Part Ruddell family reunion and part a series of workshops on how to research your own family’s history, our “Ruddell Riddle” event attracted more than 100 people last Saturday. The event was held at the General Administration Building and hosted by the Office of Secretary of State.

About two-thirds of the attendees were Ruddell descendants who came from several Washington communities, as well as Oregon, Idaho, California and Nevada. Another 35 or so in the crowd were there to learn about the history of one of Thurston County’s most prominent pioneer families, and to find out tips on genealogy, using Digital Archives, researching your own home and how to do an oral history.

State Archivist Jerry Handfield and State Librarian Jan Walsh welcomed visitors and talked about the roles that the State Archives and State Library play in preserving history and helping genealogists and history buffs. Staffers with the State Archives, State Library and State Legacy Project offered presentations.

Following the event, many Ruddell descendants and others went to a wreath-laying ceremony at Stephen Duley Ruddell’s gravesite at the Pioneer Cemetery located at the corner of Ruddell and Mullen roads in Lacey. Others made the short trip from the GA Building to the Archives Building for a tour there.

Go here to see the event presentations, plus related documents that were made available at the program. Photos and other material will be added as they become available.