Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society

05/26/2026

BIGS members had a wonderful time last week at the BIGS Member Forum on Find a Grave! Hosted by Joyce Oswald and Ashley Riley, attendees learned how to create new memorials, upload photos, access advanced site features, and how to get started as a Find a Grave volunteer.

🪦 Interested in learning more about family history in cemeteries and attending future Member Forums? Joining BIGS takes only two easy steps! Learn more about BIGS on our website:

🌐 https://bigenealogy.org/

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day weekend we honor and remember our military veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. This is also the perfect time to think about the veteran ancestors and relatives in your family tree, and reflect on how they have shaped your own family history story across generations.

Trying to figure out where to get started? BIGS member Joleen Aitchison has a brand new blog post about easy ways to begin your search for military records! You never know the stories of bravery and heroism you'll find hidden within the leaves of your family tree.

🌐 Check out Joleen's post here:
https://bigenealogy.org/genealogy-a-la-joleen-4/

Picture: Civilians gathered to big farewell to the soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry on board the St. Paul, Seattle, August 1899. Anders Beer Wilse Philippine American War Photo Album, Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)

05/22/2026

Congratulations are in order for BIGS' Director of Special Events, Ann Ecklund, who has been named one of Washington State Genealogical Society's Outstanding Volunteers in 2025!

From the WSGS Blog Announcment:
"Since joining BIGS in 2021, Ann has consistently been a vital and willing contributor. For several years, Ann has infused our special events—from Antiques Roadshow and BIGS at the Beach to the Winter Holiday Celebration and our milestone 20th Anniversary Party—with her unique “magic.” Drawing on her background as an educator and school administrator, Ann has masterfully organized volunteers, cultivated genuine connections among members, and thoughtfully critiqued each event, creating a blueprint for the next time around. Her efforts are always delivered with a warm smile and an open and positive attitude. Ann was elected to the BIGS Board in 2024, where she has continued her work with our special events, creating a committee charter and yearly workplan. Her skills in organizational and team management are valuable assets, greatly appreciated by her fellow board members."

🌐 Check out the full announcement at the link below. Congratulations, Ann!

https://wp.wasgs.org/2026/05/19/ann-eklund-named-one-of-wsgss-outstanding-volunteers-in-2025/

05/20/2026

Did you know that the BIGS website has a brand new look? Here are some awesome things to look for:

📸 Check out our updated About page, featuring the history of BIGS and Board Member bios.

🎙️ Take a look at our fantastic Events page, where you can browse all of BIGS’ upcoming programs through the end of the year.

🪦 Check out our informative Bainbridge Island Cemeteries page, created by member Ashley Riley, which features an archive of island cemetery history, notable burials and cemetery resources.

📝 Read up on exciting genealogy trips, tricks and writing prompts in our blog, Genealogy à la Joleen, written by member Joleen Aitchison.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Want to become a BIGS member and get access to our member forums, members-only email network, and research coaching? Sign up using our new easy to use membership page!

🌐 https://bigenealogy.org/

05/18/2026

Friday's feature presentation "Hidden Clues in Historic Family Photographs" was a fantastic success! Bainbridge Island author, artist and expert speaker Susan Strawn, PhD, presented on how often overlooked details in historic photographs can provide important clues when researching family history. Attendees at the Bainbridge Public Library learned how to spot information about people in photographs and what it says about them, from the clothes they wore to how they combed their hair.

🌐 Interested in learning more about your own family history? Check out BIGS' upcoming events:
https://bigenealogy.org/events/

📸 Photographs courtesy of Charles Eklund.

05/16/2026

Today we celebrate Armed Forces Day in honor of all current and former members of the United States military. Thank you for serving!

Interested in learning more about the military service of ancestors in your own family tree? Let us help you! The next BIGS TreeBuilder event will be held on Saturday, June 6th at 10am at the Bainbridge Public Library.

TreeBuilder sessions are very informal, and a number of BIGS genealogy coaches will be on hand to work with you one-on-one. No registration needed, just drop by and tell us how we can help you!

🌐 Learn more about BIGS here:
https://bigenealogy.org/

📸 Photo: Pictured are officers of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry at Camp Robinson in Seattle in 1899. The Cavalry was en route to the Philippines during the Philippine American war. Source: MOHAI, Anders Beer Wilse Philippine American War Photo Album.

05/16/2026

Hope you can join us this Saturday May 16 from 11-1 pm for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Marge Williams Center
Read more about this amazing space for non-profits

The Marge Williams Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a community open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at 221 Winslow Way W. in downtown Winslow. Friends, supporters, community members and past nonprofit tenants are invited to attend the celebration, which will include br...

05/13/2026

Check out this article in the Island Wanderer about this Friday's presentation, https://theislandwanderer.com/learn-how-to-find-hidden-clues-in-photos-at-a-bainbridge-island-genealogical-society-lecture-friday-wing-point-pro-austin-hurt-playing-in-pga-championship/ Thank you Kevin Dwyer and The Island Wanderer!

Its all about island living and other musings. Bainbridge Island, WA is home to approximately 24,000 residents and boasts a vibrant and diverse community of artists, writers, poets, woodworkers, sculptors, artisan wineries, a brewery, an organic distillery, and locally owned farms. The island also o...

07/07/2025

With the US Independence Day celebrations just behind us, have you ever wondered if you're related to a Signer of the Declaration of Independence? Well, we've shared a way to do it on our website. Just hop over to bigenealogy.org, scroll down to "Make It Quick!" in the archived section, and check it out!

10/15/2024