Genealogical Societies are key to successful genealogy research for numerous reasons. I’ve had involvement with societies since about 1980, and it’s always proved rewarding. The following column on the importance of genealogical societies was written by Bryan L. Mulcahy, Reference Librarian at the Fort Myers-Lee County Library.
Genealogical research attracts people for a wide variety of reasons. While most become involved as a hobby, others become involved due to legal, medical, professional, or occupational issues. Regardless of the reason, genealogical research often proves to be a stimulating and addictive pursuit even when roadblocks or brick walls appear. If you have ever had the fantasy or wish to become a detective, genealogical research will fill the void.
Having said all of this, roadblocks and brick walls are inevitable in all research unless you were fortunate enough to have had wealthy ancestors. Our ancestors lived in a world where legalisms were minimal in comparison with modern times. Early record keeping procedures were spotty at best. One of the best ways to overcome these issues is to join the local genealogical society in your place of residence. Seasoned and professional genealogists also advise joining the local genealogical society in any locality or jurisdiction where you are actively searching for an ancestor.
Many people totally underestimate the value of these societies until they have spent considerable amounts of time and money trying to do it themselves. The Internet plays a significant role in causing many to initially ignore societies. Here are three common examples of statements I hear on a regular basis: “Societies are irrelevant since everything is on the Internet”; “Societies offer nothing in the ways of technological expertise”; or my favorite, “I’m interested in facts not social tea parties. The Internet is faster and more accurate.”
While genealogical societies vary in their services, here is sampling of what the local Lee County Genealogical Society offers. This list would be indicative of the benefits your local society might offer as well:
- Networking opportunities with people who are actively involved in research.
- Special interest sub-groups specializing in research assistance and techniques based on ethnic specific, state or regional specific, and computer related topics.
- Beginners research groups and classes taught by experienced researchers.
- Providing long distance research assistance in local courthouses, cemeteries, and repositories for patrons who live outside the area.
- Indexing, abstracting, and records extraction projects such as obituaries in the local newspaper, marriage and probate records from the late 1800s and early 1900s in the local courthouse.
- Monthly and quarterly programming on specific genealogical research topics.
- Full service website maintained by an experienced genealogist featuring research aids; research resources; society activities and events; special interest and research links; and society partnerships with research entities within the local, state, and national genealogical community.
- Provides volunteers who assist with research and collection development at the Fort Myers-Lee County Library genealogical collection.
By Bryan L. Mulcahy, Reference Librarian at the Fort Myers-Lee County Library.
