Author Archives: Charles Hansen

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society The Equality Colony of Skagit County

by Charles Hansen

Did your ancestors mysteriously appear in Skagit County in the 1900 Census? Maybe they were in the Equality Colony. Join SVGS on Saturday March 14, 2026, at 1pm at the Burlington Public Library for “The Equality Colony of Skagit County” with Robert Burns, author of “Rebels in the Wild: The Equality Colony and the Taming of American Capitalism”. In the late 1890s a group of like-minded individuals came from around the country to establish a socialist colony in Skagit County. Find out who they were, what motivated them, why they chose Skagit County, and why the colony collapsed. Can’t make it to the Burlington Library, request a zoom link by emailing info@skagitvalleygenealogy.org.

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Finding Irish Origins

by Charles Hansen

Please Join Us for 

Using U.S. Records to Find Irish Immigrant Origins

A presentation by Pamela Holland

Using U.S. Records to Find Irish Immigrant Origins

  Pam will help us with

• Discovering an Irish ancestor’s place of origin in Ireland is a much sought-after goal.

  • Successful research in Irish records first starts with thorough research in US records.

  • Learn what sources to examine, identify overlooked records,

and explore strategies to locate that elusive Irish location for your ancestor.

Date: Saturday March 07, 2026

Time: 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Location: The Hive 2904 E Sprague, Spokane, WA 99202 

Door Code: 985426#

Handouts and Zoom Link will be on the website the day prior to this event. EWGSi.org

DOORS OPEN AT 12:30 P.M.

Come Join Friends old and new.

Coffee   Cookies   Raffles   $50/50$   Free Table   

Please bring your book donations for the April Seminar Book Sale!

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA SIG Meeting February 2026

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA Special Interest Group Meeting
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Starting at 7:00 pm via Zoom

We will discuss our latest discoveries using DNA and how to make the most of the various tools available.

Calendar reminder: TPCGS DNA Special Interest Group Meeting

Every month on the Fourth Tuesday beginning at 7:00 PM Pacific Time

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

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqdeyrrz0iEtx-c_J3gNfcI8mebT1zajLo/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTkvGdWTuBGPRpwQB4joZ-nzmCFHj7dF0RzaKXNUTAX1H7pPN7BLQcLR

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82725316888?pwd=MDc3UEZrUVJNbmxmK2ZORmw5YzdDdz09

Meeting ID: 827 2531 6888
Passcode: 811780

One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,82725316888#,,,,*811780# US
+12532158782,,82725316888#,,,,*811780# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:
        +1 253 205 0468 US
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 827 2531 6888
Passcode: 811780

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

Heritage Quest Research Library Midwest Genealogical Center

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 19, 2026! Don’t miss out, sign up today!
Midwest Genealogy Center Thursday, February 19, 2026
The Midwest Genealogy Center is one of the United States’ preeminent resources for family history, providing access to almost three-quarters of a million on-site materials. They have access to databases, scanning and digitization stations, oral history recording kits, microfilm reader scanners, and more. MGC features 52,000 square feet of space that houses all of the free resources needed to research your family history. Learn more about how to access and utilize their incredible resources.
Click Here to Sign-up
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

Puget Sound Welsh Association Welsh Roots?

by Charles Hansen

To Washington State Genealogical Society:

Curious about your Welsh roots? Celebrate St. David’s Day in Seattle
with music, stories, tea, and a fun limerick contest.

Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 2:30–4:30 PM (doors open at 2:00 PM)

Ballard First Lutheran Church, Seattle, WA
2006 NW 65th St, Seattle, WA 98117

The celebration features vocalist Paul Kawabori, a Washington native,
accompanied by local pianist Steven Luksan—both performers with Seattle
Opera and the North American Welsh Choir—along with community
participation in the Welsh tradition of a noson lawen: an informal,
joyful sharing of music, song, poetry, stories, humor, and a bit of
friendly fun, including a lighthearted Welsh-themed limerick contest.

