Thinking of Becoming a WSGS Member?

SPOTLIGHT ON THE SPOKANE REGION

by Kris Krell

Thinking of Becoming a WSGS Member?

It's time to start planning to renew your EWGS dues for 2019.  You may also want to renew or join WSGS (Washington State Genealogical Society) membership for 2019.  If you attended the September 8, 2018, EWGS monthly meeting, Donna Potter Phillips, Vice President of WSGS, provided EWGS attendees with a handout, "Why Should YOU Be A Member of WSGS?

We thought it was a good time to review the facts in this special blog since the dues paying period is fast approaching.  

Here are some of the reasons why you should be a member of WSGS: 

1.  WSGS helps all the genealogical societies within the State.  There are         

    approximately 44 local genealogical societies in Washington--we are one of those 44.  

    Their membership application states that "they strive to educate its members in the techniques,   

    methods, and resources used in genealogy research and how to organize and care for the results of   

    that research.  The WSGS also strives to cultivate public awareness of educational and historical 

    value of genealogical research."

    WSGS provides downloadable guides for each Washington State county listing contacts for  

    government offices, libraries, societies and other research resources, plus a selected bibliography.  

    WSGS also maintains a Speakers Bureau--a list of speakers for local workshops and seminars--the 

     list includes names, topics, and fees.

 2.  WSGS helps local societies with grants (up to $100) for project and educational programsthat  

       local societies might need.

3.  WSGS provides a blog that lists other local societies' scheduled events such as speakers and

     programs so you can attend if you choose to.   The blog also includes Washington State trivia and  

     more.

4.  WSGS provides a number of databases--some being updated and some in process of being  

     completed--such as Civil War Veterans buried in Washington, Cemeteries in Washington, and   

     Museums in Washington. 

5.  WSGS' annual membership is $12 for individuals; membership starts January 1.  Go to               

     www.wasgs.org, click on contact to join online or download for mail-in application, and send in 

     your membership.  

    Their membership brochure also states, "We're here to help you ask the right question of 

    the right person at the right time."

Sources:  Donna Potter Phillips, WSGS website