Tag Archives: Clark County Genealogical Society

Don’t Miss the Fort Vancouver Tapestry

by Roxanne Lowe

A section of the Fort Vancouver Tapestry

For those attending the Clark County Genealogical Society’s Spring Seminar, don’t miss viewing the Fort Vancouver Tapestry on exhibit at the CCGS Annex, 717 Grand Blvd., Vancouver. This exquisite textile will be on display from Thursday, May 24 through Monday, May 28.

The tapestry was completed over a six-year period (1999 – 2005), using over 100,000 hours of volunteer effort. The 70 panels, stitched by 57 talented embroiderers, depicts the history and growth of the American West all the way to the banks of the mighty Columbia. The tapestry is 108 feet long and has more than 22 miles of woolen yarn.

An amazing work of art not to be missed.

Join us in Vancouver

by Roxanne Lowe

Momentum is building for a fabulous and meaningful weekend full of genealogical as well as historical events! Register now for the Clark County Genealogical Society‘s Spring Seminar with David Allen Lambert from the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Registration info here.

And there’s more!

  • The Washington State Genealogical Society will be presenting their awards during the seminar’s lunch hour on Saturday.
  • An 1833-35 Hudson Bay Company (HBC) descendant is attending the HCB Gala Reception Friday evening and he has stories.
  • The Ft. Vancouver Tapestry will be showing at the CCGS Library Annex for 5 Full Days (24th-28th).
  • There’s a walking Cemetery Tour is scheduled for Sunday (meet up at Library).

David Allen Lambert Coming to Vancouver — You Should, Too!

by Roxanne Lowe

Register now for the Clark County Genealogical Society‘s Spring Seminar on Saturday, May 26. An added bonus to the day is the Washington State Genealogical Society’s Recognition Event during the lunch hour. Registration information and form are available here.

Clark County and their partners have organized a weekend-long event, packed with a wide variety of activities. The Saturday seminar key speaker will be David Allen Lambert. Serving as chief genealogist for the venerable New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), David’s seminar topics include 1) World War 1 Military; 2) Great Migration Era settler research; and 3) Probate & Deed Records research.

Friday, May 25
7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

As an honored guest at the Hudson Bay Company Gala Reception Friday evening, David Allen Lambert will be sharing his genealogical gems; seemingly small finds that lead to amazing stories. CCGS is collaborating with Friends of Fort Vancouver to bring some of the wonderful Fort interpreters as guests. The Hudson Bay Company Gala Reception will be held at the Artillery Barracks of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 600 Hathaway Rd. in Vancouver.

Saturday, May 26
8:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The seminar includes three lectures from David Allen Lambert, NEHGS chief genealogist. Additionally, the Washington State Genealogical Society will announce their annual recognition awards. The event will be at  the Historic Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street in Vancouver.

Sunday, May 27
10:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Clark County Genealogical Society will host a library open house at 715 Grand Blvd, Vancouver. A guided cemetery tour is also planned; brochures will be available for other self-guided tours.

Before and During Memorial Weekend

For 5 days before and during Memorial Weekend, The Fort Vancouver Tapestry will be displayed at the CCGS Library. Completed in 2005, this historic community project required 57 skilled stitchery workers contributing 100,000 hours over 5 plus years.

Accommodations

For out-of-towners, the Hilton Hotel offered special rates. The CCGS group reservation code is CCG. Click here for the special rate.

Register Now for Clark County Spring Seminar and WSGS Recognition Event

by Roxanne Lowe

The WSGS Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, which includes the announcement of the Outstanding Volunteer and Team awards, Outstanding Communication and Project awards,  WSGS President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and Innovative Grant winners, will be Saturday, May 26, 2018 during the lunch period of Clark County Genealogical Society‘s Spring Seminar. The seminar and awards event will be held at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver.

