10 Reasons to Join a Genealogy Society
There has been talk about the possibilities of genealogy societies moving to a thing of the past. Personally, I hope that is not going to happen. Here are 10 reasons why you should join a society whether local or distance.
- Camaraderie: If I have not said this before (and I have) let me say it now, it is a wonderful thing to be able to talk with those that share your passion for genealogy.
- Education: During many monthly meetings there are lectures on different topics, why not come out and listen. You joust might learn something new, even if you think you have mastered a subject (you can always learn more).
- Quarterlies: Most societies have a quarterly or a newsletter that is available to members only. Here is a great place to find information on your ancestors, someone else might be writing about them.
- Queries: If the society has a newsletter or quarterly, there is a possibility that you can write a query for information on your ancestor to be printed in the next edition. This is especially valuable for societies that are not local.
- Field Trips for Grown Ups: Local societies might offer trips to places that are important to the area history. What a great way to learn something new.
- Connections: Making connections is an important part of life.
- Conferences: Be among the first to know about the upcoming conference they have planned and attend at the members rate.
- Member Benefits: Some societies provided discounts to their members for their field trips or anything else they might sell. Other societies offer free access to certain paid websites. Do not over look these benefits, sometimes it is cheaper to join the society than to pay for a year subscription.
- Submit your writing: If your society is looking for articles to run in their newsletter or quarterly, you will know before the general public does. Write the story of your ancestor and submit it.
- Find Cousins: You never know how close a distant cousin is. You just might meet them at a local society meeting.
If you are interested in other Top 10 lists, please see Many Little Blessings each Tuesday where bloggers of different subjects link together all of their lists.
After years of doing genealogy online and solo through trips to key library collections, I recently joined my local genealogical society. It is indeed a different world! I’m glad I did–not only because of the ten reasons you’ve listed above, but because each person who joins the group has a chance to contribute more to what the group will become (through time, effort and individual talents) and also because each of us needs to find a way to give back and pass along to the younger generation. Becoming part of a local group enables us to encourage others to join in and explore their own genealogy, too.
Jacqi, You make a great point about contributing to societies. I do plan to write a post about that as well.
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