Spring has arrived, bringing sunny days, blooming flowers, and a fresh sense of energy. As the season renews everything around us, we’d love for you to bring that same spirit to our organization by volunteering. Take a look at our list of opportunities here and discover how you can make a meaningful impact—your time and support truly make a difference!

Today is the final day to submit nominations for the President and Treasurer positions. Officers are elected for two-year terms beginning June 1, 2025. We’re pleased to have a candidate for Treasurer, but we’re still looking for someone to step up as President. You can find more details about the positions and how to apply on our website at https://www.skcgs.org.

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online platform for discussion and information sharing:

• we communicate and exchange ideas
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

• All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland library branches
• Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
• Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. 

APRIL – EARLY MAY 2025 MEETINGS & EVENTS
All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone
Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless stated otherwise

Tuesday, April 2, 2025
Nominations Close for SKCGS Officer Positions: President and Treasurer
See the SKCGS website for more information.

Friday, April 4, 2025 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic: “What’s in a Name? Deciphering German Given Names and Nicknames” by presenter Gail Blankenau
Genealogists often focus on surnames, but what happens when multiple ancestor candidates share the same name? German given names can be tricky—many individuals had multiple names but were known by a “Rufname” (call name). Don’t let name confusion derail your research—discover strategies you need to ensure you’re barking up the right tree.
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Thursday, April 10, 2025 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
2801 NE 10th Street
Renton WA 98056 
Registration not required. In-person event. 

Monday, April 14, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
Topic: Using Mitochondrial DNA To Answer Your Research Question

Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Thursday, April 17, 2025 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
1102 Auburn Way S
Auburn, WA 98002
Registration not required. In-person event. 

Thursday, April 17, 2025 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
34200 1^st Way S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Registration not required. In-person event. 

Friday, April 18, 2025, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Research Workshop (in-person)
For SKCGS members
Kent FamilySearch Center
12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA
Seating is limited
RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org

Saturday, April 19, 2025, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program
SKCGS Speaker Series (online)
“FamilySearch 2025: New Tools, New Discoveries” by Debbie Gurtler, AG 

Join us as we explore the latest tools and innovations at FamilySearch in 2025. These tools and new features are designed to enhance your family history research and help you to discover, gather, and connect with your family in new and exciting ways.

Debbie Gurtler graduated with honors from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Family History. She has made research trips to Spain, Portugal, Virginia, and North Carolina. She is employed by FamilySearch as the Assistant Director of the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. Fluent in Spanish, she can also read genealogical documents in Portuguese, Italian, and French. Debbie holds five AG® credentials. They are for the United States Mid-South region, Spain, Mexico, Chile, and Portugal.
The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome!

Monday, April 21, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Tech User Group (online)
Topic: Using All the New Tools for FAN Club Research. Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and others
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG

Monday, April 28, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genealogy Chat (online)
Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society

Friday, May 2, 2025 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic: “Tools for Reading German Handwriting” by Dana Palmer, CG, CGL
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

——————

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Nominations are now being accepted for President and Treasurer positions. Officers are elected for two-year terms beginning June 1, 2025. We’re pleased to have a candidate for Treasurer, but we’re still looking for someone to step up as President. You can find more details about the positions and how to apply on our website at https://www.skcgs.org.

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

• All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland library branches
• Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
• Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.

MARCH – EARLY APRIL 2025 MEETINGS & EVENTS
All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone
Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless stated otherwise

Friday, March 7, 2025 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic:  Websites for German Research presented by Fritz Juengling, Ph.D., AG®, AGL™
This presentation will teach participants how to use important websites, such as FamilySearch, Ancestry, Matricula, Archion, Genealogy.net, and Meyersgaz to find records and jurisdictional information for German research. As far as possible, the presentation will include a case study to find information on one person as a case study. Participants will be able to compare the advantages of the different sites.

For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Monday, March 10, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
Topic: DNA/Genetic Genealogy Announcements at RootsTech

Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Thursday, March 13, 2025 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
2801 NE 10th Street
Renton WA 98056 
Registration not required. In-person event. 

