OUR MISSION
EWGS welcomes you!
EWGS, a non profit organization, offers help to anyone researching their family history. We provide programs, classes, workshops, and a vibrant website with local resource databases, contact links and current activities information.
SEARCH OUR WEBSITE
OUR REGIONS
Eastern Washington Genealogical Society covers Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane and Stevens County. Region 7 of Washington State Genealogical Society
LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS
FREE GENEALOGY HELP - NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Every Wednesday - Central Library located at 906 W Main, Spokane, WA
10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Get help researching the story of your family. Come into the library to learn about our genealogy resources and work with experienced genealogy enthusiasts to learn how to fill out your family tree and explore various genealogy websites and charts. PLUS, tips for tracking down difficult-to-find family history.
Local Events
Using U.S. Records to Find Irish Immigrant Origins
The Hive 2904 E Sprague, Spokane, WA 99202 DOORS OPEN AT 12:30 P.M.
Guest Speaker: Pamela Holland :A professional genealogist located in Swampscott, Massachusetts.
- Discovering an Irish ancestor’s place of origin in Ireland is a much sought-after goal.
- Successful research in Irish records first starts with thorough research in US records.
- Learn what sources to examine, identify overlooked records, and explore strategies to locate that elusive Irish location for your ancestor.
Germans From Russia
The Hive Doors Open at 12:30
Speaker: Richard Scheuerman
Details coming soon!
Find - A - Grave Event
Holy Cross Cemetery
Event details will be shared very soon!
Please mark your calendars for this date. We will be looking for participants!
Researching your ancestors in Wales
The Hive
Speaker: Donna Potter Phillips
DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Seminars/Workshops
SPRING SEMINAR: REVOLUTIONARY WAR & AMERICA250
South Side Senior and Community Center
DOORS OPEN AT 8:30 A.M.
David Allen Lambert - Friend or Foe?
- Nearly 250 years ago, America declared its independence from the British Empire, changing the course of history. While many took up the cause and supported revolution, others remained loyal to the British government—turning friends into foes and pitting neighbor against neighbor.
- In this lecture, Chief Genealogist David Allen Lambert will discuss how to research your colonial ancestors and determine if—and how—they may have served the cause of the American Revolution.
Stan Wills - Flags, Uniforms & Weapons: The Making of a Revolution
Dolly Webb - The Rest of the Story: An Exploration of the Loyalist Perspective
Registration is required
$40 (lunch included) for EWGS members
$50 (lunch included) for non-members
$20 for zoomers
Deadline to register is March 31st.
NO REFUNDS AFTER MARCH 31st.
QUICK LINK TO STORE FOR PAYMENT
IF you pay by check - Please include your email address so we can contact you and provide any handouts for this event.
Deadline if you pay by check is March 27th.
DOOR AND RAFFLE PRIZES
Genealogy Classes
Genealogy 101: From Curiosity to Family Connections
The HIVE: 2904 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Event Room A
This is a beginner genealogy class open to those who are just starting out and/or for those who would like to have a refresher course on the basics of Genealogy Research. We will be discussing everything from how to create a well-documented family tree, different types of research tools and how to be a successful researcher.
Each class builds on what was learned the previous week, however, new attendees are welcome each week. There will be experienced Genealogists there to assist you on your path to becoming an outstanding Genealogist.
For more information contact Lynda Keenan at staft2020@gmail.com
Please contact me for door code
This class will be held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 6p – 8:30p.
Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree
Email: staft2020@gmail.com
Genealogy 101: From Curiosity to Family Connections
The HIVE: 2904 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Event Room A
This is a beginner genealogy class open to those who are just starting out and/or for those who would like to have a refresher course on the basics of Genealogy Research. We will be discussing everything from how to create a well-documented family tree, different types of research tools and how to be a successful researcher.
Each class builds on what was learned the previous week, however, new attendees are welcome each week. There will be experienced Genealogists there to assist you on your path to becoming an outstanding Genealogist.
For more information contact Lynda Keenan at staft2020@gmail.com
Please contact me for door code
This class will be held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 6p – 8:30p.
Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree
Email: staft2020@gmail.com
Join us at THE HIVE, 2904 E Sprague, Spokane, WA 99202
Our Meetings
The Society meets the first Saturday of the month in January through December. There are no Meetings in July and August. Specific meeting information can be found under "Events" on the top menu bar. All those interested in genealogy are welcome at any meeting.
Publications
The society's digital publication, EWGS Digital Digest is published on our website quarterly. Information about submissions for the Digest can be directed to our Digest Coordinator at digestcoordinator@ewgsi.org.
Don't forget our BLOG. You can always find the link to the most recent blog in the upper right corner of the HOME page.
Special Interest Groups
Anyone can join any of our SIG's. Meetings are monthly. For information on our SIG's, go to:
Questions
Research questions may be directed to EWGS Researcher Charles Hansen at AskEWGSI@ewgsi.org or use the contact form found on this website.
Special Interest Groups
RootsMagic Users Group - Feb. 2026
Via Zoom
RootsMagic Users will meet to discuss anything you might be ha having trouble with when using the software. This could be as simple as adding new people to your database or adding two sets of parents to a child (bio & adopted for example). Other topics will be decided closer to the meeting time.
Sharpening Your Genealogy Skills (AKA Refocus Group)
ZOOM ONLY
Sharpening your genealogy skills is the process of moving beyond simple name-gathering to become a more methodical and accurate family historian.
It involves transitioning from "climbing the tree" to verifying the roots through advanced research techniques and critical analysis.
For the zoom invite and/or if you have any questions, please contact Lynda Keenan at STAFT2020@gmail.com
Thank you Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree
Email: staft2020@gmail.com
Genealogy DNA Detectives
Moran Prairie Library 6004 S Regal St. Spokane
We will still be continuing our work with DNApainter. For those who have not attended prior you will need to have your DNA on one of the following sites MyHeritage, FTDNA and GEDmatch.
If you only have your DNA on Ancestry, you will need to upload your DNA to one of the sites above.
This class is hands-on and is for anyone interested in finding those unknown DNA matches.
Please remember to bring cords (computer and extension).
Thank you Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree
Email: staft2020@gmail.com
Sharpening Your Genealogy Skills (Refocus Group)
ZOOM ONLY
Sharpening your genealogy skills is the process of moving beyond simple name-gathering to become a more methodical and accurate family historian.
It involves transitioning from "climbing the tree" to verifying the roots through advanced research techniques and critical analysis.
For the zoom invite and/or if you have any questions, please contact Lynda Keenan at STAFT2020@gmail.com
Thank you Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree
Email: staft2020@gmail.com
Regional (non EWGS) Events
2026 AHSGR Spring Conference
Leavenworth, WA Bavarian village
"Farm to Table" or "Frisch vom Hof" relating to our German from Russia cultural heritage.
We will examine some of the many aspects of farming through generations and the varied culinary delights and comfort foods fresh from the fields and gardens to our tables.
We have a unique German from Russia heritage we carry where ever we cultivate the soil and sit down at the table.
Brent Mai, Richard Scheuerman and other great presenters will offer intriguing insights.
Watch for upcoming registrations in January. WHO: This conference is to gather those with ties to the Pacific Northwest and early German from Russia settlers to this area of the US and Canada. We attempt in every way to make this accessible and affordable. There is limited space so "Mach schnell" NOTE: We will again have a silent auction to help offset expenses. Please consider what you can contribute.
More Information click on this link