 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! JOIN US for our next class on April 16, 2026!Exploring the Community: Researching Beyond Your Ancestor Julia A. Anderson click here for class flyer Don’t miss out, sign up today!  Our ancestors didn’t live in a void. Events and people in their communities, region, and world affected their decisions and other factors in their lives. We can learn much more about our families when we research their friends, neighbors, and associates and learn about the history and geography of the places they lived, including neighboring jurisdictions. This lecture will introduce the concept of cluster research and explore resources to help you better understand the jurisdictions and history of the areas in which your ancestor lived.Julia A. Anderson, MA, AG®, AGL is a Research Specialist at the FamilySearch Library where she manages the Unites States and Canada Team. She has a master’s degree in history with an education emphasis and is an Accredited Genealogist® and Accredited Genealogist Lecturer with expertise in the U.S. Gulf South region. As an adjunct faculty member at Salt Lake Community College, Julia teaches research and accreditation classes online for their genealogy microcredential program. She is also the owner and managing member of Anderson Genealogical Research, LLC based in Orem, Utah. Julia serves as the conference chair for the Utah Genealogical Association and is a commissioner on the board of ICAPGen. She and her husband Scott reside in Orem, Utah. Click Here to Sign-up 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 |
Tag Archives: Heritage Quest Research Library
Heritage Quest Research Library April 2026
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| April Happenings 2026 Happy National Volunteer Month! |
| At Heritage Quest Research Library, we are forever grateful for the dedicated volunteers who show up week after week. Your commitment keeps our doors open six days a week and our collections up to date. We also extend a huge thank you to the members who step forward whenever called upon to assist with outreach and fundraising. We couldn’t do this without you!! |
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| A major fundraiser like the America 250 Patriot Celebration has many moving parts—from planning and coordinating different types of “events within the event” to managing volunteers. It takes little imagination to realize that many hands are needed to ensure a successful outcome. Your consistent willingness to step forward in support of our mission has always been a cornerstone of our success. We are confident that our upcoming Celebration will be no exception. To ensure this milestone event is truly unforgettable, we ask all our members and patrons to participate. |
| American 250 Patriot Celebration Getting involved Watch for details in May Happenings |
| Upcoming Events Wednesday April 1 America 250 Patriot Celebration Tickets Go on Sale HQRL is excited to announce that purchasing tickets for this event has never been easier. The QR code above will immediately connect the buyer to a screen that is easy to navigate, and a receipt will automatically be sent when the transaction is finished. —– Thursday, April 2 Introduction to WikiTree 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom) Join Shonda Feather to learn about WikiTree, which has a live chat so you can ask questions of genealogists all over the world. (WikiTree a shared tree like Family Search). Register online using the HQRL Store link on the library website or in-person at the Library $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members Attend in-person at the HQRL classroom (limit of 8 persons), or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. —– Tuesday, April 14 America 250 Patriot Celebration Planning Meeting HQRL Library Classroom 1pm – 3 pm —– Wednesday, April 15 Management Team Meeting Heritage Quest Research Library 12-2 pm —– Thursday, April 16 Exploring the Community: Researching Beyond Your Ancestor 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom) Learn about cluster research and explore resources with Julia A. Anderson to help you better understand the jurisdictions and history of areas where your ancestors lived. Register online using the HQRL Store link on the library website or in-person at the Library $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members Attend in-person at the HQRL classroom (limit of 8 persons), or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. —– Thursday, May 7 Beginning Your Family History 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom) This FREE class will be taught by our research librarians. Learn how the library can help you and how to start. Sign up in the HQRL Store so we know