Thursday, March 13, 2025 ⋅ 7pm PT
Eastside Genealogical Society
“The Scots-Irish in America” by Peggy Lauritzen, AG, FOGS (online)
Many Americans can trace their ancestry back to the British Isles. Some have even heard that their background was “Scotch-Irish”. Peggy will focus on who these people were and where they came from in the British Isles. SKCGS will offer the same program in June, but with more focus on the British Isles. More information at eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org

Saturday, March 15, 2025, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program
SKCGS Speaker Series (online)
“Woman’s Committee of the Council of National Defense Registration Cards: The Largest Census of American Women You’ve Never Heard About” presented by Amber Oldenburg

After America entered World War I in 1917, the Council of National Defense ordered the establishment of women’s councils as a domestic defense, where they registered over 4,000,000 women to provide services during the war. The data compiled represent the largest forgotten census of American women ever conducted. This presentation will introduce attendees to the history of the Woman’s Committee of the Council of National Defense and the registration cards they created. It will cover where to find these records and how to use them in telling the stories of the women in their family history.

Amber Oldenburg is a genealogist, lecturer, and social media manager with a degree in Family History Research from Brigham Young University-Idaho, where she currently serves as an online instructor in their Family History Research program. She specializes in Midwest and Great Lakes states research.
The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome!

Monday, March 17, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Tech User Group (online)
Topic: What’s New – Announcements at RootsTech
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG

Thursday, March 20, 2025 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
1102 Auburn Way S
Auburn, WA 98002
Registration not required. In-person event. 

Thursday, March 20, 2025 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
34200 1^st Way S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Registration not required. In-person event. 

Friday, March 21, 2025, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Research Workshop (in-person)
For SKCGS members
Kent FamilySearch Center
12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA
Seating is limited
RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org

Saturday, March 22, 2025 ⋅ 11:00am – 11:30am PT
SKCGS Special Membership Meeting (online)
Members are invited to a special meeting to vote on proposed revisions to SKCGS bylaws. Zoom registration information can be found on SKCGS website.

Monday, March 24, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genealogy Chat (online)
Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society

Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 6:30pm PT
SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online)
All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Tuesday, April 2, 2025
Nominations Close for SKCGS Officer Positions: President and Treasurer
See the SKCGS website for more information.

Friday, April 4, 2025 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic: “What’s in a Name? Deciphering German Given Names and Nicknames” by presenter Gail Blankenau
Genealogists often focus on surnames, but what happens when multiple ancestor candidates share the same name? German given names can be tricky—many individuals had multiple names but were known by a “Rufname” (call name). Don’t let name confusion derail your research—discover strategies you need to ensure you’re barking up the right tree.
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

——————

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

• All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland library branches
• Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
• Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. 

FEBRUARY – EARLY MARCH 2025 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 6:30pm PT
SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online)
All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Friday, February 7, 2025 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic: How a Non-German Speaking Person Can Trace Their German Ancestors. Presenter Bernard Meisner explains how to conduct an exhaustive search of US records to identify your ancestor’s home town and religion and recognize obstacles to ensure you are researching the correct person.
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Monday, February 10, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
Topic: RootsTech – How to Use All the New Tools for our DNA Research as we Prepare for RootsTech 2025

Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group – Step 10 of 10 (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’ webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Thursday, February 13, 2025 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
2801 NE 10th Street
Renton WA 98056 
Registration not required. In-person event. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event. More information at King County Library, email jwooten@kcls.org

Saturday, February 15, 2025, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program (online)
SKCGS General Membership Meeting and Speaker (Online)
“The Road to Independence: Revolutionary War Research” presented by Michael Strauss

The Revolutionary War was fought in part over tensions between England and her colonies that escalated over time into violence with the opening shots fired in Massachusetts in April 1775. Some of the historical records examined will include compiled military service records, pensions, state and federal bounty land, local militia, along with records from the Continental Navy and Marine Corps. Additionally historical context include some of the national emergencies after the end of the war in 1783 including both Shay’s Rebellion and the later Whiskey Rebellion.

