Author Archives: Roxanne Lowe

Upcoming Special Event: Camp Lewis and its Role in WWI

by Roxanne Lowe

The DuPont Historical Museum is sponsoring a special presentation called “Camp Lewis and Its Role in WWI” on Sunday, February 18 at 2:00 pm at the Presbyterian Church, 502 Barksdale Ave., DuPont, WA.

Join historian, author, and illustrator Alan H. Archambault as he discusses the fascinating and pivotal role the newly-formed Camp Lewis (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord) played in the events of World War I. Alan was the director of the Fort Lewis Military Museum, now the Lewis Army Museum, for over twenty years. He also writes, draws and paints historical illustrations for books, exhibits, and other venues. For more information, contact Carol at (253) 459-4339 or duponthistoricalmuseum@gmail.com.

Art Kelly Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 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 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Art Kelly

Today we’re introducing Art Kelly of Richland, Washington, who was nominated by the Tri-City Genealogical Society (TCGS). He was recognized for his dedication and enthusiasm to improve his local society.

Mr. Kelly joined the Tri-City Genealogical Society a few years ago after moving to the area. He immediately began to contribute to their success, volunteering wherever he was needed. Using his exceptional networking skills, he developed contacts throughout the community to advance TCGS event publicity.  Last year Mr. Kelly took over organizing the programs for their monthly meetings and has provided a year of unique and exceptional presentations. After unexpected circumstances created a need to fill the vice president’s position, Mr. Kelly stepped up, agreeing to serve.

The Tri-City Genealogical Society is a much better organization for his enthusiastic participation and effort. There is no doubt, Mr. Kelly richly deserved being a recipient of a 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Societies: We Want to Hear From You

by Roxanne Lowe

Local genealogical societies and organizations, we’d love to publicize your events and meetings on the WSGS website and Blog.

Here are a few reasons to share information about your upcoming society meeting, workshop, seminar or special event:

  • Gets the word out to your target audience in order to increase attendance or participation.
  • Helps other local societies looking for program ideas.
  • Promotes what great programs you’re providing your members. (Bragging is totally acceptable in this case!)

Web site: The “Meetings and Events” tab of the website lists upcoming events chronologically. You can also search for a key word or filter by category. The three most immediate events are highlighted on the right navigation bar on every web page.

Blog: Every Thursday, more than 700 WSGS Blog subscribers receive a weekly digest listing all the blog posts from the previous seven days. That’s right…more than 700 people interested in area meetings, events, tips, and special features!

WSGS wants to help promote your activities. Just send your meeting notice, workshop/seminar flyer or event news to WebManager@wasgs.org and WSGSBlog@wasgs.org and we’ll do the rest. We hope to hear from you!

Blog Banner Photos Wanted

by Roxanne Lowe

In case you haven’t heard, PyeongChang, South Korea will host the Winter Olympics Feb. 9 through 25. To celebrate, we’re looking for photos that evoke the Olympic spirit for the rotating photo gallery on the blog banner. Examples include: sports (how about curling and the skeleton — my favorites!), snow, ice, winter, outdoors, etc. Or think about the Olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius (Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger”). Really…the clear blue sky’s the limit — we welcome creativity!

Guidelines for the photos are few:
•Landscapes, landmarks, and scenery photos are preferred. If, however, you have a perfect photo that includes people, please obtain their permission to post the photo.
•Photo must have been taken in Washington State (this is the Washington State Genealogical Society blog, after all!).
•Photo will be cropped to 1100 x 250 pixels, so keep that in mind.
•You may submit as many photos as you want.
•Final decisions on suitable photos will be made by the awesome WSGS Blog Team.
•There’s no firm deadline to submit photos, just keep ‘em coming. We want to rotate lots of photos to keep the blog fresh.

To submit your photo, please email the image (jpg only, please); what, where, when, and by whom the photo was taken to WSGSBlog@wasgs.org.

Got questions? Email the blog team at WSGSBlog@wasgs.org.

Darryl Jones Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 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 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Darryl Jones

Today we’re introducing Darryl Jones of Yakima, Washington, who was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS). He was recognized for his all-around dedication and enthusiasm for YVGS and the field of genealogy.

Mr. Jones became interested in genealogy while attending a family reunion 30 years. After retiring, he got serious about doing genealogical research and joined the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society in 2014.

