A nice bit of publicity in The Columbian for CCGS! This appeared under “Letters to the Editor.” It was written following a story about a local man who successfully searched for his enslaved ancestors. Apparently, the writer didn’t know about, or think to mention CCGS. Perhaps that was because the interviewee has not availed himself of CCGS resources. Hopefully, more will after this!
Kay Cooke
Six Free Genealogy Basics Classes at Clark County Genealogical Society
Before spring comes around and gardens need tending, awaken the winter doldrums by adding a few ancestor leaves to your family tree. Increasingly, people are getting their DNA tested and looking for answers, say, about that two percent of Basque origins that shows up. But where to start the search? Turn to your local genealogical society for help. Beginning February 7, the Clark County Genealogical Society is offering a series of six FREE one-hour, in-person basic genealogy strategies classes. Each class will focus on a different topic for digging into the roots of your family tree. All of the teachers are experienced local genealogists who will offer useful hints and practical tips whether one is interested in beginning a search or just wanting to refresh their skills. For more information and to pre-register, stop by CCGS at 3205 NE 52nd Street, Vancouver (check the website for hours: https://www.ccgs-wa.org) or call CCGS at 360-750-5688.
The classes and topics:
Feb 7,2023 – Basic Genealogy Strategies – The Beginning
Feb 14, 2023 – Basic Genealogy Strategies – Organize with Purpose
Feb 21, 2023 – Basic Genealogy Strategies – Where Are Your People Located?
Mar 7, 2023 – Basic Genealogy Strategies – History and Your Family
Mar 14, 2023 – Basic Genealogy Strategies – Using the Ancestry Website Effectively
Mar 21, 2023 – Basic Genealogy Strategies – Family History Clues in Probate Records
The Clark County Genealogical Society was incredibly fortunate to have three pre-anniversary announcements in The Columbian. This fabulous story and coverage appeared on the front cover of Sunday’s Life Section.
It is hard to give myself credit, but I worked with The Columbian to tweak their interest. One never knows what a paper will do, and we were soooo lucky!
Kay Cooke
CCGS Publicity volunteer
Put a Granny in the Gallery
The Clark County Genealogical Society is seeking submissions for their Gallery of Grandmothers by August 15 in celebration of their 50th anniversary celebration. People can submit a photo of a current or past grandmother from anywhere or any era. Each photo should include up to 500 words about the ancestor, including such items such as name, dates of birth and death, birthplace, where and how they lived, what they did, favorite memory, and perhaps some personal characteristics. Digital images and descriptions can be emailed to marcia@ccgswa.org. You may also drop photo copies (up to 5”x7”) off at the CCGS Library, 3205 NE 52nd Street, Vancouver, WA 98663. The library is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The 50th anniversary celebration will be held on August 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come dressed like the early ‘70’s and have a grilled hot dog. This is a great time for those interested in ancestry research to explore the library and its sources, participate in some fun activities, and chat with genealogy experts. For more information, visit https://www.ccgs-wa.org.
(Note: I have a 1930s-era photos of my grandmother taken 1) on the streets of either Vancouver or Portland and, 2) at a fair, probably Clark County. The family grew up in Felida, LaCenter, and Woodland. Let me know if you’re interested.)
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Hello!
We certainly appreciated the your help when we were seeking family of the original founders. We’re still seeking them but this is our latest effort for the 50 year celebration. Please let me know if you have any questions or wish to talk to anyone!
Thank you,
Kay Cooke
CCGS Publicity Volunteer
360-952-0025
Photographing Family Heirlooms, Artifacts, Photos and Documents
Saturday, April 30, 2022 – 10 am-noon
Clark County Genealogical Society and Library
Local technology expert Steve Young’s jam-packed two-hour class will instruct you in the use of digital SLR cameras. Bring your own DSLR camera and learn how to incorporate a lightbox when photographing family heirlooms, artifacts, photos and other documents. He will touch on technical aspects of lighting and exposure for best results and will also suggest some best practices when using thumb drives, USB cards and readers to move images to your computer. Steve will also provide suggestions for using these images to connect with your relatives by creating documents or through social media. To reserve a place in the class, call the Clark County Genealogical Society and Library at 360-750-5688, sign up at the CCGS library, or send an email to education@ccgswa.org. To reserve a place in the class, call the Clark County Genealogical Society and Library at 360-750-5688, sign up at the library, or send an email to education@ccgswa.org. Fee: $15/members; $20/non-members.
Getting Started Tracing Your Family Tree
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 – 10 am-noon
Clark County Genealogical Society and Library
Local genealogist Brian Runyan will get you started researching your family tree. Topics include collecting information from the family, family group sheets, pedigree charts and genealogy database program. Start your research with the right tips and techniques. To reserve a place in the class, call the Clark County Genealogical Society and Library at 360-750-5688, sign up at the library, or send an email to education@ccgswa.org. This introductory class is free.
Quickly Organize Your DNA Matches with the Leeds Method Webinar
Wednesday, May 4, 2022: 11 am-12:30 pm
Clark County Genealogical Society and Library
When you take an autosomal DNA test, you get a list of people who share DNA with you from common ancestors. Genealogist Diane Leeds uses “Shared Matching” to create colorful groups of these matches. Each group is likely related to you through one part of your family, and many people get four groups based on their four grandparent lines. This method is based on DNA, not trees, so it is also often effective in cases of unknown parentage. This free Legacy Family Tree Webinar presentation will help you create a Leeds Method chart, understand your results, and use that chart to learn more about your family tree.
