Latest News For Members
Out-of-Area Events
January Meeting for Members and Guests
Monday, January 8 at 2:00 p.m.
via Zoom and in person at the FamilySearch Center, 667 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee
The Quest for Your English Ancestors by Claire Brisson-Banks
Zoom information and speaker’s handout will be posted soon.
Happy Holidays from WAGS!
We’re now entering into holiday mode–no membership meetings until January 8, 2024.
We’ll be sending you more information about the GiveNCW Fundraiser (it starts on Thanksgiving Day). Remember, the welcome mat is out at the WAGS Library (corner of Mission and Yakima in the Museum Annex building) on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. See you at the library, or at the meeting in January.
November Meeting for Members and Guests
November 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the FamilySearch Center, 667 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee; and via Zoom:
Topic: WAGS November General Meeting Zoom Link
Time: Nov 13, 2023 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021074458?pwd=cVY1WHR4dHA4ejV4QTFkK04venhLQT09
Meeting ID: 810 2107 4458
Passcode: November
“Beyond the Records: Putting Flesh on the Bones of Your Civil War Ancestor” by Annette Burke Lyttle
This program is in honor of the late Fred Pflugrath, who gathered burial information on Civil War veterans throughout Eastern Washington.
It’s never been so easy to find facts about your Civil War ancestor. But how can we reconstruct their experiences? This presentation will show you how to fill in the blanks between the facts, allowing you to tell your ancestors’ stories of the war.
October Meeting for Members and Guests
Monday, October 9, 2023
2:00 p.m., in person at the FamilySearch Center, 667 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee; and via Zoom.
Investigator-turned-genealogist and former NARA archivist Kate Townsend will present “Follow the Records and See Where They Go.” Learn about the clues that exist in different records, and how they can lead you to deeper research.
Zoom information:
Topic: WAGS General Meeting – October
Time: Oct 9, 2023 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87536984736?pwd=YU5IbEFXVWZTV1RrRngxWnZuVHIvUT09
Meeting ID: 875 3698 4736
Passcode: October
Speaker’s HANDOUT
September Meeting for Members and Guests
Monday, September 11 at 2:00 p.m. — a hybrid meeting — in person at the LDS FamilySearch Center, 667 20th St. NE, East Wenatchee, and via Zoom.
Recreating Your Ancestor’s World by Mary Kircher Roddy.
Realtors always talk about location, but genealogists all know that CONTEXT is where it’s at! Being able to visualize your ancestor’s world gives your dates and places a vibrancy they would lack otherwise. Seattle-based Mary Kircher Roddy will show us how maps, city directories, census records and more can help us get to know our forebears.
Here is the speaker’s HANDOUT.
Here is the Zoom information:
Topic: WAGS September General Zoom Meeting
Time: Sep 11, 2023 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89256908163?pwd=T1ljTE9tUkF3V1A2ODdCOEZZZjhTZz09
Meeting ID: 892 5690 8163
Passcode: 609306
Take the rest of the summer off!
Kick back and relax this summer. We’ll be taking a break from WAGS programs in August. Find something cool to drink and a cool place to be. Nothing to read? Stop by the WAGS Library (Tuesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.) and see what you can find in our checkout section. We’d enjoy visiting with you.
Get refreshed and ready for a new “school year,” when our monthly programs resume in September–second Mondays at 2:00 p.m.
July 10: The Future of WAGS
July is the month when your WAGS Board does its strategic planning. This year, we don’t want it to be a board-only thing–we’re inviting you to join us and give us your valuable observations, thoughts, and ideas. What can WAGS do differently–or do more of–or less of!–to help you in your research? We’re looking forward to getting your input!
Monday, July 10 at 2:00 p.m.
In-person at the Douglas PUD Auditorium, and via Zoom.
ZOOM Link:
Topic: The Future of WAGS
Time: Jul 10, 2023 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84354875478?pwd=Z3c4VEY2YmljOEc5eU1FMW5SdWJ4UT09
Meeting ID: 843 5487 5478
Passcode: Future
June Meeting for Members and Guests
Monday, June 12 at 2:00 p.m.–a hybrid meeting on Zoom and in person at the Douglas PUD Auditorium.
Just in time to plan entertainment for your out-of-town guests, we’re welcoming Matt Cade, board president of the Upper Valley Historical Society, giving a powerpoint titled “Greater Leavenworth Museum: A Museum on the Move.” We’ll find out more about the Society’s past, their relocation to Front Street, and perhaps a glimpse of the future they envision.
Here is the Zoom information:
Topic: WAGS General Meeting – June zoom link
Time: Jun 12, 2023 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85478061197?pwd=ZlZMci9qQzBmWjhQUmlNMFdvQ21FUT09
Meeting ID: 854 7806 1197
Passcode: June
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Legacy Family Tree SIG April 2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm virtual via Zoom
This month’s topic is: 1st part of FREE Legacy Family Tree video What’s New in Legacy Family Tree 8? Yes this is correct LFT version 8. This video covers the Legacy features that first appeared in the Version 8 update and still exist in Version 10.
