GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES

How They Can Be Useful to the Beginning Genealogist
by GFS Jill@aol.com

 

 Genealogical societies are mostly concerned with locating the surnames, family trees, places of origin, and the records which prove these for their respective members and region.

Historical societies are more interested in the culture, the artifacts, and the people who made history in their area. They often work side by side with genealogical societies to help bring records to light, and history to life.

  1. They publish news of their society members, resource ideas, book reviews, letters, queries, and additions to local collection holdings in their area.

  2. They sometimes publish quarterly, or yearly journals that may carry transcriptions of local records, cemeteries, or other useful resources.

  3. They may publish helpful how-to-booklets, local history books, and even make records or old books available on microfilm.

  4. They raise money for additional resources for their local library or archives.

  5. They hold workshops, seminars, and other meetings to bring about the continued growth of their society, plus, the education of their members and the public.

  6. They contribute to the community-at-large by bringing about an awareness of the importance of history and genealogy to young and old alike.

  7. They provide a place for like-minded people to meet and share experiences and information.

Imagine if you could be in touch with the people involved in the above activities at a place where your ancestors settled! It can be done . . . .

What Does it Cost and What Should You Join?

Membership fees in most local, county, and state genealogical societies is minimal. Expect to pay anything from $10 - 25.00. National organizations may require a little more. Remember that the benefit of receiving their publications alone may be worth the initial membership costs. Family history societies and national organizations such as the DAR or Mayflower Family Society will require a little more than the opening of a checkbook. You will have to prove your lineage and fill out rather lengthy forms.

Join at least one society in the community where you now live and one or more where some of your ancestors once resided. If you live in Dallas County, for instance, you should join a local genealogical or historical society near home. If many of your ancestors currently being traced came from Pennsylvania, you should become a member of an organization there as well. The public library is a good place to obtain addresses for these societies, as well as the internet. You can also contact the local Chamber of Commerce in the area for this information. Check out Addresses on our website for genealogical and historical societies in your area.

© 1999 - 2006 GFNEWS, a monthly publication of Golden Gate Services, Inc. of Armada, MI. The Editors welcome your ideas and articles, success stories, favorite genealogy research tips, comments and suggestions.

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