Bend Genealogical Society upcoming events

ROADS WEST — How Your Ancestors Got Where They Wanted to Go! with Jamie Lee McManus Mayhew (14 Apr 2026)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Roads West – How Your Ancestors Got to Where They Wanted to Go

Since the first immigrants touched the shores of this continent, settlers have been on the move. Whether for adventure, religious freedom, overpopulation, or seeking a better future, people have found a way to move; south, north but mostly west. In this presentation, we will explore the methods they used, including roads, rivers, canals, and rails, the reasons for moving, and the records created along the way.

Meet Jamie Lee McManus Mayhew, whose adventure into the annals of history began as a teenager in the cozy corners of her living room, with her mother as her first mentor. Together, they navigated the labyrinth of census records and pored over ancient tomes, revealing secrets from the past.
Fast forward five decades, and Jamie's childhood curiosity has blossomed into a lifelong quest. In 2010, she founded California Cousins. In her role there, Jamie applies her extensive expertise to uncover family histories and piece together narratives once lost in the shadows of time. Her work transcends the traditional scope of genealogy; it's about connecting the dots of the past, bringing to light the stories and legacies that shape families, one discovery at a time.

Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

German Interest Group 2026 (15 Apr 2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

10 AM (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, April15th, 2026 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 meeting again in 2026.

The group focus is researching German ancestors in Europe and the US. The group welcomes anyone with an interest in Germanic Ancestors, including those in current German borders, Swiss, Bohemia, Moravia, Austria, Poland, Hungry and Russia.

The group is led by BGS member Jim Kleinschmidt.

Three meetings are planned for 2026: Feb 18th, Mar 18th, & Apr 15th.

Recordings of the February & March sessions are available in the Members Only section of the website under Video Library.

The 3rd meeting topic: The Fate of Those Who Remained in Europe (1914-Present) This presentation will focus on the fate of emigrant families’ relatives who remained in Europe during and after World War I. Most emigration stopped prior to World War I. This presentation will focus on the coodinator’s (Jim Kleinschmidt) specific relatives experiences as well as the overall general experiences of Germanic people remaining through Europe.

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.

Coffee & Cousins - April (18 Apr 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

We hope you'll join us
for Coffee & Cousins,
a monthly 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:

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 (18 Apr 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 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.

Skill Building: The Basics of Ancestry.com & Ancestry DNA (29 Apr 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Bring your computer and practice as we learn!
Come early to set up your computer and be ready to start!

Join us for a hands-on Skill Builder Workshop focused on the
basics of using Ancestry.com and understanding AncestryDNA,
guided by Kelly McCray.
In this interactive session, you’ll follow along in your own account as we tour the key areas of the platform and explore how they work together. You’ll learn simple, practical best practices for entering information, working with hints, and building a clear, organized family tree. Whether you’re just getting started or want to revisit your work and move forward with more intention, this workshop will help you build a strong foundation you can continue to grow.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Those new to Ancestry.com
Experience Ancestry.com user who want to brush up their skills
If you have taken an AncestryDNA and are unsure what's next
You've started a tree but want to clean it up or organize it better
Those looking for a clear, step by step approach

BE PREPARED, WHAT TO BRING:

Bring Your Laptop or Tablet
Your Ancestry.com login information
Access to your AncestryDNA results (if Applicable)
A few known family names, dates or places to work with

Registration Required!
Zoom Link sent when registered.

Hybrid Workshop:
In-Person at Williamson Hall
or On Zoom
Free to members & non-members

We recommend In-Person attendance!
We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

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.

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.

Bend Genealogical Society upcoming events

ROADS WEST — How Your Ancestors Got Where They Wanted to Go! with Jamie Lee McManus Mayhew (14 Apr 2026)

German Interest Group 2026 (15 Apr 2026)

Coffee & Cousins - April (18 Apr 2026)

Keep Researching (18 Apr 2026)

Skill Building: The Basics of Ancestry.com & Ancestry DNA (29 Apr 2026)

Registration Required! Zoom Link sent when registered.

Open Lab for Genealogy (2 May 2026)

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

Coffee & Cousins - May (16 May 2026)

Keep Researching (16 May 2026)

FTM Interest Group (19 May 2026)

Open Lab for Genealogy (6 Jun 2026)

Keep Researching (20 Jun 2026)

Registration Required!
Zoom Link sent when registered.