Bend Genealogical Society upcoming events

FTM Interest Group (15 Sep 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 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.

Coffee & Cousins - Sep (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 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:
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 (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 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 hectic nature 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.

Ancestor Short Story Project - Orientation & Writing Workshop (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

This is an in-person workshop only.
Members & Non-Members Welcome!

NOTE TO MEMBERS: If you are unable to attend this orientation and
would still 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.

Open Lab for Genealogy (3 Oct 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 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 Yes to RSVP, so we know to expect you.

Finding and Using Obituaries More Effectively: 10 Strategies (13 Oct 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Finding And Using Obituaries More Effectively: 10 Strategies

Obituaries can help you reconstruct families and find missing relatives, whether you’re doing genealogy or building trees for DNA matches. Learn from actual case studies a full range of strategies for finding obituaries from different time periods. (This includes today: we’ll talk about finding online-only obituary content and understanding differences between original postings and aggregator websites.) Learn a trick for finding citations for unidentified news clippings. You’ve never seen obituary-finding treated with this kind of depth and detail!

Sunny Jane Morton is author of the new book Searching for Sisters: A Guide to Researching Catholic Nuns in the United States; co-author of the award-winning volume How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records; and an instructor at GRIP Genealogy Institute. She is Editor of NGS Magazine; Contributing Editor at Family Tree Magazine, and past Editor of Ohio Genealogy News. Find her at www.sunnymorton.com.

Registration required to receive the Zoom link.

Ancestor Short Story Project - Story Share & Support Workshop (15 Oct 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

This is an in-person workshop only.
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.

Coffee & Cousins - Oct 2026 (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 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]

A Look at America's 250th Anniversary!
with a special guest

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 in.

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!

Keep Researching (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 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.

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

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.

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

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

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!