West Valley Genealogical Society
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azwvgsorg.bsky.social
West Valley Genealogical Society
@azwvgsorg.bsky.social
56 followers 42 following 210 posts
Established in 1972, WVGS aims to assist individuals in researching and preserving their family histories. We welcome both novice and experienced researchers, emphasizing education and collaborative research.
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Scandinavian SIG – November 11
Join us Tuesday, Nov 11, 9:30–11:30 AM in the Donaldson Room for lively discussion and tips on researching your Scandinavian roots. Discover new resources and connect with fellow Nordic family history enthusiasts!

#GenealogyCommunity #ScandinavianRoots #FamilyHistory
Join us Nov 10 for the WVGS General Meeting! 📜
Catherine E. Gallagher presents Research in New England—discover new ways to explore your ancestors’ lives beyond the usual websites.
📍 Sun City, AZ | ⏰ Arrive 12:30 PM | 🗣️ Starts 1 PM
#WVGS #GenealogyCommunity
Gratitude connects us to the generations before us. This November, let’s celebrate the stories, lessons, and lives that shaped us. Who’s one ancestor you’re most thankful for discovering? Share their name below.
 👉 Tell us who you’re honoring this month.
 #FamilyHistory  #AncestorStories #Genealogy
The Aqua Fria Chapter of the DAR recently presented “Aqua Fria, Stories to Celebrate America’s 250th” to the West Valley Genealogical Society. 🇺🇸 Honored to add it to our collection!

#WVGS #Genealogy #AmericanHistory
🔬 DNA SIG – Virtual Meeting
Join us Saturday, Nov 8, 9:30–11:30 AM (MST) for the WVGS DNA Special Interest Group. Explore how DNA can uncover family connections and enhance your genealogy research—all from home.

Learn more about WVGS SIGs 👉https://azwvgs.org/education/sigs/

#GeneticGenealogy #DNA
🎃 What’s the most surprising discovery you’ve made in your research? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories!

#WVGS #FamilyHistoryMonth #AncestorStories #GenealogyCommunity
At WVGS, members who reach 90 choose a book for our library. 🎉

This month, we honored Doris Lea (Newton) Egge, born in 1935 in rural Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. Her chosen book, My Indian Territory School by Mickey J. “Mike” Martin, connects beautifully to her roots.

#Genealogy #FamilyHistory
Family Tree Maker SIG • Thu, Nov 6 • 1–3 PM
Hands-on help & tips for FTM users. 📍WVGS, Donaldson Room https://azwvgs.org/education/sigs/
Italy SIG • Thu, Nov 6 • 10 AM–12 PM
Leader: Peggy Morphew | Donaldson Room, WVGS https://azwvgs.org/education/sigs/
WVGS member Diana Wittenberg is tackling a classic challenge this season by untangling her genealogy file! Her goal is to match every first name with a last name (and vice versa) before year’s end, then verify sources for her “primary” family lines. A reminder that every name deserves its story.
More great moments from the WVGS Open House! 📸 It was wonderful seeing so many genealogy enthusiasts come together to share stories and discoveries. If you attended, we’d love to know — what was your favorite part of the event? 💬

#GenealogyCommunity #FamilyHistory #WVGSOpenHouse #DiscoverYourRoots
Ed is a fantastic team player. He is very knowledgeable and always willing to help.
What a fantastic turnout at the WVGS Open House! 🎉 Thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate family history and community. Want to stay involved? Visit azwvgs.org
 to join or see upcoming events! #WVGS #GenealogyCommunity #FamilyHistory
💡 Love history? WVGS needs volunteers!
No experience required—just curiosity, a willingness to learn & a helping hand. 🌿
📍12222 N 111th Ave, Youngtown | 🔗 Info in bio
#WVGS #Volunteer #FamilyHistory #GenealogyCommunity
Save the date! 📅 WVGS Annual Seminar is Feb 21, 2026, in Sun City West, AZ! Join Cari A. Taplin, CG® for Who Wears the Pants—exploring DNA, hidden records & family legends. Registration opens Nov 1 
#Genealogy #FamilyHistory
Fall goal unlocked: sharing family’s immigration story! 🍁 Dave Gaboury is submitting a piece for the American-French Genealogical Society newsletter about his 2nd great-grandfather’s journey from Canada to Rhode Island. #GenealogyGoals #FamilyHistory #ImmigrationStories
🍂 Alice Foust shared that her goals are “to find answers to my brick walls and continue to find stories about my ancestors. The stories and the ancestor's history put the real meat on the bones.”

Beautifully said, Alice! What stories are you uncovering this season?
Celebrating Ed Crabbe, recipient of the Impressive Service Award! 🌟
For 15 years, Ed’s quiet dedication and tech brilliance have helped shape WVGS—from digitizing records to building the tools that keep us connected. We’re so grateful for all he’s done!

#WVGS #VolunteerAppreciation #FamilyHistory
Legacy SIG • Sat, Nov 1 • 10 AM–12 PM
Bring questions, get help, and learn Legacy together. 📍WVGS https://azwvgs.org/education/sigs/
Remembering Ada Claire Sullivan, WVGS Past President and cherished member. 🕊️
Her kindness, generosity, and years of service strengthened our community and touched so many lives. Her legacy of giving and leadership will not be forgotten. ❤️

#WVGS #GenealogyCommunity #InMemory #VolunteerLegacy
Stephanie Sparks’ fall genealogy goals! 🍂 Her dedication to digging deeper into family stories is such an inspiration. It’s a great reminder that this season is perfect for setting fresh research goals, organizing our discoveries, and sharing the stories that connect us.
Sweden SIG • Tue, Oct 28 • 1–3 PM
Dive into Swedish research with fellow genealogists. 📍WVGS https://azwvgs.org/education/sigs/
October is Filipino-American History Month! 

✨ What Filipino tradition or story has been passed down in your family? Share it in the comments—you may inspire others to honor their heritage too.

#FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #WVGS #AncestorStories
Researching roots in England, Scotland, Wales, or Ireland? Join our British Isles SIG on Thursday, October 23, 1:00–3:00 PM at WVGS. Connect with others exploring records and family history across the British Isles.

👉 Learn more about WVGS Special Interest Groups: https://azwvgs.org/education/sigs/