GENEALOGY INTEREST GROUP

Searching for your roots ?

Several members and visitors to the Columbia Lodge have expressed an interest in Scandinavian genealogy research.
We have started a genealogical interest group that will meet twice monthly at the Lodge to share information and ideas about genealogy research.
The aim is to see how a Scandinavian genealogy and history interest group could serve beginners and experienced researchers alike.

If you feel enthusiastic about researching your family history, please let us know.
Tell us how the Columbia Lodge might help to meet your needs at your experience level.


How we can work together

Check our Activity Calendar for the dates and times of our Genealogy group's meetings.

Meanwhile, send us your thoughts and suggestions: E-mail us.   May we add your name to our "Interested in Genealogy" E-mail list?


Some thoughts about where to begin

Knowing where to look for your family history can seem a daunting task, especially when little is known of your ancestors, their names, dates and places of birth, immigration, when or where they settled upon arrival in North America, their naturalization history, and their movements thereafter.

Researching your Scandinavian roots involves working step-by-step, starting with the facts one already knows, and then using that information as clues to uncover even more information.   Knowing where to look for certain facts is an acquired skill, but need not be discouraging to the newcomer.


Sources of Genealogical Data

There are many sources available to the researcher on-line and at Libraries, Museums and Genealogical Societies.   Information about some of these may be found by clicking any of the links listed here:

Washington State Genealogical Society   A guide to statewide research resources

Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS)   The Clark County Genealogical Society is located at 3205 NE 52nd Street, between St. Johns and St. James.   The Society has several discussion groups including a Scandinavian Focus group that meets at 1:00 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
 Click Here   for information about CCGS, or
 Click Here   for CCGS discussion groups, or
 Click Here   for calendar of events, dates and times.

List of resources in Clark County   Extensive listing of Libraries, Museums, Cemeteries, Archives, Records, Organizations, Agencies and other resources in Clark County, including contact information and a description of records available.


Some genealogy sources require membership fees, but many sources may be searched for free.   A few examples of free information sources and research tools are listed below:

Genealogy Trails History Group   Access to historical & genealogical records by County, for most US staes. Volunteer operated.

Washington State Digital Archives   Official records from several counties searchable by first and last name.

Oregon Marriage Records   Search Oregon Marriage records by bride or groom surname.

Oregon Vital Records Listing   Obtain vital records about your ancestors in Oregon
Copy and paste this URL into your browser:   https://sos.oregon.gov/archives/Pages/records/aids-vital_listings.aspx

Family Search   Search for a deceased ancestor among extensive historical records.
Copy and paste this URL into your browser:   https://www.familysearch.org

Wisconsin Genealogy History   Official records searchable by last name.

Find-A-Grave   Search for the graves of ancestors among numerous cemetery records nationwide.
Copy and paste this URL into your browser:   https://www.findagrave.com/

Norway Digital Archives   A search tool for tracing ancestors in Norway.

Sweden Digital Archives   Information and tips for tracing ancestors in Sweden.

Denmark Digital Archives   Digital and other resources for tracing ancestors in Denmark.

Family Tree Now   Census and other records searchable by First and Last Name, City or State

Norwegian Genealogy and Then Some   Norwegian/English Genealogy Dictionary and more,   by Martin Eidhammer


DNA as a Genealogy research tool

Learn about DNA Testing   Are you confused or unsure about DNA testing?   Click this link to find lots of information about DNA testing and how it can help you learn more about your ancestry or identify your missing or unknown relatives.

DNA Weekly   Which DNA test is right for you?   Compare the various DNA testing kits and review the latest DNA test-related articles and resources from ancestry to health, wellness, diet, and nutrition.
Copy and paste this URL into your browser:   https://www.dnaweekly.com/blog/myheritage-vs-andme-vs-ancestrydna





This Page revised September 30, 2022