Author Archives: Charles Hansen

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Education Meeting February 2026

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm

This month’s presentation: TBD

This month’s presentation: is by Crystal Hicks, Head of Collections for the Washington State Library. Her presentation is:
Bureaucracy to the Rescue: The Hidden Value of State Library Collections.

Bureaucracy rarely gets top billing, but this presentation makes the case for its quiet heroics. “Bureaucracy to the Rescue” explores how the Washington State Library’s unique collections (state publications, reference, and special collections) become indispensable tools in moments of research and discovery. Through real-world examples, the session highlights how careful collecting, description, and preservation of bureaucratic materials support transparency, accountability, genealogy, legal research, and unexpected human stories hiding in plain sight.

This month’s meeting will be Zoom Only until we can find a new physical location to meet in person.

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZIqduGpqjgsHtBNs9zc8CGna6R-KHlcz5so/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGuqToiG9CWth2DRpwAB4j4WevwiHZdgrd_sgy8GSMLQST4N7Rwf5lXHNvK

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86718143644?pwd=S0FjYU5acVVKbDEyamdXWWZVekFjdz09
Meeting ID: 867 1814 3644
Passcode: 630507

One tap mobile
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+12532158782,,86718143644#,,,,*630507# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location

        +1 253 205 0468 US
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 867 1814 3644
Passcode: 630507

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcFbCNTY39

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Writing Family History February 2026

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Writing Family History
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom

The Writing Family History Special Interest Group (WFH-SIG) supports TPCGS members in documenting, writing, and preserving their family histories—formally or informally. Monthly meetings will provide a mix of presentations, writing exercises, and peer reviews to help members make progress in their projects.

Date & Time: Every month on the Second Wednesday, starting at 7:00 PM Pacific Time

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMoc-2qqDMjHNXnACfWJ0dop_pMeQXMRoYM/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvqz8uGNKduR-GRpwEGY-gLOrwplxEgo1lkj7GBRd5Mgf5Jt1SH7dOKPXi

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87544268961?pwd=oNtdztP51tePuSn3bt45J3wuxnGXzl.1
Meeting ID: 875 4426 8961
Passcode: 328639

One tap mobile:
+12532158782,,87544268961#,,,,*328639# US (Tacoma)
+12532050468,,87544268961#,,,,*328639# US

Dial by your location:
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 253 205 0468 US
Meeting ID: 875 4426 8961
Passcode: 328639

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kclCP1SsOV

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society General Meeting and Researching in Arkansas

by Charles Hansen

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society

1901 S. 12th Avenue

Union Gap, WA 98903

Phone: (509) 248-1328

Email: yvgs@yvgs.net

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society

General Meeting

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Following the General Meeting, Linda Lantis will be giving a presentation on “How to Research in the State of Arkansas.”

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society Probate Where There’s a Will or Not

by Charles Hansen

Christine Cohen

Genealogist and lecturer

Whittier Area Genealogy Society

Her topic is

Probate—Where There’s a Will or Not

Speaker at the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society’s

February 12th 2026 zoom meeting is Christine Cohen. Her topic is Probate – Where There’s a Will or Not.

Virtual meeting doors will open at 9:30 am

Speaker’s program will begin at 10:00 am

The public is invited to attend

Please consider joining our society for $20/yr. 

For a link to join the meeting or to join the society contact lcgsgen@yahoo.com 24hrs prior to the event

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society FamilySearch: Tools, Tricks, and Tech Connections

by Charles Hansen

Plug In to FamilySearch: Tools, Tricks, and Tech Connections

Presented by our very own: Margie Beldin

Plug In to FamilySearch: Tools, Tricks, and Tech Connections

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced researcher, you will learn new things today! 

Margie will discuss Family Search tools and explore FamilySearch features and activities that you may not be aware of. Printable charts and research helpers, as well as games and interactive activities that make family history fun. You’ll discover new ways to research, share your findings, and involve your relatives of all ages.  

Date: February 07, 2026

Time: 12:30 PM to 03:00 PM

Location: THE HIVE 2904 E Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99202

Zoom link and Program Handouts will be available on the website the day prior to the event. (EWGSi.org)

Raffles  

$50/50$ 

Coffee and Cookies 

Free Table

Please remember that EWGS Ways & Means is always accepting items for future

 Book Sales and Auctions, so bring them with you!

Fiske Genealogical Library Virtual Classes

by Charles Hansen

Wednesday, February 18  

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

Finding Immigration and Naturalization Records: Advanced Strategies and Techniques

Presented by Lisa Alzo

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Every immigrant has a story. This webinar will discuss how to leverage the data in passenger lists, naturalization records, and other documents of ethnic-based communities and neighborhoods (such as historic newspapers and oral histories,) to uncover key clues about your immigrant ancestors. Learn strategies and techniques to find your elusive ancestor among others with the same name and how to deal with name changes, as well as how to locate missing manifests due to transcription or other database errors. A brief overview of how social history and migration patterns can help you track your ancestors on both sides of the ocean will also be provided.

