Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society

Revision as of 14:21, 1 March 2023 by Kalamazoovalleygs (talk | contribs) (Dates for board meeting were updated, programs are either hybrid or by Zoom and only one subscription category remains.)


The Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society (KVGS) was organized in 1958.  Over the years, KVGS has taught genealogy classes, created an index to the US Census of Kalamazoo County, transcribed death indexes and other archival material, and continues to volunteer at the Kalamazoo Clerk’s office.  Each year, trips to the Allen County Public Library and Washington DC are offered. 

Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society
Established 1958
Contact Info
Address PO Box 3236, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-8335
Website mikvgs.org
Last updated: Sep 12, 2025

Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society Mission Statement

  • Fosters genealogical interest and activities in southwestern Michigan;
  • Provides education in genealogical research techniques;
  • Publishes and make available genealogical materials; and
  • Works to ensure access to and the preservation of public records.

Benefits

Learn

  • Attend monthly skills sessions and general meetings to learn new and innovative ways to continue your genealogical research and improve your skills.  General meetings are the 3rd Monday of every month from September to June, with the exception of December. General Meeting and program are hybrid. Skill Sessions are on the 4th Monday of every month and are by Zoom only.

Network

  • Spend time with other genealogists to share ideas, learn new technology skills and create a community for the preservation of your genealogy and the history of Kalamazoo Valley.

The Heritage

  • Gain access to The Heritage newsletter, published monthly from September to June, to learn new skills, receive updates on upcoming meetings/educational programs, hear about the webinars at the Zhang Legacy Collections Center at WMU, and locate other genealogical events in the area.

Mikvgs.org

  • Access to our website for local Kalamazoo research, upcoming events, and over 44,200 historical records in the KVGS databases.  Member-only access includes back issues of the newsletter and more.

History of the society

The Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society was organized in 1958.  Over the years, KVGS has taught genealogy classes, created an index to the US Census of Kalamazoo County, transcribed death indexes and other archival material, and continues to volunteer at the Kalamazoo Clerk’s office.  Each year, trips to the Allen County Public Library and Washington DC are offered. 

Meetings

Society Meetings

KVGS meetings are the 3rd Monday of each month from September through June, with the exception of December. KVGS meetings take place at the Portage District Library, 300 Library Lane, Portage, MI 49002 in the Austin & Sugarloaf Lakes Meeting Rooms.

KVGS General Meetings and an Educational Program are hybrid and in-person. Registration for KVGS Zoom meetings are on a link on KVGS Facebook page, Conference Keeper and membership zoom notice.


6:30 pm Refreshments

7:00 pm General Meeting

7:15 pm Educational Program

Skill Sessions are held on the 4th Monday of the month at 7:00 and are by Zoom only.

Board Meetings

KVGS Board Meetings are held the first Monday of the month by Zoom.  Members are welcome to attend Board Meetings. 

Membership

Membership to Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society (KVGS) is open to anyone interested in genealogy and the mission of KVGS. The membership year is July 1 through June 30.

Membership fees

$14.00    Individual/Household/Library

Click here for the Membership Brochure

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikvgs.org/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mi_kvgs/ 

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikvgs/ 

Nearby or Alternate Repositories

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