[1] Genealogists are familiar with the term “FAN Club”. When working on solving a problem of identity, relationship or date, we look to the actions of friends, associates, and neighbors for clues or proof to our conclusion. Consider adding another group to “F”, extended family. Sometimes I hesitate to add the husband of my second great aunt to my family, but I have learned that it is a mistake not to add that person. FAN Club Includes "Collaterals" “Collaterals—the family members from whom one does not descend—are  just as important to research as the direct line.” [2] Think about that for a moment. How many times have you looked at a will or a deed where the signature of a witness does not match any of the names in your direct line? Upon investigation, you realize that “Joe Blow” married the sister of your ancestor “Bob Smith”. In my family, as well as in yours, that brother-in-law frequently was, or became, a trusted friend, member of the family and b...

By Valorie Zimmerman and MaryLynn Strickland While gathering contact information from Washington state genealogy societies, historical and heritage groups, and museums, a gem became obvious: The Jefferson County Historical Society , which has some fascinating places to visit also has a Research Center, which they say, “ .serves as both the primary research facility and the repository for the Society's archival collections. Staff and volunteers are on hand to assist researchers.” See their website for more information: http://jchsmuseum.org/Sites/ResearchCenter.html .  This group is also active on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffcountymuseum . Even more exciting: you can access part of their collection now, sitting at your computer! See https://cdm16785.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/ to search. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here are a few more interesting societies.  We do not wish to overlook anybody but space does not allow ...