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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T193000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20250926T130057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T135000Z
UID:41622-1762365600-1762371000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS November Monthly Meeting: Finding Aids and the National Archives
DESCRIPTION:We’re delighted to welcome nationally known genealogist Craig R. Scott to present  Finding Aids and the National Archives on November 5. \nCraig will guide us through the structure of our National Archives. He’ll also explain how to use finding aids — guides\, indexes\, catalogs\, and more — to navigate its vast\ncollections. \nCraig describes his talk this way: “The National Archives of the United States documents American history from the time of the First Continental Congress. That is a lot of paper\, pictures\, and other things\, so much in fact that it requires organization.” \n“Organization means that there are rules about how things will be filed and how they  can be located once they are stored\,” Craig says. “Finding aids is a term that describes the various publications\, such as guides and indexes\, microfilm catalogs\, reference information papers\, inventories\, preliminary inventories\, special lists\, checklists\, descriptive pamphlets\, and other tools that have been created to assist either the researcher or the archivist in locating records.”
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-november-monthly-meeting-finding-aids-and-the-national-archives/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Craig-R-Scott.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T203000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20251022T131708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T131708Z
UID:41655-1763665200-1763670600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS November Training Session - Tech Talk with Dave: Mapping Your Ancestors' Migration
DESCRIPTION:It’s time for another Tech Talk With Dave! In November\, Dave Lapierre will present “Mapping Your Ancestors’ Migration.” This session will expand on the mini-presentation he gave at our September 25 training session. \nDave will show us how to: \n\nUse Google My Maps to create a map with various pinned locations from an\nancestor’s migration\nConnect the various pinned locations\nSave and export a KMZ file from Google My Maps\nImport the KMZ file into Google Earth / Google Earth Pro\nPlay the “tour” in Google Earth / Google Earth Pro\n\nDave will also provide a step-by-step handout with all the directions\, so that we can  map our own ancestors’ migrations and journeys.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-november-training-session-tech-talk-with-dave-mapping-your-ancestors-migration/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DavidLapierre.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T193000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20251022T131349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T131349Z
UID:41652-1764784800-1764790200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS December Monthly Meeting: 10 Genealogical Brick Walls You Will Face (and How to Demolish Them)
DESCRIPTION:At our December monthly meeting\, genealogist Robert Cameron Weir will present “10 Genealogical Brick Walls You Will Face (and How to Demolish Them).” \n“In genealogy\, a brick wall is an ancestor who seemingly refuses\, despite repeated attempts\, to reveal their origins\,” Rob explains. “No matter how hard you try\, you are unable to connect them to your family tree. They remain the stubborn puzzle piece who refuses to fit in.” \nRob will survey the most common kinds of brick walls and teach us some tricks for  tearing them down. We’ll learn about brick walls related to immigrants\, paupers\, sojourners\, pioneers\, name shifters\, and people with hushed-up family secrets. \nWhether you’re just beginning your genealogy research or have been doing it for a long time\, we’ll all benefit from this presentation. \n“The beginner will learn about some brick walls they will eventually face; the intermediate researcher will learn how to tackle some that they are already facing; and the more advanced genealogist will learn a different way to think about what they are probably already doing\,” Rob says.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-december-monthly-meeting-10-genealogical-brick-walls-you-will-face-and-how-to-demolish-them/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Robert-Cameron-Weir.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T203000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20251022T132344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T132344Z
UID:41657-1765479600-1765485000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS 2025 Virtual Holiday Party
DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to invite all members to our 4th annual virtual holiday celebration. It’s  become a WMGS tradition that blends festive cheer with family history! This year’s party promises another evening of laughter\, storytelling\, and genealogical fun. \nJust like our previous holiday Zoom parties\, we’ll explore genealogy-themed holiday topics to spark conversation and connection. \nPhoto Slideshow: Share Your Holiday Memories! \nOne of the highlights of our party is our member-submitted holiday photo slideshow.  We’d love to feature your festive snapshots\, such as: \n\nYou on Santa’s lap or unwrapping holiday presents\nA family holiday gathering\, a favorite recipe you continue to make\, or other\ntraditions you continue to follow\nBeloved decorations or heirlooms you display each year\nToys you’ve kept from your childhood\nOr other cherished photos from your archives\n\nDig into your photo collections for holiday photos and share them with us! \nA Blast from the Past! \nWe’ll take another nostalgic stroll through vintage local newspapers to see how holidays were celebrated in Western Mass in years past. \nWere you featured in a holiday photo or story in the newspaper? We invite you to do some newspaper searching for holiday-related clippings that we can share. \nHoliday Genealogy Trivia Returns! \nGet ready to test your knowledge about genealogy-related holiday facts\, events\, and\ncelebrations around the world. \nPrepare your favorite holiday beverage and dress up in your holiday best or your ugliest holiday sweater! Let’s celebrate the season together\, genealogy-style.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-2025-virtual-holiday-party/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Annual Virtual Holiday Part
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Youre-Invited.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T193000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20251122T173600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251122T173814Z
UID:41704-1767808800-1767814200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS January Monthly Meeting: Who Needed It Anyway? Getting Around the Missing 1890 Census
DESCRIPTION:The 1890 census was uniquely detailed\, including household relationships\, occupations\, literacy\, housing conditions\, and special schedules for Union Civil War\nveterans and widows. Nearly the entire 1890 census was destroyed in a 1921 fire and subsequent water damage at the Commerce Department. Only fragments covering  about 6\,000 individuals survived out of over 62 million enumerated. \nAt our January monthly meeting\, genealogist Sara Cochran will present “Who Needed It Anyway? Getting Around the Missing 1890 Census” and tell us some of the resources that may be available to address this gap. \nAs Sara describes her presentation\, “The loss of the 1890 Federal census is a source of great frustration for American genealogists\, but all hope is not lost! Learn strategies and gather tips for success in locating your family in other records between the 1880 and 1900 Federal censuses.” \nSara will present a follow-up presentation to explore even more resources and complete a case study at our April 1 monthly meeting.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-january-monthly-meeting-who-needed-it-anyway-getting-around-the-missing-1890-census/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sarah-Cochran.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T203000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20251223T003339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251223T003339Z
UID:41732-1769108400-1769113800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS January Training Session: Get Involved with WMGS!
