Second Saturday: Guardianship Records (Classes and Workshops)
Saturday, December 13
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Zoom
Note Start Time: Professional Genealogist Cheri Hudson will discuss the overlooked treasures in probate research—guardianship records. Whether created for underage children (even when a mother was still living) or for individuals deemed unable to care for themselves, these records can reveal rich details about family relationships, living conditions, community networks, and more. Discover how this often-forgotten source can break open your toughest brick-wall cases and add depth to your ancestors’ stories.
Cheri Hudson Passey is the owner of Carolina Girl Genealogy, LLC. She is an instructor with the Salt Lake Genealogical Institute and the Institute for Genealogy and Historical Research. Cheri also hosts the YouTube Genealogy Chat Show, GenFriends.
To view via Zoom, register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Alternatively, you may join the meeting immediately from the registration window at the prescribed day and time.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Brags and Bricks (Virtual) (Special Interest Groups)
Monday, December 15
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges or just come to chat with other genealogists.
Register early and you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Register 10 minutes before the meeting time and you will be able to join the meeting immediately from the registration window. You need register only once for all meetings in 2025.
Are you looking for inspiration to write up your family history research?
This group meets online the third Wednesday of the month. Join us to share and discuss writing projects, resources, and ideas. Research reports, articles for publication, family histories and memoirs--all genres welcome and encouraged.
Members share their latest writing project by the 1st of the month to give others time to read and review. Depending on the number of pieces submitted, each piece will be given at least 10 minutes discussion.
Share information and discuss Irish ancestral research.
To participate you need to be on the SGS Irish Interest Group email list. Contact Susan McKee at sgsirishsig@seagensoc.org to join. Susan will email you the Zoom link for the monthly meetings.
Facilitator: Susan McKee
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Our theme will be "All I want for Christmas is _____" or "It's a Christmas miracle that that I finally found _____!"
Share what you're working on (or have given up on), whether it's a stubborn genealogy puzzle OR an answer you miraculously found! If we quickly solve everyone's brick wall problems (!?!), Carolyn will demo Matricula and Archion.
You only need to register once for all German SIG meetings Oct 2025 through Jun 2026. After registering, you will also receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Keep this email. But if you misplace it, just register again. You will be able to join the meeting directly from the registration window.
Facilitator: Carolyn Schott
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Image by Carolyn Schott
Virtual Sunday: Goldie May Genealogy Software (Classes and Workshops)
Sunday, December 21
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Zoom Virtual Event
Goldie May software can help you stay organized, provide research assistance, and even create an automatic research log! A conversation with Richard Miller, the founder of Goldie May, will be recorded and will include all the latest developments. We will watch the recording together, and then have an open chat afterward about how we might find Goldie May useful in our own research workflow.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Alternatively, you may join the meeting immediately from the registration window at the prescribed day and time.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Brags and Bricks (Virtual) (Special Interest Groups)
Monday, December 22
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges or just come to chat with other genealogists.
Register early and you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Register 10 minutes before the meeting time and you will be able to join the meeting immediately from the registration window. You need register only once for all meetings in 2025.
Tech Tuesdays (Virtual via Zoom) (Classes and Workshops)
Tuesday, December 23
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Need a helping hand? Drop in (virtually) on Tech Tuesdays, the popular informal consult time on DNA, hardware, software, and virtually all genealogy-related issues. All are welcomed, especially those who are just starting.
These occur virtually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. No appointment necessary. No guarantee we can solve your problem, but we sure will try.
Register early and you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Register 10 minutes before the meeting time and you will be able to join the meeting immediately from the registration window. You need register only once for all meetings in 2025.
This registration is good September 2025 thru June 2026. If you lose the Zoom link, just register again and join directly from the registration page. No harm done.
Contact Volunteers@seagensoc.org to volunteer today!
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Holiday Open House (Special Events)
Saturday, January 10, 2026
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
SGS Library, Good Shepherd Center
Join us for our annual holiday celebration in the SGS library at the Good Shepherd Center.