There’s Gold in Them Thar Probate Records
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 – 10 am-noon
Clark County Genealogical Society and Library
Local genealogist Dale Deatherage will teach about the types of documents found in probate files, where they can be found, and why they should be an important part of genealogy research. Dale has been working on family history for nearly 20 years. He has been especially interested in a fourth great grandfather who fought in the Black Hawk War. Dale has attended numerous national institutes and enjoys sharing knowledge learned in these learning situations. To reserve a place in the class, call the Clark County Genealogical Society and Library at 360-750-5688, sign up at the library, or send an email to education@ccgswa.org. Fee: $15/members; $20/non-members
Indirect Evidence – A Case Study Webinar
Wednesday, May 18, 2022: 11 am-12:30 pm
Clark County Genealogical Society and Library
This Connecticut-based, indirect evidence case study will highlight techniques for researching a woman whose maiden name is known, but her parents are unknown due to deficiencies in the vital records. In this free Legacy Family Tree webinar, techniques will be demonstrated that rely on forming hypotheses and gathering evidence to test those hypotheses.Thorough research of neighbors and associates (the FAN principle) will yield enough evidence to tie this woman back into her family. Records used include pre-1850 census records, deeds, probate, church, and court. Death records of family members provide the final clues that tie them all together.
Accessing Genealogically Relevant Materials In Your Bunny Slippers
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 – 10 am-noon
Clark County Genealogical Society and Library
articles and other non-vital record materials without leaving home. Genealogist Brian Runyan will provide his tips for some of the many ways of getting the right content in front of your eyes.To reserve a place in the class, call the Clark County Genealogical Society and Library at 360-750-5688, sign up at the library, or send an email to education@ccgswa.org. Fee: $15/members; $20/non-members.
Understanding the History of the U.S. Census Webinar
Wednesday, May 25, 2022: 11 am-12:30 pm
Clark County Genealogical Society and Library
Just who was it that created the documents genealogists typically turn to first? What rules did they follow? How long did they have to complete their job? How big is an enumeration district? These questions, and more, probably occur to anyone doing extensive research in the U.S. Census reports. This free Legacy Family Tree webinar reviews the staffing, training, search for accuracy, penalties for non-cooperation, and bureaucracy of the U.S. Census from 1790 through 1950.
Clark County Genealogical Society will celebrate their 50th Anniversary on August 27, 2022. Family members of the Founders are especially invited to attend. A tribute will honor the 15 original founders of Margaretta Zimmerman, Lois Bauman, Augusta Dean, Myrtle Fennefos, Janice Fillman, Mildred Finley, Gertrude Hamblen, Jean Holroyd, Bertha Hughes, Nellie Violet Miller, Lois Plotts, Mildred Porter, Helen Sykes, Harleith Ward, and Joan Zuber. If you are a family member or know of people who would like to join the celebration, please call CCGS at 360-750-5688, or send an email with name and contact information to Bea at gensoc@ccgs-wa-org. To honor key organizer and the first president of CCGS, there will be a dedication ceremony naming the “Margaretta Zimmerman Meeting Room” at the celebration. Watch for more information or sign up for the newsletter at www.ccgs-wa.org.
Wednesday, April 6, 2022 – 11 a.m.
THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DNA TESTING FOR GENEALOGY WEBINAR
This free Legacy Family Tree Webinar presentation will give an overview of the three main types of DNA tests available for family history purposes. It will explain how Y-DNA, Mitochondrial DNA and Autosomal DNA are inherited and how to use your DNA results to verify the accuracy of your family tree, connect with new cousins, break down brick walls and solve mysteries. You’ll receive practical advice, hints and tips on the best steps to take to succeed and demonstrate what can be achieved using success stories.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022: 11:00 AM
UNLOCKING STORIES OF FEMALE ANCESTORS THROUGH EFFECTIVE RESEARCH WEBINAR
This Legacy Family Tree Webinar will explore implementation of standard research methodology that may unlock previously “hidden” evidence of female ancestors’ stories. Today’s discussion includes two case studies of females born in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. An exploration of sources, beyond census and marriage records, was required to enhance their life stories. One subject was born into an affluent family who settled in north central Tennessee, and the second was enslaved from birth until Emancipation in western Kentucky.
Wednesday, April 27, 2022: 11:00 AM
WRINGING EVERY DROP OUT OF MITOCHONDRIAL DNA WEBINAR
You will learn step by step how to utilize mitochondrial DNA testing at Family Tree DNA to get the most out of your results. We’ll look at little known methods to obtain information, even if your match doesn’t have a tree. In this Legacy Family Tree Webinar, we’ll discuss using resources such as Geni, WikiTree and others to break down mitochondrial brick walls. Last, there will be discussion of projects and using mitochondrial DNA in conjunction with autosomal DNA for a slam-dunk.
We search and answer, But are Kids good at Search and Answer games? How will we know? Let them Play!
Beginning March 7 thru 11, 2022. Are you a player? Scavenger Hunt: Seven (7) daily questions – all the answers available from online sources. This game not only builds your search skills but also delivers great daily prizes. Student and Adult Winners for Daily ($25) and Grand ($100) prizes. Enter online at www.ccgs-wa.org
Clark County Genealogical Society
invites
STUDENTS and ADULTS to
JOIN OUR SPRING SCAVENGER HUNT from March 7 – 13, 2022
CASH for Daily ($25) and Grand ($100) Prize Winners
5 Daily and 1 Grand Prize STUDENT winners
5 Daily and 1 Grand Prize ADULT winner
Registration and donations are open at www.ccgs-wa.org.
Seven (7) daily questions – all answers available from online sources. The game not only builds your search skills but also delivers great daily prizes!. Student and Adult daily winners. You may review also last year’s questions and answers on our website www.ccgs-wa.org.