ARLINGTON — The Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society marked their move to their new location at 215 S. French Ave. with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 10, to show the community the research resources available to them at the new facility.

“The guests were very impressed with the wall of 1964 Arlington Times issues in the main meeting room, as well as the warm, light feeling,” said Shirley Case, publicity chair for the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society. “The head librarian created this fascinating wall by using the newspapers to highlight many local families and businesses.”

According to Case, more than 50 people stopped by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society that Saturday, many of whom sat down with librarians to learn how to research their own family roots, browsed through local historical records or spent time reviewing some of the many volumes of Civil War-related materials on site.

Case explained that the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society’s library moved to 215 S. French Ave., next to the former Arlington High School building, from its previous location on Olympic Avenue because the cost of the new facility was cheaper, “and with the work of the members and the Kiwanis Club of Arlington made it extremely successful.”

The Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. to provide presentations on local history or genealogical research methods.

On Tuesday, April 10, at 1 p.m., local historian and author Penny Buse of Stanwood will be presenting insights into the research she did for her book, “Stuck in the Mud,” about the Warm Beach area.

“This is a well-researched book of interest to anyone in the area, and Ms. Buse has many articles from the beach and surrounding area,” Case said. “The community is invited to attend this free presentation.”

There will be copies of Buse’s book available for purchase at the conclusion of her presentation. If you need handicapped parking, please call 360-435-4838 for directions.

The Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society was founded in 1985 and obtained non-profit status a year later. Its library includes thousands of books, microfilm and microfiche sets, and Internet access to prepaid genealogy web sites. Its members have gathered historical information pertaining to the northern part of Snohomish County and the Stillaguamish Valley, as well as its native populations and early settlers. The collection also contains material for all U.S. states and many foreign countries. This information is available to members and visitors during regular library hours.

To speak to a live librarian, just call the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society’s library at 360-435-4838 on Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At other times, you can leave a message, by phone or via email at svgs.wa@frontier.com, or visit its website at www.stillygen.org.