David Allen Lambert

The seminar’s featured speaker will be David Allen Lambert, New England Historic Genealogical Society‘s chief genealogist. His seminar topics include:

  • World War 1 Military
  • Great Migration Era settler research
  • Probate & Deed Records research

CCGS has planned other events during the weekend, including:

  • Hudson Bay Company Gala Reception on Friday night. David will be the honored guest and will share his genealogical gems: seemingly small finds that led to amazing stories.
  • A guided Cemetery Tour is proposed for Sunday. There will also be brochures for other local self-guided tours available at the CCGS Library.
  • For the five days before and during Memorial Weekend, The Fort Vancouver Tapestry will be displayed at the CCGS Library. Completed in 2005, this historic community project required 57 skilled stitchery workers contributing 100,000 hours over more than five years.  For more information, visit http://www.fortvancouvertapestry.com.

For out-of-towners, the Hilton Hotel is offering special rates.  The Hilton’s web access page is:  http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/P/PDXVAHH-CCG-20180525/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG. Be sure to  mention the CCGS group reservation code CCG.

The CCGS Spring Seminar flyer, including a registration form, can be downloaded by clicking on REGISTRATION FORM seminar 2018 or visit the CCGS website.

Clark County Genealogical Society April Meetings

by Charles Hansen

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF ANCESTRY CLASS

Tues, Apr 10, 2018: 10 am-Noon

CCGS Education Center

Are you frustrated by your search results in Ancestry? Do you feel like there are untapped record resources you aren’t able to find? Expert genealogist Elsie Deatherage will show you how to find some of the less popular databases by changing the way you search. Feel free to bring your computer device so that you can follow along. The CCGS Library provides free wireless internet! Advance registration requested as classes with insufficient attendance may be cancelled. Fee for each class $12/members, $15/Non-Members.

 

GEORGIA: GATEWAY TO WESTWARD EXPANSION

Wed, Apr 11, 2018: 5 – 6:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

Georgia holds a critical place in the history of the expansion of the United States west. Learn the common mistakes that can stall your Georgia research. In this Legacy Family Tree webinar, you’ll learn about repositories, history and collections unique to the state to get your family history adventure off on the right foot.

 

SCANDINAVIAN ROOTS FOCUS GROUP

Thu, Apr 12, 2018: 10-11:30am

CCGS Education Center

If you want to discover your Scandinavian roots, attend this monthly meeting and learn how to conduct your research. Speaker Kay Cooke will discuss how she identified her Swedish ancestors by discovering name changes, scouring the internet, searching parish records, and befriending Swedish genealogists. She connected with cousins and walked in her Nordic ancestors’ footsteps. The focus group meets regularly on the second Thursday of the month, September-May. Members and non-members are welcome.

 

RESEARCHING YOUR OREGON ANCESTORS

Fri, Apr 13, 2018: 11 am-12:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

This Legacy Family Tree webinar is perfect if your ancestors made Oregon their new home. You’ll learn at least a dozen solid research tips along with a bit of history, the best websites to find information, and the places to include if you plan a research trip across the Columbia River to the Beaver State.

 

BETTER TOGETHER: MAKING YOUR CASE WITH DOCUMENTS AND DNA

Tues, Apr 17, 2018: 5-6:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

The genealogical proof standard requires reasonably exhaustive research in solving ancestral-identity problems. DNA evidence is now often part of that research. Even the best DNA evidence must be combined with some traditional research. This Legacy Family Tree webinar will show different ways that genealogical problems have been solved by integrating DNA evidence with the paper trail.

 

LINCOLN’S LAWS AND THE RECORDS OF WAR

Apr 18, 2018: 11 am – 12:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

President Abraham Lincoln’s General Order 100 – “Instructions for the Government of Armies … in the Field” – revolutionized the laws of war. Discover how this directive created new records for genealogists to research in this Legacy Family Tree webinar.

