Rogue Valley Genealogical Society

About Our Special Interest Groups

The Rogue Valley Genealogical Society sponsors a variety of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that meet each month. Members and patrons with a common interest gather to share information, strategies, and help each other with troubleshooting. Interest groups are free to attend for all. To register for any of the following groups, please see the sections below. Click here to view our event calendar for specific information on each group. Not finding a group that fits your needs? Check out the Special Interest Groups at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon! They are also free to attend.

Colonial America Interest Group - Meets virtually via Zoom and at the RVGS Library.

The Colonial America Interest Group meets from 1:30 - 3:00 PM on the second Thursday of the even-numbered months to discuss genealogy research in the original 13 colonies. Join facilitator Jeanne Hoadley and bring your stories and research experiences. New members, click here to register. Returning members do not need to register. This special interest group meeting is via Zoom.

Family Tree Maker User Group - Meeting virtually via Zoom

Barbara MacMillen facilitates this group. It meets from 1:30 - 3:00 PM on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss the "Family Tree Maker" program and share ideas with each other. If you are not currently a group member, register here for a meeting invitation.

Genetic Genealogy Interest Group - Meets virtually via Zoom and at the RVGS Library.

Barbara Halvorsen facilitates this interest group for everyone interested in genetic genealogy. They meet on the second Wednesday of the month from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. If you are not currently a group member, register here for a meeting invitation.

German Interest Group - Meets virtually via Zoom

This group's focus is on German history and research, both in Germany and North America. The group is currently on hiatus until someone steps up to be the new group facilitator. If you are interested, or have questions, please contact us at volunteer@rvgslibrary.org. In the meantime, visit the GIG resources page for helpful tips and links to aid you in your German research.

Great Lakes Interest Group - Meets virtually via Zoom

Thanks to its natural waterways, the Great Lakes region played a pivotal role in the western migration and industrialization of 19th century America. Join us to discuss the original Northwest Territory: its diverse ethnic and political history, geography and migration routes, and research resources in the area. The Great Lakes interest group is a collaboration of the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society and the Genealogical Forum of Oregon and is facilitated by Kim Thurman. The group meets via Zoom from 1:30 - 3:00 PM on the second Wednesday every other month on the even-numbered months. Click here to register and receive an invitation to the next meeting. Once registered, repeat registration is not required. There is no charge to attend. If you have any questions about the Great Lakes User Group, you can email Kim Thurman, Facilitator.

Irish Interest Group - Meets virtually via Zoom

Barbara Halvorsen moderates this interest group concentrating on Irish history, culture and researching Irish ancestors. The group meets on the second Friday of the month from 1:30 - 3:00 PM via Zoom. If you are not currently a group member, register here for a meeting invitation.

RVGS Quilt Committee

In 2013, when the Jacksonville Quilters lost their home, the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society stepped up to house some of their collection and in so doing formed the RVGS Quilt Committee. Since that time, the Quilt Committee has been offering classes and making presentations about quilts and their histories and providing quilt documentation services to Southern Oregon. Quilts often reveal aspects of our ancestors’ lives that we otherwise wouldn’t have known and therefore play a significant role in genealogy. Click here to learn more about the Quilt Committee, schedule of events, quilt inventory, and more. Quilt Committee meetings and programs take place in-person at the RVGS Library.

Let's Talk Genealogy

Let's Talk Genealogy is a semi-formal roundtable discussion, a chance to get together with others that share the same interests. It’ll start with a focus topic and see where the group goes from there. So join us with a cup of coffee or glass of wine and "Let's Talk Genealogy". This roundtable meets on the third Wednesday of even number months, 1:30 - 3:00 PM. If you are new to the group, click here to register and receive a Zoom link for the next session.

Brick Wall Roundtable

Bring your stumbling blocks and find answers with others to what is keeping you facing the "brick wall" in your genealogical research. Roundtables are free for everyone. You don't even have to have a "wall" to join us. We welcome you anyway and who knows? You may have a nugget that would help someone else. Meetings are held the second Saturday of odd-numbered months, 10:30 - Noon, via Zoom. If you are new to the group, click here to register and receive a Zoom link for the next session.