Bend Genealogical Society upcoming events

Military Research - Using www.fold3.com (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Military Research - Using www.Fold3.com

The website https://www.fold3.com/ , in a partnership with the national archives, provides a wealth of military resources and documents from the Revolutionary War of 1776 , the War of 1812, Mexican American and early Indian Wars, Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI ,WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War.

Christine Cohen will be in person at Williamson Hall! Learn more about how to research your ancestor's military history with Christine Cohen!

Christine Cohen is active in the Whittier Area Genealogical Society and also belongs to the Tualatin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Society of Daughters of Holland Dames, and the Association of Professional Genealogists. Her passion for genealogy started in 1977 after watching "Roots" and receiving a pedigree chart detailing her Dutch ancestry from New Netherlands in the 1650s. She recently retired to focus full time on genealogy.

Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

Ancestor Short Story Project - Story Share & Support Workshop (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

THIS IS A ZOOM-ONLY WORKSHOP!

THIS IS A ZOOM-ONLY WORKSHOP!
If you are a member and are unable to attend this workshop and
would like to participate and/or submit a short story
for a BGS Newsletter and future publication, please contact Kelly at distantvoicesnewsletter@bendgenealogy.org

Review the Ancestor Short Story Project Page for more information.

FTM Interest Group (17 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 02:00:00 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.

Coffee & Cousins - Nov 2026 (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 18:00:00 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 share.

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!

Ancestor Short Story Project - Story Share & Support Workshop (3 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

THIS IS A ZOOM ONLY WORKSHOP

THIS IS A ZOOM ONLY WORKSHOP
If you are a member and are unable to attend this workshop and
would like to participate and/or submit a short story
for a BGS Newsletter and future publication, please contact Kelly at distantvoicesnewsletter@bendgenealogy.org

Review the Ancestor Short Story Project Page for more information.

BGS Holiday Potluck, Silent Auction & Stories (8 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This year's Holiday Potluck and Celebration is at Williamson Hall on Tuesday, December 8 beginning at 10:00 AM. It's time to celebrate genealogy and share a meal together! Feel free to bring a guest. Bring cash or your checkbook to pay for your Silent Auction purchases.

The program is members of our Ancestor Short Story Project sharing part of their written short story. These stories have been submitted to our own Kelly McCray who is also BGS's Newsletter Editor. For timely reasons, folks will share part of their story with you.

Silent Auction: This is a fundraiser for BGS, please bring new or gently used items to donate to the auction. Anything you like. Some suggestions are a Christmas ornament, houseplant/planter/vase, figurine, bottle of wine, book, or offer your services for IT help, genealogy research or other special skill. Bidding occurs throughout the morning. Pay for your purchases before you leave. If your item doesn't sell, please take it home with you. Bring these items at least 30 minutes before the program begins at 10 am - so by 9:30!

Potluck (after the Sharing Time): Everyone brings one or more dishes to put on the potluck table to share. Bring whatever you would like, such as an appetizer, main dish, salad, side dish, pizza, vegetable tray, dessert, or anything else to share with friends.

BGS provides: Coffee, tea, water and all tableware, salt/pepper, etc. The Hall’s kitchen has a refrigerator, stove, a small microwave, and there are outlets for crock pots.

HELP! We need help with set-up and take-down for the potluck. Tables/chairs and decoration set-up will start on Monday afternoon at 1:00 PM. Then, on Tuesday morning, we’ll be brewing coffee, etc. If you can help with set-up and/or clean-up, please email: info@bendgenealogy.org or call BGS at 541-317-9553.

Coffee & Cousins - Dec 2026 (19 Dec 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 18:00:00 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]

Pastimes, Passions & Presents
Share the artists, crafters, hobbyists,
& collectors in your family tree.
White Elephant Exchange too! Bring a wrapped gift.

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

THIS MONTH:

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

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

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY HERE!

Coffee & Cousins - Jan 2027 (16 Jan 2027)

Sat, 16 Jan 2027 18:00:00 GMT

We hope you'll join us
for Coffee & Cousins,
our monthly morning of
genealogy, conversation
& shared discoveries!

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

Bend, OR 97701 [MAP]

Each month brings a new topic, guest or
research conversation in a relaxed setting
where everyone is welcome. Come enjoy coffee,
a treat, and the company of others who enjoy family history.

