Five Societies Awarded Supportive Grants

Sep4 by Roxanne Lowe

The WSGS Board of Directors awarded 2026 Supportive Grants to five local societies. LeAnne Koliha, WSGS Vice President, announced the awards at the WSGS Annual Meeting on August 27, 2026.

The grants were awarded to:

Clallam County Genealogical Society — CCGS is in the process of having a mural painted on their building. It will feature historical figures of those who lived on or came to the North Olympic Peninsula, including Native tribal images. The purpose of this mural is several fold: to honor the 250^th anniversary of the Constitution; to increase the visibility of the Genealogy Society; and to increase visitor traffic. The estimated cost of the mural is about $32,000. So far CCGS has received donations of $14,000 from members and the public. They have applied for a $10,000 grant, but it is not yet known if it will be approved. CCGS has contributed $5000 to date from their coffers. They continue to do fundraising.

Clark County Genealogical Society — The society plans to replace and upgrade essential office equipment. Their current equipment is outdated, and the printers are costly to operate. Specifically, they are seeking funding for a black-and-white laser printer and a new telephone system. The ink for their current color inkjet printers is expensive; a laser printer would better meet daily needs at a lower operating cost. Replacing their old phones will improve range and voicemail, making communication more dependable during the transition to a new location.

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society — LCGS hopes to provide speakers for their online meetings. They have decreased from ten speakers per year to nine, partly due to cost. With rare exception, their speakers are from outside the area. Speaker fees continue to go up. The grant will help them obtain quality speakers with an eye to increasing membership as well as educating their members. Over the last three months, LCGS has had 27 guests out of 68 attendees, and they have had two new members.

Mason County Genealogical Society — Will use their grant to purchase two or three photo scanners and a supply of flash drives to support their two ongoing community outreach programs. The first project is a monthly family photo scanning event with their partner, Mason County Senior Center. This helps preserve old family photos and gets them out of decaying photo albums and shoeboxes. In the 18 months that MCGS has been conducting this project, they have served over 60 community members. Several MCGS volunteers have worn out their own scanners and have purchased new ones. The other community project is their Genealogy Café where they partner with the Shelton branch of Timberland Library. MCGS wants to give visitors a flash drive to preserve the genealogical discoveries and the sources used in the findings and take with them at the end of the session.

Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society — WAGS plans to upgrade their digital preservation capabilities. The total project cost is $500, and WAGS will match the grant 100% with $250 of their own funds to purchase a pre-owned Sony Alpha 6000 digital camera and macro lens. Buying this equipment used is a deliberate, practical choice that lets them get high-quality, professional imaging gear at a fraction of the cost new. It will serve as the core upgrade for their library’s Digitizing Station, replacing an eight-year-old donated camera that is at the end of its lifespan and can no longer capture the crisp clarity needed for archiving.

For more information about the Supportive Grants, click here.

Clallam County Genealogical Society Importance of Planning & Creating a Genealogical Research Paper

Aug22 by Charles Hansen

Saturday, September 19^th, the Clallam County Genealogical Society will feature Sue Mendenhall at their general meeting starting at 9:30 am. Citing from her own experience, she will answer the question in the title of her lecture:

What is the Importance of Planning and Creating a Genealogical Research Paper for Publication and How to Succeed?

Publishing a research paper transforms a casual hobby into an authoritative contribution to a lasting historical record. Your research and discoveries are important for bridging disconnected members to their families, and providing historical context. Your conclusions and discoveries represent an investment of your time and consideration. Preparing a research paper is the next step for the genealogist.

Ms. Mendenhall has prepared and published several research papers telling the history and stories of family members. For a publication to accept one’s work, several aspects must be considered. Sue will discuss and describe the process of preparing a research paper for publication. The application of the Genealogical Standard of proof, proper citation and what an editor may require will be addressed.

All are invited to join us for this free lecture which will be given live in Sequim at the KSQM-FM Radio Station community room or by Zoom. The KSQM-FM Station is located at 609 West Washington Street. It is found in the SE corner of the Mall.

To access the talk by Zoom, or for more information, call or email the Genealogical Society for the Zoom codes: Phone: 360-417-5000, or before Sept 17^th, email: askus@clallamcogs.org.

Clallam County Genealogical Society Finding Religious Records Left by your Ancestors

Aug18 by Charles Hansen

“Finding the Religious Records Left by your Ancestors” is a presentation that will be given by Virginia Majewski at 10:00 Saturday, August 15. It is hosted by the Clallam County Genealogical Society, and all are invited to attend this free lecture.

Virginia will address the different religions of our forebearers and the kind of records that were kept. She will share information about the location and availability of these valuable resources.

