Category Archives: Society Support

Special Awards Nominations Due

by Roxanne Lowe

Societies are urged and encouraged to submit nominations for Outstanding Communication, Outstanding Project and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. The deadline for each award is May 1, 2016. For more information and nomination information, click on the links below.

  • Outstanding Communication – Recognizes the importance of how local genealogical societies or organizations communicate. Includes all forms of communication, including websites, social media, newsletters, lectures, videos, podcasts, etc.
  • Outstanding Project – Awarded to local genealogical society or organization in recognition of exceptional genealogical or historical projects implemented during the past year.
  • President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – Recognizes that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations.

Questions? Contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

New!! Education Assistance Available

by Roxanne Lowe

WSGS is working to improve the services we offer to local societies and their members. Our latest effort: Education Assistance Fund!

The Education Assistance Fund (EAF) is designed to support WSGS-member societies’ abilities to provide quality genealogical educational events such as conferences, workshops, seminars and programs for their members and the public.

Here’s how it works: your society wants to sponsor a workshop, seminar or other educational event, but don’t quite have the funds to get started or put on the type of first-rate show you envision. Great. Apply for up to $500 from the Education Assistance Fund. After your event, we ask that you replenish the fund so other societies can take advantage of the assistance. While we have an expectation that the funds will be repaid, we recognize the financial risks associated with holding an event and accept part of that risk. More information is available in the Guidance Document.

Here are just a few possibilities for asking for EAF help:

  • Assistance in confirming a renowned speaker or facility.
  • Expanding your event to include more classes or workshops.
  • Help with promotional expenses, including printing and advertising.
  • Purchase of goodie bags, binders/folders or other day-of-event materials.

There is no deadline for applying for financial help through the EAF. Simply complete the application here and submit. Your application will be reviewed and we’ll get back to you so you can continue planning your event. Additional details about the Education Assistance Fund are available here.

For more information about the WSGS Education Assistance Fund, contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair.

 

WSGS Innovative Grants Available to Local Societies

by Roxanne Lowe

The Washington State Genealogical Society’s “Innovative Grant Program” is accepting applications. The deadline is April 1, 2016.

The grants, up to $100, are designed to support the inventive and creative efforts of WSGS-member societies and organizations. Up to five grants will be awarded in 2016.

Last year’s grant awards were made to:

  • Chelan Valley GS for the purchase of a computer at the local library for the exclusive use of accessing Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  • Northeast Washington GS for the removal of diseased trees at a local pioneer cemetery.
  • Skagit Valley GS for the purchase of a new computer for society presentations and transcription of documents at the regional archives.
  • Tri-City GS for promotion monies to support the society’s “Archives Records Contest” and augmentation of the prize pool.
  • Wenatchee Area GS for the purchase of specialized software to manage the society’s extensive genealogical holdings.

The deadline for the Innovative Grant application is April 1, 2016. The simple application is only ONE page and is available here. Additional guidance on the program is here.

For more information, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

Genealogical Societies – An Under-utilized Resource

by Roxanne Lowe

Genealogy societies are a great resource for family historians whether you are a beginner or advanced. Genealogical societies are formed for a variety of reasons. They can be created around a common lineage (Mayflower Society), surname (Descendants of John Simmons), ethnicity (American Historical Society of Germans from Russia), geographical research locality (Adams County Genealogical Society), or current place of residence (Utah Genealogical Association).

There are lots of good reasons for joining a genealogy society, but here are some of the best reasons for a novice genealogist to get involved. First, chances are that despite your growing enthusiasm for family history research and your willingness to talk to friends and family about what you are learning, you will enjoy getting to know other enthusiasts and discussing the ups and downs of genealogy with someone who understands your excitement and frustration.

For four additional good reasons to join a genealogy society and the rest of the article, click here.

Reprinted with permission from Legacy Tree Genealogists.