The Washington State Genealogy Conference hosted by Arlington’s own Stillaguamish Valley Genealogy Society (SVGS) just concluded at the beautiful Byrnes Performing Arts Center at the Arlington High School. I am proud to have played a small part in the big picture that made this well attended event such a great success. We had close to 300 attendees — more than any other state conference in history!
A big “thank you” to the city of Arlington and Snohomish County for the Hotel-Motel Tax Fund grants that made this event possible. The goal was met with visitors attending from Canada, the Midwest, even California, who made Arlington their destination! This successful event was guided by SVGS President and Conference Chairwoman Ruth Caesar who, despite her property damage from the March 22 Oso landslide, pulled together a team, led by Eric and Karen Stroschein, who brought to the performing arts center nationally recognized speakers. Josh Taylor (featured genealogist on “Who do you think you are?” and “Genealogy Roadshow”) made his first speaking appearance in Washington. His poignant topic at the Friday banquet, “Gen Y and The Family Tree,” was funny and informative. The food was outstanding; the snacks provided by Costco-Marysville and table decorations from “Flowers by George” will long be remembered.
Of course none of this would have occurred if not for the vision of our SVGS founder Marietta Roth who nearly 30 years ago recognized the tenacity of Stilly Valley pioneers and decided to honor their memory by starting SVGS. We are now close to 200 members strong and still growing.
Please join us next year at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center, the second weekend of August and make this your “Family Reunion” and learn who you think you are.
Michele Cozad
SVGS Secretary
Arlington
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