This is our monthly meeting to share tips & tricks, problems & solutions. Sometimes we will watch videos or share our screens to aid in learning more about using Legacy Family Tree software.
Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the learning. If you are just thinking about trying Legacy for the first time, you’ve been using it for a year or two or you are an old pro with many years of experience using Legacy this is the group for you. If you have any suggestions for future topics, please send them in.
We look forward to meeting with you, every month on the First Tuesday at 7:00 PM Pacific Time
Meeting Invite with Links in file attached below:
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly Calendar Reminder: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYpfuyuqDovHNwtBgxtQjWKOjDQ8k5Q9bPD/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqjIvHNKUtR-PRpwQBor4Z-7wpn5Ygo1KiD3iGzRiaDTdGehmA-p0RemJ
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82495661568?pwd=dy85YmluVzF5aEU4SzFTcTUrVDlTUT09
Meeting ID: 824 9566 1568
Passcode: 715731
One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,82495661568#,,,,*715731# US
+12532158782,,82495661568#,,,,*715731# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location:
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 824 9566 1568
Passcode: 715731
Find your local number:
https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcphK19I1E
Heritage Quest Research Library Tracing Your Kentucky Ancestor
| April 2025 Classes Bluegrass Roots – Tracing Your Kentucky Ancestor 1785 – 1940 April 3, 2025 This lecture provides an overview of record sets and resources for documenting your Kentucky ancestors using a combination of both searchable and brows-able online records, as well as archival material.  Debra M. Dudek holds a post graduate certificate in Genealogical, Paleographic & Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Ms. Dudek is the Book Review editor for the Illinois State Genealogical Society, and a board member of the Illinois State Historical Society. |
| When: Thursday, April 3, 2025 Time: 11 AM to 12 PM Where: ZOOM and limited in-person (8) Cost: $20 members / $25 non-members Sign-up & Payment: ZOOM Go to hwrl.com and click on HQRL Store (sign in as a member to receive the discount) In-Person (8 only) Call HQRL at 253-863-1806 or come into the library located at 2102 E Main, Ste 105, Puyallup, WA 98372 Coming Soon! “Indirectly Evident: Finding William’s Parents” with Debbie Wilson Smyth Thursday, April 17, 2025 Copyright © 2025 Heritage Quest Research Library, All rights reserved. You have told us that you want to receive our news and updates from our library. Our mailing address is: Heritage Quest Research Library 2102 East Main Suite 105 Puyallup, WA 98372-3205 |
Italian Interest Group of the Eastside Genealogical Society Italian Civil Records
| Description: Italian civil records provide great information – names, dates, parents, grandparents, and sometimes even addresses. But – have you ever ventured into those handwritten scary looking records at the end of the book? Parte 2, Diversi, and the Cittadinanza records offer up additional information – and sometimes quite colorful information. They are a window into the past. We will delve into each of these record types and discover some amazing stories and see the potential for help these records can provide when you find your ancestors within the pages. |
| ZOOM Meeting When: 19-Apr-2025, Saturday Time: 1:30 PM (PDT) Presenter: Ruth Merriman |
| If you aren’t a registered member, you must request meeting access. Below is the link to request a meeting invitation. Please send me an invitation link |
Turmoil at 23andMe!What Should I Do? BANKRUPTCY UPDATE
| UPDATE: 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday 24 March 2025. My plan: I have already downloaded my data from 23andMe – I do this for EVERY DNA testing platform I use. For now, it is business as usual at 23andMe – they are still selling tests and processing results. There is no need to PANIC and delete everything especially if you have matches at 23andMe. I intend to monitor the news about 23andMe and decide if I need to delete my data, my sample, and my account in the future. See the updates below. Recent reports have highlighted significant challenges facing the personal DNA testing company, 23andMe, following a major data breach and the company’s inadequate response. In the wake of a 2023 cyberattack and ensuing boardroom turmoil, customers are understandably concerned about the company’s future. If you have a 23andMe profile, it is crucial to take steps to protect your personal information, especially given the potential for the company to be sold, taken private, or face bankruptcy. Turmoil at 23andMe: Key Events in 23andMe’s Recent Challenges Data Breach (2023): Hackers compromised personal and genetic data from 6.9 million 23andMe users, with Ashkenazi Jewish and Chinese customers specifically targeted. This breach raised serious privacy concerns. Lawsuit Settlement: 23andMe settled a class-action lawsuit related to the breach, agreeing to a $30 million settlement and providing affected users with three years of security monitoring. Financial Losses: In Q2 2024, the company reported a $69.4 million loss on $40.4 million in revenue, further compounding its financial struggles. Stock Decline: After an initial public offering at $10 per share, 23andMe’s stock dropped to below $1 by late 2023.Efforts to Go Private: CEO Anne Wojcicki has been exploring the option to take the company private in response to these financial difficulties. NEW! 23andMe Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (reorganization) on Monday 24 March 2025. Per press release “23andMe Initiates Voluntary Chapter 11 Process to Maximize Stakeholder Value Through Court-Supervised