Tag Archives: Stillaquamish Valley Gen Society

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society Sons of the American Revolution and Revolutionary Era Genealogy

by Charles Hansen

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society

Monthly Meeting & Presentation – Sons of the American Revolution and Revolutionary Era Genealogy

Tuesday, August 12th

1:00 pm

SVGS Library

6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

You are invited to this free presentation at the SVGS library. Everyone is welcome! 

Jason Rice, a SVGS member, will be giving an in person only presentation at our library. Our business meeting will follow the presentation.

Jason’s Presentation: Sons of the American Revolution and Revolutionary Era Genealogy

Founded in 1889, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) stands as a prominent non-profit, non-political organization deeply committed to the core tenets of volunteerism, a comprehensive understanding of American History, and fervent Patriotism. Since its inception, the SAR has cultivated an extensive international network, currently encompassing over 550 chapters strategically located throughout North America and Europe. The SAR boasts a substantial membership exceeding 35,000 individuals, each of whom has meticulously documented their lineage, demonstrating a direct ancestral connection to the Patriots who played pivotal roles in the American Revolutionary War. These esteemed ancestors encompass a wide spectrum of individuals who either rendered military service in the Continental Army or Navy, or who actively contributed to the cause of American independence through various forms of support, including political activism, financial contributions, and the provision of essential resources. The SAR serves as a vital link to the nation’s foundational history, fostering a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and ideals of the Revolutionary War era among its members and the broader public. Through its diverse programs and initiatives, the organization actively promotes historical education, civic engagement, and a deep-seated sense of national pride.

Bio: 

Jason attended Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois – Springfield, studying Political Science, Philosophy, and Public Administration. He began genealogical research in 2013. He is a member of the Southern Illinois Genealogical society, Pope County, Illinois Historical Society, Jackson County (Illinois) Historical Society, SVGS, and currently the Chapter Genealogist
of Supplemental Applications for the Ranger Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

There will be a short break with refreshments. The monthly meeting will follow at 2pm.

New England Interest Group – 1st Tuesday of the Month

The SVGS New England Interest Group (includes New York and Pennsylvania) meets at the SVGS Library on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am. This is a hybrid group. You may attend in person at our library or join via Zoom.

If you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for this group or wish to attend via Zoom, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the New England Interest Group email list and receive monthly

Zoom invitations.

DIG – DNA Special Interest Group – 3rd Thursday of the Month

Also join us at the SVGS library from 1-3pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month for the DNA Special Interest Group (DIG). This group works together to develop a better understanding of DNA techniques and strategies for finding relatives, discuss and review new DNA developments and tools and help members with their research problems.

All DNA skill levels are welcome to attend.

If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for this group, please send an email info@stillygen.org

Also, if you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for the DIG group, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the DIG email list.

For more information visit www.stillygen.org

Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society Signers of the Declaration of Independence

by Charles Hansen

Presentation: Meet the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

(The presentation and meeting this month will not be available via Zoom but we would love to see you in person at the library.)

Tuesday, June 10th

1:00 pm – SVGS Library 6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

Sally Buckingham will be speaking. 

Our business meeting and board meeting will follow the presentation at 2 PM. 

Sally’s topic: Meet the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Join us as Sally brings the signers of the Declaration of Independence to life. In an 1811 letter to Adams, Benjamin Rush recounted the signing in stark fashion, describing it as a scene of “pensive and awful silence”. Rush said the delegates were called up, one after another, and then filed forward somberly to subscribe what each thought was their ensuing death warrant. Fifty-six men from each of the original 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Nine of the signers were immigrants, two were brothers and two were cousins. One was an orphan. The average age of a signer was 45. Seventeen fought in the Revolution. The British captured five of them. Eleven signers had their homes and property destroyed.

Bio: 

Sally Buckingham has been involved as a research genealogist since 2008 and been a serious student of American History since 1996. She is a member of several linage societies National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), National Society Daughters of the American Colonists (DAC), Daughters of the War of 1812, and Colonial Dames XVII. She has served as an officer in each of these groups.

Visit our website at www.stillygen.org

Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society Annual Meeting, Pot Luck, Silent Auction

by Charles Hansen

Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society

Annual Meeting, Election of Officers, Potluck and Silent Auction

Tuesday, May 13th

SVGS Library

6111 188 PL NE

Arlington, WA

Potluck starts at Noon!

The Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society will hold a Potluck prior to the Annual Meeting and Election of Officers. All friends of the society are welcome!

Bring your favorite dish (maybe an old family recipe) to share.

If possible, we would like you to bring an item based on the following parameters.

