Tag Archives: Whitman County Genealogical Society

Whitman County Genealogical Society Sponsors Free Seminar

by Charles Hansen

WCGS SPONSORS FREE SEMINAR

Featuring Professional Genealogist and WCGS member Jill Nock

Saturday, April 18, 9 AM – 12 Noon

Bishop Place Independent Living Social Room

815 SE Klemgard St., Pullman, WA

Jill Nock, AG®, is a professional genealogist accredited through ICAPGen℠ in the U.S. Upper South with nearly five decades of research experience. She operates Mountain State Genealogy and also subcontracts with Family Locket Genealogists. A graduate of ProGen59, she has completed advanced training at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) in Advanced DNA Evidence, Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy, and Tools & Strategies for Tackling Tough Research Problems.

A former Level 1 Mentor for ICAPGen℠ study groups, Jill has helped genealogists develop professional skills and meet accreditation standards. Her expertise combines traditional record analysis with advanced DNA interpretation, specializing in transforming complex research findings into clear, professionally written reports.

9 AM—Doors open. 9:30-10:30—Topic #1. 10:30-10:45—Break. 10:45-11:45—Topic #2.

SEMINAR TOPICS

“Reading Between the Lines: What to Look For in Probate Records” (Beginner to Intermediate)

Description: This practical session teaches genealogists how to recognize family dramas, relationships, and circumstances hidden in probate records beyond basic name and date extraction. Using compelling real case studies, attendees learn systematic approaches for identifying language patterns, property distributions, and timing clues that reveal untold family stories. The presentation demonstrates how small variations from standard legal language often indicate the most significant family events and relationships.

“Learning to Think Like a Genealogical Detective” (Advanced Beginner to Intermediate)

Description: When key records are missing, genealogy doesn’t stop—it shifts into detective mode. This presentation introduces a practical, step-by-step approach to solving family history mysteries using indirect evidence, pattern recognition, and the FAN Club (Family, Associates, and Neighbors) strategy. Through a real-life case study, attendees will learn how to connect clues across records and build confident conclusions even when direct answers don’t exist.

Each topic will be 45 minutes in length with a Q and A time at the end of each and a break in between. To accommodate handouts and refreshments please RSVP to whitmancgs@gmail.com or text/call WCGS President Sue Kreikemeier at 509-595-3307. Drop-ins welcome.

Whitman County Genealogical Society Spring Mini Seminar

by Charles Hansen

WHITMAN COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
is hosting a free Spring Mini-Seminar
Bishop Place Independent Living Social Room, 811 SE Klemgard, Pullman, WA
Saturday, April 27, 2024, 9 AM – 12 Noon
FEATURING
KATHY BUCHHOLTZ & ALEX OTERO JILL NOCK, AG®

Please register for this event by April 10. Send your name to whitmancgs@gmail.com The event is free, but we need to plan for set-up, refreshments & the number of handouts needed. Walk-in registration is possible, but pre-registration is preferred. Last minute attendance may not be able to receive handout material. Questions? Call Sue Kreikemeier at 509-595-3307.

Presenting Whitman Heritage Digital Collection “Okay, I Have My DNA Results: Now What?”
Above: Franklin School students, Pullman, 1912
From the Staley Museum Collection
Seminar Schedule
9:00 am: – The doors open. Gather, grab a beverage, pick up handouts.
9:30 am – 10:30 am: Presenting Whitman Heritage Digital Collection, Kathy Buchholtz & Alex Otero
10:30 am – 10:45 am: Break and Refreshments
10:45 am – 11:45 am: “Okay, I Have My DNA Results: Now What?”, Jill Nock
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kathy Buchholtz is the Whitman Heritage Digital Collections program manager for Whitman County Library. Alex Otero is the Archivist for Whitman County Historical Society. They will share information about Whitman County Library’s online digital collection; how it came about, how it is funded*, and how to use it. The collection consists of over 5,000 historical images from all over Whitman County. There will be a slide presentation with photographs from Whitman County and a demonstration on how to access and navigate the collection, followed by a time for questions.
*The collection is supported by a grant with funding provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jill Nock, a WCGS member since 2016, has attained the Accredited Genealogist (AG) credential in the U.S. Upper South region through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists. Her business is Mountain State Genealogy (http://mtnstgen.com). Focus of Jill’s presentation: Are you stumped with what to do with your DNA test results? DNA has become the genealogy “go-to”. Some brick walls crumble in the face of DNA evidence, but just as often, DNA brings new discoveries to secrets that were long hidden. Jill walks through the steps and gives information for the tools to help you on your DNA journey, followed by a time for questions.
Directions to Seminar: Turn off Bishop Boulevard onto Klemgard St., follow Klemgard St. up the hill and turn left at the top. Do not go into the front entrance, but turn right, continuing up the hill and turn left at the white carports. After parking, enter the building through the main doors near the carports and go straight ahead to the Social Room.