 

GET THE MOST FROM THE MYHERITAGE SEARCH ENGINE FOR HISTORICAL RECORDS

Tues, Apr 24, 2018: 11 am – 12:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

MyHeritage SuperSearch™ is a versatile tool for beginners and advanced genealogists alike. In this webinar, you will learn how to leverage this search engine and the more than 8.5 billion historical records it includes to expand your family history research.

 

GENEALOGY ENTHUSIASTS GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Tue, Apr 24, 2018:  7-9 pm

CCGS Education Center

Fur Trade at Fort Vancouver and the Village

National Park Service Pacific West Region’s historical archaeologist, Dr. Doug Wilson, will talk about the inhabitants of both the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Vancouver and the adjacent Village.  Most of the villagers were involved in the Fort’s fur trapping and trading industry, but they did not leave any written records. Wilson will discuss the lives of the diverse people at both the Fort and Village based on the historical records and artifacts.

VERIFYING INFORMATION YOU FIND ONLINE

Wed, Apr 25, 2018: 11 am – 12:30 pm

When genealogists stumble into brick walls and other challenging genealogical puzzles, they look anywhere for clues that can help build their family tree. These can include online trees and other information with unknown sources. This Legacy Family Tree webinar will demonstrate how to verify the information as true or not.

 

 

“The good things you do and throw in the river of life, will be returned to you in the desert of life.” Sa’adi

Bea Ritter Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Bea Ritter

Today we’re introducing Beatrice “Bea” Ritter of Vancouver, Washington, who was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). She was recognized for commitment to the satisfaction of the society’s members.

The Clark County Genealogical Society has been greatly improved by the efforts of long-time member Bea Ritter. She joined the CCGS in 1998 and has served in various leadership capacities since then. Over the past four years she has ably served as the society’s vice president. In 2015, the position of membership chair became vacant and Ms. Ritter graciously volunteered to fill in. Her efforts immediately resulted in a significant increase in member retention and new member satisfaction.

The strength of the Clark County Genealogical Society rises and falls with its membership and Ms. Ritter has made a mighty contribution to the society’s well-being. As such, she greatly deserved being a 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Clark County Genealogical Society March Meetings

by Charles Hansen

 

 

LEGACY GENEALOGY SOFTWARE USER GROUP

Mon, Mar 5, 2018: 10 am-noon

CCGS Education Center

If you use Legacy Family Tree Software for tracking your genealogy research, there is a Legacy Users Group that meets monthly to discuss tips, tricks and problems. You will always come away with some new ideas. The meetings are held regularly on the first Monday of the month. Members and non-members are welcome

 – GETTING STARTED TRACING YOUR FAMILY ROOTS CLASS

Tues, Mar 6, 2018: 10 am-12 noon – Free Class

CCGS Education Center

Are you clueless about unraveling the mysteries in your family tree? This class will get you started with your research. Topics include collecting information from the family, family group sheets, pedigree charts, genealogy database programs and best practices for research. This free introductory class is taught by CCGS president and expert genealogist, Brian Runyan.

 

OVERCOMING BRICK WALLS CAUSED BY RECORD LOSS

Wed, Mar 07, 2018: 11 a.m.- 12:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

Many old records have been lost due to climate, poor storage, and war. This Legacy Family Tree webinar will give tips about finding alternative records if you know where to look. For instance, Federal records such as the census, and cemetery records both local and national are just two of the many record types to check to find ancestors who lived in areas where records were destroyed or lost.

– SCANDINAVIAN ROOTS FOCUS GROUP

Thu, Mar 8, 2018: 10-11:30am

CCGS Education Center

If you want to discover your Scandinavian roots, attend this monthly meeting and learn how to conduct your research. Meet with other like-minded individuals who have discovered their ancestors going back many generations. Geographic areas include Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. This group meets regularly on the second Thursday of the month, September-May. Members and non-members are welcome.

