EWGS seeks black genealogists

There are a number of items to discuss in this busy column: No. 1: February is Black History Month. It's Alex Haley, the African- American historian who started the unending chain of events that has made genealogy one of the top two hobbies in America, second only to gardening. But the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society doesn't reflect Haley's cultural beginning.

EWGS would so enjoy having blacks join our numbers. Black genealogists could teach us European-based descendants how they do their searches and the results they find, and we can help beginning black genealogists learn the basics.

There are many EWGS members who would enjoy learning more about uncovering the more difficult aspects of black genealogy, said Doris Woodward, a longtime member, volunteer and researcher. "We would like to know how to do it.

"It would be just wonderful if they would feel welcome," she said. "It would be beneficial to both sides."

Doris is editor of EWGS' The Bulletin, which in March and June will feature a two-part series on black soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War. Normally, it's a requirement to be a member to receive The Bulletin, but if there's enough interest from the black community, extra copies would be printed. Contact Doris Woodward at: EWGS, P.O. Box 8126, Spokane, WA 99210-1826.

EWGS meets at noon the first Saturday of each month in the Downtown Public Library and welcomes all to try it out.

No. 2: Wednesday will be the first of four monthly classes for beginning and "wannabe" genealogists at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Spokane Public Library's Downtown Branch. Other classes scheduled for the EWGS's "corner" of the library on the third floor will be March 9, April 13 and May 11. Everyone is invited; membership is not a requirement.

No. 3: Doris Matsch of Spokane Valley wrote for suggestions on how to find her late husband's military records from the Marines. He served from 1946 to 1951.

Doris, go to the National Archives Web site: www.NARA.gov (National Archives and Records Administration) and download Form NATF 180 (National Archives Trust Form), fill it out as directed, return it and you should have your information in no time.

No. 4: Heritage Hunting is pleading (I've asked before; now I'm pleading) for you to tell us what you're doing genealogy-wise in your lives. Tell us briefly if you've managed to climb over a brick wall that's stumped you for eons. Tell us if you have a sticky-wick problem; if you have completed a special project. Please tell us whatever is on your genealogical mind.

Copyright 2004 Cowles Publishing Company
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.