The Sno-Isle Genealogical Society (SIGS) invites the public to uncover the personal stories that shape our shared national heritage at their September meeting. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, SIGS is launching a year-long exploration of how individual family histories — whether rooted in colonial America or shaped by recent immigration —contribute to the American story.

SIGS’s September meeting is on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Wickers Building in Heritage Park in Lynnwood. The event includes a pre-meeting social hour starting at 6:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy refreshments, meet SIGS members and ask questions about how to get started with family research. Don’t worry if you’re new — no experience is needed, just curiosity. Visit the “My American Story” table to see how one member’s ancestors left a mark on history and learn how your family might have, too.

At 7:30 p.m., the evening’s main presentation begins, available both in person and via Zoom. SIGS Vice President Corey Smith will introduce this year’s new theme and upcoming programs, including the “First Footprints” and “Tapestry Talks” initiatives. If you’re just beginning your family history journey, Smith will also walk you through how to start a simple family tree.

The meeting is free and open to the public. For more details and the Zoom link, check the SIGS calendar.

The following is a press release written by the folks at: Clark Atlanta University:

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is proud to announce its inclusion in the Getty Foundation’s prestigious Black Visual Arts Archives program. The university has been awarded $140,000 as part of Getty’s $2.6 million investment to support libraries, museums, and universities across the United States in preserving and increasing access to archival collections documenting the work of Black artists.

The grant will enable Clark Atlanta University to establish an official institutional archive for its museum, with a focus on assessing and inventorying significant records related to the Museum’s history, exhibitions, and artist and object files, which are currently stored in non-archival filing cabinets.

“This grant represents a transformative opportunity for Clark Atlanta University to properly preserve our rich artistic heritage and make these invaluable resources accessible to scholars, students, and the community for generations to come,” said Danille Taylor, Ph.D., executive director of the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum. “We are honored to be among the select institutions chosen for this important initiative.”

CAU Art Museum History

The CAU Museum’s core collections were built through the venerated Atlanta Art Annuals, which played a significant role in showcasing and supporting major African American artists who were often excluded from mainstream art institutions, such as Henry O. Tanner, Elizabeth Catlett, and Charles White.

Clark Atlanta University joins six other institutions receiving funding in this grant cycle, including Amistad Research Center in New Orleans, California State University Los Angeles, Emory University in Atlanta, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum in Washington D.C., and Visual AIDS in New York City.

“We need a fuller understanding of the influence of Black artists, architects, and cultural institutions to tell a more complete history of American art and culture, and we can work towards achieving this by investing in Black archives,” said Miguel de Baca, senior program officer at the Getty Foundation. “Black Visual Arts Archives delivers critical support to make these archives and the stories of creativity, resiliency, and community they hold more accessible to researchers and the general public.”

The Black Visual Arts Archives program is designed to increase access to archival collections across the country that hold vital information about work created by Black artists. A major goal of the program is to increase visibility of archives to the public through exhibitions, community programming, and digital projects.

Results from the pilot phase of Black Visual Arts Archives will be presented during the annual Society of American Archivists conference, taking place in Anaheim, California, from August 24-27, 2025.

About Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Clark College, established four years later in 1869, was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions. CAU offers a wide range of bachelor, master and doctorate degree programs in business, education, public administration, and social work and in innovative fields such as cyber-physical systems. Notable alumni include: James Weldon Johnson, poet, and songwriter of Lift Every Voice and Sing “The Black National Anthem”; Ralph David Abernathy Sr., American civil rights activist; Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia District 4; Kenya Barris, American award-winning television and movie producer; Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning Broadway Director; and Jacque Reid, Emmy Award-winning Television Personality and Journalist. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.

The following is an announcement written by the folks at Reclaim the Records:

