— At the Muskogee Public Library’s Genealogical and Local History Department one of the most valued assets is that of the volunteer. Several of the local volunteers come from a special, local source which is the Muskogee County Genealogical Society. The issue of volunteers was addressed in an earlier column, however, without much emphasis on the fact that many of the volunteers do come from members of genealogical societies.

Genealogy societies are generally non-profit organizations that operate on several different area levels. In the national organization is the Federation of Genealogical Societies, which recently concluded their annual conference in Birmingham, Ala. Each state has its own central resource, ours being the Oklahoma Historical Society, which works together with county and local societies such as the Muskogee County Genealogical Society. Even though they are non-profit, generally local societies such as the Muskogee County Genealogical Society raise funds through the sale of books, note cards, research and membership fees. In turn, they pass any profit on through donations to support local organizations such as the Muskogee Public Library, Three Rivers Museum and the Grant Foreman Home.

A membership in a genealogical society can provide a wide range of benefits. In addition to the general fellowship, members have a common goal to exchange ideas for new solutions for genealogy “brick walls” and new resources. They are given access to the society’s periodical magazine, usually published every quarter, and in some cases, a monthly newsletter. The newsletter will generally contain information about the local area, such as upcoming monthly meeting times, agendas and programs. The quarterly presents a forum for members to submit their ancestor charts and articles containing family stories or local history. Many of the society quarterlies are exchanged with those in other states and those who do not wish to exchange, obtain memberships in various local societies. Also, many groups have a “members only” section on their individual websites.

Local genealogical societies such as the Muskogee County Genealogical Society are an important part of the preservation of national, local and area records through their volunteer projects. Most recently, this society joined a large number of others to help Family Search complete their by-name index of the 1940 U. S. Census.

If you are working on your family history or would like to begin your ancestry chart, please consider joining a genealogy society in your area. Not only will you benefit from the various incentives of being a member, but it’s also a good chance to meet old acquaintances and find new friends who have a common goal of recording history.

Nancy Lasater is a library assistant in the Genealogy & Local History Dept at the Muskogee Public Library. Reach her at (918) 682-6657, Ext. 257.