you are coming and we can send you handouts/or a zoom link. —– Thursday, May 21 Unusual Places to Find Irish Births & Naturalizations in American Records 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom) Debra M. Dudek explains how and where to widen your search for your Irish ancestors birth date, place of origin, and their American naturalization details from a variety of underutilized resources! In this lecture, you’ll learn how to utilize a combination of research methodologies and combine them with military rosters, sailing registers, professional registrations, and much more! Register online using the HQRL Store link on the library website or in-person at the Library $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members Attend in-person at the HQRL classroom (limit of 8 persons), or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts.. Tribute to Heidi! Heidi Geise has a long history as an educator and her expertise serves us well in her role as Education Coordinator. She excels in bringing us quality presentations on a variety of topics month after month. Arranging for first class speakers twice a month is no little undertaking, and Heidi seems to do it seamlessly. Whether a beginner or a seasoned veteran, attendees always find valuable take-aways. Additionally, those who attend in-person find the added benefit of visiting with fellow researchers. There is something special about that “after-class” energy—often, the most breakthroughs happen over a casual conversation or a shared research hurdle. Many, Many Thanks Heidi! The Management Team Managing “On the Shelf” Research To avoid the “out of sight, out of mind” trap when life gets busy, you need a “re-entry” system. Research is often a long game. In a packed schedule, research must be “chunked” into manageable parts rather than treated as one giant task. When you have to pause your research use these techniques to ensure you don’t lose your momentum: The “Breadcrumb” Note: End every session by writing exactly one sentence on what you were about to do next (e.g., “Check the 1920 census for John Smith next”). A Research Log: Maintain a research log or spreadsheet to track which databases you’ve already searched and which keywords you used, so you don’t repeat work. Recycling Files: If you delete or set aside sections of writing, move them to a “recycling file” instead of the trash—you might need those ideas or quotes later. Citation Managers: Use the organizing feature in your genealogy software, or tools like One Note to save papers and data, ensuring you never ask “who was I researching?”. The One-Hour Research Plan If you only have one hour, focus on these high-impact, discrete tasks. First 10 mins: Review your previous “breadcrumb” note to re-orient yourself. Next 40 mins: Execute one specific search or read one key source. Last 10 mins: Update your notes and write the next “breadcrumb” for your future self. Selective Reading Instead of reading full manuscripts, quickly scan abstracts, discussions, and conclusions to decide if a source is worth a deeper dive. Successful Micro-Researching Set a timer to stay on task and maintain a research log to pick up where you left off. Enjoy your Quest |
Heritage Quest Research Library Finding Your Dutch Roots
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 March 19, 2026! Don’t miss out, sign up today!  Finding Your Dutch Roots Thursday, March 19, 2026 Alexander Tolksdorf click here for class flyerMany communities across the United States boast a rich Dutch heritage, owing their founding and regional culture to the influence of Dutch immigration. This presentation will explore resources and techniques to trace your Dutch ancestors in the United States and back into the Netherlands, with additional emphasis on cultural and historical context that surrounded the lives of your Dutch ancestors. Join Alexander Tolksdorf to explore resources and techniques to trace your Dutch ancestors in the United States and back into the Netherlands, with additional emphasis on cultural and historical context that surrounded the lives of your Dutch ancestors. Click Here to Sign-up 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 |
Heritage Quest Research Library Finding Your Dutch Roots
| 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 March 19, 2026! Don’t miss out, sign up today! Finding Your Dutch Roots Thursday, March 19, 2026 Alexander Tolksdorf click here for class flyerMany communities across the United States boast a rich Dutch heritage, owing their founding and regional culture to the influence of Dutch immigration. This presentation will explore resources and techniques to trace your Dutch ancestors in the United States and back into the Netherlands, with additional emphasis on cultural and historical context that surrounded the lives of your Dutch ancestors. Join Alexander Tolksdorf to explore resources and techniques to trace your Dutch ancestors in the United States and back into the Netherlands, with additional emphasis on cultural and historical context that surrounded the lives of your Dutch ancestors. Click Here to Sign-up 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 |