 

SECRETS IN THE ATTIC: BREAK DOWN BRICK WALLS WITH HOME SOURCES

Fri, March 09, 2018: 11 a.m.-12:30 PM

CCGS Education Center

Solve genealogical mysteries with clues located in family sources. You’ll get inside tips on what to look for in this Legacy Family Tree webinar. Photos and examples show where to find hidden details about your ancestors’ lives in the things they left behind, including old documents and letters, and unidentified photographs.

 IRISH RECORDS RESEARCHING CLASS

Tues, Mar 13, 2018: 10 am – 12 pm

CCGS Education Center

Are you one of over 50 million Americans with Irish heritage? Come learn about all of the new resources available in the last two years, plus a few often overlooked sources. Instructor and Irish genealogy research expert Barbara Schrag encourages students to bring your laptop or tablet and “bookmark” sites as we explore them together.

 

THE CASE OF THE BROKEN LINK: DECODING THE URL

Wed, Mar 14, 2018: 5-6:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

Web site addresses appear to be long, complicated, and mysterious. How can you track down a new URL for a broken link or a broken bookmark? What happens when your source citation for a web site contains a URL  that suddenly disappears? This Legacy Family Tree webinar will break down this technical topic to help you easily hunt for the URL you need.

 – RESEARCHING MILITARY RECORDS CLASS

Tues, 20 Mar 2018: 10 am-12 pm

CCGS Education Center

Military events and records often hold surprising family clues beyond an individual’s service records. Even from our earliest American settlements, the need for defense produced military records, thus providing useful family search resources. Learn useful tips for researching these sources from expert genealogist and CCGS board member, Marcia Grubb.

 

FROM BALTIMORE TO BURLINGTON: NEIGHBORS REVEAL MAN’S HOME

Tues, Mar 20, 2018: 5-6:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

A Maryland resident claimed an 1816 Vermont birth to Vermont-born parents, but no known records provide proof. Studying his ties to his neighbors and associates who shared close geographic, vocational, political and religious proximity brings a Maryland man home to his Vermont family. Learn how the presenter in this Legacy Family Tree webinar analyzed, correlated, and assembled common and lesser-known records to build a persuasive case.

 

HANDS-ON WITH MYHERITAGE DNA

Wed, Mar 21, 2018: 11 am-12:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

Whether you upload your raw DNA data to MyHeritage or are ready to move forward with the results from your MyHeritage DNA test, this webinar will guide you through your ethnicity estimates, DNA matches and more. On hand to walk Geoff Rasmussen through his personal results is MyHeritage’s Director of DNA, Yoav Naveh.

 

INTRODUCTION TO DNA TESTING IN GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY

Fri, Mar 23, 2018: 11 am-12:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

DNA is an increasingly important tool that can help us discover amazing things about ourselves and our families. This Legacy Family Tree webinar will provide a brief refresher of human genetics and review the different types of DNA tests available today. There will be an in-depth discussion of autosomal DNA tests and how these tests can be used to solve genealogical problems when evidence from traditional records in scarce.

 – GENEALOGY ENTHUSIASTS MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Tue, Mar 27, 2018:  10 am to noon

CCGS Education Center

Viking Roots Revealed: Hear how CCGS member Kay Cooke identified the leaves on her Norwegian and Swedish family trees. With scarce information, she discovered name changes, scoured the internet, searched foreign parish records, befriended Scandinavian genealogists, connected with cousins, and eventually, walked in her Nordic ancestors’ footsteps.

 

FORMULATING A DNA TESTING PLAN

Wed, Mar 28, 2018: 11 am – 12:30 pm

CCGS Education Center

DNA testing can be expensive, but DNA evidence is a component of exhaustive research when it is available. In this Legacy Family Tree webinar, Dr. Blaine Bettinger explains how to identify some of the ways you can minimize costs while maximizing results by formulating a DNA testing plan early in your research.

 

 

“The good things you do and throw in the river of life, will be returned to you in the desert of life.” Sa’adi