Author Archives: Roxanne Lowe

How to Post Your Meetings and Events on the WSGS Blog and Website

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you want to broadcast information about your local society, workshop, genealogical tip, or a research query? Just send it to the WSGS Blog and WSGS Meetings and Events! Your post will be seen by more than 1,100 genealogists from around the state and beyond. Just email a Word document, text file, PDF or graphic to WSGSBlog@wasgs.org and Info@wasgs.org and we’ll do the rest!

We’re always looking to publicize local events and workshops, feature stories, updates from your society, and other genealogical information that might be of interest to our many subscribers and viewers.

We hope to hear from you soon! And don’t forget to encourage your Society members to subscribe to the Blog for the most up-to-date information from around the state.

Bill Grant Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the late Bill Grant of Arlington, Washington who was selected by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Bill began as a volunteer with SVGS in 2017 and continued supporting the society until his death earlier this year.  He served as a volunteer librarian, working every Saturday afternoon.  He also served as Education Chair  for several years.  He had deep roots in New England and Nova Scotia and was a great resource for people looking to research those areas.  He was a member of the monthly New England Research Group where his knowledge was especially appreciated.  He counted Benjamin Franklin and five other signers of the Declaration of Independence in his “family tree.”

Bill’s cheerful smile and helpful attitude will be missed by all.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org.

Ann Eklund Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Ann Eklund of Bainbridge Island, Washington who was selected by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Since joining BIGS in 2021, Ann has consistently been a vital and willing contributor. For several years, Ann has infused our special events—from Antiques Roadshow and BIGS at the Beach to the Winter Holiday Celebration and our milestone 20th Anniversary Party—with her unique “magic.” Drawing on her background as an educator and school administrator, Ann has masterfully organized volunteers, cultivated genuine connections among members, and thoughtfully critiqued each event, creating a blueprint for the next time around. Her efforts are always delivered with a warm smile and an open and positive attitude.

Ann was elected to the BIGS Board in 2024, where she has continued her work with our special events, creating a committee charter and yearly workplan. Her skills in organizational and team management are valuable assets, greatly appreciated by her fellow board members.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Jim DeLucia Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Jim DeLucia of Ferndale, Washington who was selected by the Whatcom Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Jim is recognized for his outstanding contributions to WGS since 2018. As head of Research-Reviews, he assists global researchers from Canada, Switzerland, England, and the U.S., connecting people with their heritage. Jim also serves as the editor of the monthly newsletter, keeps society publications updated, and manages commun­ications as the primary email contact, fostering collaboration. Jim’s work with the Web Team has improved the website, increasing membership.

Jim maintains 4,373 files on his home computer and has converted research publications into accessible CD formats, preserving historical data. He curates the society’s library of old items and helps craft outreach letters. An active member of the “Missing in America” project for six years, Jim exemplifies dedication and service. Jim’s contributions significantly benefit the society and community, making him a deserving nominee for this volunteer award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Barbee Buchanan Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Barbee Buchanan of Yakima, Washington who was selected by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Barbee has been a member of YVGS since 2015.  A retired educator, she has the skills to do our monthly book review, encouraging members to go to our shelves and not always the internet.

Barbee is a librarian every Wednesday and on the second Saturday of each month.  She is willing to be a substitute if someone is gone.  She is working on a marriage records’ project of our old index cards verifying the information is correct before the information is added to our database.  Barbee covers our library phones during yard sale week.  She has been on the vice-president’s program committee for the last 8 to 10 years and is our check-in person at these events.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Carrie Bergquist Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Carrie Cartwright Bergquist of Renton, Washington who was selected by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

The Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS) won big when it welcomed Carrie into its membership just a few years ago. Carrie was already president of the North Beach Genealogy Society in Ocean Shores. She was already providing free genealogy research services to her community there, and she was already active in a local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

When Carrie joined GHGS, she quickly took on even more responsibility. She began as a member of our program committee and continues in that role. She then became chair of the research committee and continues in that role. She also serves as one of our trustees. Carrie is a frequent volunteer for our genealogy cafes. In her spare time, she puts on training classes for those new to genealogy research. Most recently, Carrie became a board member of the Renton Historical Society. Carrie is wise, creative, and easy going. She can be counted on consistently and is a cheerleader for others. GHGS could not function without volunteers like Carrie.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Lisa Battern Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Lisa Battern of Edmonds, Washington who was selected by the Sno-Isle Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Lisa spearheaded a project to scan and organize our extensive collection of marriage and anniversary announcements. Her rapid mastery of the scanning equipment was critical to the success of the project, but equally important was her ability to work through the logistical, organizational, and indexing challenges to make the collection more accessible. Lisa then shared her newly acquired knowledge about the book scanner by developing a presentation for members and guests on how to effectively use the tools for family history.

With that work complete, Lisa is now collaborating with a team to enhance the SIGS website, focusing on improving content and user experience. Lisa’s tireless work behind the scenes significantly benefits our community, enabling us to more easily pursue our mission of advancing genealogical research.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Important Deadlines for Society Awards

by Roxanne Lowe

Local societies, don’t forget the following deadlines for Outstanding Volunteer/Team awards, Supportive Grants and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.

  • Outstanding Volunteer/Team awards: Due July 1. Every year, WSGS supports the nominations of local society members and teams that make societies better.
  • Supportive Grants: Due July 1. Two grants for $250 each may be awarded to projects that support the work and mission of local societies.
  • President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement: Due August 1. This award is given to single out that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations.

Questions? Email Outreach@wasgs.org (Supportive Grants) or Info@wasgs.org (Outstanding Volunteer/Teams and President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement).

Sizer and Scott Re-Elected For Two-Year Terms

by Roxanne Lowe

Congratulations are extended to Kathy Sizer and Jill Scott who were elected recently as WSGS President and Secretary, respectively. Their terms run through Dec. 31, 2027. Kathy will be serving her third two-year term, while Jill is serving her second term as Secretary. Jill’s election was unanimous and Kathy’s was almost unanimous — someone with a sense of humor wrote in “anyone, but me.”

Kathy and Jill, and the rest of the WSGS Board, are anticipating a year filled with growth and service to its members. WSGS members are invited to attend (virtually) the monthly board meetings which are the third Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. The minutes of each meeting are available in the Members’ Area of the website.

For more information about participating in WSGS, email Info@wasgs.org.

Looking for a Last-Minute Gift?

by Roxanne Lowe

If your ancestor lived in the Washington Territory before it became the nation’s 42nd state on November 11, 1889, you may be eligible for a Washington Pioneer certificate. Or if your ancestors arrived a little later — before December 31, 1900 — you can get a First Citizen certificate. What a great gift for yourself and your family members!

We began the Washington State Centennial Pioneer Certificate Program in 1984 in anticipation of the state’s centennial admission to the union in 1889. The initial certificates were issued to applicants who could prove their ancestors were in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889. Those descendants’ names, almost 18,000, were printed in a two-volume set of books entitled “Washington Pioneers” in 1992. A third volume, published in 1993, included Pioneers and First Citizens (those in the state on or before December 31, 1900). The three original volumes are out of print, but an index is available here. WSGS members have access to family lineages in the Members’ Only section of the website.

firstcitizen

Pioneer and First Citizen Certificates are still being issued, although they are published only on the WSGS website at this time. If you can prove your ancestor was in Washington prior to November 11, 1889, you may be eligible to purchase a Pioneer Certificate. If your ancestor was in Washington on or before December 31, 1900, you may be eligible for a First Citizen Certificate. More information, including resources to prove residency, is available in the Pioneer and First Citizen Program brochure. An application and instructions are available here.