Mrs. Majewski is a certified genealogist and has provided many lectures in the past. The are always well organized and informative.

One can attend the presentation given at the Clallam County Genealogical Society’s Research Center located in Port Angeles at 403 E. 8^th Street, or by watching it on Zoom. The Zoom codes are available by contacting the Society: phone: 360-417-5000 email: askus@clallamcogs.org.

Participants are requested to sign in or come to the Society by 9:30am. A brief Society meeting will be held before the presentation.

Clallam County Genealogical Society The Joy of Genealogy Travel

Sep16 by Charles Hansen

The Joy of Genealogy Travel will be the subject of a presentation by Sandra Ristow of the Clallam County Genealogical Society Saturday, September 27^th at 10:00 AM.

Sandra has studied her family genealogy for nearly 20 years, and has traveled through out the United States and parts of Germany and Poland to see their origins. Most of her ancestors were German immigrants. Her English ancestors, who arrived in 1660, and their participation in the American Revolution qualified her to become a member of the local Michael Trebert Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is a lecturer and teacher, sharing her expertise in German Genealogy.

Her lecture will relate some exciting discoveries of both German and Polish ancestors that her travels have produced. She has been to Germany five times, and to Pomerania, Poland where she has found living relatives.

The program will be presented, live, at the CCGS Research Center located at 403 E. 8^th Street in Port Angeles or via Zoom. To obtain the Zoom codes or get more information, please call the Society at 360-417-5000 or email your request at askus@clallamcogs.com Tuesday through Friday from 10 am – 4pm.

Paul Wessell Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2024

Jun30 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 2024 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Paul Wessell of Sequim, Washington who was selected by the Clallam County Genealogical Society (CCGS) as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

A member for ten years, Wessel has been an active member from the beginning.

During the Covid epidemic, CCGS received a donation and purchased a very large facility that needed serious renovation. Paul spearheaded the effort, working almost daily with a few other dedicated volunteers. He arranged to have walls moved, the interior painted, carpets cleaned and new flooring put in. He put up most of the shelving for the library, oversaw the installation of windows, bathroom and light fixtures and wiring. He continues to fix leaks, pull weeds, and help with maintenance.

Paul has run our yearly rummage sales, and is a volunteer library docent. Elected president three years ago, he attended the Washington Presidents’ Council meetings and began a monthly strategic planning program. He has even written articles for our quarterly Bulletin. Paul has been an outstanding leader throughout his tenure.

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.

CCGS Nomination Team Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Teams in 2024

Mar12 by Roxanne Lowe

Today we’re introducing the CCGS’s Nomination Team who was selected by the Clallam County Genealogical Society as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Jackie Jardine, Pricilla Hudson and Carol Colman.

Finding members of genealogical societies willing to serve on the Board is always a difficult undertaking. Before our election for the CCGS Board of Directors, the members who volunteered to be on the nominating committee called every person on the membership list, asking if they would serve. They also asked for input as to how we could better serve them. These one-on-one conversations brought many suggestions and concerns, as well as reminding members that we are a caring and active Society, and they have chosen to be a part of it.

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.

Clallam County Genealogical Society DAR Databases for Genealogy

Feb5 by Charles Hansen

Clallam County Genealogical Society Announcement:

Using the DAR Databases for Genealogy will be the topic of a presentation by Georgianna Seko for the Clallam County Genealogical Society Saturday meeting, February 15^th at 9:30am. Georgianna is a longtime member of the DAR, and has been doing genealogical research for several years. She volunteers at the CCGS Research Center in Port Angeles.

The DAR website offers more than just Revolutionary War information to the researcher. This overlooked resource may help one find that missing clue that will break down a brick wall.

Everyone is invited to watch the program, either by coming to the Research Center at 403 E. 8^th Street in Port Angeles, or via Zoom. To obtain the Zoom meeting number and passcode, contact the Society by email: askus@clallamcogs.org or phoning 360-417-5000 Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 4pm. Participants are requested to sign in 15 minutes before the program.

There is no cost to attend the meeting and program.

Six Societies Awarded Supportive Grants

Sep11 by Roxanne Lowe

In a one-time departure from the norm, the WSGS Board of Directors awarded Supportive Grants to six of the societies that applied for grants. In the past, only two grants have been awarded. This year, however, the Board agreed with the reviewers that all six society projects deserved funding. The average amount of each grant was $250. Diane Huckabay, WSGS Education Chair, announced the awards at the Annual Meeting on August 30, 2024.

The grants were awarded to:

Black Genealogy Research Group of Seattle – Two registrations to attend the Family Tree Magazine University Courses. The two attendees will share their knowledge at monthly BGRG meetings.