With the holiday rush over, let's celebrate the new year.Bring a friend and say hello to your SGS friends IN PERSON at the library. Come early, come late (not too late).
Stay and join us for the Second Saturday Zoom presentation at 1pm
Catch (or ask for) a demo of library subscriptions and/or equipment
Second Saturday: Cemetery & Funeral Home Research (Classes and Workshops)
Saturday, January 10, 2026
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Zoom
Cemetery & Funeral Home Research
Join us in welcoming Lisa Gorrell, CG, presenting on researching cemeteries and funeral homes.
Lisa Gorrell has been an instructor for a range of genealogy programs, where she has taught intermediate and advanced hands-on courses. She also volunteers with the Contra Costa Historical Society as a board member and archives assistant, and has held leadership roles with both the Contra Costa County and California Genealogical Societies. Additionally, she has led research trips to Salt Lake City for CGS.
To view via Zoom, register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Alternatively, you may join the meeting immediately from the registration window at the prescribed day and time.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
MAC Computer SIG (Special Interest Groups)
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Meeting via Zoom
Jointly sponsored by SGS and Fiske, this group meets every other month on the second Wednesday of the month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Meetings address topics and resources helpful for those using MacIntosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion program in their genealogy research.
The link to logon will be sent to the MAC SIG email list. People wishing to attend should email macusersig@seagensoc.org to be added to the mailing list.
Co-Chairs:Lisa Marker and Diane Hettrick
Admin: Katie Hanzeli
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research.
To participate you need to be on the SGS Mexican SIG email list. Contact Diane Hughes-Hart via SGSMexSIG@seagensoc.org to join. Diane will email you the Zoom link for the monthly meetings.
Facilitator: Diane Hughes-Hart, an experienced genealogist and instructor, has been studying the ancestry of her Mexican mother since 2010.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
GRIP Registration for 2026 Opens ($$) (External Events)
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
This year the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) offers two sessions of classes: June 22-26, 2026, on Zoom and July 12-17, 2026, in-person! For more information, click here.
Second Saturday: Lost in Translation (Classes and Workshops)
Saturday, February 14, 2026
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Zoom
Lost in Translation: Decipering Foreign Names, Places, & Documents
Presented by Margaret Fortier, CG®
Researching ancestors from another country can be daunting, especially when names, locations, and records appear in an unfamiliar language. This presentation explores practical tools, strategies, and resources to break through these barriers and turn a foreign-language brick wall into a path forward.
Margaret R. Fortier focuses on immigration to New England and dual citizenship with Italy. She specializes in Italian, Portuguese, and French-Canadian research, is fluent in French, and serves on the APG board and the 2021 NERGC Program Committee.
To view via Zoom, register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Alternatively, you may join the meeting immediately from the registration window at the prescribed day and time.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Eastern Europe SIG (Special Interest Groups)
Thursday, February 26, 2026
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Zoom
Eastern Europe is a region with a rich and complex history and diverse ethnic groups. Its frequent border changes, language barriers, and influences from several powerful empires can lead to challenges when researching family history.
You only need to register once for all Eastern Europe SIG meetings in 2025. After registering, you will also receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Keep this email; it may be the only link you get. If you forget to register in advance or misplace the email with the link, don't worry. Register again. You will be able to join the meeting directly from the registration window.
RootsTech 2026 (FREE In-Person and Virtual Event) (External Events)
Thursday, March 5, 2026 through Saturday, March 7, 2026
Salt Lake City, Utah
What to Expect from RootsTech?
A family history conference. An on-demand learning library. A way to grow closer to the people, places, and stories that matter most. RootsTech is all that and so much more. Join us as we celebrate together the joy of connection.
Registration for RootsTech 2026 opens September 24, 2025.
For more information and registration, click here. Or here.
General Membership Meeting (SGS Meetings)
Saturday, March 14, 2026
12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
Zoom
Update on SGS activities and slate of board candidates for upcoming election. The meeting will be followed by a Second Saturday presentation. (See below.)
