If you enjoy researching your family history, consider joining one or more of your local area’s genealogy societies. In my case, I’m a member of several societies in my area:
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- the Williamson County Genealogical Society, which meets in my city of Round Rock, Texas. Their meetings and events page provides an example of the value gained for a minimal annual fee; tonight’s presentation on “How a Non-German Speaking Person from Texas Can Trace Their German Ancestors” presented by Bernard N. Meisner Ph.D. A handout is already attached and available on this event’s page, which demonstrates how speakers often freely share their expertise. WCGS publishes a quarterly newsletter, the Chisholm Trail, copies of which are in the Round Rock Library Genealogy section for easy reading.
- the Austin Genealogical Society, where I have presented to their Special Interest Group (AustinGenSIG) in the past. Since I was born and raised in Austin, I have a keen interest in the genealogy services there. They also have quarterly newsletters and interesting meetings.
- the Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS) to which many individual genealogical societies are aligned; check the list to see if your area is partnered with them. They publish a periodical called Stirpes (pronounced STUR’PEZ) four time a year which you can receive in hard copy for a fee, or online as part of your membership (see right publication in image).
Another way to increase your knowledge of your ancestors is by joining a genealogical society in the area which they resided. I’m a member of Dumfries and Galloway Family History Society (FHS) for Scotland. There are many FHS in the UK, so if this is an avenue you’d like to pursue, check the list here.
No need to wait to attend these meetings. Most genealogists will welcome you with open arms. It is a fabulous community of people who love family history!
Images. Photograph. Genealogy Societies publications. Phyllis Zumwalt, photographer. Private collection.