Menu
Log in



Discover Your Family

BEND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

in Bend, Oregon

Log in


Click icon above to Log-In or Out of the Website


BGS Events Calendar Click here to view general info about BGS Events

Event Details and Registration are found by clicking an event in the Calendar below or by viewing events in the List View.
For Zoom meetings, the link to join the meeting is 
emailed to you after you register. 

    • 4 Apr 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall

    The BGS Genealogical Library is open to BGS members and the public every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (FREE).

    The Library is staffed with volunteers to help you find resources on the shelves, though occasionally, a volunteer is not available to open the Library. Feel free to call before you visit to make sure someone is there. BGS phone: (541) 317-9553.

    BGS members have the benefit of being able to check out most books to study at home for 3 weeks at a time.

    The Library is located in Williamson Hall at 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701, in the Rock Arbor Villa Mobile Park behind Jakes on the north side of Hwy 20. Click here to open a detail map showing the location.

    There is no need to register or RSVP.

    • 6 Apr 2024
    • 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. 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.

    • 6 Apr 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall

    The BGS Genealogical Library is open to BGS members and the public on the 1st Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (FREE).

    The Library is staffed with volunteers to help you find resources on the shelves, though occasionally, a volunteer is not available to open the Library. Feel free to call before you visit to make sure someone is there. BGS phone: (541) 317-9553.

    BGS members have the benefit of being able to check out most books to study at home for 3 weeks at a time.

    The Library is located in Williamson Hall at 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701, in the Rock Arbor Villa Mobile Park behind Jakes on the north side of Hwy 20. Click here to open a detail map showing the location.

    There is no need to register or RSVP.

    • 9 Apr 2024
    • 10:00 AM
    • Hybrid - Williamson Hall and Zoom
    Register

    10 AM (Pacific Time) on Tues, April 9th, 2024  Hybrid - Zoom or In-Person at Williams Hall.  DNA Basics by Beth Taylor and Ancestry DNA by Crista Cowan.


    Learn DNA Basics --What is Nuclear DNA, Mitrochonrial, and Autosomal DNA? What are Centimorgans and why are they important?  How accurate are Ethnicity Results?  Why understand 2nd Cousins and 2nd cousins once removed?   Learn how to use Ancestry Matches and assign them to your Mom or Dad's line.  These are some of the things you will learn when you join us!  We will be playing two RootsTech 2023 videos and then discussing what we learned.

    DOOR PRIZE: A Free Ancestry DNA kit donated by Kelly McCray!  Thank you Kelly!!

    Beth Taylor:  Beth is a Research Specialist at the Family History Library. She is a Board-certified genealogist (CG), holds a BA of History from Brigham Young University, and has worked for FamilySearch for more almost 15 years. Her specialties include DNA, Quakers, organizing, land records, and probate records.

    Crista Cowan:  Crista is the Corporate Genealogist at Ancestry.com since 2011 and has taught classes at genealogy conferences and events around the world.  Crisrta is also known as the Barefoot Genealogist and has produced and starred in more than 400 episodes of “The Barefoot Genealogist” since 2012.

    Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

    • 11 Apr 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall

    The BGS Genealogical Library is open to BGS members and the public every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (FREE).

    The Library is staffed with volunteers to help you find resources on the shelves, though occasionally, a volunteer is not available to open the Library. Feel free to call before you visit to make sure someone is there. BGS phone: (541) 317-9553.

    BGS members have the benefit of being able to check out most books to study at home for 3 weeks at a time.

    The Library is located in Williamson Hall at 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701, in the Rock Arbor Villa Mobile Park behind Jakes on the north side of Hwy 20. Click here to open a detail map showing the location.

    There is no need to register or RSVP.

    • 17 Apr 2024
    • 10:00 AM
    • Hybrid - Williamson Hall and Zoom
    Register

    10 AM (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024  Hybrid- Zoom or in person at Williamson Hall.  (you are encouraged to come in person).  

    Join our GERMAN Interest Group meeting:  The Bend Genealogical Society’s German Interest Group has restarted.  The focus of the group is researching German ancestors both in Europe and the United States.  

    The third session of this year’s German Interest Group will detail the villages shared by members during and after our February meeting.  You will learn techniques to find the villages including the use of the Myers Gazetteer, Google Earth and other sources.  Jim will be demonstrate these programs focusing specifically on member’s villages. The presentation will also include where member’s ancestors settled in the United States and Canada.

    After this third meeting the group will pause until winter 2025.  The group is led by BGS member Jim Kleinschmidt.

    About Jim Kleinschmidt:  Jim has been doing research on his German ancestors since the early 1990s following in his father’s footsteps. His ancestral roots include Bohemia, Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate and the Neumark of Brandenburg (now in Poland). He has visited ancestral villages in both Bohemia and Bavaria and met some of his European cousins during these visits.

    If you are interested in helping or have suggestions for the Group, please go to Contact Us, enter a message in the form, and it will be forwarded to Jim.

    Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

    10 AM (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024  Hybrid- Zoom or in person at Williamson Hall.  (you are encouraged to come in person).  

    Join our GERMAN Interest Group meeting:  The Bend Genealogical Society’s German Interest Group is restarting.  The focus of the group is researching German ancestors both in Europe and the United States.  

    The third meeting will including learning to use Meyers Gazateer to locate your ancestors home location.

    After this third meeting the group will pause until winter 2024/2025.  The group is led by BGS member Jim Kleinschmidt.

