Rogue Valley Genealogical Society

12/02/2025

REGISTRATION CLOSES TOMORROW, DEC. 3, AT NOON!
Class: Turn Family History Facts Into Stories You Can Share
Thursday, December 4, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $10 members, $20 non-members
Click here to register: https://rvgslibrary.org/FormPage.asp?FormID=42
This class will be recorded and made available to those who registered for 30 days.
This class is being presented remotely via Zoom. You may watch at home or join us at the library to watch on the big screen.

You've uncovered lots of wonderful facts about your ancestors and you want to share them with your family, but pedigree charts put them to sleep. You need to turn those facts into stories. Does the idea of trying to tell the stories of your ancestors seem like too big a job? Two simple principles can get you started writing your family stories: look at what the facts imply and take small bites. This presentation by professional genealogist Annette Burke Lyttle will introduce a four-step process for putting those principles into action, allowing you to share your family stories with ease.

11/25/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society. The RVGS Library will be closed Wednesday, November 26 - Sunday, November 30 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

11/21/2025

The RVGS Library is once again a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drop off point. You will find the donation box to the left of the reception desk in the library. Bring in your new unwrapped toy no later than Wednesday, December 11. (The sooner the better as volunteers sometimes pick up the collection box sooner than expected.) All toys donated will be given to children in Jackson County!

Did you know Toys for Tots began in 1947 when a kind wife of a major in the Marines made a Raggedy Ann doll and asked her husband to find an organization who could give it to a needy child for Christmas. He couldn't find one, so she suggested he should start one. He did, and Toys for Tots was born. The organization has distributed over 500 million gifts to needy kids over the years.

11/20/2025

No horsing around! — Support RVGS! The annual HOLIDAY GIVE program runs November 15 - December 2!
You can help preserve local pioneer history and protect the environment at the same time!
Donate your refundable bottles and cans to the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society (RVGS) through the BottleDrop Give program. Every nickel helps us:
📜 Maintain our genealogical library and archives
👩‍🏫 Offer genealogy classes and workshops
🧬 Preserve the stories of Rogue Valley pioneer families
Here’s how to help:
✅ Pick up a blue RVGS BottleDrop Give bag at the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society (RVGS) Library (3405 S. Pacific Hwy, Medford).
✅ Fill it with your refundable beverage containers.
✅ Drop it off at the RVGS Library or any BottleDrop redemption center between November 15 and December 2.
Together, we can keep history alive — one bottle at a time! 💚
Learn more: https://bottledrop.com/donate-nonprofits/

11/16/2025

FREE Program: What Made Us Who We Are Today - World War II Oral History with author Mary Timpe Robsman
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person at the RVGS Library OR via Zoom

Narratives of the World War II era have become of increased importance to preserve individual stories of the past and to bring alive and personalize this significant era in U.S. history. Following a brief member meeting, Author Mary Robsman will relate stories from her book: What Made Us Who We Are Today: World War II Oral History. Join Mary to learn about people living in the 21st century remembering World War II and the effect of war on their lives.

RVGS Members do not need to register, just go to Member Resources in the website Membership menu to find the Zoom link.
Non-members, register here: https://rvgslibrary.org/FormPage.asp?FormID=29, registration closes at noon on Monday, November 17.
This program will not be recorded.

11/15/2025

RVGS members have free access to American Ancestors at the RVGS Library and from home! 🇺🇸

We are excited to introduce Revolutionary Roots, our new hub for exploring family connections to the American Revolution. This site brings together research guides, records, expert articles, and personal stories—all in one place—to help you discover how your ancestors experienced this pivotal moment in history. With the 250th anniversary approaching, it's the perfect time to explore your family's history and see what Patriot or Loyalist connections you might uncover! Explore revolutionaryroots.americanancestors.org

11/12/2025

♻️ Recycle for a Reason — Support RVGS! The annual HOLIDAY GIVE program runs November 15 - December 2!

You can help preserve local pioneer history and protect the environment at the same time!

Donate your refundable bottles and cans to the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society (RVGS) through the BottleDrop Give program. Every nickel helps us:
📜 Maintain our genealogical library and archives
👩‍🏫 Offer genealogy classes and workshops
🧬 Preserve the stories of Rogue Valley pioneer families

Here’s how to help:
✅ Pick up a blue RVGS BottleDrop Give bag at the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society (RVGS) Library (3405 S. Pacific Hwy, Medford).
✅ Fill it with your refundable beverage containers.
✅ Drop it off at the RVGS Library or any BottleDrop redemption center between November 15 and December 2.

Together, we can keep history alive — one bottle at a time! 💚

Learn more: https://bottledrop.com/donate-nonprofits/

11/11/2025

Ends 11/20 at 10am ET.

11/09/2025

Come join us for a FREE research day at the RVGS Library! All veterans and families who may have veteran ancestors are welcome to take advantage of this free day to research for records on Fold3, other subscription websites including Ancestry and FamilySearch, and in other sources at the RVGS Library. Volunteer research assistants will be available to help!
🇺🇸 Cost: FREE for all
Call 541-512-2340 or email reception@rvgslibrary for more information.

11/04/2025

The 2025-2026 RVGS College Scholarship information is now posted! 👩‍🎓🧑‍🎓

10/30/2025