Monica and Don Peters Named Two of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

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

Today we’re introducing Monica and Don Peters of Pullman, Washington, who were nominated by the Whitman County Genealogical Society (WCGS).

Monica is among the 1984 “Founding Mothers” of WCGS, and has served on the board since. As corresponding secretary, she efficiently manages the society’s communications and promotes activities at the core of its purpose.  With deep roots in Whitman County, she serves as the society’s primary researcher.  Her sleuthing uncovers intriguing stories, which she generously shares in newsletter articles.

Monica was instrumental in establishing an endowment fund which allows the society to provide college scholarships to high school seniors demonstrating interest in family history. Her communication of fiscal matters enhances the financial business of the society.

In partnership with Monica, Don unfailingly provides behind-the-scenes support to WCGS.  He assists in the society’s efforts to wrangle technology needed to accomplish its goals. He is generous with his time and expertise in any matter under consideration.  

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.

Whitman County Genealogical Society Library Excess Books

by Charles Hansen

Greetings from Whitman County Genealogical Society,

    Over the summer many books from the WCGS library have been sent out but we still have some left.  As promised I have compiled a list of what is left that we would like to find homes for.  If you see any book/books you would like for your home library or organization’s library please reply to: whitmancgs@gmail.com  with your choices to see if still available. Books are free and shipping costs are negotiable depending on how many books you want.  Looking forward to hearing from you all!  

