Various Types of Genealogy Societies

There are several types of genealogical societies including societies who pursue one surname (such as The Rose Family Organization), or one topic (such as Palatines in America). There are others who help you operate your computer hardware or programs more effectively. For example, the Silicon Valley PAF Users Group is an organization which helps people who use the Personal Ancestral File computer program.

Several societies are state-wide societies (such as the Ohio Genealogical Society) and they provide pioneer heritage certificates or publish books such as a pedigree listing of their members. Look in their publications and find out what is available. Even if you do not join the society, you may be able to contribute information if your ancestors came from a particular area. These publications are listed in the FGS Membership Directory.

Several states have umbrella organizations that disseminate information throughout their state and notify their members of the potential closure of records (such as the California State Genealogical Alliance and the Utah Genealogical Association).

Some genealogical societies are regional in nature, have existed for decades, and have a genealogy library of books to share for a fee with their membership (such as the New England Historic Genealogical Society). Others are national in scope and provide classes by correspondence (such as the National Genealogical Society).

Most, however, are small genealogical societies made up of a group of like-minded genealogists who enjoy the pursuit of family history.

Start Your Own

If you do not find a local genealogy society in your area, it is very easy to organize one. Information is available through the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). Publications are available through FGS for setting up your bylaws, selecting leaders, and receiving training. Yearly strategy papers are provided by the Federation to help you set up meetings, find topics and speakers, raise funds and generally organize a society to meet your needs. The titles of some of those strategy papers may be found on their Internet site at www.fgs.org.

Users Groups

A users group is an organization of people who are using the same computer program. They unite together to find various ways of using that program and to give support to one another. The Silicon Valley PAF Users Group is made up of thousands of people in and outside the San Jose, California area. Users groups are helpful when you are just starting to use your computer program. By attending just a few lessons you might become very proficient in the use of your specific program.

Users groups can usually be found by contacting the local genealogical society in the area or a community college which has a computer center. These groups are constantly looking for mentors to help others. Perhaps you could help someone use the computer program you enjoy using.

As mentioned earlier, ancestral hunters need to use their equipment to the best of their knowledge in order to find quicker success. Many local colleges provide classes in using computers as well. There are students from high school age to nearly 100 years old in those classes.