Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm

This month’s presentation: Free RootsTech 2026 video presented by David Ouimette titled FamilySearch Full-Text Search – Your Golden Path to Ancestral Discovery.

“In this session, we show how FamilySearch applies generative AI to read historical handwriting and produce complete transcripts of billions of pages of historical manuscripts in a variety languages and scripts. We describe how FamilySearch identifies names, dates, and places in the text distilled from these documents. We then demonstrate techniques for searching the resulting full text by keyword, name, date, and place. We show how to leverage filter and search features in tandem so that you can readily find the records that reveal your ancestors and tell their stories. Sponsored by FamilySearch”

This month’s meeting will be Zoom Only until we can find a new physical location to meet in person.

Attend virtually via Zoom:
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZIqduGpqjgsHtBNs9zc8CGna6R-KHlcz5so/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGuqToiG9CWth2DRpwAB4j4WevwiHZdgrd_sgy8GSMLQST4N7Rwf5lXHNvK

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 867 1814 3644
Passcode: 630507

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Thursday, July 23
HQRL Class
Norwegians in America 
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom)
Join Eleanor Brinsko to learn about Norwegian immigrant ports of entrance, newspapers, Norwegian settlements in America and strategies to track
your ancestors.
Register in the HQRL Store, $20+tax and $25+tax for non-members.
HQRL classroom in-person (limit of 8 persons) or via zoom – a zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. see flyer

base image by Colin O’Brien / Unsplash montage by Sheyna Watkins

HOW WAS YOUR FAMILY IMPACTED
BY MOMENTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY?In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — on July 4, 1776. In celebration of the America 250 milestone SGS is sponsoring a writing contest. 

The theme is “My Story is America’s Story.” The history of America is interwoven with the unique and diverse narratives of all those who have lived here. Entries are invited which tell the story of your family, individuals in your community, an event in history, an immigrant movement or some other aspect of personal experiences against the backdrop of America’s story. The theme is as broad as the 250-year history of our country!

Several prizes will be awarded, including $250 for the first place winner.

Submissions are due September 1. All entries meeting the guidelines (detailed on the website) will be considered. Entries will be judged on their relevance to the theme, writing style and clarity, and research accuracy. Winning entries will be published in the Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society. Winners will be chosen by a jury made up of SGS members. Honorable mentions will be published in the Journal at the discretion of the editor. Please contact Lisa Oberg at [email protected] with any questions.

See the website for details about the style guidelines and submission rules.

As we approach American250! celebrations cumulating on July 4, 2026, Washington State Genealogical Society has launched a special blog feature to honor the legacy of those who shaped our nation’s history. This new feature invites members to share their personal connections to the American Revolution by spotlighting their patriot relatives.  We are still accepting your stories of your Revolutionary ancestor.  Keep them coming!

How It Works

Members are encouraged to submit an article (250 words or less) that highlights a patriot ancestor. Each submission should include:

• A Description of the Patriot’s Service: Share the story of your ancestor’s role in the American Revolution. Whether they served in the military, contributed to the cause on the home front, or played a unique part in the founding of our nation, every story adds to the rich tapestry of American history.
• Relevant Photos and Maps: Visuals bring history to life. You can include photographs of heirlooms, portraits, documents, or maps that help illustrate your ancestor’s journey and contributions.
• Your Connection to the Patriot: Explain how you are related to your patriot ancestor. This personal touch not only honors your family’s legacy but also inspires others to explore their own connections to history.

Why Participate?

By sharing your story, you help preserve the memory of those who fought for independence and ensure their sacrifices are remembered for generations to come. Your article will become part of a collective celebration, connecting members across the state through shared heritage and pride.

How to Submit

To participate, simply write your article following the guidelines above and submit it as a Word (.doc or .docx) document to Charles Hansen at [email protected].  Photos should be inserted into the Word document.

The speaker at the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society’s June 11^th, 2026, zoom meeting will be Sara Cochran. Her topic is Reward! Locating Widows, Spinsters and Bachelors.

Virtual meeting doors will open at 9:30 am

Speaker’s program will begin at 10:00 am

The public is invited to attend

Please consider joining our society for $20/yr.

For a link to join the meeting or to join the society contact [email protected] 24hrs prior to the event