Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society

Ancestry Freebies!!

Starting April 16, 2013 Ancestry will offer FREE access to International Marriage Records. You do not have to be a member of Ancestry, just register and start researching!!

Also you might want to check out Ancestry's Livestream Channel. Loaded with on line streaming seminars, how to's and get your questions answered through Ancestry Chat.

http://www.livestream.com/ancestry

Visit Ancestry's Learning Center for all new information about recent records and other new research tools.

http://www.ancestry.com/cs/HelpAndAdviceUS

Tales and Trails Newsletter

The latest Tales and Trails newsletter for the year is out and has been delivered to your inbox. If you did not receive it or you have any questions please email jimbull@gorge.net . You may also download the latest copy from our regular CGGS web page :

http://community.gorge.net/genealogy/newsletter.html

April Meeting and Program

This months program will feature Jim Bull , a long time member of CGGS and other genealogical societies giving a slide presentation ," Genealogy 101". The program is geared to the individual just starting out in their genealogy research. It will cover subjects as gathering information, preserving your information and artifacts, and general genealogical methods of research. It will be in slide show format and Jim will be answering questions from members and our audience. This is a must see for someone who is just starting out or wants to know how to start their genealogical journey.

The program and general meeting starts at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 13, in the downstairs meeting room at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Please join us at noon for a no host lunch in the Basalt Café.

Guests are always welcome.

James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum

Recently I had the honor to attend the documentary "Jungleers in Battle" at the Civic Auditorium.

What a great history of the Oregon's National Guard and the 41st Division who's military efforts in WW2 were outstanding. Attendance was large to hear the progress of raising funds to make the museum a reality. The museum is located on the grounds of Camp Withycombe in Clackamas Oregon. Its a extraordinary effort to preserve the history of thousands of veterans who served in WW2 and beyond. The museum is named after Brigadier General James B. Thayer one of Oregon's finest military and civic leaders. Incidentally, James Thayer son Thomas (Tommy) Thayer is the lead guitarist of the rock band KISS. Tommy and band leader Gene Simmons have given countless hours supporting our soldiers and veterans through concerts and personal appearances. Please read articles about KISS'S efforts in the links below . And please visit the museums website to see what is in store for our effort to preserve military history here in Oregon.

http://tommythayer.com/news-updates/2012/05/all-star-salute-to-the-oregon-military

http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonatwar/2012/04/united_by_a_historic_horror.html

http://www.oregonmilitarymuseum.org/

To make a donation or volunteer for this effort , please visit the Historical Outreach foundation site:

2013 All-Star Salute Fundraiser:

http://vimeopro.com/videomedia/oregon-military-museum

http://www.historicaloutreach.com/

Georga Foster

March Program Recap - Lois Smith

The
meeting Saturday was great fun. In
addition to our members we had several members of the Retired Teachers
Association in attendance. Lois kept us
entertained and enthralled as she wove the stories of her mother and one room
school houses through a series of vintage photographs of school houses and
children. She emphasized the community nature
of the local schools and the varied activities that took place from church
services to dances and picnics. She also pointed out that the day usually
started out with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer and that the students had
chores at school, lessons, and drank from the same dipper. She set up a
display table which included many school related ephemera items including the
authentic slates on which Russ’s parents had learned to write. Several audience members participated in
“show and tell.�? The unexpected grand
finale came when Mark held up his brand new tablet and the vintage slate. They are both the same size which shows that
good ideas are timeless. Lois also shared her research processes and provided a handout to the audience. If you need a copy let Sandy
know.

2026- 2027 Programs and Events

January 10 - Social History and Your Genealogical Research
Febuary- All Saturdays of the month- Original Wasco County Courthouse History Forums
March 14- Kenneth R. Marks - How to Develop Critical Online Newspaper Research Skills
April 11 - Ft. Dalles Tour
May - IOOF Photo Requests
June 5 - Membership Luncheon
Summer Break- July and August
September 19- Brian Rhinehart-Navigating the Records From The War of 1812
Oct. 17 - National Family History Month - Sanctuaries of the Mind - Little Lula
Nov. 7- Wasco County Historical Society annual Meeting
December- Christmas Break
January 2027 - TBA
February - Original Wasco County Courthouse Forums
March- TBA

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.