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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Western Massachusetts Genealogical Society, Inc.
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T193000
DTSTAMP:20260321T145705Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T203000
DTSTAMP:20260321T150314Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T193000
DTSTAMP:20260321T150129Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T193000
DTSTAMP:20260321T150541Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T203000
DTSTAMP:20260519T213849Z
CREATED:20260519T213849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T213849Z
UID:41915-1779390000-1779395400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS May Special Interest Group (SIG): Western Massachusetts Ancestors
DESCRIPTION:Our first Western Massachusetts Ancestors Special Interest Group (SIG) session will take place on Thursday\, May 21 on Zoom. \nThese SIG sessions are designed to give members a chance to explore a focused topic\, connect with one another\, learn new skills\, discover useful resources\, and share their research. Each session will follow a flexible\, member-driven format that\nmay include: \n\nMember Presentations\nMembers are invited to give short presentations (5–15 minutes) on a Western\nMassachusetts ancestor\, family line\, or research topic. We encourage you to highlight the resources you used — databases\, archives\, websites\, books\, maps\, or tools.\nResources\, Tools\, and Techniques\nWe’ll feature helpful research tools\, newly updated databases\, useful websites\,  and practical tips to support your genealogical work.\nBrick Wall Challenges and Breakthroughs\nHave a research puzzle you can’t solve? Share a brief summary of the ancestor or\nproblem\, along with any clues or documents you’ve gathered\, and we’ll add your brick wall to the agenda. Fellow members may be able to offer insights or  suggestions to move your research forward.\nQ & A and Open Discussion\nWe’ll reserve time for questions\, troubleshooting\, and open conversation about methods\, records\, and discoveries.\n\nWe hope members will help shape each session’s agenda — our SIGs will be member\ndriven. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with years of experience\, your contributions will help us all understand our Western Massachusetts roots a little better.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-may-special-interest-group-sig-western-massachusetts-ancestors/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T193000
DTSTAMP:20260519T212637Z
CREATED:20260519T212150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T212637Z
UID:41908-1780509600-1780515000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS June Monthly Meeting: From Local Militia to the Continental Line
DESCRIPTION:With the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution approaching\, interest in Revolutionary era genealogy is surging. So we’re pleased to welcome Bryna O’Sullivan to our June meeting. \nBryna will present a timely topic on American Revolution ancestors: “From Local Militia to the Continental Line.” \nDid your ancestor serve on the local level\, the state level\, or the federal level in the American Revolution? How can you tell? Understanding the three distinct types of military service — local militia\, state troops\, and the Continental Army — is essential for accurate research and lineage documentation. \nThese categories determine what records exist\, how reliable they are\, where they’re  held\, and how much personal detail they contain. \nThis program will explain the different types of Revolutionary War army service and\nhow the differences in service might have impacted where your ancestor was recorded. It will cover militia and Continental Line structures\, the federal pension system\, and more.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-june-monthly-meeting-from-local-militia-to-the-continental-line/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/OSulivan-Bryna.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T203000
DTSTAMP:20260519T212854Z
CREATED:20260519T212854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T212854Z
UID:41913-1781809200-1781814600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS June Training Session: Tech Talk with Dave - - Using YouTube for Genealogy
DESCRIPTION:At our next Tech Talk with Dave session\, we’ll look at the world’s largest video site and how you can use it to enrich your genealogy journey. Dave Lapierre will show how YouTube is far more than entertainment — it is a vast\, free library for genealogists and family historians. \nDiscover genealogy channels offering free\, clear tutorials; locate vintage films; find solutions for tough research roadblocks; view archival footage; and learn to organize\nyour favorite videos and control playback speed. Dave will guide us step-by-step through navigating the website easily\, adjusting settings for comfortable viewing\, and safely saving videos to watch later.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-june-training-session-tech-talk-with-dave-using-youtube-for-genealogy/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DavidLapierre.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260708T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260708T193000
DTSTAMP:20260519T212617Z
CREATED:20260519T212617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T212617Z
UID:41911-1783533600-1783539000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS July Monthly Meeting: Sacred Honor\, Frozen Feet: Finding Your Ancestors in the 'Times That Try Men's Souls'