DESCRIPTION:WMGS is seeking more volunteers to help keep our society thriving. There are many\nways to contribute and share new ideas. Routine tasks often require only a few hours\neach month\, while special projects offer opportunities for deeper involvement. Most tasks can be done from home\, and since all of our meetings are held on Zoom\, you can volunteer no matter where you live. \nWith all that in mind\, January’s training session will serve a dual purpose: \n\nReviewing our current volunteer needs and exploring ways members can contribute to our society’s ongoing success.\nOpening a conversation about the potential launch of a Genealogy Helpers\nprogram.\n\nAttending does not commit you to volunteering — it’s simply a chance to learn more. Our proposed Genealogy Helpers initiative would connect members to help each other. For example\, members might review research\, suggest next steps and resources\,\ncollaborate on a shared ancestor or location\, or guide those just beginning their family history research. \nYour input will be vital in shaping how such a program could work and what kinds of help would be most valuable. If you’ve participated in a similar program elsewhere\, we’d love to hear about your experiences.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-january-training-session-get-involved-with-wmgs/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-WMGS-website-banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T193000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20251223T002805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251223T002805Z
UID:41730-1770228000-1770233400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS February Monthly Meeting: Ancestors on the Move: Migration from Farms to Cities\, 1870-1920
DESCRIPTION:We’re delighted that nationally-known genealogist\, Annette Burke-Lyttle will join us again to present Ancestors on the Move: Migration from Farms to Cities\, 1870–1920. \nBetween the Civil War and World War I\, Americans faced dramatic changes that shaped where and how they lived. Push and pull factors\, financial panics\, the reality of daily life\nin rural areas\, and the rise of manufacturing were some of the factors that led to decisions to move from farms to cities. \nAnnette will guide us through the records that capture thosemovements — from census schedules and land deeds to city directories\, newspapers\, military files\, and other sources. We’ll learn what factors influenced our ancestors’ choices and discover practical strategies to locate the documents that bring their journeys to life.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-february-monthly-meeting-ancestors-on-the-move-migration-from-farms-to-cities-1870-1920/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Annette-Burke-Lyttle.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T203000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20260205T194733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T194733Z
UID:41792-1771527600-1771533000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS February Training Session: Getting Ready for RootsTech2026 - Preview & Review
DESCRIPTION:RootsTech 2026 is being held in Salt Lake City\, UT\, on March 5-7\, 2026.  Did you know you can virtually attend online for FREE? \nJoin us on February 19\, at 7:00 p.m.\, to learn about RootsTech.  We’ll explore how to register\, how to watch recorded sessions from previous years\, and we’ll look at what is being offered at RootsTech 2026 – – the speakers\, keynote sessions\, classes\, exhibit halls\, etc. \nIf you haven’t attended RootsTech virtually in the past\, don’t miss this opportunity to see what it’s all about and what’s coming on March 5-7.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-february-training-session-getting-ready-for-rootstech2026-preview-review/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RootsTech-Logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T193000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20260205T195055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T195055Z
UID:41795-1772647200-1772652600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS March 2026 Monthly Meeting: Eddie Wench - The Case of a Little Lost Boy
DESCRIPTION:A good genealogist needs the instincts of a detective —our research often unfolds like a compelling mystery. But how much can we trust the records and sources we find? When the facts don’t line up\, what might be hiding beneath the surface? Can documents or titles simply be wrong? \nAt our March 4 monthly meeting\, Julie Miller presents “Eddie Wenck: The Case of a Little Lost Boy.” Eddie Wenck was a forgotten child. His story was a mystery\nfor many years until research exposed an error made over 20 years ago and uncovered the hidden past of a well-known landmark. This lecture is about the importance of using original records and historical context and about following our instincts when things don’t seem right.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-march-2026-monthly-meeting-eddie-wench-the-case-of-a-little-lost-boy/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Julie-Miller.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T203000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20260205T195333Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T195333Z
UID:41797-1774551600-1774557000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS March 2026 Training Session: Introducing GenSocSoup!