Heritage Quest Research Library Quest Connections March 2026
| QUEST CONNECTIONS March 2026 Volume 31 – Issue 1 In this Issue ~ Directly Speaking ~ Celebrate America250 ~ Yearly fees increase ~ Upcoming Events ~ Have Your Heard? ~ Our New Members ~ Super Supporters ~ Above and Beyond ~ New Library Books ~ A Wee Bit of Fun  What Were Your Ancestors Doing During the American Revolution Era?This year we celebrate the 250th year of American Independence. Many of our ancestors lived in the colonies along the Atlantic Coast and survived through seven years of fierce hardships that marked the struggle to break free of tyranny. Those families risked everything—their homes, their safety, and their lives—for an idea called liberty. Today, their names sit silent in pension files and brittle ledgers. It’s time to bring them back into the light. By tracing our Revolutionary roots, we aren’t just looking at the past; we are honoring the courage that made our present possible. At HQRL, we believe that as we get to know and understand the stories of our Revolutionary Era ancestors, we learn more about ourselves. Our talented and knowledgeable volunteers here at HQRL are available six days a week to help you uncover the stories of your Revolutionary ancestors. Whether you’re just starting or hitting a brick wall, we’re here to help you bridge the gap to the past. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence, why not make your family’s history a research priority?  Directly Speaking Heritage Quest Research Library Celebrates America250As we approach the historic milestone, I find myself reflecting on why we do what we do here at Heritage Quest Research Library. Beyond the dates and the documents, we are in the business of collecting and building family histories. The 250th anniversary of the United States isn’t just a national holiday; for us, it is a deeply personal journey. Somewhere in the branches of your family tree—or those of the researchers we help every day—there are patriots. These were the individuals who lived through the sparks of the American Revolution, whose choices 250 years ago shaped the world we walk in today. In Celebrating our Past We Build our Future To honor this legacy and ensure HQRL can continue serving our community for years to come, I am thrilled to invite you to our America250 Celebration & Fundraiser on June 9, 2026. This isn’t just another dinner; it is our most significant event of the year. The funds raised on this night will directly support: • Expanding our Revolutionary-era research collections. • Updating our technology to make “Patriot finding” faster and more accessible. • Securing the future of our library in Puyallup as a premier West Coast genealogy hub. MARK THIS VERY IMPORTANT DATE!  Big events take big effort and we need the hands-on support of our amazing members and patrons. please join us in planning our America250 celebration!Where: Heritage Quest Research Library When: 1 pm March 10, 2026 Where: 2102 E Main Ave, Suite #105 Why: Learn more about the event · Make important decisions · Help coordinate activities I am calling on you to help us make June 9th a success. Whether you can donate a unique item for our auction, volunteer for a setup shift, or simply join us for the evening to share your own family discoveries, your presence is what makes this library a community. Let’s honor the past by building a stronger future for HQRL. I look forward to celebrating 250 years of history—and your family’s place in it—this June. Carolyn Pasquier, Director America250 Patriot Celebration Fundraiser! Farm 12, Puyallup WA We can’t do this without you: Our major fundraiser is here! To our incredible members, supporters, and patrons, We are gearing up for our biggest fundraiser of the year, and to be honest, the clock is ticking! This event is vital to our mission, and because time is short, we are turning to the people who have always been our backbone. You have always stepped up when the need is great!! Today, we are asking for that same incredible spirit to help make this event a rousing success. Please consider volunteering on any the committees listed below, please contact Carmen McIntrye, Promotions Coordinator: camway@outlook.com Event Management & Staffing Auction Planning (silent & live auction and raffle) Sponsorship and Major Gifts Volunteer Coordinator Registration, check-in & guest assistance Marketing