WSGS Bids Adieu to 2016

by Roxanne Lowe

As 2016 comes to a close, we want to reflect on the accomplishments of the Washington State Genealogical Society over the past 12 months. While there’s always more to do — and we’re going to continue working on improvements — we still celebrate what we’ve done and are getting ready to be bigger and better in 2017.

Here are a few of our most important accomplishments.

  • Successful partnership with Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society to host the highly successful WSGS Conference and awards ceremony in June.
  • Our blog continues to get active readership. 465 (and counting!) posts were sent to more than 500 blog subscribers. We had 284 seminars and meetings posted throughout the year — up from 112 in 2015! Most popular posts were “Tip of the Week” and Donna Potter Phillips’ “Serendipity.”
  • We have 369 proud members of WSGS – highest membership in years.
  • Offered complimentary memberships to all local societies.
  • Updated the Board’s Standing Rules.
  • Outstanding Volunteers/Teams awards were presented to 20 individuals and 4 teams with 20 members from 17 local genealogical societies.
  • Innovative Grants awarded to:
    • Jefferson County Genealogical Society – upgrade software designed to index and preserve more than 400,000 local records.
    • Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society – event promotion to “adopt” coyote sculpture. See 28 Dec 2016 blog feature.
    • Whitman County Genealogical Society – assist with the purchase of a new society computer, 22” monitor and portable hard drive to ensure back-up of files.
  • President’s Award deservedly presented to Margie Wilson of Skagit Valley Genealogical Society.
  • Created the Education Assistance Fund to support local societies’ abilities to provide quality genealogical educational events.
  • Pioneer and First Citizen Certificates remain one of our most popular programs. Since its inception in 1984, more than 27,000 certificates have been issued. Check here for the index of early Washingtonians.
  • In our continuing effort to promote transparency and involvement, the Board minutes and society’s financial reports are now posted in the members’ area of website.
  • Website updated, with a special emphasis on the home page and publicizing local societies’ events and meetings.
  • Staffed WSGS information table at four events where we promoted WSGS, answered questions, and enrolled new members.