Michael L. Strauss, AG has been employed as a forensic investigator for thirty years, most recently he has worked as a research manager for Ancestry ProGenealogists. Michael is a native of Pennsylvania and a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He is a court qualified expert witness in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Michael is a national genealogical lecturer and instructor and is a faculty member at Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR) where he coordinates the military history and research courses. Michael was the film historian for the 2015 Academy Award nominated movie Finding Vivian Maier and has been involved in Civil War and Mexican American War reenacting for more than twenty-five years.
The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome! Register at https://www.skcgs.org

Monday, February 17, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Technical User Group (online)
Topic: Using AI to generate or improve research plans for our genealogy work
See these videos for some ideas:

• Getting Started: The 3 Free AI Tools I Use for Genealogy Research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8oJTK3sDB0
• Increasing Genealogy Productivity with Artificial Intelligence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ju7Sicy0mA
• Using AI in Family History Research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n7_sEYYXbc
• Using AI for Research Planning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI5XbywHIPM

Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG

Thursday, February 20, 2025 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
1102 Auburn Way S
Auburn, WA 98002
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org

Thursday, February 20, 2025 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
34200 1^st Way S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668

Friday, February 21, 2025, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Research Workshop (in-person)
For SKCGS members
Kent FamilySearch Center
12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA
Seating is limited
RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org

Monday, February 24, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genealogy Chat (online)
Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group – Next Steps (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’ webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Saturday, March 1, 2025, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 6:30pm PT
SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online)
All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Friday, March 7, 2025 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic:  Websites for German Research presented by Fritz Juengling, Ph.D., AG®, AGL™
This presentation will teach participants how to use important websites, such as FamilySearch, Ancestry, Matricula, Archion, Genealogy.net, and Meyersgaz to find records and jurisdictional information for German research. As far as possible, the presentation will include a case study to find information on one person as a case study. Participants will be able to compare the advantages of the different sites.

For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

——————

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

• All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland library branches
• Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
• Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. 

JANUARY – EARLY FEBRUARY 2025 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 6:30pm PT
SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online)
All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group – Step 9 of 10 (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’ webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Thursday, January 9, 2025 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
2801 NE 10th Street
Renton, WA 98056 
Registration not required. In-person event. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event. More information at King County Library, email jwooten@kcls.org

Monday, January 13, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
Topic: 2025 Research Planning

Plans for education, trying new techniques, new sites? Let’s explore.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Friday, January 17, 2025, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Research Workshop (in-person)
For SKCGS members
Kent FamilySearch Center
12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA
Seating is limited
RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org

Saturday, January 18, 2025, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program (online)
SKCGS General Membership Meeting and Speaker (Online)
“The Invisible Man – Moving through a pre-1840 burned-county brick wall” by Carol Gorman Friedel
How do you find an invisible man—you do know someone had to father your 2nd great grandmother in 1833, but you don’t even have a prospective name, he doesn’t seem to appear in any census, there are no birth, death, or marriage records because you’re searching in not just one, but two burned counties. Carol will take you through the process of finding this elusive father using a combination of scattered land records, property tax records, wills, and old books. Next, we’ll put them all together by using simple charts and deductive reasoning. We’ll use that information to construct an extended family and finally, DNA will be used to corroborate the conclusions reached.

Dr. Carol Gorman Friedel is a passionate amateur genetic genealogist. She’s been researching as well as attending lectures, classes, workshops, and courses since 2008 when she retired from practicing general dentistry. She is an administrator for two surname groups at Family Tree DNA (Gorman and Chatman). Carol belongs to several genealogical societies and is a member of the SKCGS Education Committee. She’s interested in learning more about this wonderful obsession we all share and in helping fellow genealogists..
The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome! Register at https://www.skcgs.org

Monday, January 20, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Technical User Group (online)
Topic: Platting Metes & Bounds
We’ll be following step-by-step from the book “Land & Property Research In the United States” by E. Wade Hone, copyright 1997, Ancestry Inc. Be sure to bring some land descriptions from deeds from “state land” states. You need only a few tools: graph paper, pencils, a short ruler (metric is best), and protractor. There will be a handout in advance of this meeting for reference. 
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group – Step 9 of 10 – cont’d (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’ webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Thursday, January 23, 2025 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
1102 Auburn Way S
Auburn, WA 98002
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org

Thursday, January 23, 2025 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
34200 1^st Way S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668

Monday, January 27, 2025 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genealogy Chat (online)
Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society

Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 6:30pm PT
SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online)
All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Friday, February 7, 2025 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic: How a Non-German Speaking Person Can Trace Their German Ancestors. Presenter Bernard Meisner explains how to conduct an exhaustive search of US records to identify your ancestor’s home town and religion and recognize obstacles to ensure you are researching the correct person.
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

——————

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. Regarding our programs, even if and when we can meet again in person, we will continue with some virtual programs. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

• All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at the Renton Highland Library
• Due to the holidays, there will be no in-person GenHelp at KCLS Auburn or Federal Way library branches in November or December
• Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
• Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.

