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Gastineau Genealogical Society, Juneau, Alaska

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Contents

1. Latest News
2. Introduction
3. Projects and Program Presentations
4. Society Information/Meeting Notices
5. Genealogy Resources- Getting Started in Family History Research
6. Genealogy & History Websites
7. Lookups
8. Contact Information
9. Members Only (password required)

I. Latest News

April 18, 2022:

Gastineau Genealogical Society
Upcoming ZOOM Meeting!

Our next meeting is scheduled for this coming Saturday April 23rd, at 1:00. Out of necessity, we will again be meeting via ZOOM. This will be our last meeting until September, so hope those interested can make it! We will be using that time to discuss our goals for this next year, and prospective plans for the future. Your input is important, and all of your ideas are welcome!

Please be on the lookout this Friday, April 22nd � the ZOOM link will then be sent to you for Saturday�s meeting.



March 21, 2022: GGS meetings for both February and March have been postponed. We will plan to meet again on the 4th Saturday in April.



Gastineau Genealogical Society
Upcoming ZOOM Meeting!
1:00 PM on Saturday, January 22nd

GGS Members Meeting Notice

We will be kicking off the New Year with a very special guest! Keith Nore, an accomplished genealogist and Alaskan film maker; has agreed to present to our group this next Saturday! He would like to share his experiences researching his family history (including trips to Scandinavia); along with many interesting anecdotes and personal stories. Keith is an amazing speaker, and I would like to encourage you all to attend - We are very lucky to have such an esteemed guest!

A Zoom link will be e-mailed to all of you on Friday 1/21, so please be on the lookout for it!





The meeting planned for December 4th has been cancelled. Due to holiday pressures, and the presentation we had planned postponed; Gary and I just decided to get back on our regular meeting schedule in January. So the next GGS meeting will be on Saturday January 22nd at 1:00 (via Zoom). We are planning then to have an exciting presentation for you all, with a very special guest presenter. Please stay posted.





The next meeting of the Gastineau Genealogy Society will be on Saturday, October 23rd at 1:00 p.m. A ZOOM link will be sent out to members the day before; accessing the meeting should be quick and easy!

As we get organized for the year ahead, several things will be discussed. Gary will be talking about the transfer of genealogical records from Microfilm to the Internet; and sharing some of his personal experiences with DNA research.

Anita will offer a brief outline of our proposed outreach program. We would like to offer an introductory program into genealogy for the homeschooling community in Juneau (and possibly throughout Southeast?). Anita would like to create a small committee to work together on this.

Our November meeting has actually been moved to Saturday, December 4th; due to a time conflict with the Public Market. We are hoping to have an esteemed genealogist and historian present to the group . . . plans are still pending.





Please mark your calendars for our GGS meeting on Saturday, September 25, 2021, 1 to 1:45 pm via Zoom. At this meeting, we will vote on the proposed amended and restated GGS governing documents and hold our scheduled elections for President and Secretary. The Article & By-law proposed changes include staggering two board positions which suits most organizations better than having all terms end on the same date. We plan to follow the short meeting with a GGS project idea presentation by our vice president/program coordinator Anita Evans.

While we were looking forward to holding this meeting in person, because of CBJ Covid recommendations, it is best to continue to meet via Zoom awhile longer. For the same reason, the Family History Center also has not been reopened.

We look forward to seeing you all on the 25th, virtually, and Zoom sign-in info will be emailed later.

Gary Kostenko, President

GGS will be holding our last Zoom meeting for the year (September through May) on Saturday, May 22nd at 1:00 PM. As we wrap up this very challenging year; we would like to devote this meeting to some practical “housekeeping” topics, as listed here:

1. We have been working on finalizing Phase II of GGS Charter & By-Laws proposed revisions which was started two years ago. Proposal Transmittal should be emailed shortly. We have set aside time to receive comments and suggestions on the proposals at this meeting.


2. Ideas for projects for the club to work on next year.


3. We would like to take an oral survey from members to learn what topics they would like to learn more about, the types of presentations that interest them, and to discuss what kind of time members would be willing to commit to various projects . . .


We welcome your ideas as we plan ahead and think about future directions to pursue, and to learn more about what you (the members) are looking for in an organization such as GGS.

