Hi Everyone, Next week I plan on going down to The Dalles, OR in search of some family. Can anyone tell me where the records are kept there and what kind of archives they have there. LeRena Stump [email protected]

Hi LaRena (and anyone else with an interest in Wasco Co.) A couple of places you won't want to miss are the "obvious" ones -- the library genealogy department and the county courthouse. You might want to check with Lorna Elliot, the genealogy librarian, ahead of time so she can get a locator beacon out for things she knows you'll want to see. Let her know who you're researching, and I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed by what she has figured out for you by the time you get there. Especially if you give her enough advance warning. :-) Another group you'll surely want to contact (one of their head haunchos is on this list, so she might have already contacted you after your post) is the Columbia Gorge Gen Soc. They have a lot of resources that the library doesn't necessarily have, from private collections & such. These folks are some terrific people and again, if given some advance notice, they might really be able to help you narrow the scope of your hunting mission. Lorna Elliot (the librarian) is also a member of this organization, but as I said, not all of their resources are located at the library, by any stretch. If you're not already a member of CGGS, you might consider joining, since the benefits are many and the cost is very, very little. To access their website directly, go to: http://community.oregonlive.com/cc/genealogy You'll want to make a stop at the Discovery Center, too, which is one of the historical delights not far off the Interstate. If your ancestors lived in the area south of Dufur, you'll probably enjoy a trek to Maupin to enjoy the South Wasco Library. I wasn't aware of this one until recently, but I can assure you that I will make the effort to drive the few extra miles this year when I'm in the area, and check this place out. They tell me they have a lot of old photos (mostly identified) of area residents and events from the early years, and many other resources that they love to share. And don't forget (if you have time, that is) to visit the LDS Family History Center there in The Dalles, because they, too, have quite an assortment of unique resources that can't be found anywhere else. Many of these resources have links on the Wasco Co. "Resource" page (URL in my signature, below), and the ones that aren't there yet should be posted there no later than this weekend (I'm in the middle of another horrendous update to the site). My best advice is to contact all that are listed there right away, to give them as much forewarning as possible. Then check back at the site again on Monday and get the contact info for the others. I hope this helps a little. -- Cheri [email protected] --->>>^<<<--- Wasco Co., OR GenWeb site--> http://www.historysavers.com/orwasco/