In Welsh culture, gatherings like this are about welcome, not
performance. You’re free to sing along, listen quietly, laugh, or simply
enjoy the afternoon—however you choose to be present is enough.

A te bach (little tea) will be served, featuring light refreshments and
a sampling of Welsh fare, with time to mingle and relax before the noson
lawen begins.

This celebration is hosted by the Puget Sound Welsh Association
(www.PugetSoundWelsh.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing
Welsh culture and traditions in the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested donation: $10 per adult. Every contribution is appreciated and
helps PSWA continue celebrating Welsh culture with events like this.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discover-wales-music-stories-tradition-st-davids-day-celebration-tickets-1980679100508?aff=oddtdtcreator

We hope to see you there!

Karyn Davies
PSWA Board

Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board Free Virtual Event

by Charles Hansen

The Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board and the Arizona State Library, Archives, & Public Records are pleased to present the sixth annual Arizona Genealogy Day, a free, virtual event on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 8:30 am–3:00 pm MST.

Speakers will include Stefanie Ojibway Gerberding (“Honoring Ancestors: Native American Genealogy”), Ryan Ehrfurth (“Finding Family: Genealogy in the Arizona Memory Project”), Allyson Maughan, AG (“Add a Snapshot to Research”), Taneya Y. Koonce, MSLS, MPH (“Liberate Your Family History Research: Using an ‘Open Access’ Preservation Model”), and Ari Wilkins, FTxSGS (“How the Weather Affected Your Ancestor”).

Space is limited. Watch parties are encouraged. You can see more details and register at: https://azsos.libcal.com/calendar/starl/azgenday26.

This program is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Linda McCleary

AzGAB Secretary

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Mystery Book Club February 2026

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Mystery Book Club
Saturday, February 21, 2026, starting at 3:30 pm via Zoom

Please join us as we discuss a fictional genealogical book, Lie By Lie, the second book in the Karen Copperfield series, by Sue George.
This book is available on Kindle and may also be available in print from various book stores or libraries.

More information at:
Amazon: Lie By Lie

TPCGS Book Club Zoom Meeting
Every month on the Third Sat beginning at 4:00 PM Pacific Time

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

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUkfuCqrzgsG9RrrhNAdU65Lz86P0s92mu1/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGppzIjGNWWthiHRpwcHYr4XerzmHZdjfpvjg3tLQFXV1WjGvgaZIIvA4GC

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81999213610?pwd=Qkk2WFZTZ2Rzdzc1Z0szN1AzdEZCUT09
Meeting ID: 819 9921 3610
Passcode: 479394

One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,81999213610#,,,,*479394# US
+12532158782,,81999213610#,,,,*479394# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:
        +1 253 205 0468 US
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 819 9921 3610
Passcode: 479394
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keibNHDdyf

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat February 2026

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom

Please join us and let’s chat!

Discussion starter topic Happy 65th Birthday to TPCGS! How long have you been a member, and what are your favorite memories of our Society? The Tacoma Genealogical Society was founded on February 16th, 1961. Even if you are not currently a member you are invited to share your memories.

This is a monthly opportunity to connect with others and talk about anything and everything genealogical. The value of this meeting increases with the participation of each person that attends and contributes to the conversations. This is your chance to celebrate the breaking down of a brick wall in your research or ask questions of others that can help you find records or relatives. Everyone, members, and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate.

Date & Time: Every month on the Third Tue, from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM Pacific Time

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

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMldOCprTsqGtSoVglOBTElUaBRgTq5IEgI/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvpjgjG9eVsBmHRpwEGojCXevztmJfjbdukyniDw9xVib6A-NgALVLAY35

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87839130000?pwd=dGdHY2wrZ0d1bDNRTEQ4Uk15OVk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000
Passcode: 836216

One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US

Dial by your location:
        +1 253 205 0468 US
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000
Passcode: 836216

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdesX0el3t