NOVEMBER – EARLY DECEMBER 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Monday, November 11, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
Topic: Dealing with changes in the DNA sites

• 23andMe
• FTDNA > MyHeritage Trees
• Ancestry.com: New tools & limitations

Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group – Step 7 of 10 (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’ webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Thursday, November 14, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
2801 NE 10th Street
Renton WA 98056 
Registration not required. In-person event. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event. More information at King County Library, email jwooten@kcls.org

Friday, November 15, 2024, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Research Workshop (in-person)
For SKCGS members
Kent FamilySearch Center
12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA
Seating is limited
RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org

Saturday, November 16, 2024, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program (online)
SKCGS General Membership Meeting and Speaker (Online)
“Archives 101 for Genealogists” presented by Melissa Barker and Anne Jenner
Genealogists should know what an archive is and some of the different kinds of archives that are out there. Archives have genealogical records that are not online but can only be found in archives. Melissa Barker will talk about different archives and the records that can help genealogists research their ancestors.

Genealogists often use their own family archives to mine important names and dates, but these collections of photos, scrapbooks, diaries and documents can be challenging to organize and preserve long term. Anne Jenner will share strategies for managing collections, conferring with archivists, and understanding what archival repositories can offer.

The question “what to do with family heirlooms, records, and research materials” is a question genealogical societies are asked most often. On the archives side, genealogists have been collecting records and artifacts which archives would love to get once the family is done with them. Collaboration is the best of all worlds, where historians, genealogists and archivists all work together.

Melissa Lemaster Barker is a Certified Archives Manager and public historian currently working at the Houston County, Tennessee Archives. She is known as the Archive Lady in the genealogy community.  She lectures, teaches, and writes about the genealogy research process, researching in archives, and records preservation.  She writes a blog called “A Genealogist in the Archives.”  She has been a professional genealogist for the past 19 years with expertise in Tennessee records and has been researching her own family history for the past 34 years.

Anne Jenner has served as curator of the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections Pacific Northwest Collection since 2012. As curator, Anne works with donors and researchers to bring to light primary sources and library materials that document the people, history, and culture of the Pacific Northwest. She co-created the We Are History Keepers! free community archiving workshops to encourage everyone to preserve a more representative historical record of and for communities. Anne earned an M. A. in Scandinavian Languages and Literature at W before embarking on a career as a university instructor and librarian/archivist. She also earned an M. L. I. S. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome! Register at https://www.skcgs.org

Monday, November 18, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Technical User Group (online)
Topic: Online Timelines & How to use them to write an ancestor story
New Timelines Features on Ancestry – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plwTXLIn5wY
How do I find the timeline and map in Family Tree? https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/what-is-the-timeline-or-map-in-family-tree
The Combined Power of AI and Timelines in Ancestor Writing: https://www.knowwhowearsthegenesinyourfamily.com/blog/harnessing-the-power-of-ai-to-help-you-write-about-your-ancestors
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG

Monday, November 25, 2024, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genealogy Chat (online)
Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 6:30pm PT
SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online)
All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Friday, December 6, 2024 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic: Christmas Stories by Claire Gebben
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

——————

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. Regarding our programs, even if and when we can meet again in person, we will continue with some virtual programs. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

• All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at the Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland Libraries
• Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
• Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting. 

OCTOBER – EARLY NOVEMBER 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 6:30pm PT
SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online)
All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Friday, October 4, 2024 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic: Finding Females in the US Naturalization Records, 1790-1952 by Nancy Loe
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Saturday, October 5, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group – Step 5 of 10 (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’ webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Thursday, October 10, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
2801 NE 10th Street
Renton WA 98056 
Registration not required. In-person event. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event. More information at King County Library, email jwooten@kcls.org

Monday, October 14, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
Topic: DNA Features at WikiTree
RLP 308: DNA Features at WikiTree with Emma MacBeath – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVJYzW2aTCg
This recording refers to so many features, if you listen, be sure to note what features you would like to explore!
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:How_to_Get_Started_with_DNA
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:DNA_Features
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Friday, October 18, 2024, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Research Workshop (in-person)
For SKCGS members
Kent FamilySearch Center
12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA
Seating is limited
RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org

Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program (online)
SKCGS General Membership Meeting and Speaker (Online)
Pam Vestal presents “How to Write Family Stories People Will Read”
Part of the thrill of genealogy is sharing our discoveries with those we love, so it can be disappointing when they have no interest in the subject. However, with good  research, thoughtful planning, and a dash of ingenuity, we can create engaging stories designed to entice even the most reluctant readers. Topics include how to breathe life into dry genealogical facts, choosing a compelling story structure, and presenting your writing in an appealing way. Creating a captivating story from our ancestors’ names, dates, and places is like turning fish eggs into caviar: the facts don’t change, but the way we describe them makes all the difference. 

