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 Diane Huntley Carter of Aberdeen, Washington who was selected by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Diane, a longtime professor of life sciences, has worn many hats in her retirement years. She was past president of the North Beach Genealogy Society at Ocean Shores before joining GHGS in 2016. She currently serves as first vice president and is a knowledgeable resource for new leaders.

Diane is also an engaging public speaker who has helped train the membership on how to understand DNA results in researching family history.

Diane’s primary focus, though, is with the Robert Gray chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Diane serves as its Registrar, a position that requires much time, energy, and focus to help potential members prove their lineage to an American patriot.

Diane is also a promoter of family history to the public at large. She’s a regular guest on Timber Country radio in Aberdeen, where she uses her wit and intelligence to talk about local topics, including happenings with GHGS and DAR.

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.

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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Jo Linker of Aberdeen, Washington, who was nominated by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS).

In 2010, Jo Linker became one of eight new members in Grays Harbor Genealogy Society. Today, she is the only one of those eight who is still active!

Jo works behind the scenes for the good of the society – providing refreshments for meetings, volunteering for special projects, and helping others at the Genealogy Café. In 2013 Jo was part of a committee that organized a successful workshop featuring expert genealogist and popular lecturer Mary Kathryn Kozy. In 2015 and 2016, she served as a trustee.

Jo’s biggest contribution, however, has been as treasurer. In late 2015, the society’s longtime treasurer passed away leaving a huge void and a position no one wanted. Jo stepped up and has held the position for seven years. She has attended a number of statewide and regional genealogy conferences to hone her skills and stay current in the genealogy field.

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.