12222 N. 111th Ave    Youngtown, AZ 85363  Phone: 623-933-4945

 

WVGS Library Has Opened Again

Your must read the following before going to the library:
Prepare For Your Visit

Library Hours beginning September 1, 2021:

  • Monday and Friday, 12-4 pm
  • Tuesday, 9 am – 4 pm
  • Thursday and Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm
  • Wednesday and Sunday, CLOSED
Closed for all major holidays. Please check the monthly calendar for more information and keep checking the website for updated hours the Library is open. As more aides become available, more hours will be added. If you would like to volunteer as an aide, please contact Pat Tomaro at libraryaides@azwvgs.org

As always, check our website, http://azwvgs.org for further updates. Thank you.

Open House 10-10-2021

More details here.

Members: if you have trouble logging in or forgot your password, you can get help by sending email to: membership@azwvgs.org

Upcoming Membership Meetings

Please note!! The September monthly meeting will be virtual due to COVID. We are hopeful that we can get back to in person meetings by October. Check back often for more information. All speakers for the remainder of the year will be presenting via Zoom, whether the meetings are virtual or in person.

Sep 13, 2021Drew Smith Drew Smith is a librarian, author, teacher and podcaster on genealogy subjects. He is best know for co-hosting the Genealogy Guys Podcast with George Morgan since 2005. He now also hosts theGenealogy Connections podcast. He will be speaking on “Crowdsourcing Your Brick Walls”
Oct 11, 2021David Haugaard David Haugaard has an M.A. in American History and spent years researching and writing biographies for the Biographical Dictionary of Pennsylvania Legislators Project, then became the assistant archivist at the Chester County Archives and, from 2007 to 2020, was the director of research services at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. He’ll be talking about “Adding Biography to your Genealogy”.
Nov 8, 2021 Thomas MacEntee You’ve read Thomas’ bio before as he was our first virtual speaker in 2020. He was so well received we invited him back to talk about Technology for Genealogists and answer some of our specific questions. You may have heard that he is semi-retiring soon and will be spending more time in Palm Springs, CA.
Dec 13, 2021Bonnie Belza Bonnie is a Genetic Genealogy DNA researcher and Gerontologist, focusing on DNA education for older adults. She holds a Masters Certificate in Gerontology and participated in 70 virtual meetings in 2020 alone to further her genealogy education. Bonnie is going to bring us the latest news about the 1950 census and how to effectively prepare for its release.

Research Help Service

Research Help Service The WVGS volunteer Research Team may be able to assist you with anything from simple look-ups in the library to “brick walls.” Click here to request research help.

 
Limited Time Offer

Members Have Remote Access to 5 External Websites (except as noted below)

    • American Ancestors –by New England Historic Genealogical Society (still available)
    • Ancestry (extended to October 31, 2021))
    • Family Search – access records previously only available at LDS family history centers
    • Fold3 (extended to October 31, 2021)
    • Heritage Quest (extended to October 31, 2021)
      • MyHeritage (permanent remote access)
Having problems with the website? Try this solution first.
We have the largest non-circulating genealogical library in Arizona; serving genealogists throughout the West Valley area of Maricopa County, Arizona. Our building has over 4,400 sq.ft. of Books, CDs, Periodicals, Maps, Microfilm, Microfiche and Online access. Our shelves are filled with materials covering all 50 States and many Countries.
  1. Mission
  2. History
  3. Library Resources (computers, books, periodicals, maps, obits, microfilm, microfiche, CD)
  4. Library Tour (view View tour online or call to register for in person tour)
  5. Online Resources (ancestry.com, familysearch.org, myheritage.com, americanancestors.org)
  6. Education Resources (ie classes, SIGs, seminars, trips, membership meetings)
  7. Publications (Tidbits, Desert Tracker)
WVGS has an affiliate partnership with FamilySearch.org.  Using the computers in our lab provides free access to millions of images of original records from all over the world that can’t be viewed at home. Speakers Bureau The West Valley Genealogical Society and Library has available our Presenters Program that reaches out to libraries, senior centers, genealogy groups and other organizations that are interested in learning more about our library and how to get started in genealogy. Our group of highly experienced speakers is based in Youngtown, Arizona. We give classes and workshops at your site in the Phoenix, East Valley and West Valley regions. For more information contact speakers@azwvgs.org Note: We are not currently accepting requests for speakers during the restricted activity due to Covid-19 virus. Membership is easy! You can become a member NOW! Simply click here to sign up online or clicking here to download, print and complete the form to be returned by mail or delivered to the Library. The annual memberships include all the above plus online access to periodicals, copies of obituaries, and access to a Surname database provided by our members. The one year memberships are:
  • Student (age 18 or under) – $20
  • Individual – $40.00
  • Joint (2 people at the same address) – $70.00
March to a Million Read all about our goals for our future library. Visiting the Library – Briefcases, large bags, purses, etc. cannot be brought into the Library. Approved items are laptops, keys, wallets, glasses, thumb drives, paper, notebooks, writing supplies, cell phones, lunch bag, etc. A clear plastic holder or large zip lock bag may be used to contain items. WVGS Library continues to retain the right to inspect items. Upon exiting the Library, the Aide will inspect any binders or folders or items. Members may research at no charge. Non-members are welcome as daily researchers for a donation of $5 per day.

DAR logo News

Written by: Pat Miller McFall, Registrar General
January 13, 2021

Drum roll, please! It is exciting to announce the DAR Genealogy Lecture Series! This valuable programming will be offered free of charge to all members; it can be accessed online to be enjoyed from the comfort of your favorite computer screen

We’ve contracted with experts on the topics that appeal most to those searching for their early American roots. We hope that you will enjoy this entertaining and informative program series – while learning lots of new ideas, tips, and resources to search your family history.

So, sit back and get ready to enjoy the following exciting programs as part of our 2021 series premiere:

  • May 16: “17th Century New England Resources,” with David A. Lambert
  • July 18: “Newspaper Research,” with Victor S. Dunn
  • September 19: “Enough is Enough. Or is it?,” with Pamela Boyer Sayre
  • November 14: “Autosomal DNA: Who Are these People?,” with Christie Caywood

NOTE: you must be DAR member and log in to access the Genealogy Lecture Series.

Please access the DAR Genealogy Lecture Series webpage for more information about the speakers, their topics, and how easy it is to access this exciting new online series.   

While the continuing pandemic may keep us apart physically, it does provide an excellent opportunity to pursue our genealogy quests online. I am excited to bring this to our members as a value-added benefit of belonging to our dynamic National Society. And, I am very grateful to the many volunteers and staff members who are working behind the scenes to make this ambitious effort a reality. I look forward to welcoming you to our first installment on February 14!

West Valley Genealogical Society