December 30, 2022
This is the last week of 2022. For many local genealogical societies, it’s also the last week of their annual membership period. Right now, before the end of the year, is a great time to send in renewals.
Membership in local and regional genealogical societies is an often-overlooked genealogical bargain. Most local memberships range from about $15 to $30 annually. That’s a measly figure for the benefits that membership in these societies brings.
For example, membership in the Larimer County Genealogical Society costs $25 annually for a single membership. That membership includes access to monthly meetings featuring guest speakers on a variety of genealogical topics. In addition, the Society presents a dozen or more Saturday workshops during the year covering topics such as Beginning Genealogy, Research in using various websites such as Ancestry and My Heritage as well as specialty topics such as DNA.
As if all of that weren’t enough, the Society also sponsors one-on-one genealogy help sessions each Thursday afternoon at the Old Town Branch of the Poudre Valley Public Library. In addition, LCGS also features several special interest groups such as DNA research, Colonial Genealogy and a group devoted to genealogical writing.
Finally, membership includes access to the members only section of the LCGS website where locally produced genealogical videos are available. Membership also includes a semi-monthly newsletter to help you keep up to date with all LCGS happenings.
If you’re thinking that all of this sounds great, but you don’t live in Larimer County, remember that most of these benefits of membership are available via Zoom. That means that membership is worthwhile even if you live across the country or even on the other side of the world.
Don’t be dissuaded because you don’t have ancestors from Larimer County. Most of the content of the various workshops and classes is not specific to Larimer County. Membership is also a great way to network and make new genealogy friendships.
During this interim period between holidays, why not sit down at your computer and access the LCGSCO.org website. Take a few minutes to download a membership form and join the Society. You’ll be glad you did.
While you’re at it, check out a few genealogical societies in other areas where you may be researching. Investigate some specialty societies such as the Swedish Genealogical Society of Colorado or the W.I.S.E (Welsh, Irish, Scottish and English Society) headquartered in the Denver area. Whatever aspect of genealogy you’re interested in, there’s a society for you. None of them are expensive, and membership will be a great way to start the new year.
Carol Stetser
Researcher