Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society

09/02/2026

Join us this month for:
The Washington State Library - Bureaucracy to the Rescue

This event will be a live Zoom presentation shown only at the SVGS library. Everyone is welcome to attend this free presentation.

Tuesday, September 8th

1:00 pm

SVGS Library
6111 188 PL NE, Arlington, WA

Our speaker will be Crystal Hicks.

Crystal’s topic: The Washington State Library: Bureaucracy to the Rescue

Crystal will speak about the collections available at The Washington State Library and how to access the variety of resources that may help you with your family research.

Crystal’s Bio:
Crystal Hicks brings a rich background in reference and genealogy services to her current role. Before relocating to Washington from Texas eighteen months ago, she served as Assistant Director of a public library, where she supported patrons with local and family history research and oversaw public-facing reference services

She is now Head of Collections at the Washington State Library's Central Library in Tumwater, where she manages a broad and varied portfolio; special collections including manuscripts and rare books, newspapers, journals, the Northwest book collection, maps, government publications, and genealogy materials. Her work centers on building, preserving, and expanding access to collections that serve historical research, public accountability, and community memory.

There will be a short break with refreshments.

The monthly meeting will follow.

For more information visit stillygen.org

08/30/2026

08/24/2026

Join us the first Tuesday of each month at 1 PM at the SVGS Library or via Zoom (email info@ stillygen.org for Zoom details) for 'Build Your Family Tree, Not Brick Walls'. Maureen MacDonald, SVGS Genealogist, will show you how to become more effective as a researcher.

Too often, we look at our resources without fully understanding all the information they contain. Maureen will guide us through familiar sources, this month beginning with census records, and help us discover details we may have been overlooking.

Whether you are new to research or have been doing it for years, this new group is for you.

08/03/2026

Join us as Jim Scharf talks about the experiences that made genetic and legal history.

Tuesday, August 11th

1pm

SVGS Library
6111 188th Pl NE
Arlington, WA

This event will be in person only. Everyone is welcome to attend this free presentation.

Jim’s topic: The Case DNA Solved

Throughout his tenure, Jim was known for his relentless pursuit of justice, particularly within the Cold Case Unit. His innovative approach, notably the use of genetic genealogy, led to groundbreaking convictions such as the Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook case, marking a historic moment in forensic science.

Jim’s collaboration with Parabon Nanolabs and CeCe Moore not only brought closure to families but also set a precedent for genetic genealogy in criminal investigations worldwide. His story offers a unique perspective on the evolution of investigative techniques and the impact of perseverance in solving complex cases.

Jim's Bio:
Jim Scarf’s dedication to law enforcement spanned more than four decades, beginning in the late 1970s and culminating with his retirement in 2022. His career journey reflects a deep commitment to public safety, as he served in various roles ranging from Custody Officer to Deputy Sheriff, including specialized units focused on crimes against children and major homicides.

There will be a short break with refreshments.

Our monthly business meeting will follow.

For more information visit stillygen.org

07/23/2026

Please join us this Saturday at the SVGS Library for our monthly American Ancestors Webinar Day.
This month-English Immigration to the American Colonies

Whether your ancestors arrived at Jamestown, on the Mayflower, or came over in the years following, the majority of us with colonial ancestry Hope to trace our family trees back to England. In this online lecture,Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will highlight key records and resources available to help you in your search-including published genealogies, compilations, indexes, websites and more.

07/15/2026

Patriot Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Tuesday, July 21st through Saturday, July 25th.
Co-sponsored by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution Marcus Whitman Chapter.

Participants need to collect all Patriot Activity Sheets from participating downtown Arlington merchants.
Prizes to be awarded!
See the attached image for details.

07/13/2026

Thanks to the Downtown Arlington Business Association (DABA) for allowing us to hand out SVGS brochures while SVGS society member Flynn volunteered at the Arlington Street Fair Info Booth.

We appreciate all our volunteers that help.
Thank you Sonya, Ryan, Kathy, Heather, Flynn, and Tara.
Always looking for more. If you have a few hours to spare come to the information booth and ask for Carrie.

07/12/2026

Come join us for our annual July Summer Potluck and BBQ on Tuesday, July 14th at noon. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be supplied, please bring a side or dessert to share. This event is open to members and the public. Always a great time of fun and fellowship!

07/11/2026