WSGS Innovative Grants Available to Local Societies

by Roxanne Lowe

The Washington State Genealogical Society’s “Innovative Grant Program” is accepting applications. The deadline is April 1, 2016.

The grants, up to $100, are designed to support the inventive and creative efforts of WSGS-member societies and organizations. Up to five grants will be awarded in 2016.

Last year’s grant awards were made to:

  • Chelan Valley GS for the purchase of a computer at the local library for the exclusive use of accessing Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  • Northeast Washington GS for the removal of diseased trees at a local pioneer cemetery.
  • Skagit Valley GS for the purchase of a new computer for society presentations and transcription of documents at the regional archives.
  • Tri-City GS for promotion monies to support the society’s “Archives Records Contest” and augmentation of the prize pool.
  • Wenatchee Area GS for the purchase of specialized software to manage the society’s extensive genealogical holdings.

The deadline for the Innovative Grant application is April 1, 2016. The simple application is only ONE page and is available here. Additional guidance on the program is here.

For more information, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

Warren Fisk Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Warren Fisk of Lakebay, Washington, who was nominated by the Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society (TPCGS). He was recognized for his support, encouragement, and assistance to the society.

Warren Fisk

Warren Fisk

Mr. Fisk has been a member of Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society since 2002. He served as president from 2010 through 2013. Before becoming president, Mr. Fisk was the society treasurer from 2006 to 2009, moving from paper records to a computer format, which made them much easier to manage and understand.

Mr. Fisk has co-chaired TPCGS’s annual seminar since 2010, assuming the lead in finding the location and making sure the logistical details were addressed to ensure a successful event for all.

Mr. Fisk’s attention to detail even includes making certain there are refreshments at each society meeting, a much appreciated addition.

A dedicated, long-time volunteer, Mr. Fisk continues to be a respected and diligent member of the TPCGS, and richly deserved being a recipient of a 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, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON Wednesday Evening E-News

by Charles Hansen

GenForum

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON Wednesday Evening E-News 24 February 2016

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR go to www.gfo.org/calendar.htm.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy at http://www.gfo.org/insider/16-Feb.pdf.

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The Irish are coming! Saturday, March 12th, 9am-4pm

Don’t miss out on the upcoming ULSTER IRISH SEMINAR at the Milwaukie Center.
http://www.gfo.org/IrishSeminar_Mar2016.pdf

Saturday, March 12, 2016: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Continue reading →

Lewis County Genealogical Society Ulster Historical Seminar Change in Time

by Charles Hansen

 

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ULSTER HISTORICAL FOUNDATION SEMINAR 14 March 2016
Researching Your Irish & Scots-Irish Ancestors
Monday, March 14, 2016
9:00 AM to 4:40 PM
Bethel Assembly of God Church
132 Kirkland Road, Chehalis, WA  98532

Many people believe that researching Irish ancestors is impossible because of the destruction of the Public Record Office in 1922. While many records were destroyed, others survived and have come online in recent years.

Join experts Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt from the Ulster Historical Foundation to learn how to get the most out of Irish resources and records, gain strategies for breaking down brick walls, and grasp important historical context that may help fill in gaps in your research. Whether you are just beginning your Irish research or have been at it for years, you won’t want to miss this workshop! Continue reading →

WSGS Dues Reminder

by Roxanne Lowe

If you haven’t paid your 2016 membership dues yet, this is your friendly reminder. Your sustained support will ensure that you continue to receive all of the benefits of membership with the WSGS.

To renew your membership (or join us if you’re new!), send your $12 ($13 for couple/family), along with the Membership form, to

WA State Genealogical Society
1901 S. 12th Ave.
Union Gap, WA 98903-1256

Or you can pay via PayPal.

Support the Washington State Genealogical Society today!

Writing an Obituary Worth Reading — Grays Harbor GS

by Roxanne Lowe

Logo_New_edited-1How would you like to be remembered? What’s important to you? Writing an obituary means you’re writing about what is most important in your life . . . not about death. Obituaries are a last (and lasting) chance to share with others about your life, accomplishments and family.

You’re invited to the next Grays Harbor Genealogical Society meeting to hear Olympia-area author Martin Kimeldorf talk about his new book “Writing An Obituary Worth Reading, a Guide to Writing a Fulfilling Life-Review.” In addition to talking about changing attitudes toward life and death that affect obituary writing, Mr. Kimeldorf will also share both humorous and serious obituaries. He’ll also answer questions, share writing tips, and autograph his book.

