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BEND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

in Bend, Oregon

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BGS Events Calendar  

Click here for a descriptive LIST view of BGS Events 

 Use the Switch View Link on right corner of calendar to alternate between List view & Calendar view of Events

When in the CALENDAR VIEW, click an Event link.  Details will open for you to review. 
When in the LIST VIEW, scroll down and click Show details, if needed to view all the text.

For Zoom meetings, the link to join the meeting is emailed to you after you register and pay, if required.

  • FTM Interest Group

    • 20 May 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Zoom Only - FREE
    • 50
    Register

    Learn Family Tree Maker (FTM): Genealogy Program
    for Windows and Mac

    ZOOM-only & FREE for everyone

    Join the FTM Interest Group, facilitated by Sue Dolezal, to learn about using the features of FTM in the most effective ways, and discover the additions and improvements in version 2024, when it is released. THIS IS THE LAST MEETING BEFORE RESUMING IN SEPTEMBER.

    While the group will use the free, online FTM Companion Guide as a study guide for the sessions, your comments, questions, and tips will make the interest group a lively workshop experience for everyone.

    Click here to  view the FTM webpage in the Events section of the BGS website. The plan right now is for the group to meet every other month through May.

    The Zoom meeting will be open at 5:45 PM for extra chatting time before the official start at 6 PM. Join early, if you are available.

    Registration is required to receive the link to join the Zoom meeting.

    Show details

  • Open Lab for Genealogy

    • 7 Jun 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall
    Register

    On the 1st Saturday of the month, BGS regularly hosts a FREE, in-person Genealogy Open Lab. The Lab is dedicated genealogy research time without the distractions at home. Research on your own, or if you have questions about a research problem, the Open Lab volunteers or other participants are nearby to offer assistance.

    There is not a program presentation at the Open Lab. Bring your laptop or other device to use for research; WiFi is available. Come once, or come every 1st Saturday. The BGS Library is open, too, from 10 AM to 2:00 PM.

    The public is invited to the Open Lab. If you are interested in starting your family tree, come to the Lab. We can help your find you first ancestor and assist you in beginning to research your family history. 

    Location: Williamson Hall, 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701. Click here for a map to see the Hall's location. Thank you for clicking Register to RSVP, so we know to expect you.

    Show details

  • Keep Researching

    • 21 Jun 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Williamson Hall
    Register

    Experienced & Independent

    Researchers Welcome! 

    You are invited to Williamson Hall on the 3rd Saturday of the month, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM, where you can work on your family history with others who are researching, too.

    We often put off researching due to the hecticness of life.  At Keep Researching, you can dedicate 2 hours a month to join other genealogists for undisturbed research time.  If you have a specific problem finding information about an ancestor or using a website, you can ask the group for advice.  Try some new ideas and perhaps break through a brick wall.

    Bring your laptop or other device and work on your tree or build a research plan! Come and attend Keep Researching, away from distractions at home.

    Location: Williamson Hall, 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701. Click here for a map to see the Hall's location. Thank you for clicking Register to RSVP, so we know to expect you.

    Show details

  • Open Lab for Genealogy

    • 5 Jul 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall
    Register

    On the 1st Saturday of the month, BGS regularly hosts a FREE, in-person Genealogy Open Lab. The Lab is dedicated genealogy research time without the distractions at home. Research on your own, or if you have questions about a research problem, the Open Lab volunteers or other participants are nearby to offer assistance.

    There is not a program presentation at the Open Lab. Bring your laptop or other device to use for research; WiFi is available. Come once, or come every 1st Saturday. The BGS Library is open, too, from 10 AM to 2:00 PM.

    The public is invited to the Open Lab. If you are interested in starting your family tree, come to the Lab. We can help your find you first ancestor and assist you in beginning to research your family history. 

    Location: Williamson Hall, 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701. Click here for a map to see the Hall's location. Thank you for clicking Register to RSVP, so we know to expect you.