Janet Damm, Whitman County Genealogical Society Librarian

Catalog #TitleAuthor/Editor
16.929 scGenealogical & Local History Books in Print V.1Schreiner-Yantis, Netti
16.929 scGenealogical & Local History Books in Print V.2Schreiner-Yantis, Netti
929 amGenealogical Research Methods and SourcesAmer. Soc. of Gen.
929 baSearching on location: Planning a Research TripBalhuizen, Anne Ross
929 buResearch Guide to Loyalist AncestorsBunnell, Paul J.
929 crGenealogist’s Companion & Sourcebook (The)Croom, Emily Anne
929 eaHow to Trace your Pedigree LadiesEakle, Arlene H.
929 eiRed Book (The)Eichholz, Alice
929 evHandy Book for Genealogists 7th Ed.Everton
929 evHandy Book for Genealogists 9th Ed.Everton
929 hoCyndi’s ListHowells, Cyndi
929 keInternational Vital Records BookKemp, Thomas Jay
929 kiHandwriting of American Records for 300 YearsKirkham, E. Kay
929 laCite Your Sources: A Manual for Documenting Fam. Hist.Lackey, Richard S.
929 naGuide to Gen. Res. in the Nat. ArchivesNatiional Archives
929 neCirculation Library Catalog Vol.1NEHGS
929 neCirculation Library Catalog Vol.2NEHGS
929 stGenealogical EvidenceStevenson, Noel C.
929 stSearch & Research: The Researcher’s HandbookStevenson, Noel C.
929 weTracing Your Norwegian RootsWellauer, Maralyn A.
929.107 ngNGS 1991 Conf.NGS
929.107 soSouth King Co. Surname Book 1983South King Co. Gen. Soc.
929.11 smImmigrants to America Appearing in English RecordsSmith, Frank
929.11 yaMarr. of Some Amer. Residents & Guide to Documents Vol.1Yates Publishing Company
929.11 yaMarr. of Some Amer. Residents & Guide to Documents Vol.2Yates Publishing Company
929.11 yaMarr. of Some Amer. Residents & Guide to Documents Vol.3Yates Publishing Company
929.11 yaMarr. of Some Amer. Residents & Guide to Documents Vol.4Yates Publishing Company
929.11 yaMarr. of Some Amer. Residents & Guide to Documents Vol.5Yates Publishing Company
929.6 puDictionary of Heraldry & Related Subjects (A)Puttock, A.G.
940.3 neUncle, We Are Ready!Newman, John J.
940.3 scGreat War (The)Schaefer, Christina K.
942 smLives & Times of our English Ancestors (The)Smith, Frank
943Happy Days in Germany 1987
973US MilitaryNeagles, James
973 mePrinted Sources: A Guide to Publ. Gen. Rec.Meyerink, Kory L.
973.2 coComplete Book of Emigrants (The)Coldham, Peter Wilson
974 saSupplemental to Torrey’s, NE Marr. Prior to 1700Sanborn, Melinde
974.8 laIndex to some Philadelphia Marr. 1745-1806
974.802 myQuaker Arrivals at Philadelphia 1682-1750Myers, Albert Cook
975.5 whEarly Quaker Rec. of VAWhite, Miles Jr.
977 inPathways to the Old NorthwestIndiana Historical Society
977.101Ohio Valley GenealogiesHanna, Charles A.
977.2 arDocumentary Hist. of the IN Decade of the Harmony Soc. V.1Arndt, Karl J. R.
977.2 arDocumentary Hist. of the IN Decade of the Harmony Soc. V.2Arndt, Karl J. R.
977.2 daMarion Co. IN, Records MiscellaneaDarlington, Jane E.
977.2 maIndiana Way (The): A State HistoryMadison, James H.
977.8 moGuide to Co. & Municipal Rec. in MicrofilmMO State Archives
977.8Death Records of MO Women 1850-53
978.1 anKS Newspapers: A Directory of Newsp. Holdings in KSAnderson, Aileen
978.1 baDiggin” Up Bones: Obits of Lakin & Harland Cem. V.1Barnes, Betty
978.1 baDiggin” Up Bones: Obits of Lakin & Harland Cem. V.2Barnes, Betty
978.1 olFt. Scott, KSOliva, Leo E.
978.7Wyoming Lynching of Cattle Kate 1889 (The)Hufsmith, George W.
979.4 baCalifornia Pioneer Register and IndexBancroft, Hubert Howe
979.4 baCalifornia Rancho DaysBauer, Helen
979.4 baRiverside Co. CA Local History
979.5 laLane Co. (OR) Historian 1982, 1983 Spring & SummerQuarterly



Whitman County Genealogical Society Free April 2020 Seminar Postponed

by Charles Hansen

Based on all the current information, the WCGS board decided it is best to postpone our April 4 seminar. We have been in touch with both speakers about a date in the future that would work for both of them and have settled on Sat., Aug. 29 in the morning, using the same format as previously published. We have also contacted Bishop Place and put it on their calendar so the venue will be the same as previously published. It’s not too early to mark your calendar for this informative and, what we think, is an exceptional mini-seminar with very well-known and much in demand speakers. We thank both Bob and Steve for their flexibility in working with us to re-schedule their presentations at a later date. Monica Peters, WCGS Corresponding Secretary

For questions or more information contact WCGS President, Sue Kreikemeier at: 509-635-1303 or aerocraft@completebbs.com. Please RSVP to Sue or whitmancgs@gmail.com by March 28 to accommodate handouts & refreshments. The seminar is free, but donations are welcome at the door.

