Specialized Clubs Can Help Outfit You

Today is a “Did You Know?” column.

If you’re of Swedish descent, did you know about the Swedish Genealogy Club, a division of the American Swedish Historical Museum? Its purpose is to promote an interest in Swedish history and culture, and provide resource genealogical help. For information, write: 2700 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19145.

The club has a two-page handout, “Beginning Your Swedish Research,” which I’ll send you for a stamped, self-addressed envelope mailed to me at this paper.

I also have flyers for two Swedish Colonial Societies. In one, members must prove descent from a Swedish ancestor who was in America prior to 1783. For information, contact that group at 336 S. Devon Ave., Wayne, PA 19087.

The other Swedish Colonial Society is devoted to the preservation of material relating to the history of Swedes in America. Its address is 1300 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Did you know about the Swedish Genealogical Dictionary? It’s published by Pladsen Sveria Press, 2185 Randy Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110-4333. This 150-page book contains more than 5,500 genealogical Swedish words, mostly gleaned from 17th- to 19th-century Swedish records and dictionaries. Price is $21, postpaid.

Did you know the Oregon-California Trails Association has a Web site? It’s http://www.bobcat.tamucommerce.edu/octa/

Ask for the group’s free catalog of materials relating to all aspects of trail history. Or write to: P.O. Box 1019, Independence, MO 64051-0519. Group members are attempting to make a master list of all who traveled the Oregon Trail.

Did you know Picton Press offers more books for sale on the state of Maine than any other genealogical publisher? Its free catalog also offers books on many other states, including many about Swiss genealogy. Contact the company at P.O. Box 250, Rockport, ME 04856-0250.

For those with Dutch ancestry, did you know about the Dutch Family Heritage Society formed to promote the study and gathering of Dutch heritage in America? Write: DFHS, 2463 Ledgewood Drive, West Jordan, UT 84084.

Did you know the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society has a new “Holdings Book,” a catalog of all genealogy-related books and microfilms in the downtown Spokane Library? The “Holdings Book” is left for researches on the tables in the genealogy section, which is open during library hours. Among its many items are books on family surnames and the areas where these families lived.

Plan to visit the genealogy section on a Thursday, when EWGS volunteers are there to answer questions.

Did you know the genealogy shop, Ancestors Plus, 825 W. Garland, carries a large supply of materials to organize your boxes of photos and other family “stuff”? To learn how to preserve photos creatively, contact Melode Hall at 328-3942. She’s the area’s Creative Memories consultant and would be happy to teach you how to organize and maintain your family history in scrapbook form.

One last “did you know:” For those with Mexican or Spanish heritage, George Ryskamp has written “Finding Your Hispanic Roots.” This book provides detailed information on sources and records used to research in all major Hispanic countries. Call Genealogical Publishing Co., (800) 296-6687, to order this $19.95 book.

, DataTimes MEMO: Donna Potter Phillips welcomes letters from readers. Write to her at The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. For a response, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Donna Potter Phillips The Spokesman-Review