Societies

There are hundreds of genealogical societies at the grassroots level, many formed by amateur researchers who sense a need for meetings and instruction. Because much family history research utilizes records found at the county level, many local societies represent counties. Organizations also form around shared interests. Ethnic or religious origins account for many such groups, such as the Polish Genealogical Society of America and P.O.I.N.T. (Pursuing Our Italian Names Together). Societies also form around common locales of origin for members' ancestors; hence, the Palatines to America and Germans from Russia societies. Some of these local groups, including the two just mentioned, are chapters of national groups.

For almost every state there is a state genealogical society, a state council, or both. To locate other societies, use Elizabeth Bentley, The Genealogist's Address Book (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1994). In addition to work of their own, these state-level groups sometimes help coordinate the efforts of local societies within the state. Their publications, newsletters and quarterlies, supplement those produced by the local societies. Some state organizations, such as the Ohio Genealogical Society, offer chapter membership in the organization. Other state organizations operate on a less-formal basis.

At the national level, a number of organizations seek to serve individual genealogists or societies. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is an umbrella organization for local, state, and other organizations, such as genealogical societies, libraries, archives, and institutes. The National Genealogical Society (NGS) is comprised of individual researchers. The oldest society is the New England Historic Genealogical Society, which celebrated its sesquicentennial in 1995. Appendix E is a list of some major state and national societies and their addresses.

Most societies undertake valuable indexing and preservation activities and produce newsletters, journals, and other publications that benefit the genealogical community. Societies also provide educational opportunities for members and nonmembers in their areas. These can range from sponsoring adult education courses to hosting nationally known lecturers in one- or two-day seminars.

Some organizations sponsor week-long institutes and Mac220; intensive, multi-track programs oriented toward a variety of interests and skill levels. The institutions that have operated for three or more years include the Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research (held in June in Birmingham, Alabama), the Genealogical Institute of Mid-America (July in Springfield, Illinois), the National Institute of Genealogical Research (July in Washington, DC), and the Institute of Genealogical Studies (July in the Dallas, Texas, area). In 1996, institutes began in Salt Lake City, Utah, and in Rosslyn, Virginia. In 1996 also a summer camp was conducted in Philadelphia, and the Disney Institute added genealogy to its program selections for guests at Walt Disney World resorts in Orlando. For details on these and other institutes, see the current Winter issue of Forum, the magazine of the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

For those who prefer not to travel, an award-winning home study course, American Genealogy: A Basic Course, is offered by the National Genealogical Society, Education Department, 4527 17th Street North, Arlington, VA 22207-2399.

National conferences are held annually in different parts of the United States. Members of the National Genealogical Society met in Nashville, Tennessee in 1996 and San Diego, California, in 1995. The Federation of Genealogical Societies 1995 conference was in Seattle, Washington, and 1996's was in Rochester, New York. Write to the National Genealogical Society, Conferences, 4527 17th Street North, Arlington, VA 22207-2399, and to the Federation of Genealogical Societies, Conferences, P.O. Box 830220, Richardson, TX 75083-0220, for details of future events. The publications of these two organizations, the NGS Newsletter and the FGS Forum, provide in-depth information (including multi-page programs) about their respective conferences in appropriate issues. The Forum maintains an international calendar of major events with contact information.