As an all‑volunteer organization, our Society depends entirely on the willingness of its members to share their time, skills, and energy. Every program we offer, every meeting we hold, every resource we publish exists because someone stepped forward and said, “I can help.” Today, we are at one of those moments again. We need a member to step into the role of Treasurer—an essential position that keeps our Society running smoothly and responsibly.

 

At present, I am serving as both President and Treasurer. While we have strong safeguards in place to ensure financial accountability—including regular oversight, transparent reporting, and established procedures—it is not ideal for one person to hold both roles. Healthy organizations distribute responsibility. They rely on multiple hands, multiple perspectives, and shared commitment. Our Society is no different.

 

The Treasurer’s duties are straightforward: recording dues, paying bills, maintaining accurate financial records, and helping ensure that our operations remain stable and transparent. You do not need to be an accountant or have prior financial experience. What matters most is reliability, a willingness to learn, and a desire to contribute to the well‑being of the Society. Training and support are available, and you will not be left to figure things out alone.

 

Volunteer work is not about perfection—it is about participation. And participation is what keeps us alive.

 

Our Society cannot thrive on the efforts of a small handful of people. It belongs to all of us, and it needs all of us. If you have enjoyed our programs, benefited from our resources, or found community among fellow researchers, I ask you to consider giving back in this meaningful way. Serving as Treasurer is an opportunity to make a real difference, to strengthen our foundation, and to ensure that our mission continues for years to come.

 

If you feel even a small tug of possibility, I encourage you to reach out. Let’s talk about what the role involves and how we can support you as you step into it.

If you have a few hours to spare and a commitment to our Society's future, consider stepping up as Treasurer. No prior experience needed—just a willingness to help and learn. Reach out today to join a team that values your contribution and supports your growth.

 

Contact me at: president@pgcgs.org

Your participation keeps our Society strong and thriving. Let's build our future together!

 

A Gift of Stories: A Journey with Storyworth

This Storyworth journey began as a Christmas gift to my wife and me from our daughter. What started as a simple present quickly grew into something extraordinary. Storyworth, for those unfamiliar, is a service that sends weekly questions designed to spark memories and reflections. Over time, those answers are gathered into a keepsake book. What we didn’t anticipate was how deeply meaningful the experience would become. Each prompt opened a door to moments long tucked away, and together my wife and I found ourselves reliving the joys, challenges, and adventures that have shaped our lives. What started as a thoughtful gift unfolded into a journey of remembrance and ultimately a legacy for our children and grandchildren. In the process we gained some valuable insights that I would like to pass along.

 

The questions from Storyworth were simple prompts—“What were your favorite childhood television shows and cartoons?” or “What was your first car?” or “What do you remember about your childhood home and hometown?” or “What was your relationship like with your parents?” or “What is the first major news event you remember?”—that sparked hours of conversation. We laughed at the quirks of family traditions, recalled our adventures, smiled at the milestones of raising children, and sometimes even shed tears at the bittersweet memories of loved ones gone.

 

Reminiscing together became more than just writing; it was a shared journey. One memory led to another, and before long we were piecing together the mosaic of our lives. The process reminded us that our stories are not only about events, but about the emotions, resilience, and humor that carried us through.

 

As genealogists, we know how valuable personal documents are to family history. Records and photographs tell part of the story, but they rarely capture the voice of lived experience. A written memory, however, offers future generations a glimpse into personality, perspective, and heart. It transforms family history from a list of names and dates into a living narrative.

 

That leads to my first Storyworth insight: consider writing your own stories. Whether through Storyworth, a journal, or even a few handwritten pages, your memories are irreplaceable. Someday, your children, grandchildren, or great‑grandchildren will treasure them as much as you treasure the stories of your ancestors.

 

As we wrote our stories, we often admonished ourselves with a familiar regret: “I wish I had asked my mom or dad—or my grandparents—more questions about their life experiences.” How many details have been lost because we didn’t take the time to ask? What was their first job like? How did they feel during historic events? What were their dreams and disappointments?

 

That realization became the second insight: don’t wait. Ask questions. Listen deeply. Record the answers. Even casual conversations can reveal details that will be priceless to future generations. A favorite childhood game, a wartime memory, or a family tradition—these are the threads that weave the fabric of history. What began as a present from our daughter has become a gift we now pass forward. Writing our stories has been more than a nostalgic exercise—it has been a legacy project. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and we’ve remembered. And in doing so, we’ve created something lasting: a collection of stories that future generations can hold in their hands and hear in their hearts.

 

So, to all my fellow family historians: take the time to write. Share your memories. Ask your loved ones about theirs. Because someday, someone will wish they had asked you more questions—and you’ll be glad you left them the answers.

 

 

As summer winds down and we turn our thoughts toward fall projects and research goals, I wanted to share a personal journey that reminded me, once again, why we do what we do.

 

This summer, my wife and I embarked on a five-week, 9,000-mile road trip across the United States, with Washington State as our final destination.  The trip was more than just miles logged -- it was a tapestry of family, friendship, and the landscapes.

 

The highlight was our 50^th annual family reunion at Priest Lake, nestled in the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho. There, three generations gathered under towering pines and beside clear waters to share meals, laughter, and stories. We traced our lineage not just with charts, but also through the faces and mannerisms of cousins, nieces, and grandchildren that reminded us of our parents and grandparents.

This journey also offered countless smaller reunions— a baseball tournament in Tennessee with our children and grandchildren, a visit with my brother in Colorado, a short visit with a nephew in Montana, coffee and meals with old friends in Ohio. I had the opportunity to visit the area where my mother’s ancestors established homestead claims in eastern Washington and are now buried in a small-town cemetery. With each town and each story, I was struck by how much we are shaped by those who came before us and how important it is to preserve these connections.

 

Of course, no road trip is complete without a few surprises. In Yellowstone National Park, we found ourselves in a classic Yellowstone traffic jam—dozens of bison meandering across the road, indifferent to our schedules. As the bison casually strolled past our car, I had time to reflect on the grandeur of the moment. Here we were, paused in the middle of a national treasure, surrounded by wildlife and wonder. It was a gentle reminder that our country is vast, diverse, and breathtakingly beautiful. Later, as I reflected on the bison encounter, I was reminded of the journeys our ancestors made—often on foot or by wagon, across similar rugged terrain. How lucky we are to travel these same paths in relative comfort!

 

This journey reaffirmed my belief in the power of connections. Whether it’s a shared family memory, a handwritten letter tucked in a shoebox or a digital record found in an online archive, each piece adds depth to our understanding of who we are and where we come from. I encourage each of you to reach out to relatives, revisit old photographs, and ask the questions you’ve been meaning to ask. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover.

 

Thank you for being part of our vibrant community. May your own genealogical journeys be filled with discovery, connection, and the occasional bison jam.