Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society

Wasco County Historical Society news

On Saturday, Nov. 5th, at noon, the public is invited to Wasco County Historical Society's annual meeting/luncheon at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, 1119 W. 9th St., in The Dalles. Archaeologist Eric Gleason will present the program on the early Chinese presence within the city, specifically First Street. He has both history and artifacts to share. Cost is $12 per person for WCHS members; $17 for non-members. Reservations may be obtained by either emailing janl@mosierwifi.com or calling 541-296-5768 by Nov. 1st.

November 12th Program - Deciphering land records

DECIPHERING LAND RECORDS – A Case Study will utilize a Power Point presentation and hands on activities to track the location of a 1907 Wasco County homestead using original plats, period and modern maps, internet resources, and GPS locators. Sandy Bisset, Jim Bull, Fred Henchell, and Mark Adams will present information that participants can use to trace other government issued properties throughout the thirty land grant states.

How can genealogy and family history thrive -

Today's article from Dick Eastman on his free newsletter blog, addresses the subject of improving and keeping family history and genealogy societies alive. In recent years the interest has grown enormously and the web blog "1000 Memories.com" has a great article for societies in coping with retaining membership and getting new members to join. You can read the artical at 1000 memories blog at http://1000memories.com/blog/106-family-history-month-genealogy-roundtable-survey-how-genealogy-can-thrive .

Also, the Federation of Genealogical Societies has made two videos, one is reaching out to new communities and the other is on embracing social networks as part of promoting your society and genealogy. These videos can be viewed here: http://vimeo.com/23976923 .

Valuable data program lost to budget cuts.......

The Statistical Abstract of the United States, published since 1878, is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. Use the Abstract as a convenient volume for statistical reference, and as a guide to sources of more information both in print and on the Web. Sources of data include the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and many other Federal agencies and private organizations.

The U.S. Census Bureau is terminating the collection of data for the Statistical Compendia program effective October 1, 2011. The Statistical Compendium program is comprised of the Statistical Abstract of the United States and its supplemental products - - the State and Metropolitan Area Data Book and the County and City Data Book. In preparation for the Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 2012) budget, the Census Bureau did a comprehensive review of a number of programs and had to make difficult proposals to terminate and reduce a number of existing programs in order to acquire funds for higher priority programs. The decision to propose the elimination of this program was not made lightly. To access the most current data, please refer to the organizations cited in the source notes for each table of the Statistical Abstract.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness offline

Several problems have led to the online difficulties of this wonderful organization. Please read the review from Dick Eastman on this unfortunate event.

http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2011/10/random-acts-of-genealogy-kindness-raogk-will-be-offline-for-some-time.html

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.