www.ReclaimTheRecords.orgView this e-mail in your browser our fifty-fourth what happens when a car salesman fires the FOIA workers newsletter NOW ONLINE: 1.5 million NEW names in the BIRLS database of deceased US veterans! SUDDENLY NOT IN YOUR MAILBOX: their files! COMING SOON: probably another lawsuit! Hello again from your excited and very annoyed records reclaimers at Reclaim The Records. Today we're simultaneously announcing a big new free database update, about 1.5 million new names and more basic biographical information about deceased American veterans from the 2020-2023 period! It's the first public update to our big BIRLS database, a dataset that we originally released late last year, bringing the new grand total to over nineteen and a half million names of US veterans, the largest dataset of its kind that we know of. And we're also discussing how the very same government agency we won these records from in a multi-year FOIA lawsuit, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (the VA), is now, as of just a few weeks ago, suddenly refusing to process thousands of FOIA requests from the public for these exact kind of amazing files -- including, very likely, many of your own FOIA requests!  A quick recap about BIRLS If you've been using our new BIRLS.org website over the past year to make free FOIA requests for copies of the C-Files (benefits claims files) for your relatives or research interests, you may have gotten to see some incredible never-before-available records, scanned for the very first time, and sent right to your house. People have gotten C-Files for everyone from barely-known relatives to Hollywood movie stars to Hall of Fame baseball players to WWII POWs in the Pacific and everyone in between. Many of these benefits claims files really should have been moved out of the VA warehouses and over to the National Archives (NARA) years ago, but they were not. And for years it was also almost impossible to get the VA to properly respond to a FOIA request for the materials -- unless, as we discovered, you sent in your FOIA request by fax. So we at Reclaim the Records built the BIRLS.org website so you could file a FOIA request and fax it to the VA right from your web browser, all for free. And boy oh boy, did people like that! In the past nine months, since the website went live, we're proud to say that we've enabled more than 8,000 researchers to submit more than 20,000 FOIA requests to the VA for these amazing but barely-known and previously-unavailable files!  Dude, where's my (grandpa's) file? Well, the government giveth and the government taketh away -- or is trying to. In late July, suddenly the envelopes of amazing DVDs stopped showing up at people's houses. Instead, researchers have suddenly been getting different response letters, ones now saying that only bare bones textual genealogical information will be released, not actual scanned files! These new genealogy forms, as paltry as they are, are usually mostly blank in the first place, or filled with errors. Basically, the VA has decided it doesn't want to fulfill our FOIA requests at all! We suspect that the limited information they are deciding to give us is not even being properly transcribed from the underlying file, and we even wonder if it’s being created by artificial intelligence scanning the file. We've created a new page at BIRLS.org/updates where we are sharing everything we know (so far) about this new FOIA-denying policy change by the VA, including samples of the new "genealogical" form letters they have started sending out to researchers. We're actively working with our attorneys to explore our options for fighting back against this sudden change to a policy of providing these files for genealogy research that started in 1948. And we have to say it: there is probably another pressing reason for the VA to suddenly want to find a way to stop responding to FOIA requests now, in mid-2025. We know that thousands of employees of the VA have been fired, laid off, or pressured into early retirement in just the past few months, through the work of a certain car salesman and his friends. And that reduction in workforce has been hitting the agency at the exact same time that they have been receiving over 20,000 FOIA requests (so far!) from our new website. It would certainly be easier for the agency to simply avoid the tedious process of finding and scanning and sending all these records if it did not want to, or if it could no longer provide the manpower to do so... So what are we doing about it? Well, we want our records back. We're working with our legal team on other ways to reinstate our right, and your right, to access these amazing files without new and unnecessary "genealogical" redactions that strip all the good stuff out. We’re scoping our next steps, but this is going to likely be a long, complicated, and expensive venture. In the meantime, we’ll keep publishing guidance at BIRLS.org/updates and tracking any further VA policy shifts. Stay tuned for updates... And what can YOU do about it? While we're making our game plans, and even though the VA is still being ridiculous about all this, you should definitely keep searching and keep making FOIA requests for new C-Files, especially from the newest batch of 1.5 million more names that we just posted online this week. Because all of these veterans are deceased, you will likely find recent information in there that simply isn't available anywhere else, including in state death indices, death certificates, or the somewhat-outdated public version of the Social Security Death Master File. And also in the meantime, if you did happen to get a disappointing "genealogy letter" from the VA instead of an awesome DVD with a PDF, YOU SHOULD APPEAL IT. The VA seems to have classified all recent requests submitted through BIRLS.org as "genealogy" requests. However, we suspect that a large share of these requests were submitted for immediate relatives’ files. If this is you, you may have even more options! If you are the widow(er), child, or legal next-of-kin of the veteran, appeal the response! 38 C.F.R. § 1.504, a different section of the regulation, provides for disclosure to next-of-kin. You have ninety days to appeal the VA’s denial letter to ogcfoiaappeals@va.gov . Cite 38 C.F.R. § 1.504, include your denial letter, proof of death, and proof of your relationship. And if you’re not a next-of-kin of the person whose file you sought, you should still appeal, too -- but you may want to hold off a little longer for our "model arguments", which we are still working out with our lawyers. You have ninety days from your letter date to appeal (or not), and we’ll share recommended language on our website as soon as it’s ready, hopefully by mid-September. We hope that the VA will at least provide full files to close relatives, but frankly, we suspect they are making up new policies in response to our every move, so we have no idea what will happen. However, even if your appeal is denied, you’ll preserve a six-year window to litigate the issue. And whatever happens,we will keep fighting.  Help Us Keep Fighting – Donate Today! The VA is trying to close the door on public copies of millions of cubic feet of unique historical material; we’re going to pry it back open. If you can, please help us pay for the crowbar. Turning this around will, at best, take a lot of work from our lawyers. None of this is going to be cheap. If you can, please make a tax deductible gift today to underwrite our efforts. Otherwise, these records may languish in warehouses for decades, and the stories they hold will remain unknown. Reclaim The Records is a small but mighty organization that fights for public access to historical records. We don’t take government funding — we rely on grassroots support from people like you. If you believe in open records, transparency, and genealogical rights, please make a donation today. Every dollar goes directly toward legal efforts, public awareness campaigns, and the fight against record closures — and the fight forawesome new records acquisitions, like this one! Here’s how you can support us, and our work. Thank you! Because history should never be padlocked, your annoyed but determined friends at Reclaim The Records

