April Genealogy Events and a Look Back at Trivia Night

The month of March has gone by in a busy blur, and we now look forward to an Irish SIG meeting and a new class for you to attend, either in-person or via Zoom, coming up soon. Registration is open for our annual Family History Conference featuring John Dougan and Christina Miller from the Missouri State Archives. Remember that early registration ends on Saturday, 4 April! By registering before that date, you save some money and help us plan more efficiently. In addition, one of the events we look forward to most each year is our annual research trip to Salt Lake City, and registration is now open for that. Read on for more!

StLGS News! Open House, Trivia Night, and a Recording We Hope You'll Watch on KMOV-TV

Thanks to everyone who attended our Open House this weekend (Saturday, 7 March 2026) and made it such a success! Our office was glowing with smiles and warmth in spite of the drizzly, cold weather outside, as our volunteers greeted dozens of members and visitors who came to spend a few hours learning about what we do and how we can help with your genealogy questions. We'll share a few photos here and hope to entice you to join us again in a few weeks for a fun night of trivia on Saturday, 21 March. We also want to share a beautifully moving recording that started as a telephone inquiry and ended as a feature segment on local television. Read on for more!

Just Like Spring, Our March is "Busting Out All Over"!

It's coming! Spring is in the air, and the month of March for St. Louis Genealogical Society is overflowing with meetings and special events. If you missed our February monthly meeting, "Living on the Frontier: A Look into Missouri and Illinois," featuring St. Louis County Parks museum educator Jeffrey Edison, you can still watch the digital recording on our Monthly Meeting page. You can continue learning about St. Louis history at our March monthly meeting too. Come visit us on Saturday, March 7th for our annual Open House, come play with us at our newly revived Trivia Night on Saturday, March 21st, and attend the German SIG meeting on Saturday, March 28th. Registration for our annual Family History Conference in April is now open as well. We've got so much to share with you! Read on for the details . . . 

StLGS To Host Trivia Night Once Again! Registration is Now Open!

It feels so long ago, but it's been only a few years since the world shut down for the COVID pandemic. Those of us at St. Louis Genealogical Society have a vivid memory of how life changed because our last Trivia Night was the evening before everything came to a standstill. It was Saturday, 7 March 2020, and we were enjoying a festive evening at the Richmond Heights Community Center, not knowing that it would be our last for the foreseeable future. And now, fabulous news! We are ready to host a Trivia Night once again. Please read on for all the details!

February Genealogy Meetings and Class AND Information on Special Upcoming Events!

As we dig out from the massive snow and ice storm this past weekend, we want to remind you that if you missed any of our January genealogy meetings, you can snuggle up on the couch and enjoy some of the recordings posted on our website. Then, you can plan ahead to join us in February. Our annual "Ask Louie at Your Service" meeting started the new year with many interesting questions, and the recording is available on our Monthly Meeting page. The German Special Interest Group (G-SIG) hosted Timo Kracke, a German genealogist, who spoke on databases hosted by German genealogical societies. That recording and Mr. Kracke's handout are available on the G-SIG page. The Irish Special Interest Group (SIG) hosted a Zoom presentation featuring Susan McKee, who provided helpful tips on "Organizing Your Genealogy: Getting Your Research Year Off to a Good Start." The recording of the meeting and Ms. McKee's handout are posted on our Irish SIG page. We hope to see you at our February meetings and our first class for 2026. Read on for details. 

March Genealogy Meetings, Classes, and Special Events

Spring is in the air, and now that the weather shows signs of brightening up, March is crammed with all kinds of exciting genealogy events. In addition, there are many conferences and workshops coming up in the next few months. So, prepare yourself to keep busy doing your favorite hobby and grab your calendar!

Upcoming Meetings

StLGS Monthly Meeting: Saturday, 14 March 2020

"More Than Checkmarks: Finding Female Ancestors," by Jake Eubanks, St. Louis County Library Headquarters Auditorium, 10:00 a.m.; free, open to all, no pre-registration needed. More information available on the StLGS website.