Directions: Turn off Bishop Boulevard onto Klemgard Ave., follow Klemgard Ave. up the hill and turn left at the top. Do not go into the front entrance, but turn right, continuing up the hill and turn left at the white car ports. Find an appropriate parking place, enter the building through the main doors and go straight ahead to the Social Room.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SPRING SEMINAR SPEAKERS

Robert King’s biography includes the following:

Robert E. King grew up in Pullman where he graduated from WSU with degrees in Anthropology and History.  He completed his Ph.D. at the Univ. of Pennsylvania in Anthropology (specialty: Ethnohistory & Archaeology) and since 1981 has worked for the Bureau of Land Management in Alaska.  He has been the BLM’s State Archaeologist in Alaska for over 33 years, with his work taking him to much of the state.  He has a strong interest in federal land laws including homesteading, and has spoken and written on this subject for several years.  Currently, he writes a guest monthly column on the history of homesteading for the Homestead National Monument of America’s electronic newsletter.  Locally, he is best known in Whitman County as a frequent contributor to the “Bunchgrass Historian,” having authored over 30 articles in the past nearly 25 years on a variety of topics.  He is also an avid genealogist and has co-written several books on various families, with some of his relatives settling in Whitman County in the 1870s.  He maintains homes in both Anchorage and Pullman.  

Steven Branting’s biography includes the following:

Since 2000, many of this country’s leading history, geography and preservation organizations — including the American Association for State and Local History, The History Channel and the Society for American Archaeology — have honored Steven Branting for the depth, scope and variety of his research and field work.

In 2009, he was nominated for the American Historical Association’s prestigious William and Edwyna Gilbert Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the teaching of history through the publication of journal articles. Branting has written eight (8) books on the history of Lewiston. Branting’s articles have appeared in, among others, the Western Historical Quarterly, The History Teacher, Idaho Magazine, Nostalgia and Idaho Yesterdays.

The Idaho State Historical Society conferred upon him the 2011 Esto Perpetua Award, its highest honor, citing his leadership in “some of the most significant preservation and interpretation projects undertaken in Idaho.” Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter awarded him that year’s Outstanding Cultural Tourism Award for showcasing Idaho’s heritage.

In 2013, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution awarded Branting its coveted Historical Preservation Medal. In 2015, Lewis-Clark State College selected him for the Marion Shinn Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2016 he was awarded the President’s Medallion for his efforts to safeguard the heritage that the college and community have shared since the 1890s.

During 2018, the Lewiston Tribune published 104 of his columns highlighting events and people who featured greatly in the history of Lewis-Clark State College, which was celebrating its 125h anniversary and for whom Branting holds the office of “Institutional Historian,” the first since Henry Leonidas Talkington in the 1940s.

Branting’s eighth Lewiston book — The Words That Were Our Names — was released in October 2019.

Whitman County Genealogical Society April 2020 Free Seminar Postponed

by Charles Hansen

For questions or more information contact WCGS President, Sue Kreikemeier at: 509-635-1303 or aerocraft@completebbs.com. Please RSVP to Sue or whitmancgs@gmail.com by March 28 to accommodate handouts & refreshments. The seminar is free, but donations are welcome at the door.

Directions: Turn off Bishop Boulevard onto Klemgard Ave., follow Klemgard Ave. up the hill and turn left at the top. Do not go into the front entrance, but turn right, continuing up the hill and turn left at the white car ports. Find an appropriate parking place, enter the building through the main doors and go straight ahead to the Social Room.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SPRING SEMINAR SPEAKERS

Robert King’s biography includes the following:

Robert E. King grew up in Pullman where he graduated from WSU with degrees in Anthropology and History.  He completed his Ph.D. at the Univ. of Pennsylvania in Anthropology (specialty: Ethnohistory & Archaeology) and since 1981 has worked for the Bureau of Land Management in Alaska.  He has been the BLM’s State Archaeologist in Alaska for over 33 years, with his work taking him to much of the state.  He has a strong interest in federal land laws including homesteading, and has spoken and written on this subject for several years.  Currently, he writes a guest monthly column on the history of homesteading for the Homestead National Monument of America’s electronic newsletter.  Locally, he is best known in Whitman County as a frequent contributor to the “Bunchgrass Historian,” having authored over 30 articles in the past nearly 25 years on a variety of topics.  He is also an avid genealogist and has co-written several books on various families, with some of his relatives settling in Whitman County in the 1870s.  He maintains homes in both Anchorage and Pullman.  