Join us on Saturday, March 12, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at the Hoquiam Timberland library (upstairs meeting room), 420 7th St, Hoquiam. No reservations needed.

For more information, email Info@GraysHarborGenealogy.com.

Eastside Genealogical Society March Meeting

by Charles Hansen

The Eastside Genealogical Society will meet on Thursday, March 10, 2016 in the Bellevue Regional Library, Room 1, 1111 – 110th Ave NE, Bellevue 98004 at 7pm, with doors opening at 6:45 pm for networking.

Topic:  “For the Record: Writing Family Stories” by Claire Gebben   Have you ever wanted to record the family stories, but don’t know where to start? Have you written down some of your family history, but aren’t sure how to share it with others? Through exploration of formats, methods, and writing tips, this presentation will guide you through the process of getting those stories written down for posterity.

Claire-Gebben

Claire Gebben is the author of The Last of the Blacksmiths, a novel set in the mid-19th century based on the true story of her German immigrant great-great grandfather. Ms. Gebben’s articles have appeared in Family Chronicle Magazine, Fiske Genealogical Foundation Newsletter, and her piece on historic Zoar Village will appear in the June/July issue of German Life magazine. She is the historian of the 160-year-old First United Methodist Church of Seattle, and holds an MFA in Creative Writing through the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts. http://clairegebben.com

 

Also see our website for FREE genealogical help and other Special Interest Group meetings. Visitors are always welcome at all meetings. www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wakcegs/

 

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON Wednesday Evening E-News

by Charles Hansen

GenForum

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON Wednesday Evening E-News 17 February 2016

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR go to www.gfo.org/calendar.htm.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy at http://www.gfo.org/insider/16-Feb.pdf.

***

Canada1

Eastern Canada Research

Our February Monthly Program will be a presentation by Canadian research expert, Thomas Higgins.
Researching Eastern Canadian Ancestors
All our Monthly Programs, are free of charge and completely open to the public. Be sure to join us this Saturday, February 20th.

The presentation will provide tips and guidance regarding how and where to research family histories from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Labrador and, of course, the romantic Prince Edward Island. Did we mention it’s completely free?

More information is available Continue reading →

Bob Edwards Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Robert “Bob” Edwards of Manchester, Washington, who was nominated by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS). He was recognized for his dependability and “sure, we can” attitude.

Robert "Bob" Edwards

Robert “Bob” Edwards

Although a member of the GHGS for only three years, Mr. Edwards has already made an impact, serving his second term as a trustee in 2015. He joined the society because of his familial ties to the area, even though he lives more than 90 miles away. Besides attending monthly society meetings, Mr. Edwards makes the 90+-mile journey at least twice a month to work at the society’s research library. His dedication to the library is greatly appreciated by members and the public.

When the society sponsors workshops or other events that require setting up and tearing down, Mr. Edwards is always there to lend a hand.

Mr. Edwards’ experiences and willingness to volunteer and participate in society meetings make him an important asset to the society. For those reasons, he richly deserved being a recipient of a 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, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

JEFFERSON COUNTY GENEALOGY SOCIETY FEBRUARY MEETING

by Charles Hansen

JEFFERSON COUNTY GENEALOGY SOCIETY
PO Box 627
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Contact for this press release:  Judy Tough 385-3065 or tough@olympus.net
FOR RELEASE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 14th, 2015.

“LIBRARY SCHOOL” FOR GENEALOGISTS

The ease of using the internet’s genealogy sites may have obscured the fact that there is a large storehouse of genealogical information collected by public libraries. Sara Scribner CG (Certified Genealogist (one of only two in WA), and as a librarian for 44 years learned how to assist family historians in their research quests. She will share helpful tips and three little used, but very effective, research opportunities available free from public libraries: JSTOR, LibGuides, and Ask-A-Librarian. The public is invited to this monthly meeting of the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS) for this free presentation on Saturday, February 20, 9:30 a.m. for meet & visit; 10:00 for presentation in the Tri-Area Community Center located adjacent to the Chimacum Schools’ campus.  Visit <wajcgs.org>.

 

Sara

Sara Scribner, Genealogist CG, College Teacher, and Librarian, from Bainbridge Island, will speak to Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS) meeting on February 20th, 10:00 a.m. at the Tri-Area Community Center. The public is invited to hear her presentation “Library School for Genealogists” free of charge.