You’re invited to the WSGS’s annual meeting on Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2026, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

In compliance with Washington’s Nonprofit Corporation Act (24.03A), we’re holding our annual meeting. Here’s the Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84911154165?pwd=6w3P7KCgNunmb1YseVyo9NDtB98262.1

Meeting ID: 849 1115 4165
Passcode: 113167

Phone: +16694449171,,84911154165#,,,,*113167# US

The agenda will include the announcement of the 2026 Outstanding Volunteer and Team recipients, President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Supportive Grant awards. We’ll also have a short presentation titled “Writing Your Family Story Using AI” with Forrest Adams, North Beach Genealogical Society and Grays Harbor Genealogical Society.

We hope you join us! If you want more information, email [email protected].

PRIZES FOR WINNING ENTRIES How Was Your Family Impacted by Moments in American History? You probably have an ancestor who is part of America’s story. Did your ancestor… Fight in the civil war, Apply for a homestead, Land at D-Day, Stand up for civil rights, Have an American dream, Become a Patriot in the revolution, Participate or view some other important moment …? Tell their story.

In 2026, the United States celebrates 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.

Tuesday, August 11, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

This month’s presentation: Fred Gilbert a Patriot in the John Paul Jones Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will speak about Washington’s Spies

This meeting will be held via Zoom only.

Our meetings are held monthly  on the 2^nd Tuesday starting at 6:00 PM.

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

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86718143644?pwd=S0FjYU5acVVKbDEyamdXWWZVekFjdz09

Meeting ID: 867 1814 3644

Passcode: 630507

One tap mobile

+12532050468,,86718143644#,,,,*630507# US

+12532158782,,86718143644#,,,,*630507# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location

        +1 253 205 0468 US

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 867 1814 3644

Passcode: 630507

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcFbCNTY39

Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm virtual via Zoom

This month using notes provided by Siri Nelson 2022-09, Making a gedcom for DNA tree uploading, Tagging/Hashtags and things that might be useful to hashtag.

This is our monthly meeting to share tips & tricks, problems & solutions. Sometimes we will watch videos or share our screens to aid in learning more about using Legacy Family Tree software. 

Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the learning. If you are just thinking about trying Legacy for the first time, you’ve been using it for a year or two or you are an old pro with many years of experience using Legacy this is the group for you.

We look forward to meeting with you, every month on the First Tuesday at 7:00 PM Pacific Time

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly Calendar Reminder: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYpfuyuqDovHNwtBgxtQjWKOjDQ8k5Q9bPD/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqjIvHNKUtR-PRpwQBor4Z-7wpn5Ygo1KiD3iGzRiaDTdGehmA-p0RemJ

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82495661568?pwd=dy85YmluVzF5aEU4SzFTcTUrVDlTUT09

Meeting ID: 824 9566 1568

Passcode: 715731

One tap mobile:

+12532050468,,82495661568#,,,,*715731# US

+12532158782,,82495661568#,,,,*715731# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:

+1 253 205 0468 US

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 824 9566 1568

Passcode: 715731

Find your local number:

https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcphK19I1E

Are you considering certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists, or would you simply like to understand the certification process more fully? The Certification Discussion Group offers an opportunity to learn about the requirements, standards, and portfolio elements involved in becoming a certified genealogist.

The next series begins on 2 November 2026 and includes seven virtual sessions, meeting on Mondays and Thursdays. Participants will explore the certification process in a supportive  setting and gain a clearer understanding of what is expected in a successful portfolio.

All classes are held online, making the program accessible from anywhere.

Go to the website for more information and to sign up for our registration email  (coming in September)  https://theCDGseries.wordpress.com.

All meetings are online except the in-person Research Group and Genealogy Help at KCLS Auburn, Federal Way, and Renton Main 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. https://www.skcgs.org

All meetings are Pacific Time (PT) zone

Register at https://www.skcgs.org for all meetings unless otherwise stated.

Saturday, August 1, 10–11am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG.

Monday, August 10, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: Research  at Family Tree DNA if You Did Not Test There.

1. Test someone else! or upload for someone else with permission

2. Upload your autosomal raw data from another testing company

3. Get permission from a family member to see their kit results

4. Upload to Gedmatch and/or MitoYdna.org to compare results with FTDNA testers

5. Connect your DNA tests to your Wikitree profile for hints to matches; Geni profiles can also link to FTDNA.

6. Use public Y DNA Project data at FTDNA and/or Wikitree

7 Check mail lists at Groups.io, GoogleGroups, & Substack

We are genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Wednesday, August 12, 2–3 pm PT: WikiTree Users(Online): Topic: Wikitree Goals through 2026. How can we help one another make our part of Wikitree the best? Let’s share profiles and learn together. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG.

