|
Continue to
New Membership
MISSION
STATEMENT
Preserving the past ~ serving the present ~ promoting the future
-
PROMOTE GENEALOGY: Stimulate
interest and participation, exchange information, and create an
environment for researching genealogical and historical
materials on a non-profit basis.
-
EDUCATE: Provide help and
educational aid to researchers (through lectures, workshops, and
classroom style presentations), preserve records, and
disseminate information. Teach members use of reference
materials and internet use in preparation to publish their own
genealogical materials and family lineages.
-
SUPPORT the genealogical
collections and services of the Library by acquiring materials
and publications which are of genealogical value for the use of
members (books, periodicals, tracts, pamphlets, and any other
ways and means of genealogy collection; i.e., CD’s, booklets on
family histories/genealogy).
-
PRESERVE the heritage, history,
and genealogy of the Wabash Valley families who settled here,
and other counties relative to our quest.
There are classes and courses
for beginners on how to use genealogy computer programs;
creating family books and scrapbooks; preserving and protecting old
family photos and documents; how to hurdle “brick walls” that elude
finding the data you are seeking; how to find family data on the
web; and even more (often at the request of members on a variety of
topics). We also take advantage of special lectures, classes, and
workshops provided by state and regional agencies, including many
those of the Indiana State Historical Society and the Indiana State
Genealogical Society.
There are bi-monthly Society
Programs featuring talented and often national level speakers
such as Curt Witcher, past President of the National Genealogical
Society or Amy Johnson Crow, highly rated national speaker;
officials of the national DAR; or experts in some field of genealogy
such as a professional or highly respected amateur and favorite
speaker. Door prizes, displays, snacks, genealogy related handouts,
and coming event announcements are routine elements of those
programs
There are workshops, such as
how to organize your genealogy files; how to maximize your research
in cemeteries, researching in courthouses or in archives; how to
find your female ancestors before women could own property or vote;
how to find military, occupational, school, religious, or many
varied topics for every level of research skills. Most workshops
have quality handouts and displays.
There are trips and tours to
famous and useful genealogy repositories including both single day
and multiple day group travel to the world famous Allen County
Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a week-long group trip to
the Mormon Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, in
addition to area genealogical libraries. With the group, we get
special guidance, lectures, and cost-saving rates that would not be
available as an individual. Such trips always provide rich research
resources and allow valuable exchanges of skills and ideas with
genealogists of many abilities, experiences, and resources.
There is a bi-monthly newsletter
(WVGS Generations) every odd-numbered month with great articles,
pictures, lists of coming events, highlight reports of previous
activities, and pieces of genealogy humor or news. Every
even-numbered month, members receive a WVGS BULLETIN with Society
news and administrative notes. Periodically there are special
bulletins for all members.
|