Sale Process” dated Sunday 23 March 2025, the goal is for 23andMe to reorganize and find a buyer to take over the company. Turmoil at 23andMe: Recommended Actions for 23andMe Customers If you are a 23andMe customer, it is advisable to take proactive steps to secure your personal data: Download Your DNA Data: Regardless of the platform—whether 23andMe, AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, or MyHeritage DNA—you should already have downloaded a copy of your DNA data. For 23andMe users, ensure that you download the .zip file containing your genetic information. Consider Deleting Your Account: If you lack confidence in 23andMe’s long-term viability or wish to prevent your DNA data from being sold as a corporate asset, you may choose to request the deletion of your account. This action would erase all genetic reports and terminate any paid membership you hold with the company. Turmoil at 23andMe: Industry Insights and the Future of 23andMeHaving observed the DNA and genealogy industry for over 15 years, I offer the following perspectives: Unlikely Acquisition by Competitors: It is improbable that major players such as Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA, or MyHeritage would acquire 23andMe’s assets. While both Ancestry and MyHeritage have previously attempted to enter the health-related DNA market, they were unsuccessful. Additionally, 23andMe is the only company among the “Big Four” to secure FDA approval for certain health reports. If acquired, any buyer would likely need to reapply for FDA approval. Likelihood of Going Private: Given her financial resources and personal investment in the company, it is plausible that Anne Wojcicki may take 23andMe private, continuing her long-standing commitment to the company’s mission. Potential Failure of 23andMe: Should 23andMe exit the market, it could be seen as a fitting outcome given the company’s poor handling of the 2023 data breach. The company’s response, which appeared to shift blame to its users, has resulted in widespread dissatisfaction among its customer base. NEW! Bankruptcy: CEO Anne Wojcicki has resigned from the 23andMe board in order to put together a possible acquisition of the company. Over several months Wojcicki has tried to convince the board to look for a buyout partner but was voted down each time. Resigning allows her the freedom to pursue a buyout. Resources NEW! 23andMe Initiates Voluntary Chapter 11 Process to Maximize Stakeholder Value Through Court-Supervised Sale Process – 23andMe https://investors.23andme.com/news-releases/news-release-details/23andme-initiates-voluntary-chapter-11-process-maximize NEW! 23andMe Files for Bankruptcy – What You Need to Know! – DNA Explained https://dna-explained.com/2025/03/25/23andme-files-for-bankruptcy-what-you-need-to-know/NEW! Download 23andMe Matches to Spreadsheet – GenealogyExplained https://www.genealogyexplained.com/json-to-csv-converter-for-23andme-matches/Accessing Your Raw Genetic Data – 23andMe https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/212196868-Accessing-Your-Raw-Genetic-Data 23andMe’s board quits en masse – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/23andmes-board-quits-en-masse-6152900/ 23andMe is in trouble. What happens to all the DNA data? – NPR https://www.npr.org/2024/09/25/nx-s1-5123633/23andme-is-in-trouble-what-happens-to-all-the-dna-data 23andMe is up for sale – Where will our DNA go? – WGN Radio https://wgnradio.com/lisa-dent/23-me-up-for-is-up-sale-where-will-our-dna-go/ Hereditary Hack: 23andMe’s $30M Settlement After 6.4 Million Stolen DNA Profiles Put Up for Sale on Dark Web – Law, Inc. https://www.lawinc.com/23andme-settlement-dna-data-breach Requesting 23andMe Account Closure – 23andMe https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/212170688-Requesting-23andMe-Account-ClosureWhat Happened to 23andMe? – CNN https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/20/business/23andme-board-resigns-nightcap/index.htmlBuy AncestryDNA on Amazon – LOWEST PRICE EVER plus FREE SHIPPING!Amazon Spring Sale is off with a BLOWOUT sale – save 61% on AncestryDNA and FREE SHIPPING for Amazon Prime Members! Click HERE or the image below to get started! |
| Stay Updated with Genealogy E-News from Genealogy Bargains! Your best bet is to bookmark this site Genealogybargains.com and sign up for our e-newsletter at http://eepurl.com/dkSbRP. * * *Thanks for following and please stay safe and healthy!   |
Let’s Talk About: Pioneer Pursuit
Needing a worthwhile way to spend time these housebound cold winter days?
How about a Cold Case Ancestor research project?!? The Washington State Genealogical Society still has a long list of individuals and families needing to be researched. These would be those who were known to be in Washington Territory BEFORE statehood (11 Nov 1889). There is an index of these pioneers and indigenous families on their website….. take your pick!
Resources you might use are Ancestry, FamilySearch, Washington Digital Archives, Find A Grave, USGenWeb, Linkpendium, WA Territorial censuses ……… any resource you’ve used in the past for your own research.
The really good news about this volunteer project is that since it’s not your family, just find what you can find, period. If you find lots, great. But only scarce documentation, that’s fine too.
Click to Washington State Genealogical Society and then Pioneer Pursuit and look at the Sample, Hints & Helps, Frequently Asked Questions and Instructions.
Why not get busy helping to document these wonderful Washington pioneers………. and before you know it, spring will be here!
German Interest Group of the Eastside Genealogical Society What’s in a Name?
Zoom Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/5ab7ws8y
More information: Visitors are always welcome. Our website is https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/