 

Cliff Cave Library Genealogy Presentation: Wednesday, 4 March 2020

"Researching in Alsace and Lorraine," by Dan Lilienkamp, St. Louis County Library Cliff Cave Branch, 6:30 p.m.; free, open to all, no pre-registration needed. More information available on the library's website. 

St. Clair County (Illinois) Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting: Thursday, 5 March 2020

"Introduction to DNA Testing for Genealogy," by Bob McDonald, St. Luke's Parish Hall, 226 N. Church Street, Belleville, 7:00 p.m.; free, open to all, no pre-registration needed. More information available on the group's website.
   

Czech Genealogical Researchers Monthly Meeting: Saturday, 21 March 2020

"The Irish in Bohemia," by Mary Petersen, St. Louis County Library Headquarters, East Room, 1:30 p.m.; free, open to all, no pre-registration needed. More information available on the group's website.
 

Upcoming StLGS Classes

• "Legacy Family Tree 101" (PC only) by Cathy Amen, Saturday, 21 March 2020

• "Intermediate Irish Research," by Carol Hemmersmeier & Kay Weber; Saturday, 28 March 2020

Classes are held at the StLGS Office from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Free to StLGS members; fee for non-members; pre-registration required at 314-647-8547.

 More information on these and more StLGS classes on our website.

StLGS German Special Interest Group Meeting

"German Genealogy: What Do You Need to Know?" by Carol Whitton, CG, German SIG leader; Wednesday, 25 March 2020, St. Louis County Library Headquarters Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.; free, open to all, no pre-registration needed. Click here for more information.

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March Classes at St. Louis County Library

• 5 March: "Exploring the Ancestry Database," Thornhill
• 10 March: "FamilySearch Basics," Florissant Valley
• 11 March: "Family History Online: Databases for Genealogical Research," Rock Road
• 17 March: "History and Genealogy in Newspapers," Sachs
• 18 March: "Library Skills for Genealogical Research," Natural Bridge
• 19 March: "Discovering Ancestral Military Veterans," Weber Road
• 26 March: "Finding Ancestors in U.S. Census Records," Headquarters
• 31 March: "Who Were My Ancestors? Beginning Family History Research," Meramec Valley

All library classes are free but require pre-registration. More information available on the library's website.
  

Upcoming Special Events

"That Fabulous Summer" (1904 World's Fair)
Lecture and film at the Missouri History Museum, Sunday, 8 March 2020,

Lee Auditorium, 2:00 p.m. Free; no pre-registration required.

The museum is also sponsoring several classes this month with St. Louis Community College that are historical/genealogical in content. Specific details are on the museum's website.

Tours at Bellefontaine Cemetery

Celebrate Women's History Month and the coming of spring by taking a walking or a trolley tour at Bellefontaine. Tours are planned throughout the month of March. More information in the March Events Calendar on Bellefontaine's website.

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  StLGS Trivia Night: Saturday, 7 March 2020

Richmond Heights Community Center, 8001 Dale Avenue (just south of I-64 between Hanley and Big Bend); doors open at 6:15 p.m.; questions begin at 7:00 p.m.

Questions on all topics. We'll provide snacks, fun, and an awesome silent auction!

Check out our website for more information and/or to register.

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48th Annual Family History Conference
Proof Positive . . . Evidence in Court Records

Featuring Judy Russell, JD, CG, CGL
AND John Dougan, Missouri State Archivist
PLUS
Local speakers, Exhibitors, Prizes and Raffles, and More!
Saturday, 4 April 2020
Orlando Gardens, 2050 Dorsett Road, St. Louis, MO 63043
Registration and complete program information
 on the StLGS website.

 

Trivia Night Silent Auction Baskets: Filled with Goodies and Ready for You!