The Wyoming State Historic Records and Advisory Board (SHRAB) is reintroducing the Roving Archivist Program (RAP) with a special session on Sept. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Google Meet. This initiative aims to share valuable insights with cultural institutions across Wyoming.

During the session, attendees will hear from Marcie Blaylock, reference historian at the Wyoming State Archives, and Morgan Stence, the state's new Roving Archivist. The program will cover the history of RAP, its current functions, the process for site visits and how institutions can access its resources.

Participants can join the meeting at meet.google.com/bgr-reit-tkr or by phone at 319-449-2718, PIN: 581 688 137#.

This informative session will help participants:

• Discover the origins of the Roving Archivist Program and the story behind its creation.
• Understand the program's vital role today and how it supports cultural institutions across Wyoming.
• Learn how site visits are conducted and the simple steps to apply for personalized archival assistance.
• Gain access to a wealth of free resources covering key collection management topics, such as digitization, conservation and outreach.
• Explore ongoing connection opportunities, including monthly "Quick Tips," Roam & Preserve blog posts, and more ways to stay informed and engaged.

The Roving Archivist Program is part of SHRAB's efforts to provide professional development for Wyoming's cultural heritage community, helping institutions improve preservation practices and collections care.

For more information about the Roving Archivist Program, visit rovingarchivist.wyo.gov/home or contact spcr.rovingarchivist@wyo.gov.

The Wyoming SHRAB is dedicated to the identification, preservation, and dissemination of the state's historical records. It supports training programs for state, tribal, and local governments, repositories, and organizations involved in records care throughout Wyoming. Grants are administered by the Wyoming State Archives (WSA), of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

For more information, contact Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis at wyarchive@wyo.gov or 307-777-7826. You can also learn more about the Wyoming State Archives at wyoarchives.wyo.gov.

The Jewish Genealogy Society of Cleveland will host “Genealogy at Cleveland Public Library with Terry Metter” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at Congregation Mishkan Or at 26000 Shaker Blvd. in Beachwood or on Zoom.

As subject department librarian of the Center for Local and Global History at Cleveland Public Library, Metter will describe ways researchers of Jewish genealogy can use the library’s resources.

Participants may ask questions, and both JGSC members and nonmembers are welcome to register.

 For more information or to register, visit jgscleveland.org.

Photo Courtesy of Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau

Abilene will welcome visitors from across the country September 4-6, 2025, for the 60th Anniversary Seeley Genealogical Society (SGS) Reunion. This marks the first time in a decade the reunion has returned to Abilene, which last hosted the event in 2015.

The three-day reunion will be based at the historic Seelye Mansion, a nationally recognized landmark built in 1905 by Dr. A.B. Seelye. The mansion, still filled with its original Edison light fixtures and furnishings, offers a rare glimpse into early 20th-century life and continues to serve as a focal point for the Seeley family story.

Attendees will enjoy family history research sessions, workshops, group tours, and meals together, including a barbeque on the mansion grounds and a train excursion aboard the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. A cherished tradition, the 2025 Reunion Quilt Raffle, will also take place during the event.

