It’s June, June, June — and we’re getting ready to bust out all over at the 2015 WSGS Conference in Ellensburg! (Sincere apologies to the toe-tapping music and lyrics from Rogers & Hammerstein’s Carousel.)
It’s not too late to register to hear David Rencher share his knowledge and expertise. Here’s the brochure and here’s how to register.
Genealogy display at Ellensburg Public Library
Diane Huckabay, President of the Kittitas County Genealogical Society, has become the driving force behind a new opportunity for local library visitors to learn about genealogy and family history research. Every Friday afternoon for the next couple of months at the Ellensburg Public Library, Diane is helping those interested in genealogical research. At her first session, Diane discussed family group sheets and pedigree charts. In addition, she provided resources and encouragement to those attending.
According to the library’s press release, one-on-one research consultations are also available to more experienced visitors and visitors with specific research questions. In addition to promoting genealogy and family history, Diane is encouraging interested visitors to attend the upcoming WSGS Conference at the Quality Inn in Ellensburg on Saturday, June 27, 2015.
There are preliminary plans, if successful in Ellensburg, to expand the family history research opportunity to neighboring libraries. The Ellensburg Public Library is located at 209 N. Ruby Street.
Do you remember where you were 35 years ago — May 18,1980? David Rencher sure does!
David, FamilySearch’s chief genealogical officer and featured speaker at next month’s WSGS Conference in Ellensburg, was in Yakima visiting family. He remembers that day clearly as a mushroom-shaped column of ash from Mt. St. Helens, 90 miles away, rose thousands of feet skyward and drifted downwind, turning day into night as dark gray ash fell over eastern Washington and beyond. Yakima received 4 – 5 inches of ash that morning.
We don’t expect another eruption during the 2015 WSGS Conference in Ellensburg, so we hope to see you there! Register now!
Have you registered for the State Conference yet? We’re very lucky to be able to host David Rencher, FamilySearch’s Chief Genealogical Officer, for a day full of learning about “Strategies and Visions for the Future.”
While you’re planning your day with David, plan to come early to take advantage of some amazing pre-conference opportunities on Friday, June 26:
If you’re now convinced there’s so much to do that you want to spend the night, WSGS has arranged for special room rates at the Quality Inn, 1700 Canyon Road, Ellensburg. Call (800) 925-9800 to make a reservation. Make sure you identify yourself as being with the WSGS Conference to get that special rate!
Have you registered for the 2015 WSGS Conference yet? Come spend the day with David Rencher, FamilySearch’s Chief Genealogical Officer talk about “Strategies and Visions for the Future.”
Hope to see you on Saturday June 27, 2015, at the Quality Inn and Conference Center in Ellensburg.
Are you excited about the WSGS Conference on June 27, 2015? David Rencher is, too!
In a recent interview, David, chief genealogical officer at FamilySearch and the headliner at the conference in Ellensburg, expressed his excitement about returning to Washington State — a place he’s been many times.
David and his family have strong ties to Yakima, where his wife Tamara was raised. Tamara is the daughter of Luella (Robinson) and J. Franklin Howell. Dr. Howell (1932 – 2012) was an pioneering entomologist who worked with a government program in Yakima on pheromone technology to control the coddling moth.
If you haven’t registered yet for the conference, do it now. It promises to be educational and enlightening.
2015 WSGS Annual Conference
Strategies and Visions for the Future
With David Rencher
June 27, 2015
Quality Inn and Conference Center
1700 Canyon Road
Ellensburg, Washington
Certified Genealogist
Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch
Fellow of the Irish Genealogical Research Society
Past-President of Federation of Genealogical Societies
Irish course coordinator fna dinstructor for Samford University
Accredited Genealogist with ICAPGen in Irish research
Professional Genealogist since 1977
BA in Family and Local History
He has a vision and he knows the future.