    Show details

  • Keep Researching

    • 19 Jul 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Williamson Hall
    Register

    Experienced & Independent

    Researchers Welcome! 

    You are invited to Williamson Hall on the 3rd Saturday of the month, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM, where you can work on your family history with others who are researching, too.

    We often put off researching due to the hecticness of life.  At Keep Researching, you can dedicate 2 hours a month to join other genealogists for undisturbed research time.  If you have a specific problem finding information about an ancestor or using a website, you can ask the group for advice.  Try some new ideas and perhaps break through a brick wall.

    Bring your laptop or other device and work on your tree or build a research plan! Come and attend Keep Researching, away from distractions at home.

    Location: Williamson Hall, 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701. Click here for a map to see the Hall's location. Thank you for clicking Register to RSVP, so we know to expect you.

    Show details

  • Open Lab for Genealogy

    • 2 Aug 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall
    Register

    On the 1st Saturday of the month, BGS regularly hosts a FREE, in-person Genealogy Open Lab. The Lab is dedicated genealogy research time without the distractions at home. Research on your own, or if you have questions about a research problem, the Open Lab volunteers or other participants are nearby to offer assistance.

    There is not a program presentation at the Open Lab. Bring your laptop or other device to use for research; WiFi is available. Come once, or come every 1st Saturday. The BGS Library is open, too, from 10 AM to 2:00 PM.

    The public is invited to the Open Lab. If you are interested in starting your family tree, come to the Lab. We can help your find you first ancestor and assist you in beginning to research your family history. 

    Location: Williamson Hall, 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701. Click here for a map to see the Hall's location. Thank you for clicking Register to RSVP, so we know to expect you.

    Show details

  • Keep Researching

    • 16 Aug 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Williamson Hall
    Register

    Experienced & Independent

    Researchers Welcome! 

    You are invited to Williamson Hall on the 3rd Saturday of the month, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM, where you can work on your family history with others who are researching, too.

    We often put off researching due to the hecticness of life.  At Keep Researching, you can dedicate 2 hours a month to join other genealogists for undisturbed research time.  If you have a specific problem finding information about an ancestor or using a website, you can ask the group for advice.  Try some new ideas and perhaps break through a brick wall.

    Bring your laptop or other device and work on your tree or build a research plan! Come and attend Keep Researching, away from distractions at home.

    Location: Williamson Hall, 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701. Click here for a map to see the Hall's location. Thank you for clicking Register to RSVP, so we know to expect you.

    Show details

  • Coffee & Cousins

    • 20 Sep 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall
    Register

    Welcome to a new program year!

    Kick Off a New Year of Discovery!
    Coffee & Cousins – A Monthly Genealogy Meet-Up

    Start your Saturday with a warm cup of coffee, great conversation, and a community that shares your passion for family history.

    Every 3rd Saturday | 10 AM – 12 PM
    Williamson Hall – 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97701
    [Click here for a map to the Hall]

    Join hosts Kelly McCray and Kim Vanderford for Coffee & Cousins, an informal, welcoming gathering of fellow genealogists. Whether you're new to genealogy or a seasoned researcher, this is your space to:

    • Share recent finds, family mysteries, and research breakthroughs

    • Get help tackling brick walls

    • Learn from guest speakers and themed programs throughout the year

    • Connect with others who love family history as much as you do

    ✨ New for this year – Expect surprise guests, focused topics, and a few fun twists to keep each month fresh and engaging. Stay tuned for updates!

    Please RSVP or just show up, sip some coffee, and jump into the conversation. Come once, or come every month. Your story belongs here.

     Thank you for your RSVP so we know to expect you!

    Show details

The location for in-person meetings is:

Williamson Hall, 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, Oregon, 97701, which is the recreation building for the Rock Arbor Villa Mobile Home Park, which is behind the Chevron Station and Jake's Diner on the north side of Hwy 20.

Find Google Map and a detail map to our location on the Contact Us page.


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