Last month, interested members from the community gathered at the YMCA on Snoqualmie Ridge to learn from family history workshop instructors Erin Christensen and Annette Willis. The two hosts shared ways to record family research findings on paper and digitally from files extracted on the Internet, how to avoid duplicating information and how to move  forward with optimum research efficiency. While Willis handed out information and forms to everyone, Christensen shared ideas on how they could enhance the upcoming holidays with Christmas and holiday gifts that people could use with their own family trees.

Since these workshops began in July, the attendees have become a close knit group, and are beginning to think of these workshops as a “Family History Club,” where they can actually gather to have fun, while discovering their family roots.

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Snoqualmie Community Center/YMCA. Learn how to talk with relatives during the upcoming holiday seasons, and what questions to ask to pick up family facts, stories and pictures.

They will also share other websites one can go to for information in conjunction with family search. During this November meeting, all attendees are invited to bring samplings of their favorite Thanksgiving goodies to share, while everyone learns further about family research.

These workshops are open to everyone in the community who are interested in family history, and there is no charge or fees. Most important of all, is that everyone comes to enjoy themselves as they learn about their families and meet others who have the same passion. If you have a laptop or tablet, please bring it with you to the workshop. However, if you forget to do so, of if you do not have such electronic devices, there will be plenty of computers to spare. Please come. There is always enough room for new visitors. Instructors are happy to help you get started in your family search.