WHY JOIN A GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY? WHY ATTEND MEETINGS?
Research can be done through the internet on your computer. That format will never replace group knowledge from members in a society. You ask why?
Anyone can put information on line BUT is it accurate? The problem: too many false family lines. DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE FALSE INFORMATION TO YOUR DESCENDANTS?
You are probably a member of other groups. Think it is not necessary to belong to a genealogical society, then why are you a member of these other groups? Is it sharing of ideas, meeting others, the knowledge others have to help you?
Here is a brief list of what is important for genealogists and belonging to a society:
- learn how to trace your family tree.
- education in the monthly programs
- medical history- what your people died of can help for future medical problems along the way.
- learn about personalities/character traits to watch for
- learn more about the history of our country and the world. Knowledge is good!
- find long lost family members that you have been searching for
- adoptees finding out something about their history
- insight into research methods that you may not learn on the internet
- society holdings that cover specific areas are available to you
- conversations with members who know the research techniques
- MANY RECORDS ARE NOT ON LINE – court records, divorces land and criminal records, etc.
Join a society today in an area of your research or locally for expert help!
Right on, Sir Charles!!!! Everybody should/must listen up!!
Absolutely, Charles.
Now, how do we get them to read this great piece?
Forward it everywhere
For me, the reason I joined and continued to attend on & off until I had enough time to volunteer and even lead meetings was the people. People who shared my interest in history & genealogy, and telling the truth about all of it. My people, in other words.
There is another level to it too: finding people with the courage & skill to volunteer and lead. These are the folks you want to spend time with!