Category Archives: Society News

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

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.

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Education Meeting January 2026

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Monthly Educational Meeting
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm

This month’s presentation: TBD

Our meetings are held monthly except for July and August starting at 6:00 PM, Zoom comes live about 6:15 PM.

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.

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

Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society Writing A Family History Book Using AI

by Charles Hansen

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society

Monthly Business Meeting & Presentation

Writing Family History Book Using A.I.

Tuesday, January 13th

1:00 pm

SVGS Library

6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

Our speaker at the library this month will be SVGS society member, Teresa Townsell. This event will be in person only. Everyone is welcome to attend this free presentation.

Teresa’s topic: Writing A Family History Book Using A.I.

Have you ever wanted to use A.I. in your genealogy work? Is it finally time to turn your family research into a book your relatives can enjoy? Are you waiting until your research feels “finished” — or unsure where to begin with A.I.? This process meets you where you are.

All you need is an Ancestry.com account and basic WORD skills (or the Apple equivalent).


Teresa will teach you a simple, step-by-step process to write your family history book using ChatGBT, an A.I. tool that’s easier, faster, and a lot more fun than you might imagine!

You will leave with:

  • A clear understanding of how to collaborate with A.I. for writing and organizing your history.
  • A structure and outline you can use as a template for your own family history book.
  • Confidence to start writing and finally share your story as soon as you get home!

There will be a short break with refreshments after the presentation followed by our monthly business meeting.

DIG – DNA Special Interest Group

Also join us at the SVGS library on the third Thursday of the month from 1-3pmfor our 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 sen 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.

New England Interest Group

The SVGS New England Interest Group (includes New York and Pennsylvania) that meets at the SVGS Library on the first Tuesday of the month is now hybrid!

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.

For more information visit stillygen.org

Tri-City Genealogical Society January General Meeting

by Charles Hansen

  Please join us for Tri-City Genealogical Society’s January General meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14.  The presentation will be at the Richland FamilySearch Center located at 1314A Goethals Dr.  Entrance is down the ramp from the parking lot that is to the north of Dairy Queen.  The presentation will also be on Zoom so you can join in from your home.  See below for the Zoom link.

  January’s presentation will be from FamilySearch and presented by Savannah Larson on the topic of Start Organized, Stay Organized.  From Savannah’s LinkedIn about page:

   Hello! I’m Savannah and I’ve always been fascinated by stories of heritage and connection. After earning my bachelor’s degree in family history with an emphasis in Scandinavian studies from Brigham Young University, I became accredited for research in Sweden.
  Throughout my career, I’ve worked on a variety of projects, including researching for LDS ancestry projects, military repatriation, and society applications. I’m particularly proud of my work translating the letters of John and Anna Widtsoe for the publication of Saints volume 2.
  With fluency in Swedish and proficiency in Danish and Norwegian, I’m comfortable researching in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, the United States, and Canada. In my free time, I enjoy painting, reading, and spending time with my growing family.

  Thank you to everyone who has already joined TCGS for 2026.  For those who would like to join, the online application can be found at https://tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/q/join/join_renew/ and a printable application can be found at https://tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/q/wp-content/uploads/2023TCGSBrochure.pdf .

Topic: TCGS General Meeting Wednesday January 14 at 7 p.m.

Time: Jan 14, 2026 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81729032650?pwd=CxSOAouTRnokniD4Lavwj6CecX7Lzj.1

Meeting ID: 817 2903 2650

Passcode: 367962

Fort Walla Walla Camp 3 of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War

by Charles Hansen


The Fort Walla Walla Camp 3 of The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) will hold their (Saturday) Jan 24th, 2026
Installation meeting at McAllister Museum of Aviation. Social time  and furnished meal 11:30 to 12:30, [A meal lunch count RSVP
appreciated to 509 945 0549.] *** Some special music will be provided by member/Brother Hank Cramer III of C.W. Ballads and stories.***
Museum open for viewing. After meeting adjournment, a Guided tour to be given by ExDir Lynn Harden.
 Museum opens at 11:00 am and closes at 4:00+ Located at 2008 South 16th Ave, Yakima,WA 98903.

Business meeting starts at 12:30 with new Officer Installation and routine business items and a Video Program of Civil War history of the GAR and the
 development of the SUVCW. Camp members and spouses invited. Public also invited.  No charge to attend. More SUVCW info at <www.suvpnw.org>
Questions to CC Peterson;   cbsapiary@live.com  or cell/ text  509 969 8844

Submitted by Don Jameson FWW # 3   PCC, Camp Council Chr.  cell 509 945 0549