GenTalks
Gen(ealogy)Talks are less formal, genealogy-related presentations that now take place online live several months per year, on the third Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific). GenTalks are FREE and open to the public, so, member or not, check out our Calendar page and come spend an hour or so with us!
Some handouts from previous GenTalks can be found here, for a limited time.
Upcoming GenTalks:
Finding Treasures in NewspaperArchive
Jun. 20, 2026 @ 2:30 p.m. PT (online)
directly following the GFO Membership meeting at 2:30 p.m. PT (both using the same Zoom link below)
Click here to register and obtain a Zoom link to this live presentation.
Presenter: Mary Kircher Roddy, CG®, CGG®
Newspapers are a fabulous resource for learning more about your ancestors. Access to the NewspaperArchive database is a benefit of having a GFO membership, available for free inside the GFO library or in the comfort of your own home via MemberSpace. Learn how to use this website to fill in the details of your ancestors' lives.
Mary Kircher Roddy is a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) and is co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. Mary has published articles in many publications and frequently lectures in Washington State as well as at conferences across the US on methodology and records. She is one of the founders of the Applied Genealogy Institute.
From Territory to State: Records You Might Miss
Jul. 18, 2026 @ 2:30 p.m. PT (online)
Click here to register and obtain a Zoom link to this live presentation.
Presenter: Sylvia Tracy Doolos
As our nation grew, territories began keeping records to achieve statehood. Let's look at records and research strategies that can help you.
Sylvia Tracy Doolos is the owner of New Leaf Genealogy, is a Past-President of the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and actively volunteers with the Denver Public Library. Her research focuses on early American studies, with particular interest in Colonial and Territorial records and migrations.
Start Writing: Your Ancestor's Legacy Depends Upon YOU!
Sep. 19, 2026 @ 2:30 p.m. PT (online)
Click here to register and obtain a Zoom link to this live presentation.
Presenter: Steven W. Morrison
To some genealogists "the hunt" is everything. Learn how to shift gears and to write a cohesive story about your ancestor. Writing helps you refocus your thinking. You might even surprise yourself, realizing you’ve bagged your ancestor without knowing it!
Steven W. Morrison is a past-president of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Olympia Genealogical Society. He attained a Master’s degree from The Evergreen State College where he taught for seven years as an adjunct faculty. He has published twelve articles in genealogical journals, has coordinated several genealogical institute courses, and in 2016 received the Scholar Award from The American Society of Genealogists.
Accredited Genealogist and AG are registered trademarks of the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists.
Accredited Genealogist Lecturer and AGL are trademarks of the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists.
Certified Genealogist, CG, Certified Genetic Genealogist, CGG, Certified Genealogical Lecturer, and CGL are all registered trademarks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
