Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Diseases Our Ancestors Faced and How Those Illnesses Changed Our World

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Presents: 

“Diseases Our Ancestors Faced and How Those Illnesses Changed Our World” 

Presented by: Dr Gregory Gardner MD, MACP

Date: September 06, 2025   Time: 12:30 PM to 03:00 PM

Location:  IN PERSON at the HIVE 2904 E Sprague, Spokane (Door Code: 985426)

 AND VIA ZOOM (Zoom link will be on the website the day prior to the presentation)

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for light refreshments and social time, with the program beginning promptly at 1:00 p.m. 

The event is free and open to all who are interested in genealogy, history, or public health. 

Please print your handouts prior to the event. (available on the website 9/5/25)

Dr. Gardner, a respected physician and educator, will explore several of the major diseases that struck fear in past generations—illnesses that shaped family histories, migration patterns, and even global events. Drawing from death records, historical documents, and modern research, this talk will illuminate how our ancestors’ experiences with disease influenced the world we live in today. 

This is part of EWGS’s ongoing mission to provide engaging and educational programs to support family history research. EWGS is proud to be celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2025, continuing a long tradition of connecting people through genealogy.

Raffles   $50/50$   Cookies   Free Table  

Heritage Quest Research Library Educational Classes

Please Join Us for our educational classes to learn more about researching your family roots! (offered online via Zoom and in person at HQRL) Cost per individual: Non-members – $25 Members – $20
September 4, 2025 11am to 12pm PDT Means, Motive & Opportunity: The Sad Saga of George Richards This case study of a man whose choices served to confuse his descendants is reconstructed in this lecture. He was there, then gone, then back—see how a variety of records, unlocked his real story. From England to the US, George’s life was filled with conundrums and poor choices. See how to locate original records (not all online), separate fact from fiction, and assess evidence for accuracy. 
CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP
Jean Wilcox Hibben; PhD, MA, former So. Cal. college speech professor (MA – Speech Communication; PhD – Folklore), is a national speaker and author. A member of the DAR, she is the former director and current family history consultant for the Corona, CA FamilyHistory Center, has worked on background research for two genealogy television programs, and was a host for podcasts on social history. A former Board-Certified genealogist with over 45 years of research experience, she is a former board member of APG and past president of the Corona Genealogical Society, as well as webmaster for that same organization; and participant on a number of other society boards. Jean writes the “Aunty Jeff” column for the Informer, the newsletter of the Jefferson County NY Genealogical Society. Her website: circlemending.org.
UPCOMING CLASSES! Check them out!
Citing Your Sources: It’s Easier Than You Think!  September 18, 2025 11am to 12pm PDT (in person only at HQRL) LEARN MORE HERE!

Inspiring the Next Generation of Genealogists November 6, 2025 11am to 12pm PDT
LEARN MORE HERE!
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Heritage Quest Research Library
2102 East Main Avenue, Suite 105
Puyallup, WA 98372 (253) 863-1806
 

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society August 2025 Chat

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat Meeting
Tuesday, August 19, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom

Please join us and let’s chat!

Discussion starter topic: Member Directed Open Discussion

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.

Meeting invite with links in file attached below.

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
+12532158782,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US (Tacoma)

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

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthy Education Meeting August 12

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025, starting at 6:00 pm

This month’s presentation: Open Discussion – solving problems

This meeting will be hybrid and we encourage everyone who is able to attend in person at our new meeting location:

University Place Library
3609 Market PL W.
University Place, WA 98466
and via Zoom for those unable to attend in person.

Attend virtually via Zoom:
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

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
+12532050468,,86718143644#,,,,*630507# US
+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 Mystery Book Club August 16

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Mystery Book Club
Saturday, August 16, starting at 4:00 pm via Zoom

Please join us as we discuss a fictional genealogical book, The Diamond Eaters by M.K. Jones.

More information at:
Amazon: The Diamond Eaters
Free loan on Kindle Unlimited

This book may also be available in print from various book stores.

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

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week 80TH Anniversary of the end of WWII

TIP OF THE WEEK –
THIS AUGUST IS THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF WWII: RESEARCH YOUR PACIFIC THEATER ANCESTORS
By Kate Penney Howard

World War II ended on August 15, 1945.  We now call this day “Victory over Japan Day.” This day began the journey of millions of servicemen and servicewomen home to start the families many of us descend from.

Unlike the European Theater, where forces generally worked in divisions within one branch,  in the Pacific Theater, military branches began working together. The Army and Navy (and their Air Forces) and the Marines and Coast Guard all played crucial roles, creating diverse record types scattered across different repositories.

We should also remember that hundreds of thousands of American and Canadian troops were positioned for “Operation Downfall” — the planned invasion of Japan. These preparations created extensive records, even though the invasion never occurred.

