Latest News For Members
Out-of-Area Events
October Membership Meeting – Public
“Chronicling America: A Newspaper Site for Everyone” presented by Dana Palmer, a professional genealogist from the Cincinnati area of Ohio.
We’ll learn more about the Library of Congress’ digitized newspaper site, and the most effective strategies for research results.
Monday, October 11 at 2:00 p.m., via Zoom.
Topic: WAGS October Meeting
Time: Oct 11, 2021 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81979600466?pwd=K3N3a0pNWVQ4MnB5MDFzNHZWMlp5Zz09
Meeting ID: 819 7960 0466
Passcode: October
Here is our speaker’s HANDOUT.
Washington Digital Newspapers
Dick Brender a long-time WAGS member from Cashmere provided us with some information about the Cashmere newspapers project he has been working on. This was discussed at the September WAGS meeting held at the Museum in Cashmere. This info might be interesting for many of you.
Dick says there are only a few scans online now but you’ll be able to see how it works:
Click on Chelan County, then the Cashmere Valley Record.
Here is the URL of the website:
https://washingtondigitalnewspapers.org/?a=p&p=countybrowser
October Board Meeting
The WAGS Board will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, October 6 at 9:30 a.m.
Here is your Zoom information:
Topic: WAGS Board Meeting
Time: Oct 6, 2021 09:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 832 0282 0997
Passcode: Board
Shirley will be hosting the meeting, so if you have any trouble joining the meeting, email her at [email protected]
A Trip Back in Time: A History of Cashmere Businesses
Technology meets history! The Cashmere Museum has installed a unique kiosk that traces the development of Cashmere businesses from the town’s beginning. It will show the year the building was built, its location, ownership and occupants through the years, using pictures and newspaper clippings. WAGS will be a special guest of the museum, and one of the first groups to get a custom demo of this modern-day “time machine.”
Monday, September 13, 2021 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village, 600 Cotlets Way, Cashmere. Zoom Link:
| Topic: WAGS September Meeting Time: Sep 13, 2021 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) |
| Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84443692870?pwd=VmYybndBMDA2MXN6YkxDY3ZFWWRXZz09 Meeting ID: 844 4369 2870 Passcode: September |
What’s new at the Central Regional Branch Archives?
We have not scheduled a program with the State Archives in Ellensburg in five years. It’s time we had an update! Brigid Clift, the Regional Branch Archivist, will share her screen and reacquaint us with the archives and digital archives. You’ll want to hear about the work they are doing with Ancestry. Brigid will be looking forward to answering your questions about their research hours and their volunteer-from-home program.
The best part about this meeting is that it will be hybrid! Those who are comfortable with in-person can join us at the Douglas PUD Auditorium, just like old times. And if you’d rather keep on Zooming, you can be present that way as well. (We will post the Zoom information as the meeting gets closer.)
See you on Monday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m.–at the Douglas PUD Auditorium or via Zoom!
JUNE 14th MEETING
An Ounce of Prevention: Making a Genealogy Disaster Plan
Genealogy documents, photographs, mementos, and databases are a family’s most prized possessions. they can be lost in an instant in the event of a disaster. This lecture focuses on how to plan before the crisis occurs, so that loss is minimized and your genealogy legacy is preserved for future generations. Our speaker is Julie Miller, a full-time professional researcher, speaker and writer who lives in Broomfield, Colorado.
ZOOM link to be posted a few days before this meeting. See you then!
General WAGS Meeting – 5/10/21 – Zoom Link
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: WAGS General Zoom Meeting for May
Time: May 10, 2021 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86017418550?pwd=Qit4WkdYdENJWmRTS09DOTYwc2hmQT09
Meeting ID: 860 1741 8550
Passcode: WAGS
See you next Monday! Susan Rumble – WAGS
Website Goes Officially Live
This website will officially go live on 5/5/21 even though it has been live since it was created. during its construction, some pages were protected from public viewing but as of 5/5/21 those pages will be viewable by the public. Other pages that are for members only will continue to be protected and only members will have access. Poke around on the site and see what we have. If you see any problems as you visit the site, please let us know and we will address the issue (the footer has a button you can use to notify us).
Seattle Genealogical Society – Beginning Genealogy Classes
STILL TIME TO JOIN BEGINNING GENEALOGY CLASS
Classes Begin Oct. 15 and 16
Motivated to learn more about your family’s story? Want to learn how DNA can help? SGS will be offering a new beginning Genealogy class in October. This online course will give you the tools to succeed in your research.
