Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2024 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the JCGS Research Center who was selected by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Pam Wilson, Dave Sachi, Eileen Martin, Harlean Hamilton, Marge Samuelson, Mary Stolaas, Pam Stinson, Cathy Beatty-O’Shea, Kathie Wilkinson, Geri Eekhoff, Elaine Raymond, Ada Kornmeyer, Bobbee Davidson, Sue Atkin, Gene Nelson and Kathy Pool.

This group of volunteers remained actively staffing the JCGS research center in person throughout the COVID era from July 2021 thru January 2023. They have endured Zoom meetings, administrative changes in procedures, snafus with technology, and wearing masks while meeting researchers in person.

This group was formed by the JCGS board asking for volunteers to staff the research center. The project has been long-term, starting after the library re-opened to in-person research in July 2021 and especially through January 2023.

Most of this group is still currently staffing the research center.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the JCGS Board of Directors who were nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS).  Board members included Barb Peterson, Kathie Wilkinson, Dora Whittaker, Lesa Barnes, Pam Stinson, Mary Stolaas and Ann McCreery.

The JCGS Board of Directors exceeds expectations in their collective knowledge, patience, and dedication. Their leadership of JCGS through an unprecedented period of challenges, including enforced closure of the Research Center and the need to provide alternative approaches, have enabled JCGS to continue its mission. The Board members have adapted to online presentations, transferred large databases to an online site to allow access by its members, funded needed equipment and national presenters, expanded the website and Facebook pages, and maintained the monthly newsletter. They have also responded patiently to members’ questions and concerns, translating their knowledge into clear, accessible language. JCGS is grateful for their selfless contributions. They are individually deserving of this honor and as a team are worthy of the highest accolades for working together and emerging from this challenging time with the society intact and poised to move into the future.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the JCGS Computer Advisory Committee who was nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS).  Members of the team included Cathy Beatty and Pam Stinson.

Pam and Cathy form an outstanding team, working for the support of JCGS as a society, and on an individual basis as volunteers to support its members in their research. They are both incredibly knowledgeable about family research, DNA, and Jefferson County history, collections and databases.

As a team, Pam and Cathy have supported the IT function at the JCGS Research Center, guiding daily maintenance, encouraging responsible upkeep, and navigating a sometimes challenging relationship with computer vendors. They serve as representatives to the Jefferson County Historical Society, members of the JCGS board, and train and support new volunteers. During the pandemic closure and re-opening, they faithfully served JCGS in a way that was invaluable and irreplaceable.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Ann McCreery of Port Townsend, Washington, who was nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS).

Ann exhibited extraordinary dedication, knowledge, skill and patience while shepherding the board through a year-long process, during the COVID-19 pandemic, over Zoom, to create the society’s strategic plan.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.