    About Jim Kleinschmidt:  Jim has been doing research on his German ancestors since the early 1990s following in his father’s footsteps. His ancestral roots include Bohemia, Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate and the Neumark of Brandenburg (now in Poland). He has visited ancestral villages in both Bohemia and Bavaria and met some of his European cousins during these visits.

    If you are interested in helping or have suggestions for the Group, please go to Contact Us, enter a message in the form, and it will be

    • 18 Apr 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall

    The BGS Genealogical Library is open to BGS members and the public every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (FREE).

    The Library is staffed with volunteers to help you find resources on the shelves, though occasionally, a volunteer is not available to open the Library. Feel free to call before you visit to make sure someone is there. BGS phone: (541) 317-9553.

    BGS members have the benefit of being able to check out most books to study at home for 3 weeks at a time.

    The Library is located in Williamson Hall at 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701, in the Rock Arbor Villa Mobile Park behind Jakes on the north side of Hwy 20. Click here to open a detail map showing the location.

    There is no need to register or RSVP.

    • 20 Apr 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall
    Register

    Meet with fellow genealogists on the 3rd Saturday of the month, and hear what's going on with each other's research from 10 AM to Noon. Share your discoveries, mysteries, finds, and brick walls! 

    Everyone has a different genealogical experience and sharing your family history with others is part of the journey.

    So, grab a cup of coffee when you come in, join the informal conversation, and get to know other genealogists. Come once or every month this year!

    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.

    • 20 Apr 2024
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Williamson Hall
    Register

    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.

    • 22 Apr 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • In Person at Williamson Hall required for Local Members, Zoom only for Out of Area or Out of State Members and Email guests
    • 59
    Register

    PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN DATE!  it is now on Monday, April 22nd  NOT Tuesday the 23rd as previously scheduled!  IT  IS ALSO NOW IN PERSON ONLY FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO BEND.  It is also going to be a longer meeting in order to answer all your questions.

    Monday, April 22nd, at 10 AM to 1:00 PM (Pacific Time), Mark Olsen and Duff Wilson will be presenting Family Tree Maker: Now and the Road Ahead. 

    If you use Family Tree Maker (FTM) software, or if you have thought of using FTM, or if you are looking for a software program for your family tree information this presentation is for you!  Family Tree Maker's Ambassador Mark Olsen and the Executive Director of Family Tree Maker Duff Wilson will be in Bend, in person, to discuss the upcoming version 2024 as well as the current version and often overlooked features.  THIS IS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE TOP PEOPLE AT FAMILY TREE MAKER!  YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!

    Time includes a Question and Answer period--Bring your Questions and problems.  There is also time for in person help for those who need it.

    There will be a door prize!   A free copy of Family Tree Maker 2019.  Must be present to win!

    About Mark Olsen:  Mark Olsen is Family Tree Maker's Ambassador to historical and genealogical societies around the world. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and holds a bachelor's degree in Family History with a Spanish records emphasis. He has been working in the genealogy industry since 2007 and has been the FTM Ambassador since 2016.

    About Duff Wilson:  Duff has worked with Family Tree Maker since 2004 and serves as Executive Director.  He has twenty years of software design and development experience and has earned national awards for his work. He holds a master's degree from Utah State University in instructional technology with an emphasis in computer-based instruction. Duff is an avid genealogist and works closely with countless genealogists, ranging from novice to expert.

    Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

    • 25 Apr 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall

    The BGS Genealogical Library is open to BGS members and the public every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (FREE).

    The Library is staffed with volunteers to help you find resources on the shelves, though occasionally, a volunteer is not available to open the Library. Feel free to call before you visit to make sure someone is there. BGS phone: (541) 317-9553.

    BGS members have the benefit of being able to check out most books to study at home for 3 weeks at a time.

    The Library is located in Williamson Hall at 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701, in the Rock Arbor Villa Mobile Park behind Jakes on the north side of Hwy 20. Click here to open a detail map showing the location.

    There is no need to register or RSVP.

    • 2 May 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall

    The BGS Genealogical Library is open to BGS members and the public every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (FREE).

    The Library is staffed with volunteers to help you find resources on the shelves, though occasionally, a volunteer is not available to open the Library. Feel free to call before you visit to make sure someone is there. BGS phone: (541) 317-9553.

    BGS members have the benefit of being able to check out most books to study at home for 3 weeks at a time.

    The Library is located in Williamson Hall at 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701, in the Rock Arbor Villa Mobile Park behind Jakes on the north side of Hwy 20. Click here to open a detail map showing the location.

    There is no need to register or RSVP.

    • 4 May 2024
    • 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. 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.

    • 4 May 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Williamson Hall

    The BGS Genealogical Library is open to BGS members and the public on the 1st Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (FREE).

    The Library is staffed with volunteers to help you find resources on the shelves, though occasionally, a volunteer is not available to open the Library. Feel free to call before you visit to make sure someone is there. BGS phone: (541) 317-9553.

    BGS members have the benefit of being able to check out most books to study at home for 3 weeks at a time.

    The Library is located in Williamson Hall at 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend, 97701, in the Rock Arbor Villa Mobile Park behind Jakes on the north side of Hwy 20. Click here to open a detail map showing the location.

    There is no need to register or RSVP.

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.


To participate via Zoom Logo , all you need
to do is to register for and install a FREE ZOOM 
account on a device connected
to the internet. Even a cell phone will
work. Sign-up for a FREE ZOOM
account at https://zoom.us/
 

Quick links

Follow our activities

© 2023 Bend Genealogical Society, Bend, Oregon.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software