JOIN US as we actively research 

our Germanic ancestors anywhere in the world

ABOUT US

The German Interest Group (GIG) is comprised of members and visitors who have an interest in German genealogy and, whose ancestors not only came from Germany itself but also from the old principalities that existed prior to its 1871 unification.  Additionally, ethnic Germans have inhabited areas beyond the country’s current borders including places like present-day Poland, Russia, the Alsace-Lorraine region of France, and Switzerland, plus North and South America.

You are welcome to our meetings whether you are just beginning your family history research or are an expert! We have speakers on all aspects of German genealogy. For more information about our meetings, please visit our Meetings page.  

OUR HISTORY

The German Interest Group (GIG) of Bellevue, Washington, was formed July 1986 to help members of the Eastside Genealogical Society research their German ancestry.  This Group met on the first Friday from 1pm to 3pm at the old Lake Hills Library for many years.  It then met for a short time in the Community Room at Crossroads Mall and then in a room at the LDS Church. Currently we are meeting virtually. This enables anyone to attend our meetings and our speakers can be located anywhere in the world.        

Past leaders of GIG include the late Jan Pankratz, Maxine Klink, Ann Passe and Karen Campbell. GIG has always been a strong group and had booths at the EGS Fair in Crossroads Mall and the local Family History Fairs. 

Our Group is now a member of IGGP (International German Genealogy Partnership) having been accepted on May 20, 2023.

Learn more about Eastside Genealogical Society, our parent organization, and consider joining them.  General and membership information can be found on their website.