Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society

How to Develop Critical Online Newspaper Research Skills - Kenneth R. Marks from Ancestor Hunt - March 7, 2026

Join us on March 7, 2026 with Kenneth R. Marks

Founder of Ancestor Hunt

This webinar is intended to build newspaper research skills for genealogy and history researchers. Online newspaper research can be a frustrating endeavor for several reasons. The goal is for the audience to understand why it can be difficult and to learn some skills that will drastically improve search results.

Kenneth R. Marks is the founder of Ancestor Hunt, a leading online resource for genealogy and newspaper research. We will hear about his new project, Newspaper Research Academy.

The program will also cover the many aspects of Ancestor Hunts website and its other features like quicksheets, research guides and we will hear about his new project, Newspaper Research Academy.

Mr. Marks not only is a webmaster but is a author of 7 books. Attendees to this webinar will have a chance to win one of Kenneth Marks books, "Finding Your Ancestors in Historical Newspapers: A Practical Guide to Improving Your Online Newspaper Research Results” .

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ky_1GYQsRZ-6qUU85IwFJQ

Biography

Kenneth R Marks began his genealogy journey in 2002 after retiring as a software executive in a career that began in 1969. At the beginning of his search, he knew very little about his ancestors. Since that time, by intensive use of all kinds of genealogy resources, he learned who his ancestors were, and more importantly, how they lived. Discovering his ancestors’ life stories and meeting relatives all over the world provided the greatest satisfaction from his research.

Through his genealogy pursuits, he became an expert in newspaper research, which helped to uncover the stories of his ancestors’ lives. He developed a popular website, The Ancestor Hunt, which initially curated free online newspaper titles in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Expanding the website led to publishing over 275,000 curated links to free online resources in 24 common genealogy categories.

~Ancestor Hunt

Social History and Your Genealogy Research - Discussion roundtable - share and learn

Join us for a open discussion on adding social history to you genealogical research.

How important is it? What events can change my family history profile?

What can I learn beyond vital records?

What have you found that put your research on a different path?

Our presentations are free and public is invited.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAN6tP0-RaiB9pBlgBMKJA

Winter Holiday break - A time for gathering

Every year CGGS takes a winter break in December to allow our members and friends to spend

time with their families. It's a great time to gather and talk about...FAMILY HISTORY!

We meet again in January and continue our regular monthly presentations.

Watch for program updates and schedules.

In feasts and festivals, traditions live,
A dance of remembrance, love to give.
Through every gathering, our hearts ignite,
In the tapestry of heritage, we find our light.

Coming up in November! Edward S. Curtis - Continuing the Legacy

Edward S. Curtis, a renowned American photographer and ethnologist, dedicated over three decades of his life to documenting the cultures, traditions, and daily lives of Native American tribes through his monumental work, The North American Indian. Beginning in the late 19th century, Curtis captured over 40,000 photographs and extensive ethnographic records of more than 80 tribes, creating an unparalleled visual and cultural archive that preserves the heritage of Indigenous peoples facing rapid cultural change. His work, characterized by its artistic sensitivity and anthropological depth, remains a vital resource for understanding Native American history and identity. The Curtis Legacy Foundation, established to honor and extend Curtis’s mission, promotes the preservation, study, and appreciation of his photographic and ethnographic contributions, ensuring that his legacy continues to educate and inspire future generations about the rich diversity of Native American cultures.

This presentation covers life stories, personal photos from his studio in Seattle and the on going preservation of this renowned photographer and historian through the Curtis Legacy Foundation. The foundation is presently involved with two projects, the Unpublished Series of books which have been released for sale and the Descendants Project that is being conducted with cooperation of native tribes in the Northwest and Southwest.

This is a free virtual presentation and registration is open.

When: Nov 8, 2025 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wzVqQzTrSfiIPagjRkHmwg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Migration Trails - 19th Centuty - Following the 7 T's - Steven W. Morrison

Migration Trails - 19th Century

As Oregonians, we tend to focus on our namesake trail, the Oregon Trail, which for most part was the prominent travel route of the pioneer families who settled in our state beginning in the late 1830’s and peaking in the late 1850’s with the gold rush era. Other routes were just as important to the migration and expansion of the west. Together, they shaped the economic, political, and cultural landscape and left lasting legacies in the nation’s history.

The promise of new opportunities, fertile lands, and boundless adventure spurred thousands of pioneers to embark on daring journeys along the seven iconic westward trails to the American West. The Santa Fe Trail’s bustling trade routes, and the Old Spanish Trail were more than mere pathways—they were lifelines of hope, ambition, and resilience. This presentation explores the historical significance, unique challenges, and enduring legacies of the Oregon, California, Mormon, Santa Fe, Old Spanish, Bozeman, and Pony Express trails, revealing how they shaped the nation’s expansion and the lives of those who dared to traverse them.

Join us for an hour with Steven W. Morrison, prominent northwest historian, lecturer and professional genealogist exploring the seven trails to the west.

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Registration link is here:

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lqLxbKpPS9Gx_w2obiCh9Q

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Pioneers of The West

Header Photo: Helen Lundeberg created this painting while employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal program that employed artists during the Great Depression. Like other WPA artists, Lundeberg depicted a hopeful view of the United States during a time of turmoil and uncertainty by showing a dreamlike image of western expansion. The group of pioneers, with their backs to the viewer, follows an ox-drawn wagon into a valley. The monumental figures appear strong and assured in their forward progress. Rising mountains melt into the sun. Lundeberg's style of mixing fantastic images with reality is evident in the background: The pink, rolling mountains blend into the orange, pink, and bluish haze of the sky; it is difficult to determine where the mountains end and the sky begins. The careful use of space and dreamlike elements in Pioneers of the West is representative of Lundeberg's postsurrealist style. This movement, derived from surrealism, purposely combined fantasy with reality and was predominantly found on the West Coast. (Helen Lundeberg, Pioneers of the West, 1934, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, 1985.8.27) GSA: Information and images created or owned by the GSA unless otherwise indicated, are considered in the public domain. They may be distributed or copied as permitted by applicable law.