It doesn’t take much to become a genealogist, you simply have to say that wish to become one and begin tracing your family’s history. If you have already begun to search your ancestors you’re a bona fide genealogist, and as such you may want to consider joining a genealogical society. There are many benefits to becoming a member; besides meeting potential new friends (even relatives) with similar interests, they are a great place to learn research methods and to gain access to unique historical collections. I first joined a society last year, and the benefits are fantastic. Besides holding seminars and providing research materials, I’m often the first to know about the release of new records. There are several different types of society, each having its own particular interests and aims, so let’s review their various forms in order for you to best decide which is best for you.

Geographical Societies

Geographically based genealogical societies offer the instant benefit of acquainting yourself with researchers who are from or researching in the area that it is based. There’s no knowledge like local knowledge, and many of the members of geographically based societies are either local historians or quite accomplished researchers. It makes good sense to join a society that’s located in or near the area that you’re researching, as members will have a good idea of where to get what records, and even make you aware of record collections that you might not have known existed.

Another great benefit of genealogical societies is that they can help to coordinate the research efforts of members into genealogical projects. There is really nothing more exciting than getting involved with experts and other amateurs alike and getting stuck into a transcription or cataloguing project. Transcribing old records is especially exciting; the only problem is that you have to resist reading them too much, as some of them are especially interesting! Imagine coming across an ancient court record- an admiralty case in which the infamous prate Jean Lafitte and his brother are charged with others with "aiding and abetting a criminal act" – receiving a large quantity of stolen goods; I know someone who had that pleasure!

Family and Surname Societies

In addition to geographically based and focused groups, there are societies that are associated with particular surnames or family groups. These associations also coordinate the efforts of several researchers, usually focusing on either a family or surname during a particular time or in a certain area. Usually they attempt to collect as much information as possible on every member of the family. You can imagine the progress if everyone concentrates on one individual; many handsmake like work, and progress can be quite rapid in such exercises. Another benefit is that; if you hit a brick wall, you have an abundance of help to call on.

Where to Find the Society Nearest You

All that being said; you would probably like to know where to find the society nearest you -well look no further than the United States Genealogy & Historical Society Directory. It contains a comprehensive listing by state and within each state a listing by county, with information on historical societies as well. As the directory is run by Census Finder, there are also links to online census reports. The same website contains a library of links to Canadian Genealogical Societies. For other countries around the world the Federation of Family History Societies has a directory of a vast number of genealogical societies from around the world, basically from everywhere except Scotland, who has their own federation – The Scottish Association of Family History Societies.

Joining a genealogical society is not only extremely rewarding, it can be a lot of fun as well. I have made some dear friends by doing so, which when you think about it isn’t hard to believe. No, it’s not that I’m so charming and smooth that people can’t resist befriending me! But when you think about it; you’re joining a group that has very similar interests as you, so there’s plenty of fuel for conversation, and you never know -some may even be family!