Minnesota Genealogical Society

About t he society
The Minnesota Genealogical Society, organized in 1969, is a 501(c)3 educational organization whose purpose is to:


 * Foster and increase interest in genealogy by providing an association for those interested in family, state, and local history.
 * Collect, preserve, and publish genealogical and historical records and information.
 * Hold meetings, classes, and workshops to educate members on current genealogy-related topics.

MGS achieves its mission through providing genealogical education and making genealogical resources available through the Minnesota Genealogy Center.

The goal of the Minnesota Genealogical Society (MGS) and its branches is to provide education on methods of genealogical research, social activities with other individuals with genealogy interests, and a place to research ancestors. Our Library & Research Center provides a wide variety of information covering many countries, articles on vital statistics, military records, immigration, mapping records and many other areas of research.

MGS is an entirely volunteer run organization. They are always looking for volunteers to assist with various duties, committees, and projects.

Benefits
The Minnesota Genealogical Society welcomes any person with an interest in genealogy or local history! Joining a genealogical society is one of the best ways to propel your research forward. MGS is a friendly place to meet and learn from people who share your interest in genealogy. You can find out more on the membership page.

Minnesota Genealogical Society membership benefits include:


 * Free admission to the William J. Hoffman Library and Research Center (LRC) with access to MGS, branch, and affiliate library collections and database subscriptions. It is one of the top research facilities in the Midwest.
 * Subscription to our quarterly print journal – Minnesota Genealogist
 * Automatic addition of your email address to the mailing list of our monthly e-newsletter – Minnesota Families
 * Free participation in any or all MGS Interest Groups
 * Discounts for MGS conferences and classes
 * Access to Members Only area of the MGS website, including webinar recordings and handouts
 * Voice and vote at all MGS membership meetings and elections

2019 Society Officers
President: J. H. "Jay" Fonkert

Vice President: Shirleen Hoffman

Treasurer: Melva Cain

Secretary: Kristie Strum

Past President: Linda Westrom

Publications
The Minnesota Genealogical Society produces a journal publication, The Minnesota Genealogist, for members and is a quarterly journal focused on genealogical education and stories with articles submitted by it's readers. Visit the Publications page for information on how to submit a story.

Newsletters
Minnesota Families -- a monthly digital newsletter focused on current Society news and events. You can access past newsletters here.

Minnesota Genealogy Center
The Minnesota Genealogy Center is home to MGS, it’s interest groups, branches, and partner organizations. The center houses:


 * William J. Hoffman Library and Research Center
 * Classrooms and meeting rooms
 * MGS branch and partner offices

William J. Hoffman Library and Research Center
The William J. Hoffman Library & Research Center (WJHLRC), located at the Minnesota Genealogy Center, has over 30,000 books, microfilm, journals and other items. And it is not just a Minnesota collection.

WJHLRC is unique – it is a collection of collections including items from the following groups:


 * Norwegian
 * Irish
 * Romanian
 * Canadian
 * Polish
 * Ostfriesen
 * Pommern
 * Swedish
 * Czechoslovakian
 * Danish
 * Yankee

Volunteers for these groups frequently staff the library to assist you in finding information. Check the MGS web pages, the calendar or ask volunteers in the library for the schedule.

Be sure to check the library’s online catalog to find the materials you are looking for.

Fall Conference
October 4-5, 2019 -- North Star Genealogy Conference, featuring John Philip Colletta, Ph.D.

Board Meetings
The Board of Directors of the Minnesota Genealogical Society meets throughout the year. The Society's governing documents can be viewed on the Society's website www.mngs.org.

FamilySearch Wiki Projects
A wiki article describing online collections is found at:

Minnesota, Stevens County Genealogical Society Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Past Projects
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