Please join us in these important conversations - A Zoom link will be sent via email to members about 24 hours before the meeting. Hope you can make it!

GGS Program Presentation via Zoom on Saturday, March 27 at 1 pm.

The Gastineau Genealogical Society will be holding our next presentation this Saturday, March 27 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. You will all be sent the Zoom link on Friday. As a follow up to Kate Troll's informative presentations in January and February, we are continuing to explore more about genetic genealogy, and thought it would be helpful for us all to learn a little more about it.

We will be viewing "Understanding Basic Genetic Genealogy and My DNA Results" by Olivia Fordiani; with a follow-up opportunity for discussion with GGS member Teresa Campbell, Professional Genealogist. Teresa is quite knowledgeable on this topic and there will be time for questions and answers towards the end of our presentation.

Hope you will join us Saturday and enjoy our program!

January 13, 2021:

Hellooo GGS Members
During this time of continued social distancing, it is your Board’s priority to fulfill the Society mission of promoting and encouraging genealogical research. We plan to do this by providing interesting and informative virtual presentations on topics of genealogical interest or historical information January through May. Members will be emailed a Zoom link to the program the day before or of scheduled events.


Secretarial Opportunity
Our secretary position is vacant. Please apply by contacting Gary Kostenko (907 723 2608) or email ggsjuno@gmail.com. We need your help.


November 29, 2020:

There is no GGS Meeting in December. Next Event is Saturday, January 23, 2021.

At the November 28th online meeting, a pair of incumbents were elected to additional two-year terms. Long-time board member Gary Kostenko and first-time board member Anita Evans agreed to serve another two-year term and were unanimously elected at the annual meeting. GGS by-laws allow for four board members with staggered two-year terms. Gary has served as president since 2013 and Anita has served two years as vice president with her focus on program and training development.

GGS Board secretary is needed. At present, we have the secretary position vacant. Are you interested in this opportunity or have questions? If yes, please let a board member know or email ggsjuno@gmail.com. Also, you may consider encouraging another member to think about sharing the duties with you. Thank you for your help and the board will assist the new secretary to gain experience and expertise. And besides that – it’s fun and interesting!


November 24, 2020:

GGS Members will meet on Saturday, November 28, 2020, 1 – 1:40 pm using Zoom. The Board will provide an overview of what to expect in the coming months due to practicing social distancing and holding virtual meetings e.g. changes to our meeting and program schedules and a short discussion regarding using Zoom.

Officer Elections will be held for the expiring terms for president, vice President and secretary. It’s a terrific way to be involved with the genealogy community. Treasurer does not expire for another year. Membership and Board meetings occur September through May with summers and December off.

The board needs assistance with setting up and recording Zoom meetings and/or programs. If you are interested in getting more involved with the Genealogical Society, this is one of many ways to show your support. For more info, contact Gary Kostenko at garykostenko99@gmail.com or 723-2608.

We are always grateful to those who would like to donate to GGS. You can give a general donation or one in memory or honor of an individual by mail to Gastineau Genealogy Society, 9237 Gee St., Juneau AK 99801.

At this time of year, let's remember to be grateful for the family memories made in the past and look forward to finding and learning more as we research family genealogy. Have a joyous Thanksgiving from your GGS Board members Gary, Anita, Sue and Carol

Meetings: The Gastineau Genealogical Society (GGS) invites anyone interested in genealogy to attend our upcoming meetings. Meetings are generally held on the 4th Saturday of the month unless otherwise announced.

There is no GGS Meeting in December 2020. Next Event is Saturday, January 23, 2021 and will be held using Zoom.

All GGS meetings and programs are free and anyone interested in genealogy is welcome to attend so, please, bring a friend.



The information below is on hold pending future developments relative the virus:

Whether a beginning genealogist or experienced family historian you are invited to research your family at the Family History Center (FHC) and Gastineau Genealogical Society Library, located in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5100 Glacier Highway. The Center has two computers available for free access to premium Ancestry and Newspaper sites, and the GGS Library has numerous documents to research local history and genealogy.

LDS Family History Center Summer Hours were: Open most Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon and many Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. An experienced volunteer will be on hand to assist with the computers, microfilm/fiche and readers, and the major on-line genealogy resources. This service is available free of charge to the public and church affiliation is not necessary.

