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.
 |
Kettle Falls High School football team, 1931. Photo by Leo's Studio. Crossroads on the Columbia Collection, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov, accessed: 26 Sep 2023. For more information or to learn about related records, contact the Washington State Archives at (360) 586-1492, or email research@sos.wa.gov.
|
What's New
The Pioneer Pursuit Program continues. More than 2,300 individuals who lived in Washington Territory on or before Nov. 11, 1889 have been identified and genealogies compiled. Visit the Pioneer Pursuit Index. For more information, email Info@wasgs.org.
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.
|
|
Unlocking Our National Treasures (NeWGS Fall Seminar)
Saturday - 09/30/2023
The Northeast Washington Genealogical Society (NeWGS) is hosting its 2023 Fall Seminar on Saturday, September 30 in Colville. The theme will be "Understanding DNA" with Lynda Keenan. For more information and to register, please visit our Events page….https://www.newgs.org/eventListings.php?nm=88. ...
|
|
Beginning Genealogy
Monday - 10/02/2023
The South King County Genealogical Society is sponsoring a beginning genealogy class. The topic is “Timlines.” More information at https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes/bgc
|
|
Beginning Genealogy
Wednesday - 10/04/2023
The South King County Genealogical Society is sponsoring a beginning genealogy class. The topic is “Timlines.” More information at https://www.skcgs.org/meetings-events/classes/bgc
|
|