Terry Tietjens, longtime caretaker and historian of the Seelye Mansion, said the reunion is a fitting tribute to the family who built the home.

“Dr. and Mrs. Seelye and their daughters, Marion and Helen, were remarkable people whose influence can still be felt in this community. They welcomed innovation, valued family, and left behind a home that continues to tell their story. Hosting the Seeley Genealogical Society reunion here is a tribute to their legacy and the family’s history.”

Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, said Abilene is proud to serve as host city.

“The Seelye Mansion is one of Abilene’s most cherished historic sites, and it is an honor for our community to once again host the Seeley Genealogical Society reunion here. It’s gatherings like these that keep the mansion’s story alive and remind us why Abilene has been recognized by USA Today as one of the Best Historic Small Towns in America.”

For more information visit www.seeley-society.org/2025-reunion

The African American Museum, Dallas today announced major funding support from the State of Texas and Google to preserve and digitize the Museum’s extensive collection gathered over the institution’s 50-year history. The Texas Historical Commission has awarded a $3 million grant, alongside support from Google, to launch a long-term commitment to safeguarding the material collected by the museum over its 50-year history.

These funds will help enhance the accessibility of the Museum’s collections and strengthen the Museum’s role as a vital resource for education and research for the Dallas community and beyond. The Museum’s collection—spanning fine art, folk art, decorative arts, archival materials, and artifact – features work by renowned artists such as Romare Bearden, Clementine Hunter, Mose Tolliver, Reverend Johnnie Swearingen, among others, and archeological materials from The Freedman’s Cemetery.

“This investment is about more than just conservation,” said Margie Johnson Reese, MFA, Chief Program Officer of the African American Museum, Dallas. “It’s about making history accessible to a global audience. We are thrilled to work with the Texas Historical Commission and Google to preserve the works of art and the historical documents in our care.  It is our responsibility to ensure that this irreplaceable material  will endure to educate and inspire current and future generations.”

Currently, portions of the collection are stored in non-climate-controlled facilities, leaving them vulnerable to environmental damage. The funds will ensure the collection’s long-term survival while making it more widely available to the public.

“Google is committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate, and we welcome opportunities to support the sharing of powerful stories,” said Traci Thomason, Global Community Development Strategy Manager at Google. “By working with the African American Museum, Dallas, we are proud to be part of the effort to ensure that this rich cultural history remains available to inspire and educate people around the world.”

The museum’s extensive collection showcases significant historical documents, including early Dallas-based African American newspapers and rare photographs and papers from influential leaders such as Juanita Craft, Mamie McKnight and the late U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Among the highlights are 40,000-plus images from Sepia magazine, a nationally recognized photojournalistic publication that chronicled African American life and culture for decades. The collection captures the power, pride and progress of a generation, featuring striking images of government leaders like Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and U.N. Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young; civil rights icons Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X; and legendary entertainers including Aretha Franklin, Cicely Tyson and Ray Charles.

The following announcement was written by Othram:

On April 30, 2009, human remains were discovered in a field near Meadows Elementary School in Lacey, Washington. The remains were determined to be skeletal and were found with Levi’s jeans, boxer shorts, and knee-high white athletic socks bearing a green Nike logo. Despite the recovery of clothing and the application of traditional forensic methods, authorities were unable to identify the unknown man. A DNA profile was developed and searched in CODIS, but no matches were found. The case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP8888 on June 29, 2011, and remained open.

In February 2025, Thurston County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the King County Medical Examiner's Office submitted skeletal remains from the unknown man to Othram, in The Woodlands, Texas a forensic sequencing laboratory specializing in human identification from the most challenge forensic inputs, such as degraded skeletal remains. Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a high-resolution DNA profile suitable for forensic genetic genealogical research. The profile was then delivered to Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team, which conducted the necessary forensic matching to identify potential relatives of the unknown individual. 

Critical funding to enable forensic genetic genealogy testing in this case was made possible by Governor Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and the Washington State Legislature. We are so grateful for their support in providing this funding.

A follow up investigation by law enforcement ultimately led to the identification of the unknown man as Donald Myrel Nelson. Born on April 18, 1960, Nelson had been reported missing to the Lacey Police Department in February 1989, just weeks before his 29th birthday. His family cooperated closely with investigators throughout the identification process and has been formally notified of the outcome. His disappearance had gone unresolved for over 35 years.

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nelson’s death. Authorities are asking that anyone with information related to his disappearance contact the unit directly at TCSOColdCase@co.thurston.wa.us, referencing case number 09-002677.