Manitowoc County Genealogical Society

02/16/2026

02/16/2026

$20 to break down that brick wall with MyHeritage DNA!!

02/16/2026

Happy Presidents Day!

Did you know? The Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, housed here at the Allen County Public Library, is an incomparable resource for researching the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. 📜✨

This incredible collection includes:
📷 Over 5,000 photographs from three major collections
📖 Rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts
📰 Newspapers, letters, and more, offering deep insights into Lincoln’s world

Start exploring here: http://contentdm.acpl.lib.in.us/digital/collection/p15155coll1

02/14/2026

“Walking the Steps of Our Ancestors”
Webinar today: "Learn how genealogy inspired FreedomWalk2026, a powerful modern-day journey retracing Underground Railroad routes and honoring freedom seekers and their allies".

⏰ This Weekend! Don’t Miss These SCGS Events
Just a quick reminder that this weekend is packed with great genealogy programming from the Southern California Genealogical Society—all online and open to our members and friends.
📅 Saturday, Feb 14
🕐 Lunch & Learn: Anthony Cohen
“Walking the Steps of Our Ancestors”
Learn how genealogy inspired FreedomWalk2026, a powerful modern-day journey retracing Underground Railroad routes and honoring freedom seekers and their allies.
👉 Free | Online
🔗 Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regi.../7769550935094076508
More info: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/.../lunch-learn-anthony-cohen
🕒 African American Interest Group & Brick Wall Problems Time
3:00–4:30 p.m. PT
Stuck on a research problem? Bring your questions, share challenges, and get help in a welcoming, supportive group.
🔗 Join the meeting: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/248469765
⏳ Please arrive online before 3:15 p.m.
More info: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/.../african-american...
📅 Sunday, Feb 15
🧩 RootsMagic Software User Group
2:00–4:00 p.m. PT
A monthly favorite! Tips, Q&A, and shared know-how for RootsMagic users of all experience levels.
📩 Questions? Contact Jerry Domier: censusjerry@gmail.com
More info: https://www.scgsgenealogy.com/.../roots-magic-software...
✨ All events are virtual, so you can join from anywhere.
Hope to see you online—which session are you planning to attend?

02/14/2026

Better late than never!

POV: You're trying to explain pączki to your non-Polish friends 🍩📐
Today is Fat Thursday in Poland — in Polish, Tłusty Czwartek (TWOO-sty CHFAR-tek).
How many pączki is too many? Asking for a friend... 👀
"It's not just a donut..."
"It's 10cm of pure joy"
"5cm tall of fluffy perfection"
"ALWAYS filled with jam"
"And yes, we eat millions of these TODAY"

Poland's iconic doughnuts: pillowy fried dough filled with rose jam, prune, apricot, strawberry, raspberry, sweet cheese, or whatever filling makes your heart sing! What's your favorite?
What Makes Pączki Different?

While English dictionaries translate pączki as "doughnuts," these Polish treats are in a league of their own:

- Generously filled: Rose jam is the classic choice, but custard, fruit preserves, and sweet cheese are just as beloved
- Complete rounds: No holes here — every bite is pure indulgence
- Luxurious dough: Enriched with eggs, butter, and sometimes a splash of alcohol or cream for that melt-in-your-mouth texture
=Beautiful finishes: Powdered sugar, glossy icing, or candied orange peel crown each pączek

Why Fat Thursday?
Fat Thursday marks the last Thursday before Lent — your final opportunity to enjoy sweets and rich foods before the 40-day fasting period. Families and friends gather in homes, bakeries, and cafés to share platters of freshly made pączki.
This tradition stretches back to medieval times, when households used up all their sugar, lard, and eggs before the strict Lenten fast. Fat Thursday belongs to Poland's carnival season — karnawał or zapusty — which spans from Three Kings' Day (January 6) through Ash Wednesday.

The Modern Celebration
Polish bakeries fire up their ovens at 2 or 3 AM on Fat Thursday, and by dawn, eager customers form long queues outside the most popular shops. The busiest bakeries can sell tens of thousands in a single day!

Polish superstition says you need at least one pączek today for good luck all year. But realistically? Most people happily devour 2-3 or more. Across the country, Poles collectively consume over 100 million pączki on this one day alone.

Happy Fat Thursday! Happy Pączki Day!