Friday, June 26
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Early Registration at Quality Inn
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Open House at Kittitas County Genealogical Society Library
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Computer Lab and Legacy webinars at Quality Inn
Saturday, June 27
8:00 am – 8:45 am Registration at Quality Inn
8:45 am – 9:00 am Introduction
9:00 am – 10:00 am Coming Forward, Descendent Research – Methodologies, records, sources and tools on how to organize massive amounts of records are described during this comprehensive descendant research project discussion
10:00 am – 10:30 am Break and Browse Vendors
10:30 am – 11:30 am FamilySearch Future and Vision – Learn where FamilySearch is headed and what to expect from FamilySearch.org.
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Lunch and WSGS Annual Meeting and Awards
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Digital Projects & Programs of FamillySearch – Get more detailed information about projects and programs coming to FamilySearch.org from its Chief Genealogical Officer.
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Break and Browse Vendors
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Strategies for Irish Research 1500 to 1800 – Irish research can be difficult. Learn how to overcome obstacles in Irish research that can also help you with other difficult research hurdles.
Things to do in Ellensburg while you enjoy your Friday night stay:
Barn Quilt Tour – Many area barns are painted with images of quilts. Taking the tour is a nice way to get off the “main drag” and see some really beautiful scenery. Maps can be found online at barnquiltswashington.org
Central Washington Branch of the Washington Archives – Located at 400 E University Way. Tours of the building will be available from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Friday, June 26.
Computer Lab – Bring your research in Gedcom format on a flash drive and test drive various genealogical programs in a computer lab at the conference site. Legacy webinars will also be available for viewing.
Kittitas County Genealogical Society Library – Located at 413 N Main Street will have an Open House. You are invited to meet local genealogists and research in their library.
Register Now!
Register online and use PayPal to pay your Registration Fees or complete the following form and mail to
Washington State Genealogical Society, 1901 South 12th Avenue, Union Gap WA 98903
Registration of $55.00 includes Friday and Saturday events and a “Brown Bag” lunch. Coffee, tea, and water available all day.
Name:
Address:
City/Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Number of Registrants: X $55.00 = $
Include check make payable to WSGS with Registration Form.
All lunches include chips, fruit/vegetable, and a cookie. Circle number of desired lunch:
1. Dill Chicken Salad with tomato and greens on a croissant.
2. Grilled Caesar Chicken Wrap with lettuce and parmesan.
3. Smoked Turkey and Swiss with lettuce and tomato on whole wheat.
4. Roast Beef with cream cheese on sourdough.
5. Vegetarian Sandwich with spinach, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, avocado and cream cheese on white.
6. Ham and Cheddar with spicy mustard and lettuce on rye.
7. Albacore Tuna with lettuce on ciabatta bread.
8. The Classic. Turkey, ham, bacon and Swiss on whole wheat.
The WSGS is pleased to announce the creation of three new awards for local genealogical societies and individuals. Nominations are now open for all three – in addition to the established Outstanding Volunteer/Team Awards.
A couple of other very important reminders:
• The deadline to apply for a WSGS Innovative Grant is April 1. We want to give up to five $100 grants to worthy projects, so apply now! The application is easy to complete and available here.
• Registration is wide open for the WSGS Conference featuring David Rencher, FamilySearch’s Chief Genealogical Officer, Saturday, June 27, 2015 in Ellensburg. Don’t miss it!
Ever wonder what all the letters behind a professional genealogist’s name stand for? They stand for lots of hard work, dedication, and commitment.
David Rencher, the headliner at the 2015 WSGS Annual Conference on June 27 in Ellensburg, has a veritable alphabet book behind his name.
◾AG — Accredited Genealogist with the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen)
◾CG — Certified Genealogist with the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG)
◾FUGA — Fellow of Utah Genealogical Association (UGA)
◾FIGRS — Fellow of the Irish Genealogical Research Society, London
And don’t overlook that he’s the CGO (Chief Genealogical Officer) at FamilySearch, past President of FGS (Federation of Genealogical Societies) and has a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Family and Local History from BYU (Brigham Young University). That’s a lot of letters!!!
Sign up now to spent the day listening to David share his expertise and vision for the future of genealogy. You’ll understand why he’s got all those letters behind his name!
Note the phone number for Quality Inn is
(509) 925-9800
