📂 What happens to your genealogy after you’re gone? Join this 2-session class to learn how to organize, preserve, and plan for the future of your research. https://azwvgs.org/store/classes/ This is an important class for every genealogist—no matter where you are in your journey.

Feeling overwhelmed by paper files, digital documents, or unfinished research? Join us February 17 to learn practical ways to organize your genealogy using filing systems, software, and research plans that actually work for you. https://azwvgs.org/store/classes/

Researching ancestors from German or Polish regions—or areas where borders changed over time? Join our German | Poland Special Interest Group on Tuesday, February 17 for shared research strategies, record tips, and collaborative discussion in a supportive setting.

Something new is launching at WVGS. Join today’s meeting to hear about our latest online offering and what it means for our community. We hope to see you there!

📰 Journal of Arizona History (Vol. 66, No. 2 – Summer 2025) 🌵 Arizona history at your fingertips. This issue adds valuable context to Arizona family histories. 📍 Accessible through the WVGS Library catalog ➡️ Visit the library or explore it online today.

If you’re stuck in your research, a historical society archive may hold the missing clue. Share an unexpected discovery you found at a historical society or archive. 👇 Share your comment below. #LocalHistory #Archives #HistoryMatters

🧬 Tip: Focus on researching one person or family line at a time to stay organized and motivated. 👉 Tell us—who are you focusing on right now? #genealogytip #genealogyresearch

📀 Family Tree Maker’s Family Archives: Revolutionary War Pension Lists Pension lists often include service details, family members, and post-war lives—valuable clues for genealogists. 📍 Available in the WVGS Library ➡️ Come take a closer look and follow your patriot’s story.

🧬 Unlock Your DNA Clues—Together Curious about what your DNA results are really telling you? Join our DNA Virtual Special Interest Group on Saturday, February 14 for shared learning, discussion, and problem-solving with fellow researchers—all from the comfort of home.

We’re excited for our upcoming presentation on 2/9 with Jennifer Shaffer Merry of the Arizona Historical Society! What are you most hoping to learn about historical societies and genealogy? 👇

Looking for hands-on help with your genealogy research? Our WVGS Study Group meets Thu, February 12 for collaborative learning, shared problem-solving, and guided support—all in a small, focused setting. Study groups are one of the many great benefits of WVGS membership—reserve your spot today!

📍 Mark Your Calendar! Join us February 21 in Sun City West for a full day of learning, laughter, and genealogy community. Seats are filling—don’t wait to register! https://azwvgs.org/education/seminar/

Interested in tracing Hispanic and Latino family lines? Join our Hispanic Genealogy Special Interest Group on Wednesday, February 20 for shared learning, research tips, and community conversation. All experience levels are welcome—come explore your roots with us.

📰 Tree Talks (Vol. 65, Issue 1) 🌳 A favorite for New York researchers. The latest issue of Tree Talks is now available with online access. 📍 Accessible through the WVGS Library catalog ➡️ Stop by or access it through our resources.

Have Scandinavian ancestors—or curious about researching them? Join our Scandinavian Special Interest Group on Tuesday, February 10 for learning, discussion, and shared discoveries. Whether you’re just starting out or digging deep into Nordic records, you’re welcome here.

Join us for an enlightening talk with Jennifer Shaffer Merry of the Arizona Historical Society as she shares what the Arizona Historical Society and how their archives can support your genealogy research. 🔗 More info: https://azwvgs.org/education/membership-meetings/2025-2026-meeting-schedule/

February 22 is your next chance to move a stalled genealogy goal forward. Bring one question, one brick wall, or one research puzzle to the WVGS in-person Research Afternoon at the library and get real, hands-on help. 👉 https://azwvgs.org/education/research-afternoons/ #Genealogy #FamilyHistory

📚 Book Award Spotlight! At our Jan. 12 meeting, Dave McIntire was honored with a 90th Birthday Book Award. His chosen title, The Involuntary American, now joins the WVGS Library for all members to enjoy. 🎉

Black History Month reminds us that preserving Black history is essential to understanding our shared past. 🖤 What website, archive, or publication has helped you learn or research Black history or African American genealogy? Share your favorite resource below 👇 #BlackHistoryMonth #Genealogy

Legacy is a powerful tool—and even better when you know how to use it well. The Legacy SIG offers hands-on help, shared tips, and a supportive space to grow your skills. 👉 Join us and make Legacy work for you. 💬 Comment if you’re new to Legacy or want to sharpen your skills.

📀 Family Tree Maker’s Family Archives: Ontario & Nova Scotia Settlers (1790–1860) Tracing ancestors who settled in Ontario or Nova Scotia? This archive focuses on settlers from 1790–1860. 📍 Available in the WVGS Library ➡️ Visit the library and see what you can discover.

✨ Questions Time ✨ Genealogy is better together. Tell us one thing you discovered this month—or something you’re struggling to figure out. Drop it below and let the community help!

Using Family Tree Maker and want to feel more confident? 🌳 Join the Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group and get help, tips, and encouragement from fellow users. 👉 All skill levels welcome—bring your laptop, questions, and goals. 👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔁 Share with anyone using Family Tree Maker

Researching Italian ancestors? Join the Italy Special Interest Group and connect with others exploring records, regions, and family stories from across Italy. 👉 All experience levels welcome—bring your Italian roots and your questions. 👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔁 Share with someone researching Italy

🥐📦 More Than Just a Seminar Your registration includes the full program, continental breakfast, box lunch, beverages, and raffle prizes—just bring your curiosity! https://azwvgs.org/education/seminar/

📜 Statehood Spotlight On January 29, 1861, Kansas joined the Union as the 34th state. Do you have ancestors who settled in Kansas during the mid-1800s?

