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.

ZOOM ONLY - 10 AM (Pacific Time), Tues, February 10 

Let Tech Work for You:

Harnessing the Power of Apps and Tools

 with Kate Penny Howard  

Are you encumbered with boxes of papers left to you by dear Aunt Madge?  Have your grandchildren shown interest in your research, but they want to see information on their phones?  Do you struggle with filling in the rest of the story ("the dash") between a person's birth and death?  Not sure you're ready to trade in your pencil for a stylus, but you want to know more?  This class is for you!

Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist and speaker specializing in endogamy and breaking down challenging research barriers with DNA. She brings decades of experience in family research and hundreds of successfully solved genetic genealogy cases.

Known for her compassionate approach, Kate helps clients uncover ancestral mysteries while providing them with more complete family medical histories and a stronger sense of identity. Her presentations captivate audiences by seamlessly blending historical context, technical guidance, and well-placed humor that keeps listeners engaged. 

10 AM (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, February 18th, 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.

Three meetings are planned: Feb 18th, Mar 18th, and Apr 15th.  The group will be led by BGS member Jim Kleinschmidt.

The 1st meeting topic:  Germanic People's History (Prehistory to 1950) - This will be a presentation by our group coordinator, James Kleinschmidt.  Focusing on the History of the Germanic People This is intended to provide a perspective on how your Germanic Ancestors lived prior to emigration, their emigration and and history until 1950. 

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

Genealogy Meet-Up!

Experienced & Independent

Researchers Welcome! 

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.

 Don’t let your lifetime of genealogy research end up in the landfill!  Lisa Louise Cooke will teach you the 7 key strategies to securing the future of your research including designating a “research keeper,” setting up a Genealogy Materials Directive, and making donations with a Deed of Gift.  Don’t miss this presentation – your family research legacy depends on it!

Lisa Louise Cooke is a trailblazing thought leader in genealogy, renowned author, and captivating speaker who redefines how we connect with our ancestral past. Through her innovative platforms like the Genealogy Gems Podcast (launched in 2007) and a thriving YouTube channel, she empowers her global audience to uncover their family stories. Lisa is the author of several best-selling books, including The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox, 3rd Edition, and offers genealogy education through her Genealogy Gems Premium Membership. A trusted voice in the field, she pens a regular column for Family Tree Magazine and hosts its podcast. Known for her engaging style and practical strategies, Lisa is the perfect speaker to inspire and empower us to explore our roots. 

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.

10 AM (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, March18th, 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.

Three meetings are planned for 2026: Feb 18th, Mar 18th, & Apr 15th.    The group will be led by BGS member Jim Kleinschmidt.

The 2nd meeting topic:   A Tale of Two Emigrations-This is a personal story of the group coordinator’s (Jim Kleinschmidt) maternal family history (Langer). This story traces their first  emigration from Franconia to Northeast Bohemia (Czechia) and their subsequent emigration to the United States (in particular, Wisconsin and Minnesota). The presentation will include not only the history, but sources, websites, references, and techniques used to construct this history and that you might also use to track your family's emigration.

Experienced & Independent

Researchers Welcome! 

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.

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.

Three meetings are planned for 2026: Feb 18th, Mar 18th, & Apr 15th.    The group will be led by BGS member Jim Kleinschmidt.

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 toWorld 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.

Experienced & Independent

Researchers Welcome! 

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.

Experienced & Independent

Researchers Welcome! 

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.

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.

Experienced & Independent

Researchers Welcome!