Joining Genealogical Societies

Have you ever wondered who else might be researching in the same family lines or the same geographic area that you are?  Just take a look at some of the many websites dedicated to genealogical societies.  There are probably at least 2 or 3 that just may have the help that you are looking for to break down those brick walls.

With the Internet at hand, you are able to google just about any subject, surname or geographic area and the results will be amazing.  Take a look at Cyndi's list  at www.cyndislist.com 

Search the Categories/Societies and Groups section.  There you will find, in alphabetical listings, the many groups that are available to you.

I am posting this subject today because I was remembering the nice meeting I had at the Oak Brook Heritage Center this past Saturday.  A group of 15 or so people gathered there to meet and learn about what the group, Pursuing Our Italian Names Together (POINT) Chicago Chapter Uno, was all about and what we could learn from one another as we talked about the common thread we shared....Italian ancestry and the need to learn about the history, culture, language and kinship resources available to all of us.  In just 2 hours, we all made some sort of connections to each other.  We relished in the luck of each other's searches, and gasped at the research challenges that lay ahead of each of us.

If you ever get a chance to attend a local genealogical conference, please do.  You will come back with information that you never knew existed.  You will meet up with others who are searching the same ethnic areas that you do.  You will see what new publications are available at libraries and book stores.  And, yes, there is always something to eat, too.

So, here's one this coming weekend.  The Fox Valley Genealogical Society is hosting a Genealogy Conference on Saturday, Sept. 29.  If you are in the Chicago area, take some time to stop in.  Listen to a lecture, or two.  Talk with a few of the vendors that will be there.  Review books and publications that just may have a few secrets to enhance your research.  You'll be glad you did.

Til next time, in October.  Keep warm.  It's getting cold out there.