and Communication Finance Management Membership Fees Increase HQRL membership fees will increase starting April 1. Individual Membership – $50.00 Individual Membership with mail $65.00 Family membership $60.00 Family membership with mail $75.00 Patrons can join and members can renew during March at the current rate and can pay for more than one year if they choose. Upcoming Events HQRL Class Thursday March 5 What is Your Name? presented by Virginia Majewski Heritage Quest Research Library – classroom (limit of 8) and Zoom 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Join Virginia to learn about naming patterns. She will explain the use of four research concepts to improve your success when researching. Register at the library or online using the HQRL Store icon. Fee: $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members. (A zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts) ~~~~~ Thursday, March 5 through Saturday, March 7 ROOTS Tech 2026 in person (Salt Lake City) and on-line ROOTS Tech 2026 registration open. ~~~~~ Sunday March 8 Research Sunday Heritage Quest Research Library 10 am – 4 pm ~~~~~ Tuesday March 10 America250 Planning Meeting Heritage Quest Research Library 1 pm – 3 pm ~~~~~ Wednesday, March 18 Management Team Meeting HQRL Classroom 12 noon – 2 pm ~~~~~ Thursday, March 19 HQRL Class Finding Your Dutch Roots presented by Alexander Tolksdorf Heritage Quest Research Library Classroom (limit of 8) and Zoom 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Alexander will explain resources and techniques to trace your Dutch ancestors with additional emphasis on cultural and historical context that surrounded the their lives. Register at the library or online using the HQRL Store icon. Fee: $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members. (A zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts) ~~~~~ Saturday March 21 5th Annual African American Conference 10 am – 2 pm Tacoma Family History Center 12th and Pearl. Tacoma, WA (lunch included) Have You Heard? RootsTech 2026 is just around the corner! This three-day genealogy conference is hosted by FamilySearch, March 5–7 2026. Get ready to celebrate your family and learn something new about your heritage. This year’s conference is packed with a variety of family history activities, including: And the Best Part It’s online and it’s free It’s not too late to register and it’s easy, though you may need to set up a FamilySearch account if you do not already have one. Navigate to the Rootsech registration page by clicking the button below. RootsTech Registration Welcome Our New Members January Lynette Allen Nancy Brakke Karen Kephart Sandy Kramer Michael Lafreniere Martha Leonhardt Stefanie Patterson Kim Pohl Diane Rogers Julie and Steve Stockert February Cathleen Howell Michael J Howell Jeffery Poso Super Supporters Oct-Dec 2025 We’re still here because of you. Your generosity keeps our doors open and our community growing. Christopher Loseth David Grimm Durina Taylor James Foote Judy Line Kenneth Shipman Kristi Arnold Lyn Johnson Lynne Stallcop Patricia Fiebke Phyllis Kleist Rachel Farley Tamara Ching Valerie Jacobs ~~Thank You So Much~~ Above and Beyond Volunteers David Grimm, Mike Bartlett and Richard Pasquier were on hand to help with the recent relocation and addition of bookcases at the library, willing giving their valuable time to complete this project. AND, it was done in record time! Thanks to Mike who transported new shelving to the library; to Mike and Richard for assembling the shelves and to David, Mike and Richard who gave up a Sunday to tackle the heavy lifting of moving and installing library shelving. These guys are awesome! ~~Our Heartfelt Thank You~~  MIKE  DAVID  RICHARD New Library Books Discover our New Book Shelf – the first shelf to the left of the classroom door. The books are from these generous donors: Eliza Jane Meeker Chapter DAR, Elaine Root, Lori Bast, Dale Loseth, Elizabeth Bender. Thank you for keeping our collection new and fresh. DC 016 We, the people, the story of the United States capitol United States – Capitol Historical Society IA Black Hawk 002 v.1 History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people V1 (1915) – John C. Hartman IA Black Hawk 002 v.2 History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people Volume 2 – Anonymous IA Chickasaw 002 History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties, Iowa – Robert Herd Fairbairn IL Edgar 002 Combined standard atlas Edgar County Illinois 1870 – 1894 – 1910 –Warner & Higgins Publisher IN 035 Pioneer history of Indiana, stories, incidents, customs of the early settlers – Col. William M Cockrum IN 036 Yesterday’s Indiana, Seemann’s historic states series no. 4 – Byron L Troyer IN Clay 003 History of Clay