WSGS Innovative Grants Available to Local Societies

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

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.