A genealogy society or research group could make the difference in how easily you’re able to uncover your family history. These organizations are unique as they bring together like-minded individuals and offer access to vital records and documents that you’ll need during your genealogy research. You can benefit from advice on how to preserve your family history and insights on using DNA testing to understand your heritage.
If you don’t have a local genealogy society or research group, MyHeritage can connect you with the resources and tools you’ll need to trace your ancestors. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you should join one of these organizations and how to maximize their benefits for your genealogy research.
Key takeaways about joining a genealogy society or research group
- Networking with experienced and fellow novice genealogists through virtual groups and platforms can give you access to support services, expert advice, and vital records.
- Research groups and genealogy societies are an accessible way of engaging with educational tools, from online seminars to blog posts and training videos.
- Collaborating with other researchers through groups and societies can help you overcome challenges when researching your family tree and give you access to country-specific resources.
The benefits of joining a genealogy society or research group
Tracing your family tree is a project that might take you months or years to complete. Genealogy societies and research groups can help you build a clearer, more structured approach to your project, from meeting like-minded individuals to getting access to crucial resources that might otherwise be out of your reach.
There are four main benefits of joining a genealogy society:
1. Access to specialized records
Online groups and research associations can provide access to digital archives and databases that aren’t available anywhere else. You’ll have a variety of vital records and documents available at the touch of a button, from church records to obituaries and newspaper archives. If you’re researching your family tree from abroad, this access can streamline and simplify your genealogy research.
2. Mentoring and expert advice
Genealogy societies offer a wealth of knowledge, from professionals with years of experience in their fields to local historians and archivists. Many of these individuals can act as mentors or give one-on-one advice if you’re struggling with an aspect of your family tree or need help accessing challenging documents, such as guardianship records.
3. Opportunities to collaborate
It’s easy to feel like you’re alone when researching your family tree, but these genealogy groups can connect you with individuals who can provide advice and practical help. Whether it’s accessing documents for local cemeteries or transcribing records, research groups can connect you with fellow novice genealogists with the skills and experience to help you on your journey.
4. Workshops and training videos
Societies and research groups are a great way of learning the basics about genealogy. Many of them offer classes, webinars, and online tutorials covering numerous topics, from understanding DNA test results to advice on how to preserve family photos through digitization.
How to join and get the most out of a genealogy group
Joining a genealogy group is a great way to explore your interest in your family history and become part of an active community. We’re sharing a step-by-step guide on how to join and get the most out of a genealogy group or online platform.
Step 1: Identify what you need help with
Everyone’s genealogy journey is different and various organizations can help. If you’re focusing on a part of your family tree in another country, a local research group can give you access to records that might not be digitized. Similarly, groups that focus on a specific ethnicity or culture can help you trace your roots and understand your heritage.
Step 2: Research available groups and societies
Once you know what you want for a group, start researching potential organizations to join. Most will have a website or social media with a newsletter you can join and a calendar of events to attend.
Step 3: Sign up or attend a meeting
In-person groups will often invite you to attend your first event or meeting for free. After testing them out, you can decide if you want to sign up and pay the annual or monthly membership fee.
Step 4: Be active in your genealogy group
Get involved in your chosen group and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The more active you are, the easier it’ll be to make connections and collaborate with other researchers, including individuals who might be tracing their family tree to a similar region as you.
Using MyHeritage alongside genealogy societies
Genealogy societies and groups help you get the most out of your research by connecting you with people, expertise, and sometimes local resources that may be hard to access otherwise. To complement these benefits, it’s important to use powerful online tools — and that’s where MyHeritage comes in.
MyHeritage offers:
- Billions of historical records from around the world
- Advanced tools to build, expand, and share your family tree online
- Automatic Record Matches and Smart Matches™ that reveal new discoveries effortlessly
- Educational resources, including the MyHeritage Knowledge Base and Legacy Family Tree Webinars
By combining the community and mentorship of a society with the technology and global reach of MyHeritage, you’ll be equipped to make faster progress and uncover details you might otherwise miss.
Start building your family tree on MyHeritage today and use it alongside societies and research groups to enrich your family history journey.
FAQ about joining a genealogy society or research group
How do I find a genealogy society that matches my research interests?
Determine what the focus of your research is. You might be generally recording your family tree or looking into your ancestors in a specific country. Check if the online or in-person society offers access to the records you’ll need and what other resources they provide.
Are genealogy societies in-person only, or can I join virtually?
Most genealogy societies are at least hybrid in format, offering a combination of in-person and virtual events. With the digitization of records, many groups now allow remote access to archives and learning opportunities.
Is membership free or paid for?
Genealogy societies and research groups typically charge a membership fee to support events, resources, and archival access.
Can genealogy societies help with interpreting my research results?
Yes — many societies provide mentors or experienced members who can help you analyze findings, locate hard-to-find documents, or suggest new avenues of research.
If I’m a beginner, is it a good idea to join a genealogy society or research group?
Absolutely. These societies help you navigate your journey and avoid common pitfalls. Pairing their expertise with MyHeritage’s online resources will give you both guidance and the tools to make steady progress.
