Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society

02/02/2026

Join us this month! We will be watching a pre-recorded webinar at the SVGS Library presented by Thomas MacEntee.

What's Been Done: Using Someone Else's Genealogy Research

Tuesday, February 10th

1:00 pm

SVGS Library
6111 188 PL NE
Arlington, WA

Many of us as genealogists have inherited research from a relative and we are not always sure whether the content is reliable. What’s the best way to incorporate the research of others into your own research without leading to dead ends, roadblocks and unnecessary detours? Here is a road map on the best way to handle “outside research” and benefit from it as you combine the content with your own research.

Bio:
Thomas MacEntee is a Baby Boomer guy with a love of punk rock music but also art history who somehow “fell” into the technology industry almost 40 years ago and then left a lucrative IT career to pursue his love of family history and genealogy. Technology and historical research are opposites, but “tech people” like Thomas are needed to guide today’s genealogists through the maze of options so they can deploy the best apps and devices to break down research brick walls. Thomas MacEntee: author, educator, advocate, entrepreneur, and that “genealogy guy” who helps you accomplish your family history goals.

There will be a short break with refreshments after the presentation followed by our monthly business meeting.

For more information visit stillygen.org

01/23/2026

This week at the City Council meeting, Mayor Vanney officially proclaimed 2026 as the year to celebrate America's 250th! On July 4, 2026, we mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. It's a time to reflect on our history, honor contributions from all Americans, and inspire future generations to carry on our democratic ideals. 🇺🇸

The celebration will connect Washingtonians to their history and recognize the sovereignty of Tribal Nations. Arlington is proud to partner with the WA America 250 Commission, the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society, and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Exciting plans include:

🎨 An art mural celebrating Native American history
🚓 Arlington Police exhibit at the Pioneer Museum
🎆 Special activities by the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum
🎉 Stilly Valley Chamber of Commerce's July Fourth Parade with an America 250 theme

Join us as we celebrate our nation’s rich history! 🙌

👥 Pictured: Councilmember Heather Watland, DAR member Ronda Murphy, Mayor Don Vanney, and Ruth Caesar, President of Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society.

01/21/2026

Join us at the SVGS Library on Saturday, January 31st (NOTE: The date has changed from what was previously published in our newsletter) at 11:00 AM. We will be watching a pre-recorded presentation from Shirley Buzzell Inglis entitled Ten Steps to Writing & Publishing Your Family History. Sharon will share her top tips for writing and publishing your family history. For more information visit stillygen.org

01/05/2026

Join us! Everyone is welcome to attend this free presentation at the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society Library-6111 188th Pl NE.

Tuesday, January 13th at 1pm.

Our speaker at the library this month will be SVGS society member, Teresa Townsell. This event will be in person only.

Teresa's topic: Writing A Family History Book Using A.I.

Have you ever wanted to use A.I. in your genealogy work? Is it finally time to turn your family research into a book your relatives can enjoy? Are you waiting until your research feels “finished” — or unsure where to begin with A.I.? This process meets you where you are.

All you need is an Ancestry.com account and basic WORD skills (or equivalent).

Teresa will teach you a simple, step-by-step process to write your family history book using ChatGBT, an A.I. tool that’s easier, faster, and a lot more fun than you might imagine!

You will leave with:
• A clear understanding of how to collaborate with A.I. for writing and organizing your history.
• A structure and outline you can use as a template for your own family history book.
• Confidence to start writing and finally share your story as soon as you get home!

There will be a short break with refreshments after the presentation followed by our monthly business meeting.

For more information visit stillygen.org

12/19/2025

Happy Holidays! This Saturday, December 20th will be the last day the library will be open this year. See you when we’re back open Saturday, January 3rd.

12/15/2025

Join us this Thursday afternoon, December 18th, at the SVGS Library. The DNA Interest Group (DIG) will meet at 1 PM.

Open to any DNA topic and everyone of all DNA skill levels is welcome to attend. DIG meets the 3rd Thursday of month.

If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for how you would like this group to operate, please send an email to info@stillygen.org.

12/03/2025

Join us for our holiday potluck December 9th at noon. Bring a dish to share and join in fellowship with other family history researchers. If possible, we'd like you to bring an item based on the following parameters.

If your last name begins with: Please bring:
A to I Main Course
J to R Dessert
S to Z Salad

Another option that anyone may choose is to bring Appetizers or Beverages.

Please note: there will be no General Meeting in December.

11/23/2025

11/19/2025

Governor Ferguson declares Native American Heritage Day.

11/17/2025

Join us this Thursday afternoon, November 20th, at the SVGS Library. The DNA Interest Group (DIG) will meet at 1 PM.

Open to any DNA topic and everyone of all DNA skill levels is welcome to attend. DIG meets the 3rd Thursday of month.

If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for how you would like this group to operate, please send an email to info@stillygen.org.

11/04/2025

Join us! Everyone is welcome to attend this free presentation at the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society Library-6111 188th Place NE. (East of the airport, north of the Boys & Girls Club)

Tuesday, November 11th at 1pm.

Our speaker at the library this month will be SVGS society member, Kathie Webber. This event will be in person only.

Kathie's topic: Creating A Virtual Cemetery

One of Kathie’s favorite things about studying her family history has been learning where her ancestors have been buried. Twenty years ago she discovered an online tool called findagrave.com. This website and the accompanying app have enabled her to organize and expand her cemetery research. She will share with everyone the many things she has taken advantage of using Find a Grave, as well as other options that are available.

Bio:
I’ve been doing genealogy for over 40 years. I’ve researched in Washington State, Massachusetts, California, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ireland. My favorite notable ways to research include visiting cemeteries, family history centers, online research, Facebook groups, and travel.

There will be a short break with refreshments after the presentation followed by our monthly business meeting.

For more information visit stillygen.org

10/15/2025

The DNA Interest Group (DIG) will meet at the SVGS Library Thursday, Oct 16th at 1 PM.

Open to any DNA topic and everyone of all DNA skill levels is welcome to attend. Join us! DIG meets the 3rd Thursday of each month.

This month’s agenda:
-Major AncestryDNA Ethnicity Estimates Update
-MyHeritage changing autosomal DNA testing
-23andMe ethnicity update Sept 2025?
-DNA sales and YourDNAGuide offering new
YDNA 4-week course
-Open DNA discussion

If you have a specific DNA topic you would like to discuss or have any other suggestions for how you would like this group to operate, please send an email to info@stillygen.org.