By Eric Stevick
Herald Writer
ARLINGTON — For a group entrenched in the past, the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society has had trouble finding roots in the present.
Such is the nature of the business for a nonprofit, low-budget organization that relies on cheap rent, plenty of space and the goodwill of others.
The genealogical society, which began in a dairy barn 16 years ago, will move for the fourth time later this month, thankful for an affordable new home for its sprawling library.
The society is moving to 135 N. Olympic Ave. in downtown Arlington, reaching an agreement with local businessman James Nelson, members said.
"They were generous in allowing us to rent," said Marilou Cory-Nyblod, president of the genealogical society.
For the past six years, the genealogical society has been housed in the Jensen Business Park, 20325 71st Ave. During that time, Grant Jensen and The Vine Street Group allowed the organization to occupy a suite without paying rent although it did pay its heating costs.
The society recently learned it would need to begin paying $1,000 a month in rent, a bill it could not afford, and appealed to the community for help.
It voted earlier this week to move to downtown Arlington.
Over the years, it has been housed in a milk barn at Island Crossing, a fire hall at the Arlington airport, the upstairs of a downtown building and most recently at the Jensen Building Park.
In the next few weeks, the all-volunteer organization will pack its more than 5,000 books and periodicals, its microfilm and microfiche, a large collection of family histories and other resources into its members’ cars.
It’s a serendipitous move; Arlington is preparing for its centennial celebration in the year 2003 and the genealogical society will play an important role.
"It is a perfect time for us to be downtown with the centennial coming up," said Mary Jo Trudeau, a longtime member who has tracked her family tree back to 16th Century Norway.
The library and society cover north Snohomish County. The organization is devoted to promoting interest in family genealogy through education, encourages and instructs members in research and documentation and locates, preserves and publishes genealogical and historical data from Snohomish County.
The library is free to the public. The society awards a scholarship each year while helping in schools and having a presence at fairs.
Among other things, the volunteers operate the library, publish a bi-monthly newsletter, maintain a Web site, answer queries, hold monthly meetings with speakers, host workshops and arrange field trips. The genealogical society has fielded inquiries from as far away as Japan and Australia.
It hopes its new digs will make it more visible, sparking interest in others to trace their family trees.
"There are a lot of people here who can tell people the right way to go," said Joanne Wetmore, a society member.
You can call Herald Writer Eric Stevick at 425-339-3446
or send e-mail to stevick@heraldnet.com.
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