Tag Archives: Clark County Genealogical Society

Clark County Genealogical Society Upcoming Meetings

by Charles Hansen


THIS WEEK AT CCGS
Tuesday, 10am – general meeting (see below)
Wednesday, 11am – webinar (see below)
SPRING CLASSES AT CCGS
Fee Classes – $12 for members, $15 for non-members

Researching in the Virginias, instructor Elsie Deatherage
Tuesday, April 4, 10am-12n
As one of this country’s earliest colonies, Virginia has seen many changes in laws and how vital records have been kept in its 400 year history. Learn how to locate and use order and minute books, land records, chancery court and tax records to connect family members.

Timelines and Analysis, instructor Lethene Parks
Tuesday, April 25, 10am-12n
You’ve been hot on the trail of an illusive ancestor. You’ve gathered quite a bit of information about them. But, what does it all mean? Organizing all these disparate “facts” into a timeline and subjecting them to critical analysis will help you make sense of it.

Family Search Strategies, instructor Alice Allen
Tuesday, May 2, 10am-12n
Family Search is a major go-to site for genealogical research. In addition to continuously adding searchable records, Family Search is constantly improving how we access those records. Alice is a “power user” of Family Search and will share her insights as to how to make the site “dance” for you.

Getting Started Tracing Your Ancestors, instructor Brian Runyan   FREE
Thursday May 11, 7pm – 9pm, CCGS Annex
This class will get you started researching your family tree.  Topics include collecting information from the family, family group sheets, pedigree charts, genealogy database programs and best practices for research.

Getting Started with Your Norwegian Research, instructor Kathy Solheim
Tuesday, May 16, 10am-12n
This class will guide the researcher through the process of searching for key ancestral information in FamilySearch, then locating and interpreting the original Norwegian parish records in Digitalarkivet.

CCGS GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday, March 28, 10am
“Reflections on Researching A Personal Family History” will be presented by Harold E. Hinds, Jr, Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus of History, presently retired and living in Portland, Oregon, where he volunteers at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon. For many years, he taught an annual course on Genealogy and Family History at the University of Minnesota–Morris. He is the author or editor of 26 volumes on genealogy and family history.
–The presentation will focus on the following: –What Story Should I Tell: the Scope and Design of the Project –Finding Sufficient Information to Justify a Book-Length Personal Family History –It Takes a Village –Getting Organized, So You Can Find the Information You’ve Collected –You Can’t Wish Upon a Star –When One Should Publish

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CCGS MEMBERS

Due to increasing costs the CCGS Board of Directors is recommending an increase to the annual dues of $5. We recommend the membership approve this increase to take effect when individual and joint memberships are renewed. New members would pay the new rate of $35 for individual and $45 for joint memberships beginning 1 July 2017. Voting on this proposed dues increase will take place at the March 28th General Meeting.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Wednesday, March 29, 2017, 11:00am, CCGS Annex.  Discussion to follow
Introduction to Quaker Genealogy Research by Craig Scott, MA, CG, FUGA
This lecture examines how Quakers created records at the various types of meetings, be they Yearly, Quarterly or Monthly. It examines the types of records, their value to a researcher and where they can be found.

Tuesday, April 5, 2017, 5:00pm, CCGS Annex.  Discussion to follow
Preserve, Share, and Search Your Digital Pictures with Google Photos by Geoff Rasmussen
Got digital images? Get an in-depth look into Google’s newest photo service – Google Photos. Learn best practices for managing, sharing, searching, enhancing, and preserving your digital photos. Learn how to access your collections via your computer, smart phone, or tablet.

Clark County Genealogical Society Upcoming Meetings

by Charles Hansen

Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS)
717 Grand Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98661-4821
360-750-5688

Clark County Genealogical Society

THIS WEEK AT CCGS
Tuesday, 10am – general meeting (see below)
Wednesday, 11am – webinar (see below)
Thursday, 1pm – Unfocused Genealogy Group
CCGS GENERAL MEETING
February 28, 2017, 10am-12noon
Zita Podany — Vanport Flood
Vanport will be the topic of our Feb. 28 presentation by Zita Podany. The longtime Portland resident published a book on the topic in 2016 and was the featured speaker at several fall events. Her book is part of the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing, celebrating the history of neighborhoods, towns and cities across the country. Vanport is a fascinating story of how a planned city of 40,000 was built in a little over a year to provide housing for World War II shipyard workers. In its heyday, Vanport was the second largest city in Oregon. On May 30, 1948, it was a city that disappeared just as quickly.

