Bend Genealogical Society upcoming events

Open Lab for Genealogy (2 May 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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.

Annual Meeting & Pathways to Family Research (12 May 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

10 AM (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Hybrid - Zoom or In-Person at Williams Hall.

ANNUAL MEETING:

•State of our Society

•Election of Officers for 2026-2027

•Recognition of Volunteers

AND A PROGRAM:

Pathways to Family Research led by Wendi Babst.

And a look at Wiki Tree led by Michael Jones.

The Annual Meeting will be first, followed by the program, which will start about 10:35 am

Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

Coffee & Cousins - May (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

We hope you'll join us
for Coffee & Cousins,
a morning of

genealogy & conversation!

Every 3rd Saturday, 10 AM – 12 PM
Williamson Hall – 2200 NE Hwy 20,

Bend, OR 97701 [MAP]

Join hosts Kelly McCray and Kim Vanderford
for an informal, welcoming gathering for all experience levels.

Coffee & Cousins is our monthly conversation circle
where we explore ideas, share discoveries,
and enjoy good company.
Each month features a different topic or guest
in an easygoing, encouraging setting.
Grab a cup of coffee, enjoy a treat,
and join the conversation.

Bring yourself, bring a friend,
& join us for a cozy morning
of conversation & connection.

This month:
CHECK BACK HERE FOR
UPDATED PROGRAM INFORMATION

RSVP appreciated (so we know to expect you)
or just drop in, sip coffee, and let's talk genealogy. FIND YOUR COMMUNITY HERE!

Keep Researching (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 19:30:00 GMT

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.

FTM Interest Group (19 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

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 FTM version 2024.

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.

Open Lab for Genealogy (6 Jun 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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.

Keep Researching (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 19:30:00 GMT

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.

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.