ARLINGTON – For all the online digital tools and home DNA-testing kits that are revolutionizing genealogy, there’s one elusive branch of the family tree that this year’s Northwest Genealogy Conference hopes to attract.
Teens.
The Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society is hosting the 2017 Northwest Genealogy Conference Aug. 16-19 at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center in Arlington.
This year organizers are hoping to reach the young generation, offering free registration for youths ages 13-17 with one full paid adult registration. Registration does not include extra syllabus or meals.
“It’s important to give young people the opportunity to learn about the history of their own families,” Society President Ruth Caesar said.
“It’s also a neat way to approach history from a personal standpoint,” she added. “History is fun, and finding a way for kids to get engaged is really what we want to do.”
The conference typically draws between 300-500 people, ranging from the most seasoned roots-tracer to the novice looking to dig deeper into stories about an illustrious or outlandish great great grandparent.
The keynote speaker’s list features headliner Kenyatta Berry, a host of PBS’s Genealogy Roadshow, genealogist and lawyer with more than 15 years of experience in genealogical research and writing.
Berry will present “Where Does Your Story Start,” and a humorous behind-the-scenes look at the making of her TV program.
Diahan Southard , a microbiology student in the genetic genealogy industry and author of “Your DNA Guide,” will explore everything you want to know about your DNA, and share a case study in how it made a family out of strangers in Seattle.
Michigan genealogist and lecturer Daniel Earl returns with a fascinating look at the “holy grail” of genealogical research: finding the ancestral hometown of a European immigrant, especially difficult in Eastern Europe.
Each day features dozens of breakout classes led by experts in their field, as well as event exhibitors.
Aug. 16 is free day featuring a class in Beginning Genealogy from 1-4:30 p.m.Register for the conference online at www.NwGC.org.
Cost for the full three-day conference is $140 for members, and $160 for non-members. Single-day fee is $70 for members and $80 for non-members.
For details email nwgc@stillygen.org or call 360-435-4838.
The Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society promotes interest in genealogy through education, provides instruction in research and preservation of member family histories; and possesses a library of hard-copy publications and records and online genealogical search tools available for the public to conduct family searches. Located at 6111 188th Place NE, Arlington, the office is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Call 360-435-4838.