SPRING CLASSES AT CCGS
Fee Classes – $12 for members, $15 for non-members

Video Your Relatives, instructor Steve Young
Tuesday, March 7, 10am-12n
This class will give you all the tools you need to digitally capture family members for posterity. Steve will cover equipment, techniques and possible scripts to make your recordings a success.

Getting Started Tracing Your Family Tree, instructor Brian Runyan   FREE
Tuesday March 14, 10am – 12noon, CCGS Annex
This class will get you started researching your family tree.  Topics include collecting information from the family, family group sheets, pedigree charts, genealogy database programs and best practices for research.

Researching in the Virginias, instructor Elsie Deatherage
Tuesday, April 4, 10am-12n
As one of this country’s earliest colonies, Virginia has seen many changes in laws and how vital records have been kept in its 400 year history. Learn how to locate and use order and minute books, land records, chancery court and tax records to connect family members.

Timelines and Analysis, instructor Lethene Parks
Tuesday, April 25, 10am-12n
You’ve been hot on the trail of an illusive ancestor. You’ve gathered quite a bit of information about them. But, what does it all mean? Organizing all these disparate “facts” into a timeline and subjecting them to critical analysis will help you make sense of it.

Family Search Strategies, instructor Alice Allen
Tuesday, May 2, 10am-12n
Family Search is a major go-to site for genealogical research. In addition to continuously adding searchable records, Family Search is constantly improving how we access those records. Alice is a “power user” of Family Search and will share her insights as to how to make the site “dance” for you.

Getting Started Tracing Your Ancestors, instructor Brian Runyan   FREE
Thursday May 11, 7pm – 9pm, CCGS Annex
This class will get you started researching your family tree.  Topics include collecting information from the family, family group sheets, pedigree charts, genealogy database programs and best practices for research.

Getting Started with Your Norwegian Research, instructor Kathy Solheim
Tuesday, May 16, 10am-12n
This class will guide the researcher through the process of searching for key ancestral information in FamilySearch, then locating and interpreting the original Norwegian parish records in Digitalarkivet.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CCGS MEMBERS

Due to increasing costs the CCGS Board of Directors is recommending an increase to the annual dues of $5. We recommend the membership approve this increase to take effect when individual and joint memberships are renewed. New members would pay the new rate of $35 for individual and $45 for joint memberships beginning 1 July 2017. Voting on this proposed dues increase will take place at the March 28th General Meeting.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Wednesday, March 1, 2017, 11:00am, CCGS Annex.  Discussion to follow
Apprentices, Indentured Servants, and Redemptioners – White Slavery in America by Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG
It is frequently assumed that the only enslaved Americans were those brought on the slave ships from Africa. Yet, an estimated one-half of early immigrants came to America as apprentices, indentured servants, and redemptioners. And, a good many of those were children.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017, 5:00pm, CCGS Annex.  Discussion to follow
50 Websites Every Genealogist Should Know by Gena Philibert-Ortega
You’re familiar with Ancestry.com and FamilySearch but there’s so much more to researching genealogy then the well-known websites. Learn more about other websites that can help you with your genealogy and help you break down brick walls.

Friday, March 10, 2017, 11:00am, CCGS Annex.  Discussion to follow
Home on the Range: Kansas Research Tips by Cari Taplin, CG
This class will cover the main research strategies for finding your Kansas ancestors, including important historical events that influenced settlers, immigration and migration trends, and major record groups and repositories.

MEMBERS CAN NOW SUBSCRIBE TO LEGACY WEBINARS FOR HALF-PRICE!!
The introductory price is normally $49.95 for a year subscription. Geoff Rasmussen has provided CCGS with our own discount code that allows a CCGS member to purchase a yearly subscription for ½ price. If this is of interest to you, you may call the CCGS library (360-750-5688) and a librarian, after verifying you are a current member, will give you the code.

