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 RESEARCH
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.
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.
NORTH SPOKANE LIBRARY
Conference Room East
2nd Thursdays, 10am-12pm: September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10
SPOKANE VALLEY
Conference Room D
2nd Tuesdays, 10am-12pm: September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8
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
Perry Mason and Joe Friday as Guides for Genealogy Research – Separating Fact from Fiction, Make-Believe and Everything in Between”
The Hive 2904 E Sprague, Spokane WA Hybrid Meeting
We will explore some time-tested courtroom practices that can help genealogists (and other public historians) as they make decisions about:
- How reliable and trustworthy is that piece of paper? (The Case of Doubtful Document)
- What makes a person credible about things that happened in the past. (The Case of the Off-Base Oral History)
- What to do about conflicting evidence? (The Case of the Multiple Dates of Birth)
- How much evidence is enough evidence? (The Case of the Over-Proven Fact)
And of course, there will be more!
Doors open as 12:30 p.m. for social time
"Using Genograms in Genealogy"
The Hive 2904 E Sprague, Spokane, WA Hybrid Meeting
Presented by Pam Duce:
8th Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive (yes, this will be our 8th year!)
Cookie Exchange - bring cookies and the recipe
Seminars/Workshops
Roots, Records & Relatives: Going Beyond the Basics
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: Mastering Digital Filing for Genealogists
Presented by Cyndi Ingle
Genealogy 201 - The Modern Genealogist
presented by: Josh Taylor
also Josh Taylor will present:
Genealogy 301 - Sound Decisions in a Search Everywhere Era
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Same low price for EWGS members includes: snacks, lunch, dessert, coffee, tea
COSTS: $40 - MEMBERS (attending in person)
$50 - NON MEMBERS (attending in person)
$20 - ZOOMERS
Deadline for mailing checks is SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 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 26 BY 5:00 P.M.
SPRING SEMINAR: IBERIAN SEA MIGRATIONS: "FOLK WAYS TO AMERICA"
South Side Senior and Community Center 3151 E 27th Ave, Spokane, WA 99223
DOORS OPEN AT 8:30 A.M.
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.
FOR PAYMENT TO ATTEND CLICK HERE
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 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 and door code contact Lynda Keenan at staft2020@gmail.com
Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree
Genealogy DNA Detectives
The Hive 2904 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Event Room A (Doors open at 9am)
From Beginner to Advanced Genetic Genealogist
Discover how DNA can help you uncover your family history! This DNA Genealogy Class is designed to support everyone—from beginners taking their first steps into genetic genealogy to advanced genealogists looking to strengthen their research skills.
Learn how to understand your DNA test results, identify genetic matches, build family connections, use DNA alongside traditional genealogy records, and apply advanced techniques to solve challenging genealogical questions.
Whether you are just beginning your DNA journey or are an experienced genetic genealogist seeking new strategies and guidance, this class offers practical instruction, helpful resources, and support to help you get the most from your DNA results.
No matter where you are in your genetic genealogy journey, there is something here for you!
For more information and door code please contact Lynda Keenan at staft2020@gmail.com
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 and door code, contact Lynda Keenan at staft2020@gmail.com
Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree
Email: staft2020@gmail.com
Genealogy 101: From Curiosity to Family Trees
The HIVE: 2904 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Event Room A
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 and door code contact Lynda Keenan at staft2020@gmail.com
Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree Email:
taft2020@gmail.com
Special Interest Groups
TAG Monthly Meeting
Zoom Only CANCELLED FOR SEPTEMBER
Leader Needed for TAG: Our TAG Special Interest Group is currently without a coordinator.
We are seeking a volunteer who can guide the group, help organize meetings, and support members in exploring technology‑assisted genealogy.
If you’re interested in leading TAG, please contact the board.
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:
Zoom Link: Click here
Paula Davis Email: tspoonmom@hotmail.com or you can text her: 208-344-2857
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.
We will be focusing on the FamilySearch website and their new research tools"
For invite to zoom please contact Lynda Keenan at staft2020@gmail.com
ZOOM LINK: CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 856 8522 5327 Passcode: 553084
Note: You MUST have an invite in order to join the meeting
Lynda Keenan, PLCGS Professional Genetic Genealogist
A Sapling to A Family Tree
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.
OhMyHeritage
ZOOM ONLY
The OhMYHeritage NEW GROUP!
This SIG offers members a place to learn, share, and collaborate on MyHeritage research tools.
If you are interested, please contact Richard Freeman: rjfreeman2000@icloud.com
(Non EWGS) Events
Where Were Your Ancestors in 1776?
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 260 E Juniper Colville, WA
This is a free workshop sponsored by The Northeast Washington Genealogical Society and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
DAR, Immigrations, Military and more!
For details and registration download the information HERE