If you plan to go on a Wednesday evening, call Gary at 907-723 2608 before you go as openings vary depending on his schedule. For a Saturday visit – the FHC contact/message number is 907-780-2235.

Gastineau Genalogical Society Research Brochure (PDF)
(Revised April 6, 2021)

Right click on the link or image above, and "Save Link As" if your browser doesn't automatically open the file.

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II. Introduction

Welcome to our Gastineau Genealogical Society Website.

History of the Gastineau Genealogical Society - The Society was officially founded in July 1985 by the late O. R. “Dick” Kent and Mary Zahn of Juneau Alaska. Prior to that, they were a loose-knit organization whose goals were similar to those we have today. Becoming official provided the group the benefit of biannually electing officers, scheduling regular meetings, and building of the library reference collection. Another impetus was that, by becoming an organization, they gained access to and the ability to purchase genealogical information. Such included microfilms that weren’t available to individuals at that time.

Our Society Today - Today we continue to welcome guests and new members who are interested in genealogy and family history. Our purpose includes promoting, stimulating interest, and supporting genealogical research and education, particularly within the City and Borough of Juneau, State of Alaska, and Yukon Territory of Canada. If you are a genealogist – whether you are just beginning to trace your family ancestry or have years of experience – we invite you to join us.

We remain committed to the goal of preserving the legacy of our past for future generations and helping each other along the way. We have no employees and, as a Society, will not do lookups or in-depth research. However, some individual members will perform Lookups in the specific resources or subjects they have listed. GGS has mortuary and church and cemetery records, pertinent genealogical and historical books and maps, local census records, death indexes, hosted seminars and workshops, and taught research skills classes at local libraries. Our members meet monthly, September through November and January through May. Generally meetings are from 1:00 – 2:30 pm on the fourth Saturday of those months. Normally, we have a short business meeting followed by a one-hour featured presentation. We try to fit in time for chatting, refreshments, browsing through genealogy books, or answering questions.

Currently there is no charge or dues to attend our meetings and if you find our group helpful, we hope you would consider becoming a regularly attending member.

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III. Projects and Program Presentations

A: Current Projects (last 5 years):

• Information Brochure: “Gastineau Genealogical Society Research Brochure” (PDF). 1st issued March 2020, Updated April 2021

• Index of the Parish Registers, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Douglas, Alaska, 1896 - 1951. The congregation merged with Holy Trinity, Juneau, Alaska. (Completed August 2018)

• Evergreen Cemetery Grave Marker Photos and Index with accompanying data. (First draft completed in 2018) Finalized information will be transferred to the CBJ in 2019 to be added to their interactive website for Evergreen Cemetery.

• Juneau Alaska Funeral Records, 2 Jan 1898 - 20 Mar 1964 (Digitized November 2018).
  

• Information Kit for New Members – including “ The Research Process”, “Where Do I Start”, “How to Fill out a Family Group Record”, Letter Pedigree, Correspondence Record, Research Log & Record, Family Group Sheet, & Census Record (February 2019)
  

• GGS Library Update and Inventory (Completed 3/2019)

B: Projects from 1987-2011: Click link for a page with more detailed information on the items.

• Indefinite Loan: Microfilm & Microfische Index at Family History Center (2011)

• Early Juneau Burial Records

• Index to all names included in Ed Ferrell’s Biographies of Alaska-Yukon Pioneers 1850-1950, (Vol 1 & 2)

• Index to all names included in Pioneer Book Committee’s Gastineau Channel Memories 1880-1967, (Vol 1 & 2)

• Index to all names included in Juneau Pioneer's of Alaska Igloo & Auxiliary No. 6 Alaska Gold Rush Pioneers of the Juneau - Douglas Area, 1880 – 1921

• Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Co. Personnel Index [1914 - A J Mine closing in 1944 - with some later] 

• Juneau, Alaska Funeral Records, 2 Jan 1898 - 20 Mar 1964  (Manual copies)

C: Program Presentations and Source (5 Years):

05/2021 Organizing our Society:  Charter, By-Laws, Projects, Presentations. Anita Evans, Carol Bruce
04/2021 Treadwell Mine Historic Park Walking Tour. Richard Mattson
03/2021 Understanding Basic Genetic Genealogy and My DNA Results by Olivia Fordiani. Program discussion led by Teresa Campbell
02/2021 All in Due Time (continued).  Kate Troll
01/2021 All in Due Time.  Kate Troll
                                                        