Pam Vestal is a professional genealogist and speaker who turned her focus to her longtime love of genealogy after a 20-year writing career. Her articles have appeared in the National Genealogical Society Magazine and The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and her lectures take her from coast to coast. Pam specializes in conducting genealogical research and then transforming that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.
The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome! Register at https://www.skcgs.org

Monday, October 21, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Technical User Group (online)
Topic: Google Drive and connected tools
https://workspace.google.com/blog/ai-and-machine-learning/interview-steven-johnson-latest-book-google-docs-and-notebooklm
https://proofed.com/writing-tips/the-complete-guide-to-writing-a-novel-in-google-docs/
Youtube: search Google Docs
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group – Step 6 of 10 (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’ webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Thursday, October 24, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
1102 Auburn Way S
Auburn, WA 98002
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org

Thursday, October 24, 2024 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
34200 1^st Way S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668

Thursday, October 24, 2024, 4:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group Special Meeting (online)
Mark Olsen presents to FTMUG about Family Tree Maker 2024
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAld-mtpjsuHtAo1etMoeCwoQCH2o2gUOa2
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Questions? Contact w.laird@skcgs.org

Monday, October 28, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genealogy Chat (online)
Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society

Friday, November 1, 2024 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Saturday, November 2, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

——————

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. Regarding our programs, even if and when we can meet again in person, we will continue with some virtual programs. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

• All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at the Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Highland Libraries
• Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
• Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.

SEPTEMBER – EARLY OCTOBER 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 6:30pm PT
SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online)
All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Friday, September 6, 2024 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic: A Day in the Life of Your German Ancestor by Roger P. Minert
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Saturday, September 7, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Monday, September 9, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
Topic: Gedmatch Updates, highlighting Autocluster for Endogamy
Similar to the original Autocluster tool, now includes more filtering options based on genetic genealogy techniques. One new option is a minimum average segment size filter, which is based on the idea that distant relatives have smaller DNA. Compare and contrast with BanyanDNA would be interesting; bring your examples.
The Newest DNA Tool on GEDmatch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEiwn4NgHPs (7 mins)
https://gedmatch.launchnotes.io/announcements/q1-updates-new-tools-familysearch-integration-autocluster-for-endogamy-plus-bug-fixes-and-more
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group – Step 3 of 10 (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’
webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Thursday, September 12, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Highlands Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
2801 NE 10th Street
Renton WA 98056 
Registration not required. In-person event. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event. More information at King County Library, email jwooten@kcls.org

Monday, September 16, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Technical User Group (online)
Topic: How to Write Your Ancestors’ Bios
LifeStory at Ancestry, including Explore, MyHeritage auto-bio, chat bot assists
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG

Friday, September 20, 2024, 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Research Workshop (in-person)
For SKCGS members
Kent FamilySearch Center
12817 SE 256th St., Kent, WA
Seating is limited
RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program (online)
SKCGS General Membership Meeting and Speaker (Online)
Steve Little, NGS AI Coordinator, will present “Today’s Limits Are Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs”
AI Genealogy is a fact-based research and reporting discipline. Yet the large language models powering today’s artificial intelligence (AI) systems are weak with facts though great with words. Their weakness with facts and research, however, hardly renders them useless to genealogists. Knowing the benefits and limits of artificial intelligence empowers genealogists today and helps us recognize breakthroughs tomorrow. The use cases here illustrate how researchers are successfully using AI Genealogy today.

Stephen Little says about himself: As the AI Program Director for the National Genealogical Society, I research AI tools for genealogical use, develop educational programs about AI in genealogy, advise our team on AI-related matters, lead creation of guidelines for ethical AI use in genealogy, and produce various content like courses and articles on the topic. It’s all about integrating AI into family history research.

