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.
Join us at THE HIVE, 2904 E Sprague, Spokane, WA 99202
MEETING INFO
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.
Local Events
Researching Scottish Ancestors: Civil and Parish Records in Scotland
THE HIVE 2904 E Sprague Spokane, WA 99202 HYBRID MEETING: IN PERSON AND VIA ZOOM
Please Note that the date is set for the 2nd Saturday (9/12/2026) because the first Saturday is Labor Day weekend.
Researching Scottish Ancestors: Civil and Parish Records in Scotland presented by Melanie McComb
Researching civil registrations and church records of births/baptisms, marriages, and deaths is often the first thing that family historians do when they learn they have ancestry in Scotland.
In this lecture, our expert reviews what information is provided in each record type and how to locate and access these resources.
Doors Open at 12:30 p.m. for social time
Program/meeting starts at 1:00 p.m. promptly
Family Stories & Legends: The truth
The Hive Hybrid Meeting
Richard Sola presenting FAMILY STORIES & LEGENDS: TRUE OR FALSE?
Doors open as 12:30 p.m. for social time
Seminars/Workshops
Mastering Genealogy
Southside Community Center - 3151 E 27th Ave, Spokane, WA 99223 Hybrid-Zoom available for this event Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
FALL PRESENTATIONS
- Genealogy 101: Cyndi Ingle
- Mastering Digital Filing for Genealogists
- Genealogy 201: Josh Taylor
- The Modern Genealogist
- Genealogy 301: Josh Taylor
- Sound Decisions in a Search Everywhere Era
Same low price for EWGS members includes: snacks, lunch, dessert, coffee, tea and water
COSTS: $40 - MEMBERS (attending in person)
$50 - NON MEMBERS (attending in person)
$20 - ZOOMERS
Deadline for mailing checks is SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 BY 5:00 P.M.
NOTE: IF YOU WISH TO REGISTER VIA WRITTEN CHECK:
Write your check for the correct amount (see above),
MAIL TO: EWGS
9116 E SPRAGUE AVE., #438
SPOKANE VALLEY, WA 99206
Cancellation for this event AND TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND is SEPTEMBER 26TH BY 5:00 P.M.
Exciting new vendors and a book sale of donated Civil War books!
Genealogy Classes
Genealogy 101: From Curiosity to Family Trees
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.
Please bring your laptops and electrical cords for this class
This class will be held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 6p – 8:30p.
For more information contact Lynda Keenan at staft2020@gmail.com
Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree
Special Interest Groups
RootsMagic Users Group
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). During the June 2026 gathering we'll discuss how to best use RootsMagic to plan and organize your research. As usual, we'll address any problems you might be having while using the software. We'll also touch on where to find information about using the software during our summer break. After this one the next meeting will be in September.
Sharpening Your Genealogy Skills
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 invite to zoom please contact Lynda Keenan at staft2020@gmail.com
Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree
Email: staft2020@gmail.com
OhMyHeritage
ZOOM ONLY
learn about the MyHeritage.com website.
Have you always wondered how to search there?
Do you want to learn about the things you can do there?
MyHeritage is offering lots of amazing new capabilities and tools.
Janice Moerschel will lead this group that will meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Time is tentatively set for 3 PM.
To sign up, please send an email with your name and email address to Janice Moerschel at: moerschelj@gmail.com
Regional (non EWGS) Events
GRIP Genealogy Institute
VIRTUAL SESSION: 22-26 June 2026, Virtual Courses IN PERSON SESSION: 12-17 July 2026, In-person Courses (Pittsburgh, PA)
The GRIP Genealogy Institute provides extensive week-long instruction on various genealogical topics. There are two GRIP programs, virtual and in-person options, which offer focused instruction in courses with eighteen class sessions taught by experts. This in-depth format offers students an immersive, high-level education designed to advance their research skills. Students can choose a course topic focusing on methodology, genealogical records, geographic regions, or ethnic groups. Additional practicum experiences allow the student to test their skills and advance their knowledge.
- Nine Virtual courses offered from 22-26 June 2026
- Eight in-person courses offered from 12-17 July 2026
- Two special courses offered in the Fall 2026
For more information, including class content - and to register: Click here