02/2020 LEAP into Family History; What’s in a Name.  Kate Dunn          
01/2020 The Interviewing Process.  Scott Foster 
        
11/2019 How to Plan, Prepare For, and Enjoy Genealogy   Research in another Country.  Katie Bausler
09/2019 Family in Juneau- Macauley-Ellis-Whistler.  Amy Jo Meiners, Linda Macauley, Cindy Hansen
05/2019 Show & Tell.  Anita Evans
04/2019 Chilkoot Pass Journey.  Kathy Crenshaw, Carol Bruce
03/2019 Juneau & Family History + Genealogy Projects.  Betty West Miller, Norman Miller
02/2019 Finding Clues to Ancestors from Headstones, Family Plots and Burial Records.  Karen Paulick

11/2018 Using Newspaper Databases at the Family History Center.  Dani Bettridge
10/2018 Alaska State Archives, Holdings and Records of Interest to Genealogists.  Zach Jones
09/2018 Preservation of Family Treasurers.  Ellen Carrlee
05/2018 Introduction to DNA.  Teresa Campbell
04/2018 Journey of a Photo.  Carol Bruce
03/2018 DNA; You’ve Got Matches.  Teresa Campbell
02/2018 Finding Female Ancestors.  Ancestry.Com

11/2017 Genealogy Conferences: Why Go and What you might learn.  Karen Paulick
10/2017 How Much is Enough: The Reasonably Exhaustive Search.  Teresa Campbell
09/2017 Interning at Alaska State Archives; On-Going Projects and Needs. Dani Bettridge
03/2017 Sharing of Resources. GGS Members Present
02/2017 Preparing for a Research Trip to the Family History Library, Salt Lake City Utah. Teresa Campbell
01/2017 Genealogy Software Examples & Reviews.  Teresa Campbell

IV. Society Information

• Meeting Notice - Meetings and/or Program Presentations will be held on the 4th Saturday of every month except for the months of June, July, August, and December. These events are currently held via ZOOM, an Internet-based conferencing system. A day before or the morning of each meeting or presentation, Society Members will receive an email with a link to the ZOOM event. Click on the link and you will be connected to the meeting or presentation. You will have to be accepted into the meeting by the organizer.

• Current Officers - Effective November 28, 2020:

  • President: Gary Kostenko
  • Vice-President: Anita Evans
  • Treasurer: Sue Clover
  • Secretary: vacant

• Charter and Bylaws - New Amended version adopted September 25, 2021

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V. Genealogy Resources - Getting Started in Family History Research

1. "Teaser Kit" (Climbing Your Family Tree)
2. Using Interlibrary Loans in Juneau, Alaska
3. Calendars DeMystified
4. Finding Clues to Ancestors from Headstones, Family Plots, and Burial Records (PDF)
5. Genealogy in Norway
6. Major Record Sources
7. Passenger Lists and Emigration Information

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VI. Genealogy & History Websites

ALASKA and YUKON: GGS Genealogy Research in Juneau Alaska and Yukon, March 2020 - This list of resources was prepared to stimulate interest in genealogy and aid individuals in compiling their family records. There are a wide variety of resources available for genealogical research in Juneau and the information is a starting point for persons wishing to research their ancestors and gain local, Alaska, and Yukon Territory historical knowledge.

OTHER:

• Tracing Your English and Welsh Ancestors At ancestor-search.info - A site that has been set up to provide guidance on WHERE to find information on your ancestors in England and Wales.
• Public Records Search | Your Gateway to State and County Public Records Public records search and collaborative resource for state and county public record information online

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VII. Lookups

Your lookup request must be limited in scope, must identify a specific person or persons and the resource you want searched, and must be e-mailed to the proper person - not to GGS.

• Members who will do lookups

• The following person will do research for hire - email for fees and availability: Alea Oien -

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VIII. Contact Information

Electronic mail address


Web address
http://ggsalaska.org

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VIII. Members Only

• Members Only Section - Password Required

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NOTE: This Web Site is basically a STATIC SITE. We plan that current Meeting Notices and possibly future Program Presentations, and changes to lookups listing will be the only ACTIVE entries.

Updated Monday, April 18, 2022

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