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
Plug In to FamilySearch: Tools, Tricks, and Tech Connections
THE HIVE 2904 E Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99202
Margie Beldin will discuss some of the Family Search tools.
She will explore FamilySearch features and activities you may not be using yet; from printable charts and research helpers to games and interactive activities that make family history fun.
You’ll discover new ways to research, share your findings, and involve your relatives of all ages.
Using U.S. Records to Find Irish Immigrant Origins
The Hive 2904 E Sprague, Spokane, WA 99202
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!
Genealogy Classes
Genealogy 101: From Curiosity to Family Connections
THE HIVE 2904 E. Sprague Ave Spokane, WA Event Room A
his 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
This class will be held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 6p – 8:30p.
FOR DOOR CODE TO ACCESS BLDG PLEASE CONTACT LYNDA DIRECTLY
Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Certified Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree Website: STAFT.org
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.
Seminars/Workshops
SPRING SEMINAR: REVOLUTIONARY WAR & AMERICA250
South Side Senior and Community Center
DOORS OPEN AT 8:30 A.M.
David Allen Lambert - The Revolutionary War
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
Special Interest Groups
Irish Group Meeting
ZOOM ONLY
Irish Group Monthly Meeting led by Paula Davis
If you are interested in attending this group or want to be included in the group email notices please contact: Paula Davis Email: tspoonmom@hotmail.com or you can text her: 208-344-2857
The Ancestry Group
Via Zoom Only
we will discuss investigating and saving tree hints. We'll also look at "Networks" in ProTools. And let us know at our next meeting:
What are your genealogical goals for 2026, the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding?
Who are you working on? What problems are you trying to solve?
TO JOIN THIS MEETING
ZOOM LINK CLICK HERE
If you want to join TAG, please email Janice at: moerschelj@gmail.com.
If you are interested in attending this group or want to be included in the group email notices please contact:
Janice Moerschel - moerschelj@gmail.com
RootsMagic Users Group - Feb. 2006
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
Regional (non EWGS) Events
Olympia Genealogical Society Decoding Your Ancestors the Tech Edition Dec 31
VIRTUAL
Decoding Your Ancestors the Tech Edition
OGS will be hosting its annual virtual seminar, Decoding Your Ancestors: The Tech Edition, live online from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Our speaker, Cyndi Ingle (of CyndisList.com fame), will be speaking about using technology as a research tool in genealogy. We will have four one-hour sessions covering digital libraries and archives; collaborating with genealogists online; using Google Maps and Earth to pin your ancestors down; and becoming your own digital archivist to preserve your research.
To Register: WWW.OLYGENSOC.ORG
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