Seattle Genealogical Society & Library

02/14/2026

Now enrolling at Seattle Genealogical Society!

Thinking about applying for certification with BCG—or just curious about what the process really involves?
Whether you are “on the clock” or “on the journey,” this course is designed to help you better understand the certification process and decide what your next step should be.

Our CDG course introduces the requirements for certification, including the new BCG two-part submission process, and helps you:
✔️ understand what is expected of applicants
✔️ evaluate whether you are ready to apply
✔️ identify skill or portfolio gaps, if you are not quite there yet

Many past participants describe this class as essential preparation for anyone considering certification.

There are a few spaces left in this session which The will begin in March and occur twice per week on March 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, and 30. FYI: The cost is $200. SGS Members receive a discount and pay only $175.

The two options are:
a. Daytime: Monday and Thursday at 8:00 am PT.
b. Evenings: Monday and Thursday at 5:30 pm PT

For more information, to register, or to be added to the interest list for a future session, please visit the CDG website:

demystifying the genealogy credentialing process

02/13/2026

📣 Tomorrow at SGS we are excited to welcome Margaret Fortier, CG® to present Lost in Translation: Deciphering Foreign Names, Places and Documents.

This presentation explores practical tools, strategies, and resources that can turn a foreign-language brick wall into a path forward.

Margaret focuses on immigration to New England and dual citizenship with Italy. She specializes in Italian, Portuguese, and French-Canadian research, is fluent in French, serves on the APG Board, and was a member of the 2021 NERGC Program Committee. She is also co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and NGS Magazine.

Saturday, February 14th, at 1:00 pm Pacific
Register here: https://bit.ly/3MvzxvA

02/06/2026

Seattle Genealogical Society is always proud to celebrate our members!

We are delighted to congratulate Trish Hackett Nicola, a longtime SGS member, on the publication of her important new book:
Chinese in Washington: The Legacy of the Chinese Exclusion Act.

A public historian and genealogist emeritus, Trish explores how U.S. laws targeting Chinese laborers shaped—and continue to affect—families and communities across Washington State for generations. This work reflects the very best of historical and genealogical scholarship, and we are proud to support and celebrate her achievement.

📍 Trish will be appearing at Third Place Books – Ravenna Store
🗓 February 19
⏰ 7:00 PM

This free, public event will include a conversation about the book, audience Q&A, and a signing. RSVP is recommended for updates and seating.

Please join us in supporting Trish—and in celebrating the impact our members continue to make through meaningful historical and genealogical work. 👏

01/21/2026

It's the third Wednesday, which means late hours at the SGS Library!

Join Lisa Oberg tonight between 6:00-8:30pm and get a jump start on your 2026 genealogical goals. Browse the SGS library, use our subscription databases, or access the FamilySearch through our affiliate library link! The possibilities are endless.

01/20/2026

In-person Wednesday at 6:00pm at SGS Library in Seattle. (Jan 21!)
Transcription Special Interest Group.
Strengthen your ability to read old handwriting and
help transcribe the U.S. Revolutionary War pension files at the same time.

Questions: sgstranscription@seagensoc.org

01/17/2026

Organizing for Genealogy - A four week course offered Tuesday afternoons in February! 100% virtual so join from anywhere in the world. Details and registration: https://seagensoc.org/cpage.php?pt=174

Discover our public research library, unique databases and educational opportunities. SGS offers support and resources to aid research both locally and in the world wide genealogical community.

01/15/2026

Hope you are enjoying your day in Seattle today, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Next time, let's make a date and we'll show you all the ways we are helping people find their roots at Seattle Genealogical Society! Finding Your Roots

01/09/2026

SECOND SATURDAY – Cemetery & Funeral Home Research

Join us in welcoming Certified Genealogist Lisa Gorrell for a fascinating program on researching cemeteries and funeral homes, and the remarkable wealth of information these records can reveal about our ancestors’ lives, relationships, and final circumstances.

In-person at the SGS library in the Good Shepherd Center
And on Zoom, register here: https://bit.ly/4subCgl

01/09/2026

SGS Open House
The holiday rush is behind us — now it’s time to gather, reconnect, and celebrate the new year together in person at the SGS Library!

Saturday, January 10th 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
SGS Library, Good Shepherd Center
Stop by anytime to say hello, bring a friend, meet other SGS members, and enjoy a relaxed morning at the library.
• Check out our library subscriptions and equipment
• Sneak in a little research
• Catch up with fellow genealogists face-to-face

At 1:00 pm, stay with us at the library as we stream our Second Saturday presentation together.

01/05/2026

Last evening SGS celebrated our volunteer leaders and their contributions they make to our organization and family history research everywhere. We are grateful to have so many dedicated volunteers, who work together to be sure we can continue offering a genealogy research library open to the public, classes, special interest groups, and lectures throughout the year. Thanks everyone! See you in 2026!

Hope to see you at the SGS Library in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood, Saturday January 10, from 10am to 1pm for our community-wide open house. You can stay for the lecture at 1pm!

12/20/2025

Virtual Sunday | December 20 | 1:00 PM Pacific

Join us for Virtual Sunday as we watch a recorded conversation with Richard Miller, founder of Goldie May — a research tool designed to help genealogists stay organized and streamline their workflow.

After the recording, attendees can share thoughts, feedback, and ideas about how Goldie May might fit into their own research process.
As a bonus for attendees, everyone who joins us will receive a promo code for 20% off a Goldie May subscription.

Virtual | Open to all
Sunday, December 20 | 1:00 PM PT
Register here: https://bit.ly/4s9Hy9l

11/20/2025

This came up on my feed today---Lisa Oberg giving her presentation at Sand Point!