Four weekly online sessions are included with a fifth, optional session in person at the SGS library. The class covers how to successfully conduct, organize, and record research for your genealogy. How to begin? How to evaluate evidence? What are the best sources? Where are the records–online and off? What can DNA tell us?
Start your journey on a foundation of good habits and best practices. Participation will help you develop great genealogy skills. The course finishes with a list of favorite sources for additional learning and an optional meet-up with a personal research session at the SGS library.
There are two options for class time:
- Morning class: Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5, 10:00-11:30 p.m.
- Evening class: Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Weeks 1 – 4 will meet virtually and consist of lecture, discussion, and workshop for one-and-a-half-hours each session.
Week 5 (optional) includes a library tour and one-on-one research assistance.
There is a limit of 20 people per class. Class fee $80 (SGS members $60). Learn more.
Seattle Genealogical Society ‘Stories Beneath the Stones’
A Talk & Walking Tour of Calvary Cemetery, Oct. 25Join us on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Seattle for a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes of one of our region’s most historic Catholic cemeteries.
Our guide will be Marty Murphy, Superintendent of Calvary Cemetery, who will share insights from his decades of cemetery management. This special program combines a fascinating talk with a guided walking tour, covering:
- The History of Calvary Cemetery and other Catholic cemeteries in the Seattle area
- The Evolution of Grave Markers and what they reveal about cultural and religious traditions
- Genealogy in Cemeteries—how to access and use cemetery records in your family history research
- A Superintendent’s Perspective—stories and experiences from caring for this historic Seattle site
Whether you’re the family historian or simply curious about Seattle’s past, this event offers a unique chance to connect with the people and stories that shaped our community’s history.
Don’t miss this meaningful blend of history, heritage, and personal storytelling—right here in Seattle’s historic Calvary Cemetery.
Optional lunch gathering to follow at University Village location nearby.
Pre-registration required. $15 and $10 for SGS members. Limited to 25 people.
Free German records for Unity Day
Unity Day is coming up in Germany, and to mark the occasion, MyHeritage is offering free access to all German historical records from October 2–6, 2025!
Explore the German records for free
It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone with German family history to dig into their roots and make new discoveries. MyHeritage hosts 283 million records across 77 German collections, including vital, church, and emigration records. Some collections from key regions like Prussia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and southwestern Germany are exclusive to MyHeritage.
Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Fall Workshop
Skagit Valley Genealogical Society The Role of Convents and Monasteries in the 15th-19th Centuries
Join Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Saturday, October 11, 2025, 1pm at the Burlington Public Library for “The Role of Convents and Monasteries in the 15th-19th Centuries and How They Affected Our Ancestors” with Milan Pohontsch, President, Federation of Eastern European Family History Societies. Learn about the social and economic impacts of monasteries and how the lives of those that lived and worked on monastic estates differed from peasants under noble rule. Can’t make it to the Burlington Library, request a zoom link by emailing [email protected].
Eastern Washington Genealogical Society October Civil War Seminar
EWGS Fall Seminar: Civil War Research
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!
There are many attendees already registered, so don’t miss out! Go to the website to register now!
$40 – MEMBERS (attending in person) $50 – NON-MEMBERS (attending in person) $20 – ZOOMERS
Date: October 04, 2025
Time: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM (Doors open at 8:30)
Location: Southside Community Center – 3151 E 27th Ave, Spokane, WA 99223
Hybrid-Zoom available for this event
From Muster Rolls to Family Roles:
Discovering Civil War Histories Researching Your Civil War Ancestor – by Craig R. Scott
Oh Yes, I Went to the Front!: Women in the Civil War – by Melanie McComb
Refugees, Claims, and Pardons:
Reconciliation during the Reconstruction Era – by Michael L. Strauss
Handouts will be emailed to registered attendees 2-3 days PRIOR to the event. (please print your handouts at home)
In-Person Attendance includes: lunch, snacks, dessert, coffee, tea, and possibly door prizes!
Deadline for mailing checks is SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 BY 5:00 P.M.
NOTE: IF YOU WISH TO REGISTER VIA WRITTEN CHECK: Write your check for the correct amount (see above),
MAIL TO: EWGS 9116 E SPRAGUE AVE., #438 SPOKANE VALLEY, WA 99206
Cancellation for this event AND TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND deadline is SEPTEMBER 26TH BY 5:00 P.M.
Exciting new vendors
Book sale of donated Civil War books and many others!
Free Table
If you feel that you cannot afford the tuition fee for this seminar, please apply for a scholarship.
Sign in to EWGS as a member. Click on Events and Choose Scholarship Grant Forms.