The Georgia Genealogical Society, formed in 1964, is celebrating its first 50 years with a dinner June 3 and a free public reception at the Georgia Archives from 1 to 2. p.m. June 4. At that event the society’s new display will be unveiled.
Charter members recall the society being formed in the wake of the enthusiasm generated by a 1963 noncredit course in Emory University’s Continuing Education Program taught by Carroll Hart, future Archives director. The 53 charter members and all past presidents will be remembered at the dinner.
The society’s journal, the Georgia Genealogical Society Quarterly, began in 1964, with the first issue recounting the founding and early members. The journal continues to provide articles about Georgia records and methodology for its members and subscribers.
The society’s website, www.gagensociety.org, provides information about future meetings and, in its members-only section, past issues of the quarterly and other special items.
Membership costs $35, payable to the Georgia Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 550247, Atlanta, GA 30355-2747 or at the website via PayPal.
Upcoming meetings are scheduled for Oct. 4 and Dec. 6.
State-based genealogical societies arose in several states in the 1950s-70s, according to Francois Weil’s “Family Trees: A History of Genealogy in America” (Harvard University Press, 2013). Nearby states creating societies during that era include Alabama (1958), South Carolina (1970) and North Carolina (1974-75).
Weil’s book looks at the interest in genealogy from Colonial days until it became common in the 1970s.
Lunch and Learn
The Georgia Archives Lunch and Learn lecture at noon June 13 will feature Amy Blaylock on “A Cherished Son Rediscovered: The Long-Lost Civil War Trunk of William S. Smith of Roswell, Georgia.” The lecture is free; bring your own lunch. Check www.georgiaarchives.org for future lectures or call 678-364-3710.
Sitting Up With the Dead
On June 13 genealogists can stay late at the Gainesville Public Library downtown branch, 127 Main St., to use the genealogy room from 5 p.m. until midnight. This Sitting Up With the Dead event has proved successful in the past and should be fun again.
Cost is $12 per person for a boxed dinner and snacks. Checks and registration forms are due by June 9. For more information, call Ronda Sanders at 770-532-3311, Ext. 116. Go to www.hallcountylibrary.org and look under “adults” and then “genealogy” for the form.
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