Monday, December 8, 2014

Snoqualmie Falls.......... Have You Ever Stopped To See?



Snoqualmie Falls is a 268 ft waterfall on the Snoqualmie River between Snoqualmie and Fall City, Washington. It is one of Washington's most popular scenic attractions, but is perhaps best known internationally for its appearance in the cult television series Twin Peaks. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year.
Most of the river is diverted into the power plants, but at times the river is high enough to flow across the entire precipice, which creates an almost blinding spray. 
For the Snoqualmie People, who have lived for centuries in the Snoqualmie Valley in western Washington, Snoqualmie Falls is central to their culture, beliefs, and spirituality. A traditional burial site, to the Snoqualmie, the falls are "the place where First Woman and First Man were created by Moon the Transformer" and "where prayers were carried up to the Creator by great mists that rise from the powerful flow." The mists rising from the base of the waterfall are said to serve to connect Heaven and Earth. (Thanks to Wikipedia for this information; photo is mine.)
When you do next take a moment on your east or west journey on I-90 to stop at the small park right off the road and affording a great view of the falls, you cannot help but notice the interpretive signs explaining the Snoqualmie tribal history and connection to the falls. I found this short stop most interesting and do feel that we as Washington citizens should learn any and all we can about our history.  (Photo mine from one of the signs.)
Did you notice that it is SNO-QUAL-MIE.......... and not SNO-QUAL-A- MIE???

Saturday, December 6, 2014

WWII Enlistment Records Online at NARA

Dick Eastman's column today had an article on the WWII Enlistment records that NARA has just transcribed and put online (http://www.archives.gov/aad ). Click on WWII records when you get to this website. I found the enlistment record for both my dad and his younger brother. I knew most of the information on the record for my dad, and parts of the information on my un

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Heritage Resources Speaker Series

2015 Western Libraries
Heritage Resources Speaker Series

Janet Camarata Named Outstanding Volunteer


Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.
 

Today we’re introducing Janet Camarata of Renton who was nominated by the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She was recognized for her dedication to furthering the quality of genealogical education in Washington State and furthering the goals and operation of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (PS-APG).
 
Ms. Camarata is the co-founder of the Genealogy Training Center LLC where the goal is to provide quality genealogy classes from basic to advanced using a hands-on method of teaching as well as keeping up with changing genealogy research and technology. Besides being a member of the PS-APG, Ms. Camarata is the program facilitator of the speakers’ forum, an interest group of the PS-APG.

Ms. Camarata graduated from the University of Washington’s Genealogy and Family History program in 2010. She has a BA in Education from Central Washington University and MA degree in Management from Antioch University. She also presenting a workshop at the Washington State Genealogy Conference in Arlington in August 2014.

Her contributions to the PS-APG and the field of genealogy illustrate that she richly deserved to be a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society News

December 1, 2014

For Immediate Publication:


The Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS) will meet Friday, December 19, in the Bainbridge Island Public Library Meeting Room at 10:00 AM for our annual " Holiday Show and Tell" gathering of members sharing ancestral tales, treasures, and research aids.  This is a very good time to visit if you are interested in becoming a member.  Visit with members to find out what BIGS offers to those who join.   Free to members, $5.00 donation suggested for nonmembers.  For more information go towww.bigenealogy.org, or call 206-842-4978.  BIGS is a 501c(3) non-profit organization.

Thank you!

Sylvia H. Nelson
PR Director
Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society