If your last name begins with:        Please bring:

A to I                                                 Main Course

J to R                                                 Dessert

S to Z                                                 Salad/Side Dish

Another option that anyone may choose is to bring Appetizers or Beverages.

Immediately following the Potluck, at approximately 1pm the SVGS Annual Meeting will begin. Members, please stay and vote on the upcoming 2025-2026 budget and the Election of Officers.

The following slate of candidates has been presented for election:

President-Ruth Caesar

Vice President of the Library-Leslie Bock

Secretary-LeAnne Koliha

Silent Auction

This year we are having a silent auction as to help supplement our operating budget. We have a great selection of items that have been donated by members and the community to bid on. Don’t forget to bring your checkbook!

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society Ancestry Pro Tools

by Charles Hansen

Monthly Meeting & Presentation – Ancestry Pro Tools – Are They Worth It?

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

1:00 pm

SVGS Library

6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

You are invited to this free presentation at the SVGS library.

Everyone is welcome! 

Sue McNeil, SVGS member will be back! This time Sue will be giving an an overview of her experience using the new Ancestry Pro Tools. The presentation will be in person only at our library. Our business meeting will follow the presentation.

Sue’s topic: Ancestry Pro Tools – Are They Worth It?

Ancestry Pro Tools is a new monthly add-on subscription. Are they worth paying an additional $10 per month? That depends on your needs and goals. There are tools for a tree checker, smart filters, reports, DNA matches and more.

There will be a short break with refreshments. The monthly meeting will followat 2pm.

New England Interest Group – 1st Tuesday of the Month

The SVGS New England Interest Group (includes New York and Pennsylvania) meets at the SVGS Library on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am. This is a hybrid group. You may attend in person at our library or join via Zoom.

If you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for this group or wish to attend via Zoom, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the New England Interest Group email list and receive monthly

Zoom invitations.

DIG – DNA Special Interest Group – 3rd Thursday of the Month

Also join us at the SVGS library from 1-3pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month for the DNA Special Interest Group (DIG). This group works together to develop a better understanding of DNA techniques and strategies for finding relatives, discuss and review new DNA developments and tools and help members with their research problems.

All DNA skill levels are welcome to attend.

If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for this group, please send an email info@stillygen.org

Also, if you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for the DIG group, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the DIG email list.

For more information visit www.stillygen.org

Dan Caesar Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2024

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 the a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Dan Caesar of Arlington, Washington who was selected by the Stillguamish Valley Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Dan fills many roles as a volunteer. He is a major contributor as a landscaper/ groundskeeper: helping mow lawns, filling potholes and disposing of the yard waste collected. He acts as one of SVGS’s maintenance men: repairing equipment, painting, repairing directional signage. Additionally, he recently began picking up, delivering and installing new bookcases as the library collection expands. He has been instrumental in erecting tents for activities such as the Arlington Street Fair and the Annual BBQ, as well as moving tables and chairs for those events.

Dan is also the Grill-master “Extraordinaire” for SVGS’s annual summer BBQ. Not only does he do the grilling, he brings the supplies, including the grill. He is truly a veritable jack-of-all-trades and SVGS is very fortunate to have him as a volunteer.

In recognition of his years of untiring work on behalf of SVGS, Dan was recently awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership. He not only makes the society run more smoothly, he also makes the gatherings more fun.

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.

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society My Irish Genealogical Journey

by Charles Hansen

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society

Monthly Meeting & Presentation – My Irish Genealogical Journey

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

1:00 pm

SVGS Library

6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

You are invited to this free presentation at the SVGS library.

Everyone is welcome! 

Kathie Webber, an active member at SVGS, will be giving an in person only presentation at our library. Our business meeting will follow the presentation.

Kathie’s Presentation: My Irish Genealogical Journey

Kathie’s goal has always been to learn more about her Irish family and where they came from. 75% of her family background is Irish. Along the way she has learned some better way to do things after taking some wrong turns. She will share some of those successes and mistakes.

Bio: 

Kathie been doing genealogy for over 40 years. She has researched in Washington State, Massachusetts, California, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ireland. Her favorite notable ways to research include visiting cemeteries, family history centers, online research, facebook groups, and travel. 

There will be a short break with refreshments. The monthly meeting will followat 2pm.

New England Interest Group – 1st Tuesday of the Month

The SVGS New England Interest Group (includes New York and Pennsylvania) meets at the SVGS Library on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am. This is a hybrid group. You may attend in person at our library or join via Zoom.

If you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for this group or wish to attend via Zoom, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the New England Interest Group email list and receive monthly

Zoom invitations.