St. Louis Genealogical Society’s eleventh annual Trivia Night is rapidly approaching, and we hope you can join us for a few hours of brain teasers and good cheer on Saturday, 7 March 2020 at the Richmond Heights Community Center. This event is one of the society's major fundraisers, a fun-filled evening with ten rounds of questions, from easy to challenging, on a wide variety of topics, plus other favorites like 50-50 and Dead or Alive.

One of the highlights of this special evening is our silent auction, a win-win situation for both you and the St. Louis Genealogical Society. Each year, the Trivia Night committee fashions beautiful baskets filled with donations from individual members and generous local businesses. The society benefits from these gifts and you win if you make a lucky bid and get some treasure at a bargain rate.

Two weeks ago in this blog, we featured some of the outstanding artwork donated by StLGS members and friends. This week, we highlight just a few of the twenty fantastic baskets included in this year's silent auction.

Cold Drinks

This basket is just one of the many we have for you featuring wine and accessories. Valued at $110 and donated by Jane Theissen, the basket contains all you need for a lovely evening with friends. Two bottles of delicious wine, a cork trivet, canapé plates, and small spreader knives are included, all you need to supply is the good cheer.

Hawaiian Vacation

Ready to get away from the cold? This charming basket is filled with Hawaiian-inspired delights. Donated by Trish Gormley and valued at $50, the basket has a decidedly Tropical theme: lip balm, kitchen accessories, a coconut bra, and a flip-flop flyswatter! Pure fun!

Unplugged Game Night

One of two baskets filled with toys you can enjoy without electricity, this basket, valued at $100 and donated by Jackie Sanderson, will make you nostalgic for your childhood. In it you will find the classic game of Sorry, checkers, jigsaw puzzles, marbles, and more for you and the young ones in your life to enjoy in front of the fireplace on a cold winter's evening, even if the power is out!
 

Mickey and Minnie, Anyone?

For the Disney lover in your family, Mary Alice Gallagher has donated this little basket filled with Mickey and Minnie Mouse items. Valued at $56, it is certainly what some toddler in your family is waiting for you to bring home!

Purr-fect Gift for Cat Lovers

Here is just the thing for the cat lover in your life (or maybe you?). Inside, you will find holiday-themed kitchen towels, socks, a mug, and other cat-lovers' items. Donated by Jackie Sanderson and valued at $100, this basket is far too purr-fect to leave behind.
 

And for Bird Lovers . . .

Not a basket but a beautiful ceramic serving plate made by StLGS vice-president for membership, Michelle Pearce. Michelle was inspired by American wildlife artist, Charley Harper, whose beautiful, minimalist bird drawings are known world-wide. Michelle's plate is about ten inches in diameter and is completely food (but not dishwasher) safe. It is valued at about $45.

These are just a sampling of what is coming up. In addition to the baskets, we also have a membership to the St. Louis Art Museum, tickets to an assortment of plays, the St. Louis Symphony, and, of course lots of sports, including Blues and Cardinals games. And, as always, there are gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses and the Waterway 3-Month Clean Car Club, Blue Level with a value of $120.

Trivia Night Information

Are you excited yet? Trivia Night is Saturday, 7 March, at the Richmond Heights Community Center, a half-block south of Highway 40/Interstate 64, just east of Hanley, at 8001 Dale Avenue. There are still tables and individual seats available. You can register online on our website and get driving directions on the site, too. Go to https://stlgs.org/events/trivia-night for everything you need to get you there. We look forward to seeing you and appreciate your continued support.

February Genealogy Meetings, Classes, and Events

February is off to a mild start, just right for attending all of the special events scheduled for the month. Of course, StLGS has plenty for you to do, but so do many of our friends and partners in the St. Louis area. If you have been waiting for classes, tours, or lectures on a wide variety of topics, this month is filled with dates to add to your calendar.

Upcoming Meetings

StLGS Monthly Meeting: Saturday, 8 February 2020

"Preserving Family Documents and Photos," by Ilene Murray, St. Louis County Library Headquarters Auditorium, 10:00 a.m.; free, open to all, no pre-registration needed. More information available on the StLGS website.

