Latest News For Members
Out-of-Area Events
APRIL PRESENTATION for MEMBERS and GUESTS
MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Historic Records in Douglas County
with Jim Ruud, Douglas County Assessor
We’ll take a virtual tour of the treasures that are waiting for us, either on the Douglas County website, or after a scenic drive up to Waterville. There are historic ownership records, old deeds and photos. The county’s Maps & Data Portal will also be demonstrated.
In person at the FamilySearch Center, 667 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee, or via Zoom (Zoom address will be posted here, closer to the event.
MARCH MEETING FOR MEMBERS and GUESTS
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
A Voyage Through Time
by Susie Wickman
Let’s visit the incredible world of historical ships that carried our ancestors! We’ll look at ship histories, including the innovations that made sea travel safer and faster, and even blueprints and interiors. Learn about tracking ship arrivals and departures with ship mail and newspapers. It will be a fascinating journey.
In person at the FamilySearch Center, 667 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee, or via Zoom
Topic: WAGS March General Meeting Zoom Link
Time: Mar 10, 2025 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83095006911?pwd=m5vzgVA1i998dlnA5HFMRgCRF7To4b.1
Meeting ID: 830 9500 6911
Passcode: March
FEBRUARY MEETING FOR MEMBERS and GUESTS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
General Land Office: Get the Most Out of the BLM-GLO Website
by Lisa Gorrell
Whether your ancestor obtained land from the federal government in the public land states, or even if they didn’t, you’ll benefit from this presentation on the General Land Office website.
In person at the FamilySearch Center, 667 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee or via Zoom.
Topic: WAGS General Mtg Zoom Link
Time: Feb 10, 2025 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87405234522?pwd=N1RVbFxbnwE6xfpAlktnk4aeA4kBEe.1
Meeting ID: 874 0523 4522
Passcode: FebWAGSMtg
JANUARY MEETING FOR MEMBERS and GUESTS
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Breaking Down Brick Walls with DNA
by Kate Penney Howard, genetic genealogist
Perhaps DNA can help you with those pesky blanks in your family tree–strange names or no names; immigrants with odd or non-existent information; people who just show up! When traditional genealogical techniques fail to give us an answer, we can turn to DNA to find more opportunities to discover clues.
Topic: WAGS General Meeting Zoom LInk
Time: Jan 13, 2025 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88156085836?pwd=IGcFc8082x8vkAslyxz9OxzjvCa0JF.1
Meeting ID: 881 5608 5836
Passcode: January
Or arrive in person at the FamilySearch Center at 667 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee
“Name Your Price” Book Sale
Start your Christmas shopping today! WAGS is offering you some of our extra books. Shop with WAGS and pretend you’re in a game show called “Name Your Price!” Claim as many of these books (they were part of our Checkout collection) by naming your price and coming into the WAGS Library on December 14, 17 or 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. to collect your books. This is a first come/first served opportunity. Don’t delay!
NO DECEMBER MEETING!
Let’s all take an end-of-the-year break and recharge with family and friends.
On Monday, January 13, 2025 we’ll gather again to hear genetic genealogist Kate Penney Howard present “Breaking Down Brick Walls with DNA.”
NOVEMBER MEETING FOR MEMBERS and GUESTS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
The Great War and Its Stories:
Researching Your WWI Soldier
by Jill Morelli
Seattle-based genealogy educator Jill Morelli will tell us what records survive from World War I, and where to find them. Let’s look at our WWI soldiers through the lens of the available online and in-state repositories.
This will be a hybrid meeting. For an in-person experience, come to the FamilySearch Center at 667 10th Street NE in East Wenatchee. You may also attend via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83006828680?pwd=gBs32mls0GPJDXm8ajZldLAp310Zn0.1
Meeting ID: 830 0682 8680
Passcode: November
OCTOBER MEETING FOR WAGS MEMBERS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
“Future Capital Projects at the Museum”
A conversation with WVMCC Executive Director Marriah Thornock
This presentation is prepared specifically for WAGS members–to give us the latest news on how the museum’s remodeling plans are taking shape, and to allow us to ask all of our logistical questions on how the WAGS Library will be affected.
This will be a hybrid meeting. Marriah will be in person at the FamilySearch Center, 667 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee.
Zoom will also be available:
Topic: WAGS October General Meeting – Members Only
Time: Oct 14, 2024 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85236160487?pwd=4nfa8gpWGi00iw3jaVTMVEEaoolrwI.1
Meeting ID: 852 3616 0487
Passcode: October
Bluegrass Roots – Tracing Your Kentucky Ancestor 1785 – 1940 – April 3, 2025
This lecture provides an overview of record sets and resources for documenting your Kentucky ancestors using a combination of both searchable and browsable online records, as well as archival material.  Debra M. Dudek holds a post graduate certificate in Genealogical, Paleographic & Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Ms. Dudek is the Book Review editor for the Illinois State Genealogical Society, and a board member of the Illinois State Historical Society. |
| When: Thursday, April 3, 2025 Time: 11 AM to 12 PM Where: ZOOM and limited in-person (8) Cost: $20 members / $25 non-members Sign-up & Payment: ZOOM Go to hqrl.com and click on HQRL Store (sign in as a member to receive the discount) In-Person (8 only) Call HQRL at 253-863-1806 or come into the library located at 2102 E Main, Ste 105, Puyallup, WA 98372 |
Washington Resource Guide Available
In a recent blog article, we shared that FamilyTree Magazine had recently published the Resource Guide for Washington State. Kathy Weber, professional genealogist and president of the Seattle Genealogical Society, authored the guide which is full of Evergreen State resources, history and links. The information included in the resource guide is available HERE.