Thursday, August 13, 11am–1:pm:Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library (In-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton

Monday, August 17,1–2 pm PT: Tech Users Group (Online). Topic: Putting it All Together: Practical Research Routines. What are the tools, nuts & bolts we can share with one another–using online sites, platforms, and software that not just move the research forward, but also build confidence in what we think we know. See: Genealogical Research Process Simplified:  https://youtu.be/G0poOZn6rfw?si=cz3XNXddACtStmEn (20 mins).Tech User Group shares knowledge and learns about technology tools, media, apps and websites. Join our free email group for meeting information and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG.

Thursday, August 20: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (in-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer

• 11am-1pm: Auburn Library: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn
• 2-4pm:  Federal Way Main Library: 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way

Monday, August 24, 1–2pm PT: Genealogy Chat (Online). Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Join our free online group for Chat reminders and genealogy discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io.

Saturday, September 5, 10–11 am PT: Family Tree Maker User Group (Online). Topic: General Q&A for the Family Tree Maker Program. Subscribe to the free SKCGS FTM email list for meeting reminders and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG

Tuesday, September 8, 1–2pm PT: SKCGS Board Meeting (Online). Write to [email protected] for the Zoom link. 

Wednesday, September 9, 2–3pm PT: WikiTree Users (Online). Topic: Space Pages? Creating & Using this flexible tool. Bring your questions and examples. Wikitree Users collaborate to create the best collaborative tree on Earth. Join our free online group: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Wikitree-SIG. 

Thursday, September 10,11–1pm PT: Genealogy Help with SKCGS at Renton Main Library. Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer. 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton.  

Friday, September 11, 12:30–2:30 pm PDT: EGS German Interest Group: “1816: The Year Without a Summer & Its Impact on German Migration” by  Carolyn Schott, CG^®

Visitors welcome: https://gig.eastsidegenealogicalsociety.org/. 

Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/2s4z4c8z  

The eruption of Mt. Tambora in Indonesia unleashed a volcanic winter that reverberated around the globe, earning the year 1816 the name “The Year Without a Summer.” Immense quantities of volcanic ash drastically altered weather patterns and created unseasonably cold temperatures that caused crop failures and food shortages. This crisis prompted many Germans to seek new opportunities abroad, both in the U.S. and in the Russian Empire, which offered both land and religious freedom.

 This presentation discusses the intertwined environmental, economic, and social ramifications of the Year Without a Summer, highlighting its pivotal role in the history of German emigration.

Presenter Carolyn Schott, CG^®has researched her German ancestors for 30 years, following their wanderings through Eastern Europe before arriving in the U.S. She is a founder of the Black Sea German Research Community (www.blackseagr.org), a former board member of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society (GRHS), and author of the book, “Visiting Your Ancestral Town.”

Schott’s research has required her to research records in the U.S., Germany, Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, and Poland. The Black Sea German Research Community, which she helped found, is a website dedicated to helping people with hard-to-find information on their ethnic German ancestors who lived in areas bordering the Black Sea. She has been speaking on genealogy-related topics since 2007 and has been a regular speaker at the International German Genealogy conventions, the Foundation for East European Family History Studies, the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, and other genealogy societies. This presentation will not be recorded.

Monday, September 14, 1–2pm PT: Genetic Genealogy/DNA Interest Group (Online). Topic: Using DNA Matches as Clues to Build Your Tree. See Dare to Grab the Gold Ring: https://skcgs.blogspot.com/2024/04/dna-dare-to-grab-gold-ring.html,  How to Use DNA Relatives Clustering at 23andMe: https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/38509301730839-How-to-Use-DNA-Relatives-Clustering-at-23andMe & Building Family Trees with DNA Evidence: Beginner’s Guide: https://www.gedmatch.com/blog/building-family-trees-with-dna-evidence-beginners-guide/. 

We are genealogists who use DNA data as part of their research. Join the free email group for meeting notices and discussion: https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy

Thursday, September 17: Genealogy Help with SKCGS (in-person). Genealogy questions? SKCGS offers one-on-one help with a volunteer

• 11am-1pm: Auburn Library: 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn
• 2-4pm:  Federal Way Main Library: 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way

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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.