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 weeks, 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 Susan Walde of Arlington, Washington who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the SVGS.

Sue Walde

Recognizing the need for a reliable, online database for the SVGS’s electronic card catalog, Ms. Walde created the database that now appears on the SVGS website. Today, more than 5,000 books, pamphlets, magazines and other resource materials are easily searchable by genealogists around the world. Ms. Walde guided the project from the beginning steps of data entry, through the database designing and the grant writing stages, and oversaw the final process of importing the data from the revised spreadsheet to the database that now appears on the website. Ms. Walde also wrote easy-to-follow instructions for searching the online database.

Despite her full-time job, Ms. Walde finished the project within its budget and on time by volunteering her skills and talents during evenings and weekends. Because her efforts have the potential to benefit genealogists around the world, she richly deserved this recognition.

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.