Steven Branting’s biography includes the following:

Since 2000, many of this country’s leading history, geography and preservation organizations — including the American Association for State and Local History, The History Channel and the Society for American Archaeology — have honored Steven Branting for the depth, scope and variety of his research and field work.

In 2009, he was nominated for the American Historical Association’s prestigious William and Edwyna Gilbert Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the teaching of history through the publication of journal articles. Branting has written eight (8) books on the history of Lewiston. Branting’s articles have appeared in, among others, the Western Historical Quarterly, The History Teacher, Idaho Magazine, Nostalgia and Idaho Yesterdays.

The Idaho State Historical Society conferred upon him the 2011 Esto Perpetua Award, its highest honor, citing his leadership in “some of the most significant preservation and interpretation projects undertaken in Idaho.” Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter awarded him that year’s Outstanding Cultural Tourism Award for showcasing Idaho’s heritage.

In 2013, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution awarded Branting its coveted Historical Preservation Medal. In 2015, Lewis-Clark State College selected him for the Marion Shinn Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2016 he was awarded the President’s Medallion for his efforts to safeguard the heritage that the college and community have shared since the 1890s.

During 2018, the Lewiston Tribune published 104 of his columns highlighting events and people who featured greatly in the history of Lewis-Clark State College, which was celebrating its 125h anniversary and for whom Branting holds the office of “Institutional Historian,” the first since Henry Leonidas Talkington in the 1940s.

Branting’s eighth Lewiston book — The Words That Were Our Names — was released in October 2019.

Troy Historical Society Presentation

by Charles Hansen

We want to share with you a presentation given by one of our Whitman County Genealogical Society members, Joye Dillman.

Joye Dillman of Pullman will give a historical presentation on toys and games enjoyed by children before computer games and the internet at 6:30 PM, Wed., Nov. 20, at the Troy Historical Society. Joye’s presentation is titled “For the Fun of it: American Childhood Toys and Games.” She is a museum correspondent docent with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and a retired professor of human development at WSU. Attendees are welcome to bring their antique toys to add to the displays at the event. The society is located at 421 S. Main St., Troy, Idaho.

Whitman County Genealogical Society Free Mini-Seminar

by Charles Hansen

Whitman County Genealogical Society

is hosting a FREE Fall mini-seminar

Bishop Place Independent Living Social Room, 811 SE Klemgard, Pullman, WA

Saturday, September 14, 2019

featuring: DAN OWENS and DULCE KERSTING-LARK

“Using the Public Library for Genealogy and Local History”

9:00 am: The doors open.

9:30 am-10:30 am: Dan Owens will discuss the resources in the Palouse Heritage Collection at Neill Public Library in Pullman as well as working with public libraries, in general, when doing genealogical research or learning more about local history. This can be applied to researching in any area, not just our own local area. In addition he will cover the ins and outs of interlibrary loan.

10:30 am-10:45 am: Break and refreshments.

“Archival Power: Demonstrating the Importance of Primary Sources to Stakeholders and the Public”

10:45 am-11:45 am: Dulce Kersting-Lark will discuss how working with original source materials is a privilege, but it is also a complex challenge. The nature of archives makes them both authoritative and flawed. Creating a community repository in a border town is just one of many challenges that we must make our users aware of from the get-go. How we promote the value of primary source material to the broader public is another. She will also speak to the interesting and rewarding work she does at Latah County Historical Society, as well as share information about the History Relevance Campaign.

If you have any questions or need more information contact WCGS President, Sue Kreikemeier at:

aerocraft@completebbs.com or 509-635-1303. Please RSVP to Sue or whitmancgs@gmail.com

by September 7 to accommodate handouts & refreshments.

While the seminar is free, donations are welcome at the door.

Directions: Turn off Bishop Boulevard onto Klemgard Ave., follow Klemgard Ave. up the hill and turn left at the top. Do not go into the front entrance, but turn right, continuing up the hill and turn left at the white car ports. Find an appropriate parking place, enter the building through the main doors and go straight ahead to the Social Room.