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” . 

 

 

Register now for this free virtual ZOOM presentation!

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.  

 

Register here: 

 

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. 

 

 

 

 The link has been repaired from the previous post

 

   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.
 
 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

UPCOMING FALL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 2025- Registration is open!

 

 

 

 September

 

Join us for a private tour - Our docent will be Etta Hepner

New exhibits and a new look! 

 

For members only 

September 13, 2025

12:00pm

202 Humbolt St.

Bingen, Washington 

 

"The Gorge Heritage Museum is housed in the former Bingen Congregational Church, which was dedicated in May, 1912. The Museum was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in 1984 by the West Klickitat County Historical Society to promote interest in the legacy passed to us by the native people and the immigrants who settled and traded in the mountainous river valleys and along the Columbia River.

 We invite you to come see the many fine exhibits of tools, furnishings, clothes, photos, etc. the Gorge Heritage Museum has from the past. The Museum exhibits will acquaint you with pioneer clothing, house-hold items, logging and farming tools, medical and surgical equipment. Also included are historical documents, newspapers, and Native American artifacts and crafts. The displays and exhibits have been donated by the families of the pioneers and collectors of history. Donations of historic materials are always welcome at the Gorge Heritage Museum." ~ GHM

  

October 

National Family History Month 

 

The major trails from the Midwest to the west will be covered in this session. The principal routes will include the Oregon and California Trails, the Mormon migration, the Santa Fe Trail, and more. These were the OVERLAND RIVERS which helped populate the West

 

Steven Waltz Morrison, MPA was an adjunct faculty for seven years, & the past president of both the Puget Sound APG Chapter, and the Olympia Genealogical Society.

He’s presented to all the genealogical societies across Western Washington. In 2022 he spoke at the NGS conference, and has presented to international audiences in Canada and Ireland - three times.

In 2026, Steven will co-coordinate the first genealogical institute course focusing on the five Northwest States: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, & Wyoming. It will be presented by the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy in February to May of 2026, as an online course. Twenty-three topics, with twelve instructors – Research in the US Northwest. Plan to attend.
 

Registration :  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lqLxbKpPS9Gx_w2obiCh9Q

 

  

 

November

National American Native Heritage Month 

 

 Presenter is Georga Foster

 

 

 

  

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 stories of Curtis's life including his travels to the Columbia Gorge and The Dalles area and the Curtis Legacy Foundation, John and Coleen Graybill, for which we are grateful for their contributions to today's program. 

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