Clark County Genealogical Society Book Mending Workshop

by Charles Hansen


BOOK MENDING WORKSHOP
A Half Day workshop has been scheduled for Book Mending.
January 16, 2017      10am-2pm in the Annex.
If you missed the last workshop, please come anyway and we will teach you. You’ll learn how to spot a needed mend before it becomes a repair.  Let’s preserve our Library collection. Led by Linda Dawson.
If you want to see what we are doing log onto  gaylord.com  click resources then Preservation  and ope the pdf  Bookcraft repair manual.

LIBRARY CLOSURES
If you are planning a trip to the library on a day with bad weather, please call the library before you leave home to make sure they are open.  360 750-5688

NEWSPAPER CONTRIBUTIONS TO CCGS
If you have contributed newspapers to CCGS for clipping during the past year, please send an email to Dolly Merrick and Lethene Parks, so you can be recognized for your contributions. Thank you.
Lethene:   lethene @ comcast.net
Dolly:       dolly_m1 @ yahoo.com

LEGACY USERS GROUP
The Legacy group needs a new leader.  They meet on Mondays from 10-12.  If you are interested, please send an email to:
gensoc@ccgs-wa.org

Clark County’s Finance Team Awarded 2016 Outstanding Team Award

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received a 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the Finance Team that was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). This talented team was selected for its diligence in maintaining the financial health of the CCGS. Team members include Lowell Kenedy, Barbara Baker, Larry Germann and Eric Jordahl.

Clark County GS's Finance Team

Clark County GS’s Finance Team

All non-profit organizations rely on fiscal responsibility. This team’s firm hand on the financial tiller underpinned the local society’s financial well-being.

The team’s solid reporting and astute projections made it possible for CCGS to survive and thrive, enabling the society to meet its stated goals of collection, education, and preservation.

The team has been vital to the society’s past and future success and richly deserve being recipients of a 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Team by the Washington State Genealogical Society.

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.

Brian Runyan 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 Brian Runyan of Vancouver, Washington, who was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). He was recognized for his enthusiastic, forward-thinking volunteer efforts.

Brian Runyan

Brian Runyan

Since joining CCGS in 2012, Mr. Runyan has quickly become a valued member. He is a creative thinker, with a positive outlook, good ideas, and always ready to help with any task that needs doing. As chair of the education committee, Mr. Runyan has refined and expanded the society’s educational offerings. He has been especially effective in advocating for increased use of computer technology and social media.

Mr. Runyan is quick to accurately assess other people’s strengths and encourages them to use their abilities to further the goals and operations of the society. His willingness to help with whatever needs doing, his encouragement of others, and his sense of humor all help him as he moves into the forefront of the CCGS leadership.

Mr. Runyan’s enthusiasm and willingness to serve demonstrate that he richly deserved being a recipient of a 2015 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.

Elinor Perlich 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 Elinor Perlich of Vancouver, Washington, who was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). She was recognized for her quiet leadership, knowledge, and dedicated volunteer efforts.

Elinor Perlich

Elinor Perlich

Ms. Perlich has served long and faithfully as head librarian, overseeing daily operation of CCGS’s library. During several intervals when the society had no library director, Ms. Perlich assumed most of those responsibilities as well. She has been responsible for acquisition of materials, overseen periodic inventories of the library collection, helped train a corps of volunteer librarians, worked closely with the volunteer cataloger, and performed other tasks needed to keep the library running smoothly. She is a member of the library committee and has served as the committee chair.

Ms. Perlich has for many years quietly and effectively done her job, neither expecting nor wanting any special recognition. Those special qualityies and dedication prove that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2015 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.

Clark County Genealogical Society Classes

by Charles Hansen

SPRING CCGS CLASSES

NEW DATE FOR LEAPING THE POND – April 28; see below.

FREE BEGINNING CLASSES
Getting Started Tracing Your Family Tree with Larry Dean Saturday, May 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. This class will be held in the CCGS Education Center.

