I admit that upon moving to my current state of residence, I only considered visiting my local genealogical society because I had some ancestry in the area. I doubt I would have considered it otherwise. I probably would have assumed they wouldn’t have any information for me about ancestors in other states. Or that they wouldn’t have very much information. Of course, I would have been wrong.
For one thing, most genealogical societies have great libraries. While the majority of these books will contain information about the area, they may also have collected books about surrounding areas or have random information that was donated by some passer through. It’s always worth while to check their catalog.
While you’re at it you might as well become a member. Membership fees are small with big benefits. Suddenly you’ll realize you’re surrounded by people who share a common interest. You may not realize your neighbor three doors down was an avid genealogist until you meet her at a society function. It really helps you feel a sense of community and that you’re not alone in your research.
Maybe one month you’ll learn about how to improve your internet search skills. Maybe the next month you’ll learn about how to organize your genealogy. At these meetings you can make new friends. Maybe you’ll find someone like you, who doesn’t have any ancestry in the area. Maybe you’ll befriend someone and find out you’re actually related through your 9th great grandfather. You won’t know until you go. Plus the enthusiasm and passion genealogists have is always contagious, whether you have any ancestors in the area or not. Visiting or joining your local genealogical society may be a great motivator in your personal research.
Have I convinced you yet? If so, all you have to do now is find your local society and go. You can search for the one nearest you by visiting Society Hall and click on the link under Search/Edit the Society Directory.
“And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect. – Doctrine and Covenants 128:15