County Indiana historical, biographical [1884] – Charles Blanchard IN Jefferson 005 Early architecture of Madison, Indiana – John T. Windle, Robert M. Taylor Jr. NJ 022 Pine Battens of New Jersey – Lester S. Thomas NJ Warren 003 Authentic list of marriages in Warren County, New Jersey 1834 –1868 – Elder Edward Barrass VT 015 Lake Champlain and the Upper Hudson Valley – Edward P. Hamilton WA 000 History 35 Washington images of a state’s heritage – Carlos Schwantes, Katerine Morrissey, David Nicandri, Susan Strasser WA Benton 004 Prosser, 1964-74 Changing Times – Paul Fridlund WA Benton 005 Two fronts: a small town at war – Paul Fridlund WA King 052 Coals of Newcastle, a hundred years of hidden history – Richard and Lucile McDonald WA Pierce Tacoma yrbk Lincoln 1927 Lincolnian Annual 1927, Lincoln High School, Tacoma, Washington WA Stevens 007 Rich heritage, Summit Valley’s past – Kathryn “Kate” Carlson Immigration SCOTLAND 017 Cargoes of despair and hope, Scottish emigration to North America 1603-1803 – Ian Adams, Meredyth Somerville WI 026 Early German Immigrants in Wisconsin, Section I Geographic Origin of German immigration to Wisconsin, Section II The German element in the United States Vol. I – Kate Everest Levi, Alber Bernhardt Faust WI 027 Old cemetery burials of Milwaukee County Wisconsin Vol 2 – Elizabeth Doherty Herzfeld Mayflower 038 Mayflower, the voyage from hell – Kevin Jackson Military NAPOLEON 001 Diary of a Napoleonic foot soldier – Jakob Walter Military REV WAR 075 Located graves of soldiers and patriots of the American Revolution 1977-1982 – National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Military CIVIL WAR 068 Complete Civil War The definitive fact file of the campaigns, weapons, tactics, armies and key figures – Philip Katcher Military WWII 023 Day we bombed Switzerland – Jackson Granholm Native American 056 Gridiron gypsies, how the Carlisle Indians shaped modern football –Tom Benjey Pacific NW 034 Lumber ghosts, a travel guide to the historic lumber towns of the pacific northwest – Kenneth A Erickson Religion METHODIST 004 Bishop Asbury comes to Holston [Excerpts from Bishop Asbury’s Journals. One of the first. Methodist traveling preachers who brought Methodism to Eastern Tennessee, Southwest Virginia – 1788-1816] – Bishop Frances Asbury, Marvin Kincheloe, Robert L Hilton US HISTORY 022 The frontier years – Mark H Brown, W.R. Felton US History WEST 041 Osborne Russell’s Journal of a Trapper – Osborne Russell US History WEST 042 Mountain men and fur traders of the Far West – LeRoy R Hafen US History WEST 043 Diary of a Forty-Niner – Chauncey L Canfield US History WOMEN 032 Good wives image and reality in the lives of women in northern New England 1650-1750 – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich Foreign CANADA Ontario Lanark 003 Perth, tradition & style in Eastern Ontario – Larry Turner Foreign CANADA Ontario Frontenac 007 Sandhill cemetery – Kingston Branch Ontario Genealogical Society Foreign ENGLAND 000 Military 13 Eminent Victorian soldiers seekers of glory – Byron Farwell Foreign ENGLAND Cambridgeshire 003 History of Huntingdonshire – Michael Wickes Foreign ENGLAND Cornwall 002 Little land of Cornwall – A.L. Rowse Foreign GERMANY 000 Research 25 Family tree German genealogy guide, how to trace your Germanic ancestry in Europe – James M. Beidler Foreign GERMANY 053 Concise history of Germany second edition 2004 [early middle ages to present] – Mary Fulbrook Foreign SCOTLAND 124 Victorian and Edwardian Highlands from old photographs – Francis Thompson Foreign WALES 000 Research 05 Welsh family history, a guide to research, second edition – John Rowlands, Sheila Rowlands Source ADOPTION 009 Courageous blessing, adoptive parents and the search — Carol L. Demuth Source COMPUTER 022 Turn your ipad into a genealogy powerhouse – Lisa Louise Cooke Source COMPUTER 023 Mobile genealogy, how to use your tablet and smartphone for family history research – Lisa Louise Cooke Source GENEALOGY 071 Genealogy do-over workbook –Thomas MacEntee Source ORGANIZING 003 Organize your genealogy, strategies and solutions for every researcher – Drew Smith  A Wee Bit of Fun Did you know that St. Patrick Wasn’t Irish: Born in Britain (possibly Scotland or Wales) to Roman parents, he wasn’t even in Ireland until he was 16. Was a slave: Irish pirates kidnapped him and sold him into slavery in Ireland, where he spent six years working as a shepherd before escaping. Used the Shamrock to illustrate the Trinity: He famously used the three-leaf clover (shamrock) to explain the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Blue, not green was his original color: Green becoming popular later due to Irish nationalism. Didn’t drive snakes out of Ireland: The legend says he drove snakes out of Ireland, but Ireland was too cold for snakes after the Ice Age, so they never lived there. Patrick wasn’t even St. Patrick’s given name: St. Patrick’s given name was Maewyn Succat. It wasn’t until he became a priest that he adopted a new name – Patrick, after Patricius (which relates to the Latin root meaning father).  |
| Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US |
Heritage Quest Research Library What is Your Name
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 March 5, 2026! Don’t miss out, sign up today!  What is Your Name? Thursday, March 5, 2026 Virgina Majewski Join Virgina Majewski to learn about naming patterns. She will explain the use of four research concepts to improve your success when researching surnames and given names. (“Ginny” is a fourth generation Washingtonian and descendant of a WA Pioneer family.) Virginia has been involved in genealogy for the past 30 years. It all started with a couple of boxes of “junk” from her grandparent’s estate. She was bitten by the genealogy bug and it became one of her life’s passions. Virginia holds a Certificate in Advanced Genealogical Studies in both American Records and Methodology, from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies, Toronto, Canada. Her specialty is Mennonite Research. Currently, she is President of the Clallam Co. Gen. Society. Virginia is Past President of the WA State Gen. Soc., as well as a member of numerous other genealogical societies. She initiated the Pioneer Pursuit program with WA State. Click Here to Sign-up Click Here to See All of Our 2026 Classes! BONUS RESEARCH HOURS!!! Research Sunday March 8, 2026 10am-4pm Heritage Quest Research Library will be open on Sunday, March 8th, from 10am-4pm allowing you to come in and work on your family genealogy. As always, our very skilled Librarians will be available to assist you, so don’t miss out on these special hours! 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 |
Heritage Quest Research Library Midwest Genealogical Center
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 19, 2026! Don’t miss out, sign up today!  Midwest Genealogy Center Thursday, February 19, 2026 The Midwest Genealogy Center is one of the United States’ preeminent resources for family history, providing access to almost three-quarters of a million on-site materials. They have access to databases, scanning and digitization stations, oral history recording kits, microfilm reader scanners, and more. MGC features 52,000 square feet of space that houses all of the free resources needed to research your family history. Learn more about how to access and utilize their incredible resources. Click Here to Sign-up 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 |
Heritage Quest Research Library February Happenings 2026
February Happenings 2026  No matter how much you already know about your heritage there is always more you can learn General Membership Meeting Jan 17, 20262025 was a successful year at HQRL! Through the combined efforts of our Volunteers and Management Team new outreach events increased community awareness of HQRL, its mission, and extensive holdings. Our membership increased by 135 members bringing our total membership to 302. Our Digitalization Project is moving forward under the guidance of Dale Loseth, who is currently training volunteers to help with digitalizing. Dale is also our Grant Coordinator and has applied for a grant which will expand the digitalization project. The results of the yearly Board of Trustees election were announced. Congratulations to returning Board members Monty Euston, Mike Bartlett and Lauren Orheim. Angie Burslem was elected to fill the vacant position. Monty Euston is the new Board Chair and Mike Bartlett continues as Board Secretary. ~~~Our members voted overwhelming to increase the membership dues~~~ The new rates will begin April 1, 2026. ASpecial Thanksto our Management Team who provided the tasty refreshments. UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday, February 5 The Genealogy Roll-up: Essential Shortcuts Every Genealogist Needs 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library Classroom (limit of 8) or Zoom Jennifer Patterson Dondero will share her shortcuts for great genealogy success. Register on the website at HQRL STORE or at the library. $20+tax for members $25+tax for non-members A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. ************ Wednesday February 18 Management Team Meeting 12 noon – 2 pm Heritage Quest Research Library Classroom or Zoom Members in good standing are welcome to attend ************ Thursday, February 19 Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC) 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library Classroom (limit of 8) or Zoom The Midwest Genealogy Center is one