January: Winter Ways:
Survival, Skills & Stories
How our families worked, played & made it through Winter

Bring a friend & join us!

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

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

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY HERE!

Ancestor Short Story Project - Story Share & Support Workshop (21 Jan 2027)

Thu, 21 Jan 2027 21:00:00 GMT

THIS IS A ZOOM ONLY WORKSHOP

If you are a member and are unable to attend this workshop and
would like to participate and/or submit a short story
for a BGS Newsletter and future publication, please contact Kelly at distantvoicesnewsletter@bendgenealogy.org

Review the Ancestor Short Story Project Page for more information.

Ancestor Short Story Workshop - Using Source Citations (18 Feb 2027)

Thu, 18 Feb 2027 21:00:00 GMT

An Ancestor Short Story Workshop
In-Person Only at Williamson Hall

See the Ancestor Short Story Project Page for more info.

✨ Whether you’re polishing a story for publication or
simply capturing family memories, this workshop
is a welcoming space to explore, write, and connect.✨

We look forward to seeing you there!

Coffee & Cousins - Feb 2027 (20 Feb 2027)

Sat, 20 Feb 2027 18:00:00 GMT

We hope you'll join us
for Coffee & Cousins,
our monthly morning of
genealogy, conversation
& shared discoveries!

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

Bend, OR 97701 [MAP]

Each month brings a new topic, guest or
research conversation in a relaxed setting
where everyone is welcome. Come enjoy coffee,
a treat, and the company of others who enjoy family history.

February: Love in the Family Tree
Courtship, Marriage & the Stories Between the Records

Bring a friend & join us.

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

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

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY HERE!

Ancestor Short Story Workshop - Using Photos & Graphics (18 Mar 2027)

Thu, 18 Mar 2027 20:00:00 GMT

An Ancestor Short Story Workshop
In-Person Only at Williamson Hall

See the Ancestor Short Story Project Page for more info.

✨ Whether you’re polishing a story for publication or
simply capturing family memories, this workshop
is a welcoming space to explore, write, and connect.✨

We look forward to seeing you there!

Coffee & Cousins - Mar 2027 (20 Mar 2027)

Sat, 20 Mar 2027 17:00:00 GMT

We hope you'll join us
for Coffee & Cousins,
our monthly morning of
genealogy, conversation
& shared discoveries!

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

Bend, OR 97701 [MAP]

Each month brings a new topic, guest or
research conversation in a relaxed setting
where everyone is welcome. Come enjoy coffee,
a treat, and the company of others who enjoy family history.

March: Irish Coffee & Family Trees

Stories, Research Tips & a little Irish Inspiration
for Everyone!

Bring a friend & join us. Irish roots are welcome, but definitely not required.

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

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

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY HERE!

Coffee & Cousins - Apr 2027 (17 Apr 2027)

Sat, 17 Apr 2027 17:00:00 GMT

We hope you'll join us
for Coffee & Cousins,
our monthly morning of
genealogy, conversation
& shared discoveries!

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

Bend, OR 97701 [MAP]

Each month brings a new topic, guest or
research conversation in a relaxed setting
where everyone is welcome. Come enjoy coffee,
a treat, and the company of others who enjoy family history.

April: Find a Grave: Beyond the Headstone
Adding, Editing, Organizing & Remembering

Bring a friend & join us.
QUESTIONS? INFO@BENDGENEALOGY.ORG

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

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

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY HERE!

Coffee & Cousins - May 2027 (15 May 2027)

Sat, 15 May 2027 17:00:00 GMT

We hope you'll join us
for Coffee & Cousins,
our monthly morning of
genealogy, conversation
& shared discoveries!

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

Bend, OR 97701 [MAP]

Each month brings a new topic, guest or
research conversation in a relaxed setting
where everyone is welcome. Come enjoy coffee,
a treat, and the company of others who enjoy family history.

May: Favorite Resources, Useful Finds
& Lessons Worth Sharing

Share the Resources That Worked, Surprised You,
or Sent You Back to the Drawing Board

Bring a friend & join us.
QUESTIONS? INFO@BENDGENEALOGY.ORG

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

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

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY HERE!