Clallam County Genealogical Society — Defray some of the costs of speakers for their “Speakers’ Series.”

Jefferson County Genealogical Society – Support publicity for the society’s 40th anniversary celebration. It will also support their speaker from Scotland (on Zoom).

Lower Columbia County Genealogical Society – Print and distribute brochures advertising/ promoting the society, so they can be placed around a variety of local establishments, mostly libraries.

Okanogan County Genealogical Society – Fund a web page that documents Okanogan County cemeteries and the individuals buried in those cemeteries.

Sno-Isle County Genealogical Society – Fund the purchase of audio and visual equipment to support hybrid online and in-person meetings.

For more information about the Supportive Grants, click here.

Clallam County Genealogical Society November Seminar with Judy Russell

Sep7 by Charles Hansen

November 9^th, 2004

An all-day seminar featuring

Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL – The Legal Genealogist

**A Legal Perspective for Genealogists**

Clallam County is hosting a three-part seminar featuring the incomparable Judy G. Russell. She is one of the most popular speakers for Genealogical Societies and National Events. Her unusual lectures reflect her legal background and are always interesting, educational, and fun to listen to.

Schedule and Topics Information:

9:15 – 9:30am Registration Sign-in/Tech Check

9:30 – 9:45am Introductions/ Announcements

9:45-10:45am Session I: Revelers, Hogkillers and Disobedient Children: Early State Laws.

The laws our ancestors lived by tell their own story of life in earlier times, and early state laws from every part of the nation tell the stories of Blue Laws, wild animals, and children needing humbling. Judy will include a look at early Washington State laws.

10:45- 11:00am Break

11:00am – Noon Session II:Landing The Ancestors: Federal and State Land Records

Land records are among the earliest, most complete and most valuable genealogical records and often among the most puzzling. Understanding how land was acquired, measured and recorded under the law is essential to using the records effectively. This is a good introduction to land records overall according to Judy.

Noon – 12:45pm Lunch Break

12:45 – 1:45pm Session III:Landing the Fourths: Proving a Case with Court, Land, and DNA Evidence

The father of Gustavus Boone Robertson (1827 MS-1903 TX) was William M. Robertson (c1795 NC-1864 MS). But who was Gustavus’s mother? No record directly identifies her, but court, land, and DNA evidence combine to prove the case as to the identity of this third great-grandmother and, in doing so, landing the fourths—fourth great-grandparents, that is. (This is a complex case study but can readily be followed by a general audience)

The Seminar will be presented via Zoom so that you may listen to at home, or attend at the CCGS Research Center located at 403 E. 8^th Street in Port Angeles, Washington.

The Zoom pass code and meeting number will be sent to participants via e-mail as soon as payment is received. (See below for cost)

Cost:

$50 for CCGS members $55 for non-CCGS members and at the door

Early Bird Registration begins Tuesday, October 1st . Save $10 off registration fee!

Early Bird Registration ends Tuesday, October 15^th

Prepaid Registration by check or Paypal ends Tuesday, November 5th

For more information, call CCGS Tues-Fri 10am to 4pm, and Saturdays noon to 4pm or visit our website:

Phone: 360-417-5000 Website: www.clallamcogs.org.

Checks should be made out to CCGS. Credit cards can use the Paypal app found on our website.

Clallam County Genealogical Society Ancestry Pro Tools

Sep3 by Charles Hansen

Saturday, September 14^th 9:45 to 11:00

The Clallam Genealogical Society will present Ancestry Pro Tools: Not Just for Professionals by Claudia Breland at their monthly meeting.

Earlier this year Ancestry.com rolled out an additional service called “Pro Tools,” which costs $10 per month. This service includes charts, reports and analysis of your family tree discovering duplicates and errors. And most useful to all those working with DNA, the program will include analyses of your shared matches and how much DNA they share with each other. According to Claudia, “This last one is a game-changer and worth every penny.”

In her presentation, Claudia will share how to use this new and powerful tool.

Claudia Breland is a professional genealogist since 2008, and has been involved with genealogy for 50 years. She has a masters degree in library science. She teaches classes, is a wonderful lecturer, has written several books and articles, and continues her studies in an everchanging world.

All are welcome to hear her presentation. There is no charge for this lecture.

You may join us by watching on Zoom or attending the lecture at the Clallam County Genealogical Society’s Research Center located at 402 E. 8^th street in Port Angeles, Washington.

For more information or to get the Zoom meeting number and passcode, contact CCGS by phone: (360) 417-5000 or by email: askus@clallamcogs.org.

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