I trace my deep roots to one Appalachian county, where, by 1820, all 32 of my 3rd-great-grandparents had settled—many even earlier than that. In fact, 60 of my most recent ancestors were all born, lived, and died there, in Ashe County, NC. My passion lies in AI and genetic genealogy: with a keen interest in endogamy, pedigree collapse, and the art of deciphering multiple relationships through DNA segment triangulation, and an insatiable curiosity to explore beneficial uses and current limits of artificial intelligence in genealogy. Beyond genealogy, I wear many hats: I’m a husband and a dad, a Methodist pastor, and a Virginian. My hobbies span from bird watching and sky gazing to chess and film. Additionally, I’m an avid reader, writer, photographer, and regex script hacker.
The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome! Register at https://www.skcgs.org

Monday, September 23, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genealogy Chat (online)
Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group – Step 4 of 10 (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’
webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Thursday, September 26, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
1102 Auburn Way S
Auburn, WA 98002
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org

Thursday, September 26, 2024 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
34200 1^st Way S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 6:30pm PT
SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online)
All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Friday, October 4, 2024 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic: Finding Females in the US Naturalization Records, 1790-1952 by Nancy Loe
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Saturday, October 5, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

——————

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. Regarding our programs, even if and when we can meet again in person, we will continue with some virtual programs. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Follow – “X” (Twitter) :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
PO BOX 143
BLACK DIAMOND, WASHINGTON 98010 

New this week is the first meeting of the research study group on Wednesday, August 14 from 6-7pm PT (online). Rather than a book, the group will focus on Elizabeth Shown Mills’ webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution.” Join the study group to learn the ten-step process and gain fresh ideas to see information in a new light. This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate. More information at https://www.skcgs.org.

Also, upon request, SKCGS has created a new special interest group for Wikitree users. No meetings have been scheduled yet, but you can join the group and the conversation if you would like an online meeting at https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.  

——–

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

• All meetings are online except Genealogy Help at the Auburn and Federal Way Libraries
• The in-person Research Workshop will not meet in August
• Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
• Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.

AUGUST – EARLY SEPTEMBER 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Monday, August 12, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
Topic: Exploring the Y DNA “Tree of Man”
Introducing the Discover™ Classic Tree for Y-DNA – https://blog.familytreedna.com/classic-tree-for-y-dna/. Show and tell with your examples.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’
webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Monday, August 19, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Technical User Group (online)
Topic: Trying Out Transkribus
First Steps with Transkribus – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCdL_kKBMn8 (10 mins)
Transkribus Basics: Managing Documents – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4BHm_aNs3w (2.5 mins)
How to digitize archival materials with Transkribus: https://readcoop.eu/how-to-digitise-archival-materials-with-transkribus/
5 most common Transkribus questions (and their answers!) https://readcoop.eu/5-most-common-transkribus-questions-and-their-answers/
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG

Thursday, August 22, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
1102 Auburn Way S
Auburn, WA 98002
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org

Thursday, August 22, 2024 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
34200 1^st Way S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668

Monday, August 26, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genealogy Chat (online)
Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 ⋅ 6:00pm – 7:00pm PT
Research Study Group (online)
At each meeting, we’ll discuss one of the ten steps from Elizabeth Shown Mills’
webinar “Dissection & Analysis of Research Problems: 10 Steps to a Solution”
This is not a free webinar; you will need a subscription from familytreewebinars.com to participate
More information and registration at https://www.skcgs.org

Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 6:30pm PT
SKCGS Board of Directors Meeting (online)
All SKCGS members are invited to attend; only Officers and Directors may vote. Write to Board@skcgs.org for the meeting link.

Friday, September 6, 2024 ⋅ 12:30pm PT
EGS German Interest Group (online)
Topic: A Day in the Life of Your German Ancestor by Roger P. Minert
For meeting registration, visit https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Saturday, September 7, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Coming soon:
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 9:30am PT social time; 10am – 11:30am PT program (online)
SKCGS General Membership Meeting and Speaker
Steve Little, NGS AI Coordinator, will present “Today’s Limits Are Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs”
AI Genealogy is a fact-based research and reporting discipline. Yet the large language models powering today’s artificial intelligence (AI) systems are weak with facts though great with words. Their weakness with facts and research, however, hardly renders them useless to genealogists. Knowing the benefits and limits of artificial intelligence empowers genealogists today and helps us recognize breakthroughs tomorrow. The use cases here illustrate how researchers are successfully using AI Genealogy today.