Wednesday, February 25  

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

From RootsTech 2025 to 2026; What to look for and how to enjoy next week’s conference

Presented by Jenny Hansen

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

A look at last year’s new features brought out in RootsTech 2025, and some tips about what new things to look for in RootsTech 2026 on March 2-6.

Wednesday, March 4

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

The Black Experience in the Revolutionary War

Presented by Janice Lovelace

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

African Americans have fought in all the wars in which the United States has been involved, beginning with the Revolutionary War. It is estimated about 10,000 people (mostly men) of African ancestry fought on both sides of the conflict – hoping that freedom from slavery would come at the end of war. This presentation looks at factors leading up to the war, notable individuals who fought and where to find records on the service of Blacks in the Revolutionary War.

Wednesday, March 11

10:00 am to 11:15 am Pacific Time – Fiske Genealogical Library, Seattle (Virtual Class)

A Genealogist’s Guide to Lesser-Known Research Tools

Presented by Claire Smith

For links to join the meeting and get class notes, select https://fiskelibrary.org

Serious researchers know that success depends on mastering the right tools. This session explores powerful resources to enhance your research: ArchiveGrid’s manuscript collections, the Digital Public Library of America’s archives, the American Genealogical-Biographical Index, and the Periodical Source Index (PERSI). Learn to integrate these tools and uncover new paths in your family’s story.

Heritage Quest Research Library Genealogy Classes

by Charles Hansen
Explore the Exceptional Genealogy Classes at HQRL! Join us online via Zoom or in person at HQRL and connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts who share your curiosity and drive—together, we can explore the fascinating world of family history! Just a reminder of upcoming class February 5, 2026! Don’t miss out, sign up today! The Genealogy Roll-up: Essential Shortcuts Every Genealogist Needs  Thursday, February 5, 2026 Jennifer Patterson Dondero

Every genealogist can aspire to do great genealogy. But how do you find the time for all those “things” you’ve been told you should be doing: planning, logging, note-taking, analyzing, and reporting? There’s one shortcut you need and it’s so easy to get started!
Click Here to Sign-up
Jennifer Patterson Dondero has been an avid genealogist for over 30 years, and a professional genealogist since 2005. Her specialties include southern research, DNA, and technology for genealogy. She lives with her husband and two children in Georgia, where she enjoys researching, writing fiction and nonfiction, reading mystery novels, and clogging.
Click Here to See All of Our 2026 Classes! Visit our blog for great tips & hints exploring your family story! HQRL.com / Classes & Events / Contact
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Legacy Family Tree Software SIG

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Legacy Family Tree Software SIG Meeting
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm virtual via Zoom

This month we will discuss using the Search functions in Legacy with live screen sharing so start thinking about the things you would like to find in your Family Data Base file.

This is our monthly meeting to share tips & tricks, problems & solutions. Sometimes we will watch videos or share our screens to aide in learning more about using Legacy Family Tree software.

Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the learning. If you are just thinking about trying Legacy for the first time, you’ve been using it for a year or two or you are an old pro with many years of experience using Legacy this is the group for you.

We look forward to meeting with you, every month on the First Tuesday at 7:00 PM Pacific Time

We look forward to meeting with you, every month on the First Tuesday at 7:00 PM Pacific Time

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly Calendar Reminder: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYpfuyuqDovHNwtBgxtQjWKOjDQ8k5Q9bPD/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqjIvHNKUtR-PRpwQBor4Z-7wpn5Ygo1KiD3iGzRiaDTdGehmA-p0RemJ

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82495661568?pwd=dy85YmluVzF5aEU4SzFTcTUrVDlTUT09

Meeting ID: 824 9566 1568
Passcode: 715731

One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,82495661568#,,,,*715731# US
+12532158782,,82495661568#,,,,*715731# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 824 9566 1568
Passcode: 715731

Find your local number:
https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcphK19I1E

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Washington State Library Family History Resources

by Charles Hansen



You can’t keep a good library down! Join SVGS on Saturday February 14, 2026, at 1pm at the Burlington Public Libraryfor “Washington State Library Family History Resources” with librarian Crystal Hicks. From historic newspapers and local city directories to maps and tribal histories, the Washington State Library has materials to aid you in your family history research. Come learn how we can still access these materials despite the library’s closure to the general public due to budget cuts. Can’t make it to the Burlington Library, request a zoom link by emailing info@skagitvalleygenealogy.org.