Societies
What Societies Are[edit | edit source]
Genealogical societies are non-profit organizations associations interested in genealogical research and preserving history and records. The society has members that share knowledge of genealogical records and methodologies for either a specific locality or another interest, such as a cultural group or family surname.
Their purpose is to bring people together for various different activities. All societies are a little different in goal and services they provide for their members.
Genealogical societies can also provide information to those seeking information about their interest. County genealogical societies can have detailed information about previous settlers and residents of an area. They can collect, transcribe, index, and publish records to provide access for members and other individuals (sometimes for a fee). Local genealogical societies often help family history researchers contact local record searchers or copy records that mention the researcher's ancestors. Often their records contain birth, marriage, death, and biographical information.
Types of Societies[edit | edit source]
There are many types of societies that can help with your family history research.
- Genealogical
- Historical
- Cultural groups
- Lineage
- Veterans
- Surname and family associations
- Fraternal organizations
Genealogical and Historical Societies[edit | edit source]
These types of societies focus on a specific locality - country, region, county, parish, or city. Genealogical societies focus on records for individuals of the area. Historical societies can include similar focuses and also expand to general history of the area, including records documenting the history of the area.
Cultural Groups[edit | edit source]
Cultural group societies focus on obtaining records and preserving history of people from a specific country, race, or religion. It also includes immigrants who come to other countries.
Lineage Societies[edit | edit source]
Lineage societies exist for descendants of soldiers, pioneers, and ethnic groups. Lineage societies, such as the DAR, Colonial Dames, General Society of Colonial Wars, and the Sons of the American Revolution, require members to prove they are descended from certain people, such as colonists or soldiers. The applications for membership in these societies may be preserved and sometimes available to other researchers.
Information Available at Societies[edit | edit source]
Types of Information[edit | edit source]
Societies can generate genealogies, biographies, histories, and indexes of local records. Many also maintain a genealogical file for families in the area.
The society may publish periodicals, lists of members and ancestors, yearbooks, or surname indexes. Many societies publish helpful journals, transcripts, and compiled genealogies.
Publications[edit | edit source]
Most publish quarterly periodicals or journals. Information may include articles about history of the area, transcriptions and indexes of records. They also may publish queries from society members and others from the genealogical community. They may include lists of members' and their research interests.
The Periodical Source Index (Persi) is a master index for genealogical periodicals and journals.
How to Find Societies for a Location[edit | edit source]
Many counties have their own genealogical societies and they can be found on their county pages.
Joining Societies[edit | edit source]
Joining a society and supporting its efforts provide ways to help fellow genealogists as well as assist in your own genealogical research.
Visit the society's website or social media page to find membership fees and contact information.