DIG – DNA Special Interest Group – 3rd Thursday of the Month

Also join us at the SVGS library from 1-3pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month for the DNA Special Interest Group (DIG). This group works together to develop a better understanding of DNA techniques and strategies for finding relatives, discuss and review new DNA developments and tools and help members with their research problems.

All DNA skill levels are welcome to attend.

If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for this group, please send an email info@stillygen.org

Also, if you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for the DIG group, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the DIG email list.

For more information visit www.stillygen.org

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society Future Proofing Your Genealogy Research

by Charles Hansen

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society

Monthly Meeting & Presentation – After You’re Gone:

Future Proofing Your Genealogy Research

Tuesday, January 14th

1:00 pm

SVGS Library

6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

You are invited to this free presentation at the SVGS library.

Everyone is welcome! 

Thomas MacEntee will be speaking virtually at our January 14th meeting. Our monthly business meeting will follow the presentation.

Thomas’ Topic: After You’re Gone: Future Proofing Your Genealogy Research

When it comes to your years of genealogy research and material, what plans have you

made to ensure that it doesn’t die with you? Thomas will provide some advice on creating a realistic plan to get your “genealogy affairs” in order so that the next generation of researchers can benefit from your years of hard work. A syllabus for this presentation may be found on the SVGS website www.stillygen.org

Thomas’ Bio: What happens when a “tech guy” with a love for history gets laid off during The Great Recession of 2008? You get Thomas MacEntee, a genealogy professional who is also a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, online community builder and more. Thomas’ website https://genealogybargains.com

There will be a short break with refreshments. The monthly meeting will follow.

DIG – DNA Special Interest Group

Also join us at the SVGS library from 1-3pm on Thursday, January 16thfor our DNA Special Interest Group (DIG). This group works together to develop a better understanding of DNA techniques and strategies for finding relatives, discuss and review new DNA developments and tools and help members with their research problems. This group meets at the same time on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

All DNA skill levels are welcome to attend.

If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for this group, please sen an email info@stillygen.org

Also, if you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for the DIG group, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the DIG email list.

New England Interest Group

The SVGS New England Interest Group (includes New York and Pennsylvania) that meets at the SVGS Library on the first Tuesday of the month is now hybrid!

If you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for this group or wish to attend via Zoom, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the New England Interest Group email list and receive monthly Zoom invitations.

For more information visit www.stillygen.org

WSGS Vice President and Treasurer Nominee Statements

by Roxanne Lowe

LeAnne Koliha of Marysville has been nominated to serve as WSGS Vice President for the 2025-2026 term. Additionally, Frank McLean of Yakima has been nominated for another term as Treasurer. The term of offices is 01 Jan 2025 through 31 Dec 2026.

Online voting for the slate will begin 08 Dec 2024 and run through 15 Dec. All WSGS members will receive an email with a Google link to their anonymous ballot. Members are asked to vote for each position. Write-in nominations are allowed. There is also space for suggestions and comments.

LeAnne’s candidate statement:

LeAnne Kohila

I am excited to be nominated as Vice President of the Washington Society Genealogical Society. I look forward to this opportunity to serve as WSGS continues to find ways to support the local societies and individual genealogists.

I was born in Yakima, Washington, and have spent most of my life on оne side of the mountains or the other. After high school I spent a year as an exchange student living in The Netherlands. I graduated from Central Washington University with a major in special education.

After teaching for nine years, I went back to school myself. I received my law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in 1985. I retired from the law in 1996. Being retired was boring so I went back into education until 2009.

My husband and I lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from 2010 until his health required him to take medical retirement and we returned to the Northwest.

I have been interested in genealogy for years. I have had the good fortune to be able to research my father’s family by visiting the areas of France and Germany where his parents were born. I am member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Lady Stirling Chapter in Bothell, and Daughters of the American Colonists, Pilchuck Chapter in Lynnwood, where I am the chapter registrar. I am just finishing a term as vice president of the library for the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society.

Frank’s candidate statement:

I have been a member of WSGS since 1988 and have served in nearly every office, including President and Treasurer. I am currently WSGS Treasurer, as well as chair of the Pioneer Certificate Program and chief reviewer of the Pioneer Pursuit effort. I am also the Buildings and Grounds supervisor at the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society.

Frank McLean

I have a vested interest in seeing the society become a more useful organization to local societies and individual genealogists. Over the years, I have seen a lot of changes in WSGS, but am hoping for more. I am particularly interested in making WSGS an organization that provides value to societies. WSGS is interested in what services and opportunities it can provide. I also hope we can generate interest in expanding individual participation, maybe serving on the board or helping some other way. I would appreciate your support in moving WSGS in a positive direction.