🌳 Because of you, WVGS thrives. Thank you to our members for showing up, sharing knowledge, asking great questions, and supporting one another. We’re better together!

📰 Tuscarawas Pioneer Footprints (Vol. 53, Issue 2) 📚 Now available with online access. Explore Ohio genealogy and local history through this newest issue. 📍 Accessible through the WVGS Library catalog ➡️ Visit the library or log in to explore online.

Michigan became the 26th state on Jan. 26, 1837! Its path to statehood was delayed by the Toledo War, ending when Michigan gained the Upper Peninsula. Research Michigan roots? Our library has shelves of Michigan resources!

📜 Spouse’s Day  Today we’re celebrating spouses—and the records that connect them. If a marriage record seems impossible to find, try exploring banns, church records, newspapers, engagement announcements, and family Bibles. What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found marriage information?

🗽 New on the WVGS shelves! Researching early New York families? This archive spans the 1600s–1900s, packed with records for colonial through modern research. 📍 Available in the WVGS Library ➡️ Stop by and explore this resource on your next visit!

📜 National Handwriting Day Reading historic handwriting takes practice—and the right resources. We’d love to know: what paleography sites, books, or tools have helped you the most? Share your recommendations below and help a fellow researcher!

📚 Four Powerful Topics. One Great Day. From Great Lakes history to solving DNA problems and finding hidden records, this seminar is packed with tools to strengthen your research skills. https://azwvgs.org/education/seminar/

DNA doesn’t replace records—it enhances them. The DNA Tuesday SIG offers a supportive space to learn, share strategies, and unlock what your DNA is telling you. 👉 Join us and make sense of your DNA clues—together. 💬 Comment if DNA has helped (or confused!) your research.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we remember that preserving history helps ensure stories of struggle, progress, and hope are never forgotten. 👉 What family story or historical moment inspires you to keep researching? Share in the comments.

🧩 Stuck on a genealogy question or not sure where to look next? Join us for Research Afternoons—hands-on help with your family history in a supportive setting. 👥 Beginners welcome | One-on-one assistance 👉 Sign up for Jan 25: https://azwvgs.org/education/research-afternoons/

🌎 Getting Started with Hispanic Genealogy The first class in a 3-part series exploring Mexican and Spanish colonial records. Learn naming patterns, Spanish surnames, basic paleography, key history, and essential tools. ⚠️ In person & space is limited—register early! 👉 azwvgs.org/store/classes/

📣 Surname Roll Call! What surname are you researching this year? Drop it in the comments and see who else might be researching the same name!

From parish records to family stories, the British Isles SIG is where research and community come together. 📍 Meet with fellow researchers at the WVGS Library 📅 January 22 | 1–3 PM (MST) 💬 Comment if you’re researching the British Isles or tag a friend who should come.

📣 Schedule Change Notice Our “Family History Research in Salt Lake City” class set for 2/3/26 has been cancelled, but it will be rescheduled later in the year before the Salt Lake City trip. Thank you for your understanding—we’ll share the new date as soon as it’s set!

You’ve done the research—now it’s time to tell the story. The Writing Family History SIG helps you move from notes and records to meaningful narratives. 👉 All experience levels welcome. Join us and start writing! 💬 Comment if you’ve been wanting to write your family history.

🎤 Meet Our Speaker! Cari A. Taplin, CG®, brings expert insight, real-life stories, and practical research strategies you can use right away—whether you’re a beginner or seasoned genealogist. https://azwvgs.org/education/seminar/

🌱 New to genealogy or want stronger research skills? This hands-on workshop teaches how to find and use key records like census, vital, and home sources. ⚠️ Limited to 9 students—register early! 👉 azwvgs.org/store/classes/

Borders changed. Records shifted. Families endured. The German | Poland SIG brings researchers together to explore heritage, history, and sources across both regions. 👉 Join us and strengthen your research with shared knowledge. 💬 Comment if you’re researching German or Polish ancestors.

Every genealogist has said this at least once! 😂 How often does “one more record” turn into hours for you? 👉 Drop a ⏰ or comment below if this is totally you. #nationalstickerday #genealogy #familyhistory

Thank you to everyone who attended today’s Membership Meeting! 💬 What’s one thing you learned or found especially helpful? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear your takeaways.

💻 Computer Tutorial at WVGS Need help using computers or online genealogy tools? Join our monthly Computer Tutorial, held on the third Monday, for hands-on guidance in a supportive setting. 📍 In person at the WVGS Library – Computer Lab 👨‍🏫 Instructor: Lou McLean 👉  Email [email protected]

📰 Help WVGS Grow Our Obituary Database! We now have 161,000+ obituaries nationwide. Share your family’s pre-2018 obits by dropping them at the library Aide’s desk. We’ll scan and return them. 📧 Questions? [email protected]

📜 Statehood Spotlight On January 9, 1788, Connecticut became the 5th state to join the Union. Do you have ancestors who called Connecticut home?

🔍 Did You Know? One-name research can reveal connections, clusters, and patterns you might never find when researching only your ancestors. 👉 Want to learn how? Join our upcoming program on One-Name Genealogical Research with Dave Gadboury.