DESCRIPTION:At our March training session\, we’ll tour Thomas MacEntee’s brand‑new GenSocSoup webinar channel\, now available in the Members Only area of our website. We’ll show you how it works and answer any questions about using the new platform. \nGenSocSoup is an exclusive\, subscription‑based learning platform — similar in style to YouTube — that provides 24/7 access to 15 on‑demand recorded webinars and\naccompanying handouts created by Thomas MacEntee. Tom will be creating four brand-new webinars over the next year as well. This subscription is offered only to societies with a secure members‑only website\, making it a valuable addition to our member  benefits. \nTom’s webinar collection spans a wide range of topics\, from basic genealogy skills to\nnew tools that can help us improve our research. Topics include research tips\,  technology\, organization strategies\, and more. \nDuring our session\, we’ll watch and discuss one of the featured webinars\, “Navigating  the Seven Cs of Genealogy\,” and talk about how using themes and resolutions can help guide our research throughout 2026 and beyond.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-march-2026-training-session-introducing-gensocsoup/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MacEntee.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T193000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20260321T145705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T145705Z
UID:41858-1775066400-1775071800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS April Monthly Meeting: Why We Still Don't Miss 1890. Much.
DESCRIPTION:We’re pleased to welcome Sara Cochran back to WMGS on April 1\, when she will present Why We Still Don’t Miss 1890. Much. This talk is a sequel to her January\npresentation about the 1890 census. \nFinding ancestors that lived in the U.S. between 1880 and 1890 can be a challenge. In 1921\, nearly the entire 1890 census was destroyed by fire and subsequent water\ndamage. Only fragments covering about 6\,000 individuals survived out of over 62 million people enumerated. \nIn January\, Sara provided resources to bridge the ten-year gap caused by the loss of that census. In April\, she’ll share even more research strategies and complete a case study she started in January. \nNote: Sara’s January presentation was called Who Needed It Anyway? Getting \nAround the Missing 1890 Census. If you missed it\, you can find the recording and\nhandout in the Members Only section of our website until April 1.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-april-monthly-meeting-why-we-still-dont-miss-1890-much/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sarah-Cochran.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T203000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20260321T150314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T150314Z
UID:41867-1776970800-1776976200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS April Training Session: Lineage Societies
DESCRIPTION:Thinking about joining a lineage society? You won’t want to miss our April training session! \nLineage societies help us connect with our heritage. Through societies\, we can honor\nancestors by preserving family histories and traditions. Societies can also offer access to valuable genealogical resources and a strong sense of community. \nAt this session\, WMGS member Philip Johnson will tell us more about lineage societies\, why they matter\, and what they offer to genealogists and history enthusiasts. \nHe’ll also outline the different types of societies and walk us through the typical\nmembership requirements and application processes.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-april-training-session-lineage-societies/
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T193000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20260321T145915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T150129Z
UID:41860-1778090400-1778095800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS May Monthly Meeting - Friend or Foe: Researching  Colonial Ancestors During the American Revolution
DESCRIPTION:At our May 6 monthly meeting\, noted genealogist David Allen Lambert will present Friend or Foe: Researching Colonial Ancestors During the American Revolution \nto our society. \nNearly 250 years ago\, America declared its independence from the British Empire\, changing the course of history. While many took up the cause and supported revolution\,\nothers remained loyal to the British government — turning friends into foes and pitting neighbor against neighbor. David will discuss how to research your colonial ancestors and determine if — and how — they may have served the cause of the American Revolution.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-may-monthly-meeting-friend-or-foe-researching-colonial-ancestors-during-the-american-revolution/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/David-Allen-Lambert.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T193000
DTSTAMP:20260411T084935
CREATED:20260321T150541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T150541Z
UID:41869-1778090400-1778095800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Annual Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Our annual meeting will be held on May 6\, following David Allen Lambert’s presentation. \nAt the meeting\, our Assistant Treasurer will give a brief financial report. We’ll announce the results of our annual audit\, provide membership numbers\, and discuss the results of our recent member survey. \nWe will then conduct our annual elections. The Nominating Committee will present the slate of candidates for election as officers and directors of our society. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor. Voting will be conducted electronically by an anonymous poll. \nThe following positions are up for election to two-year terms: \n\nVice President\nAssistant Treasurer\nDirector (one position)\n\nOur Secretary and Treasurer positions are also vacant and waiting to be filled. \nA Nominating Committee\, consisting of Cara Seitchek and Jeanne Leblond\, has been\nappointed. If any member is interested in running for election to a position and/or\nwishes to know the requirements for each position\, please send an email to\nwestmassgen.com with Nominating Committee in the subject line. Please include a\nbrief description of your qualifications and experience for the position you are seeking. \nFollowing the election\, we will review the status of our society and our plans for the\nupcoming year.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-annual-meeting-2/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
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