REGULAR CLASSES
All regular classes will be held in the CCGS Education Center, 715 Grand Blvd, Vancouver, WA. Fee for each class: $12.00 members, $15.00 Non-Members. Fee can be paid with registration or at the door. Exact cash amount or check at the door is appreciated. Although walk-ins won’t be turned away, if you want to take a class, please register at least a week in advance. Classes with insufficient registration one week in advance will be cancelled. Those registered will be notified and any fee paid will be refunded. To register for a class, see the registration form on the website http://ccgs-wa.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d43d7894b8591a05db4fa440b&id=5f249b4781&e=b278fc7627

Leaping the Pond: strategies for locating your ancestors pre-America Tuesday, April 28th, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Instructor: Brian Runyan
Sooner or later we’re all going to discover ancestors who did not originate in North America. As comfortable as we might get researching in the good ol’ U S of A, it’s a whole different ballgame when we try to “cross the pond”, any pond. How they get here? From where did they sail? Where did they live prior to setting sail? Brian will take us through some strategies for answering these questions. Brian started “doing” genealogy back in the “lick a stamp and pray” days of the 1970s. After a 40 year hiatus, he picked it up with a vengeance in 2012. Wow, talk about future shock! He says, “I got more done in the first three months than I had been able to accomplish in six years, previously”. Brian is currently serving as the Chair of the Education Committee at CCGS.

INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY CLASS IN BATTLE GROUND
Battle Ground Fort Vancouver Regional Library at 6:30pm, June 22nd. They are located at 1207 SE 8th Way, Battle Ground, WA. Instructor: Brian Runyan
UPCOMING WEBINARS
Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 11:00am, CCGS Annex. Discussion to follow
Using Legacy with Specialized Studies – Legacy is for more than your family history by Tessa Keough
Specialized studies take many forms – whether it is a one-name (surname) study, a one-place (location) study, or a cemetery, church or school survey. These projects often have us “reinventing the wheel” as we try to come up with a method for entering and using our data. Why reinvent the wheel when you can use Legacy? Join Tessa Keough as she shows you how she uses Legacy for more than her family history. We will discuss some tips and suggestions for using Legacy’s well-known and lesser-known features with your specialized studies and projects. Whether you are simply thinking about a project, have just gotten started, or are taking a second look at your approach and software, there will be something for everyone.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 11:00am, CCGS Annex. Discussion to follow
Genealogy 101, a 3-Session Course iLegacy Webinar: Beginning Genealogy – Part 2 by Peggy Clemens Lauritzen
Session 2 – Using Compiled Sources. There are many opportunities to view what has been researched before. Some of those collections include compiled genealogies and heritage books, and online compilations. We will look at some ways to discover if the previous research is credible and can aid in our own family history research.

Friday, May 8, 2015, 11:00am, CCGS Annex. Discussion to follow
Legacy Webinar: After You’re Gone – Future-Proofing Your Genealogy Research (for annual/monthly webinar subscribers) by Thomas MacEntee
Have you ever considered what will happen to your years of genealogy research once you’re gone? Learn how to ensure that your hard work carries on. Through a combination of planning, common sense, and new technologies, we’ll review how to create an action plan for preserving your genealogy research.

Dolly Merrick Honored as Outstanding Volunteer in 2014

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Dolores “Dolly” Kies Merrick of Vancouver, Washington who was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). She was recognized for her support of the goals and operation of the CCGS.

Dolly Merrick

Ms. Merrick has been an active member of the CCGS for over seven years. She is the immediate past Vice President and served previously as its Treasurer. In 2014 she served on the CCGS library committee, was a member of the CCGS seminars committee, and a volunteer librarian. Additionally, using her graphic skills, she created storefront window displays that brought people to the society’s education programs to promote membership.

Ms. Merrick accepted her leadership role in CCGS during a period of recovery from a decline in society membership. Enticing members to accept leadership positions was particularly difficult, but Ms. Merrick applied her rare gift of enthusiasm and clear thinking through collegial management and a positive attitude, creating the cohesive and productive team that leads the society today.

Ms. Merrick is an exemplary member of the CCGS 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.

Clark County Genealogical Society Spring Classes

by Charles Hansen

SPRING CCGS CLASSES

FREE BEGINNING CLASSES
Getting Started Tracing Your Family Tree with Larry Dean Tuesday, May 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. This class will be held in the CCGS Education Center.