of the United States’ preeminent resources for family history, providing access to almost three-quarters of a million on-site materials. Register on the website at HQRL STORE or at the library. $20+tax for members $25+tax for non-members A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. Coming Soon!!! Research Sunday March 8, 2026 Heritage Quest Research Library 10 am to 4 pm  MANAGEMENT TEAM OPPORTUNITIES Management Team Secretary Bookstore Manager Newsletter Editor Information Tech (IT) Unique Creative Opportunity HQRL Needs Your Skills: Volunteer Today! The HQRL Management Team is looking for an individual to produce a YouTube video featuring HQRL! We need an experienced, enthusiastic, talented individual to lead on content, presentation, filming, and editing. Have a great idea? Want to showcase your skills? Please reach out to the Management Team to get involved. Let’s do this!!!  FEBRUARY BOOKSTORE SPECIALSFeatured this month The National Genealogical Society’s (NGR) Research in the Statesseries. Prices vary, but they’re all 50% off during the month of February! The key to locating records for your ancestors is knowing what records exist and which repositories hold these records for the geographic area you are researching. The National Genealogical Society’s Research in the States series typically gives an overview of a state’s history and shifting demographics. These booklets help guide you quickly to the records you need. They also include: A description and location, phone number, and website address of major and lesser-known archives, libraries, societies, and federal repositories Research resources such as atlases, gazetteers, and maps; business, probate, and court records; colonial enumerations and state and federal censuses; city and county directories; and religious and military records State specific records such as California’s mission system and movie industry; probate law in Texas under Spanish and Mexican governments; Missouri records created by the Spanish and French governments prior to the Louisiana Purchase; and even various states’ cattle brands Ethnic resources on European immigrants as well as Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanic and Asian Americans You will find the National Genealogical Society (NGS) Research in the States series displayed in our Bookstore on the left wall by the front door.  |
| Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US |
Heritage Quest Research Library Genealogy Classes
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 DonderoEvery 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 |
Heritage Quest Research Library Using City Directories in Your Research
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 January 8th! Don’t miss out, sign up today!  Using City (and Other) Directories in Your Research Thursday, January 8, 2026 Janice Sellers Directories were not only for cities. Many counties and rural areas had directories, as did locations in other countries. You can also find professional directories, social directories, and more. Learn what they contain and how they can be used to flesh out your family’s lives and track them through time. Click Here to Sign-up Janice M. Sellers is a professional genealogist and international speaker whose grandparents told her she is related to actor Peter Sellers and to John of Gaunt, son of a king and father of a king. Unfortunately, they were wrong, but that’s why she has been researching her family for 50 years and now helps others finds the right pieces to fit their genealogical puzzles. She specializes in Jewish, Black, dual citizenship, and newspaper research. She has done research and appeared on camera for the television series The Dead Files.  A New Strategy for Brick Walls Thursday, January 22, 2026 Kim Richardson Ever feel like you are engulfed by a pile of research? Do you ever think, “If I could just get organized, I could solve this mystery?” If so, this presentation is for you! This session explains why complex genealogy problems feel overwhelming and how to overcome it through a new way of organizing. Click Here to Sign-up Kim Richardson enjoys serving the genealogy community by coaching and enabling others to do their own research successfully. She assists other genealogists to accomplish their goals and helps clients solve genealogy mysteries. Kim created the Brick Wall Buster Cards to show others her secret to solving tough genealogy problems. She regularly writes for various genealogy society magazines and wrote the “Mississippi Research Guide” for Family Tree Magazine and researches for Finding Your Roots and Who Do You Think You Are? Click Here to See All of Our 2026 Classes! HQRL.com / Classes & Events / Contact |
| Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US |