Washington, the Evergreen State
Welcome to the Washington State Genealogical Society's website. We are here to help connect you with resources and services so you can advance your search for your Washington State ancestors and family history.
Nestled in the beautiful northwest corner of the U.S., Washington is a state with terrain from the vast Pacific Ocean, snow-capped Cascade Mountains and forested islands in Puget Sound to rolling wheat fields and an abundance of apples, pears, grapes and hops in Eastern Washington. While Seattle is Washington’s most recognized city, known for its booming tech industry, vibrant music scene and famed coffeehouses, the center of state government is in Olympia. State landmarks include Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, the Space Needle, and mighty Columbia River.
Washington became a state in November 1889 as the nation’s 42nd state and is the only state named after a U.S. President.
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| Men posing in front of Locomotive 563, Kettle Falls, WA. Circa 1900. Crossroads on the Columbia Collection, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov. Accessed 22 Feb 2026. |
What's New
The Pioneer Pursuit program continues. We are collecting the names and genealogies of every man, woman and child who lived in Washington Territory on or before 11 Nov 1889 -- the date the territory became the 42nd state. For more information about Pioneer Pursuit, click here.
WSGS Resources and Services
Blog: Sign up for our blog to keep current with the latest genealogical happenings and events in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.
Event Calendar: Looking for a road trip? There are genealogical events and meetings all around the state, as well as neighboring states and British Columbia.
Local Society contacts: There are more than 30 local genealogical societies around the state waiting to help you with your research.
Pioneer and First Citizen Program: Begun in 1989 to celebrate Washington's centennial, the Pioneer and First Citizen Program memorializes those Washington citizens who were early residents of the state. Commemorative certificates are available upon residency proof, as well as an index of participants.
Resource Guides: Looking for resources in a specific county? Check out these comprehensive resource guides listing everything from chambers of commerce, and local government departments to libraries, churches and newspapers.
Speakers' Bureau: If you're looking for a speaker for a society meeting, workshop or seminar, visit our Speakers' Bureau page.
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Seattle Genealogical Society Spring Seminar
Saturday - 04/11/2026
The Seattle Genealogical Society is hosting its 2026 Spring Seminar from April 11 - April 12. The theme is "Look at Turning Points in U.S. History." The program includes: Great Expectations: Union Pacific Land Grants & East-West Expansion Presented by ...
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Seattle Genealogical Society Spring Seminar
Saturday - 04/11/2026
The Seattle Genealogical Society is hosting its 2026 Spring Seminar from April 11 - April 12. The theme is "Pivotal Moments: Records that Changed Lives, Families, and Histories ." The program includes: Great Expectations: Union Pacific Land Grants & ...
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Brags & Bricks
Monday - 04/13/2026
The Seattle Genealogical Society is hosting its Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual). Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. Contact education@seagensoc.org for more information. ...
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