In addition to improving his research skills, Mr. Jones has been very active in the society, including working on the semiannual yard sale and taking charge of the printer cartridge recycling program. He has also worked on several maintenance projects and found time to take a shift as a librarian at the YVGS library.

Mr. Jones has proven he is an outstanding volunteer, and undeniably deserved being a recipient of a 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Northwest Genealogy Conference Registration Open

by Roxanne Lowe

The Northwest Genealogy Conference 2018 registration is now OPEN! The classes and schedule are posted and you can register online. Early bird discount registration is good through March 15th.

This event is one of the premier conferences in the region. August 15 – 18 in Arlington, WA. Sponsored by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society.

Don’t miss this opportunity!

Barbara Jolly Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 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 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Barbara Jolly

Today we’re introducing Barbara Freese Jolly of Ritzville, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). She was recognized for her organizational skills in providing value-added educational programs at EWGS meetings and conferences.

Ms. Jolly has been the program chair for a few years. The position has always been difficult to fill with the right person – someone who is organized, committed to following-through and able to find just the right presenter. But Ms. Jolly fits the bill. Although she lives more than 60 miles from Spokane, she has made numerous trips to Spokane checking out venues for meetings and conferences.

While the EWGS board determines the meeting programs, it is up to the program chair to contact the speakers, arrange the venues and vendors and make sure the speaker has everything needed for the programs. Since Ms. Jolly has been program chair all the meetings and conferences have run smoothly – thanks to her attention to the details.

Ms. Jolly’s dedication and commitment to the smooth operations of EWGS illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Patricia Hert Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 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 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Patricia Hert

Today we’re introducing Patricia Hert of Yakima, Washington, who was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS). She was recognized for her steadfast support of a number of projects in the society.

Ms. Hert became a member of the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society in 2011. She is an active volunteer, assisting with their library inventory and indexing projects as well as participating in their yard sale and rest stop fundraisers.

Currently, Ms. Hert is the society’s treasurer and an assistant librarian.  She is also a member of the Washington State Genealogical Society, American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) and the Central Washington Chapter of AHSGR.

Ms. Hert is a respected and diligent member of the YVGS. Her contributions demonstrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Outstanding Volunteer Nominations Due Feb. 15

by Roxanne Lowe

Attention all Societies & Organizations:

The deadline to name your 2018 Outstanding Volunteer is Feb 15. All we need by that date is the name of your honoree. To view other deadlines, click here.

The Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Team Awards are presented each year at the Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony to members nominated by their local society. Nomination criteria is left to the individual societies, but limited to two individuals or one team. This year’s Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony will be at the Clark County Genealogical Society‘s Spring Workshop on Saturday, May 26 in Vancouver.

Honor those outstanding members and teams that help your organization be successful. If you’ve got questions, contact Roxanne Lowe, Interim WSGS Recognition Chair.

 

Archives Staff Share Tips About Preserving Records

by Roxanne Lowe

A newspaper clipping from 1800 about George Washington’s death?
A pair of cowboy boots fit for a baby?
A set of old photos fused together?
Your great grandmother’s passport?

Jeff Adamson from Richland braved the snowy pass to attend, wanting to know how to preserve his unlabeled panoramic photo, possibly a Navy detachment from World War II.

What do all these treasures have in common? They were just a few of the possessions brought to a recent presentation by the staff from the Southwest Regional Branch of the Washington State Archives on how to preserve records and memorabilia. Those lucky enough to get into the free class (with a waiting list!) were educated about disaster preparedness (what five things would you grab if you had an emergency???); what records to keep and for how long; and scanning, preservation and organizing photos and documents. We also heard author and historian Drew Crooks explain how he organizes his digital collection of  drawings by Edward Lange, an artist who drew highly detailed panoramic drawings of the state and British Columbia from 1889 – 1912.

Archivists Mary Hammer and Tracy Rebstock (middle and right) give advice to WSGS member Joanne Huber (left) on her ancestor’s fragile, faded marriage certificate from Canada.

The presentations certainly held the attention and interest of the roomful of genealogists and family historians, but the creme de la creme was the “show and tell” where attendees got expert advice about how to preserve the item they’d brought. While we first sat politely in our seats listening to the history (or unknown history) of each item, by the end, we clustered around the owner eager to hear from the archivists about how to preserve and document the prized possessions.

Tracy Rebstock, Southwest Regional Branch archivist, will be taking her (shortened) show on the road to the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society on Feb. 8 and the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society on June. 9. The Southwest Regional Branch of the State Archives includes Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum counties.