 

Cliff Cave Library Genealogy Presentation: Wednesday, 5 February 2020

"Genealogy: Where's Grandma? Tracing Female Ancestry," by Judy Belford, St. Louis County Library Cliff Cave Branch, 6:30 p.m.; free, open to all, no pre-registration needed. More information available on the library's website. 
  

Czech Genealogical Researchers Monthly Meeting: Saturday, 15 February 2020

"Czech Research Time," general discussion, St. Louis County Library Headquarters History and Genealogy Dept., 1:30 p.m.; free, open to all, no pre-registration needed. More information available on the group's website.
 

Upcoming StLGS Classes

• "Intermediate RootsMagic" (PC only) by Ted Steele, 8 February 2020

• "Foundations of Genealogy, Parts I and II," by Ilene Murray; Saturday, 15 and Saturday, 22 February 2020, 

Classes are held at the StLGS Office from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Free to StLGS members; fee for non-members; pre-registration required at 314-647-8547.

 More information on these and more StLGS classes on our website.

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February Classes at St. Louis County Library

• 6 and 29 February: "History and Genealogy in Newspapers," Cliff Cave and Headquarters
• 11 February: "Who Were My Ancestors? Beginning Family History Research," Thorn Hill
• 18 February: "Finding Ancestors in U.S. Census Records," Oak Bend
• 22 February: "Tracing Your African American Ancestors: Advanced Techniques," Florissant Valley
• 22 February: "Tracing Your African American Ancestors: Records of Slave Owning Families," Florissant Valley
• 25 February: "Getting More out of FamilySearch," Daniel Boone
• 26 and 27 February: "Family History Online: Databases for Genealogical Research," Headquarters and Mid-County

All library classes are free but require pre-registration. More information available on the library's website.
  

Upcoming Special Events

"Father of Waters: Early Explorers on the Mississippi River"
Lecture at the Missouri History Museum, Thursday, 13 February 2020,

AT&T Multipurpose Room, 6:00 p.m. Free; but pre-registration is required at this link.

African American History Tours at Bellefontaine Cemetery

Celebrate African American History month with two special trolley tours in this historic and beautiful cemetery. The tours last approximately two hours; they are free but pre-registration is required.

• Tuesday, 4 February at 10:00 a.m. Registration at this link.
• Thursday, 20 February at 1:30 p.m. Registration at this link.  

  StLGS Trivia Night: Saturday, 7 March 2020

Richmond Heights Community Center, 8001 Dale Avenue (just south of I-64 between Hanley and Big Bend); doors open at 6:15 p.m.; questions begin at 7:00 p.m.

Questions on all topics. We'll provide snacks, fun, and an awesome silent auction!

Check out our website for more information and/or to register.

 

2020 Trivia Night Silent Auction Features Unique Art

(Thanks to StLGS VP-Programs and Trivia Night chairperson, Karen Goode, for her assistance in writing and gathering information for this week's blog post.)

St. Louis Genealogical Society’s eleventh annual Trivia Night is now just a couple weeks away, and we hope you can join us for a few hours of brain teasers and good cheer on Saturday, 7 March 2020 at the Richmond Heights Community Center. Trivia Night is fun for all of us at StLGS, and we rely on this annual event as one of our major fundraisers. It is an evening filled with friendly competition and a lot of laughs. Of course, you can learn more on the StLGS website!

One of the highlights of this special evening is our silent auction, a win-win for both you and the St. Louis Genealogical Society. The Trivia Night committee has been hard at work for the past few months gathering donations by members and friends, and we would like to whet your appetite in this week's blog by featuring some of the stunning artwork they have acquired for the auction.

"The Old Courthouse" by Frank W. Bruning (1922–2008)

This charming painting of the Old Courthouse measures approximately 27 by 23 inches and has a value of $100. It was donated by former StLGS member, Pat Thompson. The artist was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy and is buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

"Bridge in Benton Park" by Dorothy Marie "Dot" Everding Guise (1929–2014)

Dot Guise was a gifted artist who lived in South St. Louis most of her life and worked at the Guise Studio. She specialized in enhancing photos with oil colors. This beautiful example is 36 by 29 inches, has a value of $150, and was also donated by Pat Thompson.