Stephen Little says about himself: As the AI Program Director for the National Genealogical Society, I research AI tools for genealogical use, develop educational programs about AI in genealogy, advise our team on AI-related matters, lead creation of guidelines for ethical AI use in genealogy, and produce various content like courses and articles on the topic. It’s all about integrating AI into family history research.

I trace my deep roots to one Appalachian county, where, by 1820, all 32 of my 3rd-great-grandparents had settled—many even earlier than that. In fact, 60 of my most recent ancestors were all born, lived, and died there, in Ashe County, NC. My passion lies in AI and genetic genealogy: with a keen interest in endogamy, pedigree collapse, and the art of deciphering multiple relationships through DNA segment triangulation, and an insatiable curiosity to explore beneficial uses and current limits of artificial intelligence in genealogy. Beyond genealogy, I wear many hats: I’m a husband and a dad, a Methodist pastor, and a Virginian. My hobbies span from bird watching and sky gazing to chess and film. Additionally, I’m an avid reader, writer, photographer, and regex script hacker.
The program will be recorded for playback by SKCGS Members. Guests welcome! Register at https://www.skcgs.org

——————

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. Regarding our programs, even if and when we can meet again in person, we will continue with some virtual programs. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Follow – “X” (Twitter) :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
PO BOX 143
BLACK DIAMOND, WASHINGTON 98010 

NOTE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
My term as SKCGS President ends in May 2025. If you are interested in stepping up to lead this Society, now is the time to volunteer, and get involved with the Board. I would love to talk with you, and explore your ideas about the future, and answer your questions.
Thank you, Valorie
Write to: president@skcgs.org to get the dialog started.

Volunteer Opportunity:  Volunteers needed for Black Diamond Miners Day on Saturday, July 13. Setup starts at 8am, and we’ll be there until 4 pm. Come for an hour or two, or all day! Write to outreach@skcgs.org to let us know when you can help out.

——–

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:

• we communicate and share information with each other
• other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
• you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

• All meetings are online except Genealogy Help at the Auburn and Federal Way Libraries
• The in-person Research Workshop will not meet in July or August
• Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request
• Online meeting participants need to register for SKCGS Zoom meetings. Register at our website skcgs.org. Upon registration, Zoom will send a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting.

JULY – EARLY AUGUST 2024 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Monday, July 8, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (online)
Topic: WATO Success (What Are the Odds?)
Plus: A New Upgrade to the Classic Tool
https://www.yourdnaguide.com/ydgblog/wato-plus
https://www.reddit.com/r/Genealogy/comments/wrz1jy/wato_tool_hypotheses/
Volunteers show how they have used WATO successfully, or share data and tell us your research question.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Genetic-Genealogy email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Saturday, July 13, 2024 ⋅ 9:00am – 4:00pm PT
Black Diamond Miners Day Street Fair (in-person)
32627 Railroad Ave, Black Diamond, WA 98010, USA (map)

Setup from 8am-9am; Fair 9am-4pm; Cleanup 4pm-4:30pm.

Monday, July 15, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Technical User Group (online)
Topic: Publishing your book on Kindle Direct Publishing  presented by Winona Laird.
https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Subscribe to the free SKCGS Technical User Group email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG

Monday, July 22, 2024 ⋅ 1:00pm – 3:00pm PT
Genealogy Chat (online)
Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another!
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS email list for announcements and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society

Thursday, July 25, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Auburn Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
1102 Auburn Way S
Auburn, WA 98002
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, email kcls-auburn@kcls.org

Thursday, July 25, 2024 ⋅ 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT
Genealogy Help with SKCGS at the Federal Way Library (in-person)
Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer
34200 1^st Way S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Registration not required. In-person event. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed. More information at King County Library, https://kcls.org/locations/federal-way, or phone: (253) 838-3668

Saturday, August 3, 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (online)
Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM.
Register at https://www.skcgs.org
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for announcements and discussion:  https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

——————

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. Regarding our programs, even if and when we can meet again in person, we will continue with some virtual programs. You can find more information about membership at our website at https://www.skcgs.org/support-skcgs/membership.

You are receiving this email because you have attended a SKCGS meeting and indicated you would like to receive periodic notice of events. If you would like to be removed from our list and stop receiving emails from us, send an email to skcgsfriends+unsubscribe@skcgs.org.

Like – Facebook :: Blog :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
PO BOX 143
BLACK DIAMOND, WASHINGTON 98010