After registering, you will be able to join the Zoom meeting immediately from the registration window. You will also receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Only one registration for both the membership meeting and the presentation.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
TBD
To view via Zoom, register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Alternatively, you may join the meeting immediately from the registration window at the prescribed day and time.
Second Saturday: 1926 Irish Census (Classes and Workshops)
Saturday, April 11, 2026
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Zoom
Unlocking the 1926 Irish Census
Presented by Susan McKee
In April 2026, the long-anticipated release of the 1926 Irish census will occur. Taken on April 18, 1926, this record set captures the first detailed portrait of life in Ireland following the establishment of the Irish Free State.
Join Irish genealogist Susan McKee as she introduces the 21 datasets included in this census and explains how they can transform your family history research.
Born in Dublin, Susan is a member of the Seattle Genealogical Society, where she facilitates the monthly Irish Special Interest Group. She presents regularly on researching Irish ancestors, including seminars for the Seattle Irish Festival and genealogical societies across the U.S.
To view via Zoom, register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Alternatively, you may join the meeting immediately from the registration window at the prescribed day and time.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Mexican SIG (Special Interest Groups)
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Virtual via Zoom
Share information and discuss Indigenous North American, Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic genealogical research.
To participate you need to be on the SGS Mexican SIG email list. Contact Diane Hughes-Hart via SGSMexSIG@seagensoc.org to join. Diane will email you the Zoom link for the monthly meetings.
Facilitator: Diane Hughes-Hart, an experienced genealogist and instructor, has been studying the ancestry of her Mexican mother since 2010.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Second Saturday: Cataloging Digital Images (Classes and Workshops)
Saturday, May 9, 2026
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Zoom
Tame your digital family photographs by adding names, dates, and other information to images to make them searchable. This presentation outlines a simple and effective process – from scanning, tagging, and
saving images to organizing and backing up these image files – so you can do it once and do it right.
Nancy Loe, a professional genealogist and archivist with decades of experience, helps family historians search smart, find more, and stay organized.As a presenter, she specializes in search strategies, information management, and U.S. and European research and records, speaking at conferences and webinars in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
To view via Zoom, register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Alternatively, you may join the meeting immediately from the registration window at the prescribed day and time.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Eastern Europe SIG (Special Interest Groups)
Thursday, May 28, 2026
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Zoom
Eastern Europe is a region with a rich and complex history and diverse ethnic groups. Its frequent border changes, language barriers, and influences from several powerful empires can lead to challenges when researching family history.
You only need to register once for all Eastern Europe SIG meetings in 2025. After registering, you will also receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Keep this email; it may be the only link you get. If you forget to register in advance or misplace the email with the link, don't worry. Register again. You will be able to join the meeting directly from the registration window.
After registering, you will be able to join the Zoom meeting immediately from the registration window. You will also receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Only one registration for both the membership meeting and the presentation.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
Meeting content is for personal genealogy learning and may not be recorded or transcribed.
TBD
To view via Zoom, register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Alternatively, you may join the meeting immediately from the registration window at the prescribed day and time.
Eastern Europe is a region with a rich and complex history and diverse ethnic groups. Its frequent border changes, language barriers, and influences from several powerful empires can lead to challenges when researching family history.
You only need to register once for all Eastern Europe SIG meetings in 2025. After registering, you will also receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Keep this email; it may be the only link you get. If you forget to register in advance or misplace the email with the link, don't worry. Register again. You will be able to join the meeting directly from the registration window.
Eastern Europe is a region with a rich and complex history and diverse ethnic groups. Its frequent border changes, language barriers, and influences from several powerful empires can lead to challenges when researching family history.
You only need to register once for all Eastern Europe SIG meetings in 2025. After registering, you will also receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Keep this email; it may be the only link you get. If you forget to register in advance or misplace the email with the link, don't worry. Register again. You will be able to join the meeting directly from the registration window.
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