 

 

Vietnamese Hand-Sewn Pictures by the Hong Ngoc Fine Art Company;

Produced in the Chan Thien My Company Workshop for Disabled People

This company was founded in 1996 by a Vietnam veteran who returned to help those who had been affected by chemical warfare. The company's goal is to provide vocational training and jobs to disabled people. These two pieces are both hand-sewn. On the right, the black and white image of a Vietnamese person on a bike measures approximately 14 by 17 inches and is worth about $100. On the left, the image of the person carrying produce is about 16 by 20 inches and is valued at $150. Both were donated by StLGS member, Diane Broniec. To see the Vietnamese artists at work creating original images and sculpture, check out their YouTube video.

 

 

 "Spectacular Spirographics" a miniature quilt by Jean Ameduri

Based on a design created by a child's spirograph toy, this machine-quilted piece is approximately 22 by 22 inches and is all cotton with a thin polyester batting. The Swarovski crystals in the center of each design make the piece hand-washable only. The quilt is a perfect wall hanging; in fact, it is thin enough to be secured on drywall with straight pins. The value of this colorful original is $250, and it was donated by its creator and StLGS member, Jean Ameduri.

(All photos by Ilene Murray, © 2020)

We have more auction items to preview in the coming weeks and hope to see all of you at Trivia Night so you can join in on the bidding!

One Last Event and a Sneak Peek at the Exciting StLGS 2020 Calendar

Jewish SIG Meeting is Last StLGS Event of 2019

Because of the holiday season, StLGS does not schedule monthly meetings in December. However, there is one Jewish Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting coming up on Sunday, 8 December that is free and open to all, regardless of whether you have Jewish ancestors. This workshop, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, features "The Photo Detective," Maureen Taylor, internationally known for her expertise in historic photos and their preservation, who will present tools and tips for photo identification, family history and research, and photo preservation. She will focus on twentieth-century photographs and immigrant ancestors in this special workshop co-sponsored by the Brodsky Library, the St. Louis Jewish Community Archives, and St. Louis Genealogical Society.

The Jewish Federation is handling registration for this event, and pre-registration is requested. You can contact Kathy Schmeltz at 314-442-3761 or at kschmeltz@jfedstl.org or register directly on the Center for Jewish Learning's website. (See the blog post from 11 November 2019 for specific directions.)

January Monthly Meeting: Ask Louie

Please join us in January when our exciting 2020 schedule of meetings and events begins. Our first monthly meeting of the new year will be on Saturday, 11 January, at 10 a.m. in the auditorium at the Headquarters building of the St. Louis County Library, 1640 South Lindbergh Boulevard. We'll start the year with a panel discussion where you can "Ask Louie." Bring your genealogy questions or email them ahead to programs@stlgs.org, if they are a bit complicated. Our panel of experienced genealogists will try to help you break through a brick wall or two. More information is on our website's Monthly Meetings page. We hope to see you at the January meeting.

Annual Trivia Night: Saturday, 7 March 2020

This popular fundraiser will take place on Saturday, 7 March, at the Maplewood/Richmond Heights Community Center. Always a fun-filled occasion, this evening event has rounds of interesting questions, a fabulous silent auction, and bonus rounds with excellent prizes. Registration is now open, and we do hope you will invite friends or just come by yourself and make new ones. Go to the Trivia Night page on our website for more information and/or to register.

Much More to Come in 2020

To see all of the meetings and events planned for 2020 and/or to download an events flyer, visit the Calendar of Events page on our website. Save the dates for our Family History Conference, our Summer Speaker Series, the upcoming Technology Institute, and the annual Salt Lake City Research trip.

The Special Interest Group schedules and flyers for 2020 are now available as well. Check them out on the SIG web pages:

German SIG
 Irish SIG 
Jewish SIG