DESCRIPTION:What happened after the ink dried on the Declaration of Independence? For many of our ancestors\, the Spirit of ’76 was immediately tested by the grueling reality of the New\nYork campaign and a desperate winter retreat across the Jerseys. \nAt our July monthly meeting\, John Putnam will present “Sacred Honor\, Frozen Feet: Finding Your Ancestors in the ‘Times That Try Men’s Souls.’” \nThis presentation explores the pivotal 14-month window from the spring of 1776 to the summer of 1777. John will trace the political courage required to sign a document of\n“high treason” and the physical endurance of the Continental soldiers who saved the Revolution at Trenton and Princeton. \nDesigned specifically for genealogists\, this talk goes beyond the history books to focus\non the records. John will discuss how to locate your Revolutionary ancestors in NARA\nrecord groups\, interpret pension narratives of the Ten Crucial Days\, and find the hidden stories of those who risked their lives during the nation’s darkest hour.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-july-monthly-meeting-sacred-honor-frozen-feet-finding-your-ancestors-in-the-times-that-try-mens-souls/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/John-Putnam.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T193000
DTSTAMP:20260627T131749Z
CREATED:20260627T131749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260627T131749Z
UID:41965-1785952800-1785958200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS August Monthly Meeting: Unraveling the Mystery of Louis White Strickland
DESCRIPTION:Two newspapers — published miles apart in separate counties — announced the baptism of Louis White Strickland in the Congregational church in Cold Spring\,\nMassachusetts. \nThe notice named Louis’s parents as Mr. and Mrs. Warren Strickland\, and local records confirmed that the church and minister were correctly identified. Yet a thorough search  of vital records turned up no birth record for Louis\, nor any evidence that his parents ever lived in Massachusetts. \nWho were Louis and his parents? And where\, exactly\, was Cold Spring? WMGS  member Ed Strickland unraveled this intriguing genealogical mystery. At our August  meeting\, he will share the twists and turns of his research journey\, including the false\nleads and unexpected detours.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-august-monthly-meeting-unraveling-the-mystery-of-louis-white-strickland/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Ed-Strickland.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T193000
DTSTAMP:20260721T000551Z
CREATED:20260721T000500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T000551Z
UID:41991-1788372000-1788377400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS September Monthly Meeting: Orphan Trains and the Children Who Rode Them
DESCRIPTION:Do you have children in your family lines who seem to have vanished or who turn up in unexpected places\, such as in the Midwest or western part of our country? \nThe orphan train movement (1854-1929) relocated over 200\,000 children to foster homes across the country\, in hopes of providing them with better lives. Historians estimate that only about one-third of the children placed on orphan trains had no living parents. Who were these children and why were they sent away from their families? \nTo kick off our 2026-2027 membership year\, genealogist Karen Fortin will present “Orphan Trains and the Children Who Rode Them.” \nThe story of the orphan trains\, which relocated children from the eastern cities to rural farmlands\, has become a part of American popular culture. Karen’s presentation  explores the facts behind the legends\, follows a group of children “placed-out” in 1880\, and provides information on resources available to learn more about the orphan trains and their riders.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-september-monthly-meeting-orphan-trains-and-the-children-who-rode-them/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Karen-Fortin.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T203000
DTSTAMP:20260721T001350Z
CREATED:20260721T001205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T001350Z
UID:41994-1789671600-1789677000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS September SIG: Explore Your Western Mass Roots
DESCRIPTION:If you missed our first Western Mass Ancestors Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting in May\, another opportunity is just around the corner. Our next session will take place on Thursday\, September 17 at 7 p.m. \nAt our first session\, members enjoyed short presentations on local companies and uncovered Quabbin-area ancestors\, as well as a demonstration of how AI prompts can\nsupport genealogical research. We also tackled two brick wall challenges submitted by\nmembers with roots in Chester\, Massachusetts. The conversation was lively\, informative\, and could easily have continued well into the night. \nAs we prepare for our September session\, we’re inviting contributions from members.  This gives you time to gather materials\, organize your thoughts\, and decide how you’d like to participate. \nWe welcome: \n\nShort presentations (5–15 minutes). Discuss your Western Mass ancestor\, family line\, or research topic. Please highlight the resources you used — databases\, archives\, websites\, books\, maps\, or tools.\nBrick wall challenges. Have a research puzzle you can’t crack? Share a brief summary of the ancestor or problem\, along with any clues or documents you’ve\ncollected\, and we’ll add your challenge to the agenda.\nHelpful resources and tools. If you’ve discovered a useful website\, updated database\, research technique\, or practical tip\, we’d love for you to share it with\nthe group.\n\nThe deadline for submissions is Wednesday\, September 9. To offer a presentation\, submit a brick wall challenge\, share a recent breakthrough\, or highlight a resource or\ntechnique\, please email us at westmassgen@gmail.com. \nIf you’re unsure about format\, we can provide a suggested outline and are happy to help with creating PowerPoint slides. Submissions will be added to the agenda in the\norder received\, so if you have something you’d like discussed\, now is the time.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-september-sig-explore-your-western-mass-roots/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Special Interest Group (SIG)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/zoom.jpg
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