons are  $15.00 for each class.

Workshop Flyer and Registration form
Workshop-File-Download

SVGS
Attn: Class Registration
P.O. Box 722
Mount Vernon, WA  98273-0722

Don’t miss this opportunity to begin your “family history research” in earnest.  You will learn a lot and you will meet many people who can help you on your family discovery  journey.   Anyone from Skagit county and surrounding areas are invited to attend.  The seating spaces for the library is limited, so don’t wait to register.

In order to register early and be put on our early bird list, we are asking you to voluntarily complete the following form. This information will be directly emailed to our registration coordinator.  Your early place on the list will be confirmed as long as you make payment prior to September 26th.  You will also have to complete the printed application with payment or the PayPal selection in the sidebar. Thank you for your purchase.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

First & Last Name (required)

Email Address (required)

Today’s Date?
REGISTRATION DETAILS

Fee Type:
Before Sept 26: $50 for all 4 classes After Sept 26: $60 for all 4 classes Individual: $15 per class

Class Choice:
Note: If you chose Individual: $15 per class, you need to select which date you want to attend.

10-1-2016  Introduction and Forms

10-8-2016 Sources, Primary and Secondary

10-15-2016 Organization, DNA, Software

10-22-2016 Evidence and Evaluation

Margie Wilson Earns President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement

by Roxanne Lowe

Margie Wilson was announced as the recipient of the WSGS President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement at the WSGS Conference in Tacoma on June 18, 2016. The announcement was made by WSGS President Mikal McKinnon. Margie was nominated by the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS) where she has been an active member since at least 2008 and has held various offices.

Margie Wilson as Anne Justis Morton, wife of John Morton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence

Margie Wilson in an historical portrayal of Anne Justis Morton, wife of John Morton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence

It’s easy to see why Margie earned the coveted award. She was the driving force to secure and implement a $23,000 Paul Allen grant for “Making Connections Through ROOTS – Researching Our Origins for Teens and Seniors,” a 20-week credit-bearing course for high school seniors who were at risk of not graduating. The innovative program taught them research skills, how to use library services and resources, citations, family history, interviewing skills and more. Margie worked two years to get the project off the ground, guiding the program from beginning to end, including securing the grant, getting local school board approval, writing the curriculum and arranging for field trips. The program is now being implemented elsewhere around the country.

Margie is active in the City of Burlington walking tours and cemetery historical tours. She was asked by the Skagit County Historical Museum to teach 120 7th grade students about the early history of Burlington. She has also been a member of the local Rotary, Toastmasters and United Way.

Created in 2015, the WSGS President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement was designed to single out that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations. Last year’s recipient was Fred Pflugrath from the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society. Continue reading →