Key Record Types for Pacific Theater Research: Unit histories and war diaries Medical records from Pacific hospitals Prisoner of war documentation Occupation duty records (1945-1952) Transport ship passenger lists The Pacific Theater’s geography created unique documentation. Island-hopping campaigns meant servicemen often served in multiple locations, each generating separate records. Military postal service records can help track movements between islands.

The Pacific Theater affected the Home Front too. West Coast defense installations, aircraft manufacturing, and shipbuilding created a need for workers. People from all over the country relocated to work in defense plants, particularly in California, Washington, and British Columbia.

Some servicemen married overseas, creating international family connections. Others spent extended periods in military hospitals, creating detailed medical records that might mention family health history.

Research Strategy: Identify your ancestor’s specific unit and theater movements Research ship manifests for Pacific crossings Check veteran administration records for post-war benefits Look for local newspaper coverage of homecomings Consider interviewing surviving family members about stories August 1945 also began the massive demobilization effort. Discharge papers, final pay records, and veteran benefit applications provide detailed personal information often missing from wartime records.

Special Considerations:

Did you know that in 2022, Reclaim the Records won their FOIA lawsuit against the VA? This means that, even if your ancestor’s original personnel file was burned during the 1973 NARA fire, the VA may have records for you. These could include birth, marriage, and death records, medical and pension documents, employment details, home purchase information, education transcripts, and military details. The GI Bill enabled college education and home ownership, generating educational and property records. Many veterans used VA benefits, creating extensive medical documentation.  Join SGS Today * to renew your membership: log in on the Members Home page
and click the green renew membership button.
August 1, 2025

SGS eNews! comes out the first of every month. contact eNews!

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Lower Columbia Genealogical Society Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defense Registration Card

Amber Oldenburg

Genealogist and lecturer

Women’s Committee of the Council

Of National Defense Registration

Card

Speaker at

the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society’s

August 14th Zoom meeting.

Virtual meeting doors will open at 6:30 pm

The speaker’s program will begin at 7:00 pm

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.

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society Sons of the American Revolution and Revolutionary Era Genealogy

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society

Monthly Meeting & Presentation – Sons of the American Revolution and Revolutionary Era Genealogy

Tuesday, August 12th

1:00 pm

SVGS Library

6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

You are invited to this free presentation at the SVGS library. Everyone is welcome! 

Jason Rice, a SVGS member, will be giving an in person only presentation at our library. Our business meeting will follow the presentation.

Jason’s Presentation: Sons of the American Revolution and Revolutionary Era Genealogy

Founded in 1889, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) stands as a prominent non-profit, non-political organization deeply committed to the core tenets of volunteerism, a comprehensive understanding of American History, and fervent Patriotism. Since its inception, the SAR has cultivated an extensive international network, currently encompassing over 550 chapters strategically located throughout North America and Europe. The SAR boasts a substantial membership exceeding 35,000 individuals, each of whom has meticulously documented their lineage, demonstrating a direct ancestral connection to the Patriots who played pivotal roles in the American Revolutionary War. These esteemed ancestors encompass a wide spectrum of individuals who either rendered military service in the Continental Army or Navy, or who actively contributed to the cause of American independence through various forms of support, including political activism, financial contributions, and the provision of essential resources. The SAR serves as a vital link to the nation’s foundational history, fostering a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and ideals of the Revolutionary War era among its members and the broader public. Through its diverse programs and initiatives, the organization actively promotes historical education, civic engagement, and a deep-seated sense of national pride.

Bio: 

Jason attended Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois – Springfield, studying Political Science, Philosophy, and Public Administration. He began genealogical research in 2013. He is a member of the Southern Illinois Genealogical society, Pope County, Illinois Historical Society, Jackson County (Illinois) Historical Society, SVGS, and currently the Chapter Genealogist
of Supplemental Applications for the Ranger Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

There will be a short break with refreshments. The monthly meeting will follow at 2pm.

New England Interest Group – 1st Tuesday of the Month

The SVGS New England Interest Group (includes New York and Pennsylvania) meets at the SVGS Library on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am. This is a hybrid group. You may attend in person at our library or join via Zoom.

If you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for this group or wish to attend via Zoom, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the New England Interest Group email list and receive monthly

Zoom invitations.

DIG – DNA Special Interest Group – 3rd Thursday of the Month

Also join us at the SVGS library from 1-3pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month for the DNA Special Interest Group (DIG). This group works together to develop a better understanding of DNA techniques and strategies for finding relatives, discuss and review new DNA developments and tools and help members with their research problems.

All DNA skill levels are welcome to attend.

If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for this group, please send an email info@stillygen.org

Also, if you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for the DIG group, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the DIG email list.

For more information visit www.stillygen.org