Family Tree Magazine publishes state resource guides for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. They are available in PDF here ($9.99): https://store.familytreemagazine.com/genealogy-research-state-guides.
Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Legacy Family Tree SIG April 2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm virtual via Zoom
This month’s topic is: 1st part of FREE Legacy Family Tree video What’s New in Legacy Family Tree 8? Yes this is correct LFT version 8. This video covers the Legacy features that first appeared in the Version 8 update and still exist in Version 10.
This is our monthly meeting to share tips & tricks, problems & solutions. Sometimes we will watch videos or share our screens to aid in learning more about using Legacy Family Tree software.
Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the learning. If you are just thinking about trying Legacy for the first time, you’ve been using it for a year or two or you are an old pro with many years of experience using Legacy this is the group for you. If you have any suggestions for future topics, please send them in.
We look forward to meeting with you, every month on the First Tuesday at 7:00 PM Pacific Time
Meeting Invite with Links in file attached below:
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly Calendar Reminder: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYpfuyuqDovHNwtBgxtQjWKOjDQ8k5Q9bPD/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqjIvHNKUtR-PRpwQBor4Z-7wpn5Ygo1KiD3iGzRiaDTdGehmA-p0RemJ
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82495661568?pwd=dy85YmluVzF5aEU4SzFTcTUrVDlTUT09
Meeting ID: 824 9566 1568
Passcode: 715731
One tap mobile:
+12532050468,,82495661568#,,,,*715731# US
+12532158782,,82495661568#,,,,*715731# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location:
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 824 9566 1568
Passcode: 715731
Find your local number:
https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcphK19I1E
Heritage Quest Research Library Tracing Your Kentucky Ancestor
| April 2025 Classes Bluegrass Roots – Tracing Your Kentucky Ancestor 1785 – 1940 April 3, 2025 This lecture provides an overview of record sets and resources for documenting your Kentucky ancestors using a combination of both searchable and brows-able online records, as well as archival material. Debra M. Dudek holds a post graduate certificate in Genealogical, Paleographic & Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Ms. Dudek is the Book Review editor for the Illinois State Genealogical Society, and a board member of the Illinois State Historical Society. |
| When: Thursday, April 3, 2025 Time: 11 AM to 12 PM Where: ZOOM and limited in-person (8) Cost: $20 members / $25 non-members Sign-up & Payment: ZOOM Go to hwrl.com and click on HQRL Store (sign in as a member to receive the discount) In-Person (8 only) Call HQRL at 253-863-1806 or come into the library located at 2102 E Main, Ste 105, Puyallup, WA 98372 Coming Soon! “Indirectly Evident: Finding William’s Parents” with Debbie Wilson Smyth Thursday, April 17, 2025 Copyright © 2025 Heritage Quest Research Library, All rights reserved. You have told us that you want to receive our news and updates from our library. Our mailing address is: Heritage Quest Research Library 2102 East Main Suite 105 Puyallup, WA 98372-3205 |
Italian Interest Group of the Eastside Genealogical Society Italian Civil Records
| Description: Italian civil records provide great information – names, dates, parents, grandparents, and sometimes even addresses. But – have you ever ventured into those handwritten scary looking records at the end of the book? Parte 2, Diversi, and the Cittadinanza records offer up additional information – and sometimes quite colorful information. They are a window into the past. We will delve into each of these record types and discover some amazing stories and see the potential for help these records can provide when you find your ancestors within the pages. |
| ZOOM Meeting When: 19-Apr-2025, Saturday Time: 1:30 PM (PDT) Presenter: Ruth Merriman |
| If you aren’t a registered member, you must request meeting access. Below is the link to request a meeting invitation. Please send me an invitation link |
Turmoil at 23andMe!What Should I Do? BANKRUPTCY UPDATE
| UPDATE: 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday 24 March 2025. My plan: I have already downloaded my data from 23andMe – I do this for EVERY DNA testing platform I use. For now, it is business as usual at 23andMe – they are still selling tests and processing results. There is no need to PANIC and delete everything especially if you have matches at 23andMe. I intend to monitor the news about 23andMe and decide if I need to delete my data, my sample, and my account in the future. See the updates below. Recent reports have highlighted significant challenges facing the personal DNA testing company, 23andMe, following a major data breach and the company’s inadequate response. In the wake of a 2023 cyberattack and ensuing boardroom turmoil, customers are understandably concerned about the company’s future. If you have a 23andMe profile, it is crucial to take steps to protect your personal information, especially given the potential for the company to be sold, taken private, or face