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society FamilySearch’s Full Text Search

by Charles Hansen

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society

Monthly Meeting & Presentation – FamilySearch’s Full Text Search: A Free AI Tool You Should Definitely Be Using

Tuesday, November 12th

1:00 pm

SVGS Library

6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

You are invited to this free presentation at the SVGS library.

Everyone is welcome! 

Sue McNeil, an active member at SVGS, will be giving an in person only presentation at our library. Our business meeting will follow the presentation.

Sue’s Presentation: FamilySearch’s Full Text Search: A Free AI Tool You Should Definitely Be Using

Come learn how to use FamilySearch’s full-text searching. This new beta tool makes it easier to find your ancestors in unindexed records, in unexpected locations or timeframes, and in roles that were previously unindexed (i.e., witness, heirs, bondsman, adjoining landowner, etc.). Starting with U.S. land and probate, this new AI tool is rapidly expanding to include other record types, locations and timeframes.

There will be a short break with refreshments. The monthly meeting will follow.

New England Interest Group – November 5th

The SVGS New England Interest Group (includes New York and Pennsylvania) meets at the SVGS Library on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am. This is a hybrid group. You may attend in person at our library or join via Zoom.

If you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for this group or wish to attend via Zoom, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the New England Interest Group email list and receive monthly

Zoom invitations.

DIG – DNA Special Interest Group – November 21st

Also join us at the SVGS library from 1-3pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month for the DNA Special Interest Group (DIG). This group works together to develop a better understanding of DNA techniques and strategies for finding relatives, discuss and review new DNA developments and tools and help members with their research problems.

All DNA skill levels are welcome to attend.

If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for this group, please send an email info@stillygen.org

Also, if you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for the DIG group, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the DIG email list.

For more information visit www.stillygen.org

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society 2024 Family History Month Programs

by Charles Hansen

Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society

Monthly Meeting & Presentation – Anatomy of a Book, they are not all created equally

Tuesday, October 8th

1:00 pm

SVGS Library

6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

You are invited to this free presentation at the SVGS library.

Everyone is welcome! 

Maureen MacDonald willgive a live presentation at our library. Our business meeting will follow the presentation.

Maureen’s Presentation: Anatomy of a Book, they are not all created equally

Maureen will be talking about her genealogical journey and research techniques. Starting with stories from her great grandmother and asking her Gram many questions about everything. She was especially interested in her great aunts and uncles and the on down generations and, of course, and the generations before them. She lived with Gram for four to five years, and near to her Gram’s adult ‘children’-still asking questions. After taking a mtDNA test, she learned of her French heritage and one of the ‘King’s Daughters’ a many times great grandmother.


Genealogy is the ‘book’ she continues to research, another generation, another chapter, and the search continues….

Bio: Maureen MacDonald lives on Whidbey Island and is currently an active member at SVGS in Arlington, Washington. She has spent the last 40 plus years researching genealogy and loving it.

There will be a short break with refreshments. The monthly meeting will follow.

DIG – DNA Special Interest Group

Also join us at the SVGS library from 1-3pm on Thursday, October 17th for our DNA Special Interest Group (DIG). This group works together to develop a better understanding of DNA techniques and strategies for finding relatives, discuss and review new DNA developments and tools and help members with their research problems. This group meets at the same time on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

All DNA skill levels are welcome to attend.

If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for this group, please send an email info@stillygen.org

Also, if you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for the DIG group, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the DIG email list.

New England Interest Group – Update

The SVGS New England Interest Group (includes New York and Pennsylvania) that meets at the SVGS Library on the first Tuesday of the month is now hybrid!

If you have not joined us yet and would like to receive emails in the future for this group or wish to attend via Zoom, please send an email to info@stillygen.org and request to be added to the New England Interest Group email list and receive monthly Zoom invitations.

October is Family History Month!

The Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society would like to help you preserve your family history. Bring your family documents, old photos, negatives, slides, tapes, and home movies to the SVGS Library to get them digitized absolutely FREE!

Bring your own USB drive for documents, photos, negatives and slides and a CD for tapes and movies. (There will be thumb drives and CDs available for purchase at the library.)

We will be open all month long on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

It takes longer to digitize tapes and movies, so we request an appointment to make sure the equipment is available when you arrive. Please email info@stillygen.org Attention: LeAnne.

The SVGS Library is located at 6111 188th PL NE, Arlington. East of the Arlington Airport and north of the Boys & Girls Club. Look for the Genealogy Library signs.

Hint: Digital copies of family memories make thoughtful gifts for the holidays!

For more information visit www.stillygen.org