REGULAR CLASSES
All regular classes will be held in the CCGS Education Center, 715 Grand Blvd, Vancouver, WA. Fee for each class: $12.00 members, $15.00 Non-Members.  Fee can be paid with registration or at the door. Exact cash amount or check at the door is appreciated.  Although walk-ins won’t be turned away, if you want to take a class, please register at least a week in advance. Classes with insufficient registration one week in advance will be cancelled.  Those registered will be notified and any fee paid will be refunded.  To register for a class, see the registration form on the website http://ccgs-wa.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d43d7894b8591a05db4fa440b&id=ceca5d30ee&e=b278fc7627

Get Your Ducks in a Row: Genealogical Housekeeping, 201
Tuesday, March 3rd, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Instructor: Jane Germann
Still tearing your hair out over the piles and stacks of paper? Know your cousin emailed you Aunt Stella’s obituary but it’s lost on your computer somewhere? Jane will show you some easy and painless (almost) ways to keep track of your genealogical files.  Jane has been a member of CCGS since 1984.  She has been a mainstay of education, teaching classes from introductory to courthouse research to publishing and everything in between.  A vigorous researcher, Jane leaves no stone unturned, except cemetery headstones.  Those she leaves standing.

Obituaries and Newspapers: Windows to the Past
Tuesday, March 17th, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Instructor: Lethene Parks
Obituaries can be jam-packed with relationship information often listing the living and the dead relatives and their connection to the deceased.  Knowing how and where to access these valuable pieces of your family history can seem a bit daunting, not to mention confusing. Historically, newspapers published items of community interest as well as the latest calamity. How thrilling to read that your ggrandfather returned to the Willamette Valley after a sojourn to mining country east of the mountains.  You didn’t see that on any ten year census snapshot! But how do I find them?  Lethene to the rescue!!  Our treasure, Lethene Parks, has been a serious genealogist for over fifty years.  She loves sharing her knowledge with everyone.  Her passion for scholarly research is surpassed only by the thrill of the hunt.  Lethene currently serves as the CCGS President.

City Directories and Area Histories: Tuesday, March 31st, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Instructor: Elsie Deatheridge
Isn’t it a thrill to see your ancestor’s name in print?  Directories make them just a little more real as you track their household as well as their employment from year to year.  Area histories were very commonly published in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s as barely disguised promotion pieces for developing towns and cities.  But, they also contain great background information and the occasional surprise as you find your ancestor profiled.  Elsie will entertain us with some interesting finds and help in ferreting out your location.  Elsie was born in Colville, WA, and graduated from Inchelium High school.  She earned a BS in secondary education and  a Masters in Adult Education, both from WSU Pullman.  Elsie has attended many week-long courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and is a frequent participant in national genealogy conferences.

What’s New in Family Search? LOTS! Tuesday, April 7th, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Instructor: Alice Allen
Family Search is a major go-to site for genealogical research. In addition to continuously adding searchable records, Family Search is constantly improving how we access those records.  Alice is a “power user” of Family Search and will share her insights as to how to make this site “dance” for you.  Alice Allen has been doing genealogical research off and on since 1968 (raising six children was her main focus).  When she got her first computer in 1995, genealogy and family history became a passion.  She became a member of the USGenWeb Project in 1996 and was thus privileged to be a part of the beginning of online genealogy research.  She has been a CCGS member since 1998 and is involved in many other community and social activities.

Leaping the Pond:  strategies for locating your ancestors pre-America Tuesday, April 21st, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Instructor: Brian Runyan
Sooner or later we’re all going to discover ancestors who did not originate in North America.  As comfortable as we might get researching in the good ol’ U S of A, it’s a whole different ballgame when we try to “cross the pond”, any pond.  How they get here?  From where did they sail?  Where did they live prior to setting sail?  Brian will take us through some strategies for answering these questions.  Brian started “doing” genealogy back in the “lick a stamp and pray” days of the 1970s.  After a 40 year hiatus, he picked it up with a vengeance in 2012.  Wow, talk about future shock!  He says, “I got more done in the first three months than I had been able to accomplish in six years, previously”.  Brian is currently serving as the Chair of the Education Committee at CCGS.