bankruptcy. Turmoil at 23andMe: Key Events in 23andMe’s Recent Challenges Data Breach (2023): Hackers compromised personal and genetic data from 6.9 million 23andMe users, with Ashkenazi Jewish and Chinese customers specifically targeted. This breach raised serious privacy concerns. Lawsuit Settlement: 23andMe settled a class-action lawsuit related to the breach, agreeing to a $30 million settlement and providing affected users with three years of security monitoring. Financial Losses: In Q2 2024, the company reported a $69.4 million loss on $40.4 million in revenue, further compounding its financial struggles. Stock Decline: After an initial public offering at $10 per share, 23andMe’s stock dropped to below $1 by late 2023.Efforts to Go Private: CEO Anne Wojcicki has been exploring the option to take the company private in response to these financial difficulties. NEW! 23andMe Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (reorganization) on Monday 24 March 2025. Per press release “23andMe Initiates Voluntary Chapter 11 Process to Maximize Stakeholder Value Through Court-Supervised Sale Process” dated Sunday 23 March 2025, the goal is for 23andMe to reorganize and find a buyer to take over the company. Turmoil at 23andMe: Recommended Actions for 23andMe Customers If you are a 23andMe customer, it is advisable to take proactive steps to secure your personal data: Download Your DNA Data: Regardless of the platform—whether 23andMe, AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, or MyHeritage DNA—you should already have downloaded a copy of your DNA data. For 23andMe users, ensure that you download the .zip file containing your genetic information. Consider Deleting Your Account: If you lack confidence in 23andMe’s long-term viability or wish to prevent your DNA data from being sold as a corporate asset, you may choose to request the deletion of your account. This action would erase all genetic reports and terminate any paid membership you hold with the company. Turmoil at 23andMe: Industry Insights and the Future of 23andMeHaving observed the DNA and genealogy industry for over 15 years, I offer the following perspectives: Unlikely Acquisition by Competitors: It is improbable that major players such as Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA, or MyHeritage would acquire 23andMe’s assets. While both Ancestry and MyHeritage have previously attempted to enter the health-related DNA market, they were unsuccessful. Additionally, 23andMe is the only company among the “Big Four” to secure FDA approval for certain health reports. If acquired, any buyer would likely need to reapply for FDA approval. Likelihood of Going Private: Given her financial resources and personal investment in the company, it is plausible that Anne Wojcicki may take 23andMe private, continuing her long-standing commitment to the company’s mission. Potential Failure of 23andMe: Should 23andMe exit the market, it could be seen as a fitting outcome given the company’s poor handling of the 2023 data breach. The company’s response, which appeared to shift blame to its users, has resulted in widespread dissatisfaction among its customer base. NEW! Bankruptcy: CEO Anne Wojcicki has resigned from the 23andMe board in order to put together a possible acquisition of the company. Over several months Wojcicki has tried to convince the board to look for a buyout partner but was voted down each time. Resigning allows her the freedom to pursue a buyout. Resources NEW! 23andMe Initiates Voluntary Chapter 11 Process to Maximize Stakeholder Value Through Court-Supervised Sale Process – 23andMe https://investors.23andme.com/news-releases/news-release-details/23andme-initiates-voluntary-chapter-11-process-maximize NEW! 23andMe Files for Bankruptcy – What You Need to Know! – DNA Explained https://dna-explained.com/2025/03/25/23andme-files-for-bankruptcy-what-you-need-to-know/NEW! Download 23andMe Matches to Spreadsheet – GenealogyExplained https://www.genealogyexplained.com/json-to-csv-converter-for-23andme-matches/Accessing Your Raw Genetic Data – 23andMe https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/212196868-Accessing-Your-Raw-Genetic-Data 23andMe’s board quits en masse – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/23andmes-board-quits-en-masse-6152900/ 23andMe is in trouble. What happens to all the DNA data? – NPR https://www.npr.org/2024/09/25/nx-s1-5123633/23andme-is-in-trouble-what-happens-to-all-the-dna-data 23andMe is up for sale – Where will our DNA go? – WGN Radio https://wgnradio.com/lisa-dent/23-me-up-for-is-up-sale-where-will-our-dna-go/ Hereditary Hack: 23andMe’s $30M Settlement After 6.4 Million Stolen DNA Profiles Put Up for Sale on Dark Web – Law, Inc. https://www.lawinc.com/23andme-settlement-dna-data-breach Requesting 23andMe Account Closure – 23andMe https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/212170688-Requesting-23andMe-Account-ClosureWhat Happened to 23andMe? – CNN https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/20/business/23andme-board-resigns-nightcap/index.htmlBuy AncestryDNA on Amazon – LOWEST PRICE EVER plus FREE SHIPPING!Amazon Spring Sale is off with a BLOWOUT sale – save 61% on AncestryDNA and FREE SHIPPING for Amazon Prime Members! Click HERE or the image below to get started! |
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