Most genealogists know the benefits of joining their local genealogy society, whether they have relatives in the area or not. However, many genealogists don’t think about joining an ethnic society. Ethnic societies offer specific information and can make a huge difference in research success. Because they’re specialized, these societies concentrate on a specific group or place, and members can learn to effectively research in that area.
For example, I belong to the Swedish Genealogical Society of Colorado. I had no idea on how to research my Swedish ancestors, especially considering that I don’t speak Swedish. After 3 years of membership, I’ve learned how to use Swedish parish records to trace family members back in time, trace potential living relatives in Sweden and more. I traced my own family back several generations, and helped others do the same.
There is an ethnic society for almost every interest, and we are lucky to have a great selection in Colorado. These include American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Palatines to America, Wales-Ireland-Scotland-England Family History Society (W.I.S.E.), Swedish Genealogical Society of Colorado, Colorado Society of Hispanic Genealogy, Jewish Genealogical Society of Colorado, and Germanic Genealogy Society.
Most of these societies meet monthly in the Denver area with a program and speaker and dues are quite reasonable. In addition, many of these societies also sponsor yearly seminars, which often have nationally-known speakers. The potential brick wall breakthroughs are definitely worth joining these societies. You can visit their websites by visiting the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies website at www.cocouncil.org and search for member societies.
~ Carol is the society’s researcher, instructor, and speaker for Larimer County Genealogical Society. Visit their website at www.lcgsco.org for events and genealogy info or their Facebook page.