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:
The Impact of Weather on Your Family's Story
Apr. 19, 2025 @ 2:30 p.m. PST (online)
Presenter: Sydney Lybrand
Weather-related events altered the lives, and livelihoods, of our ancestors while weather also formed the backdrop to special events and routine days spent in mundane activities. Understanding historical weather is extremely important with regards to a family’s overall story, so how can we learn more about the weather our ancestors experienced and how it impacted them? Please join us as we look into some of the many resources and ways that we can gain new insights into weather of the past.
Sydney Lybrand is a hydrometeorologist with the National Weather Service's Office of Water Prediction. She currently analyzes historical precipitation data as part of an expansive study to improve our understanding of extreme precipitation events. She completed her master's in atmospheric science in 2023.
Accessing Free Digital Collections for Oregon and Washington Research
May. 17, 2025 @ 2:30 p.m. PST (online)
Presenter: Dawn Carlile
Our genealogy dollars are limited, so save money by using free resources! Luckily, there are many free, online resources for researching Oregon and Washington roots. Digital collections offer access to many records, photographs, and documents unavailable elsewhere. Take a tour through these collections and add to your resources.
Dawn Carlile is a professional genealogist, educator, and lecturer who began teaching classes for the Oregon Genealogical Society in 2008 and then began lecturing at libraries, genealogical societies, and cultural events. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogical Speakers Guild, National Genealogical Society, and several local, state, and regional historical and genealogical societies. She is the current president of the Oregon Genealogical Society and the leader of GFO's Irish SIG.
