MISSION STATEMENT

Preserving the past ~ serving the present ~ promoting the future

• PROMOTE GENEALOGY: Stimulate interest and participation, exchange information, and create an environment for researching genealogical and historical materials on a non-profit basis.

• EDUCATE: Provide help and educational aid to researchers (through lectures, workshops, and classroom style presentations), preserve records, and disseminate information. Teach members use of reference materials and internet use in preparation to publish their own genealogical materials and family lineages.

• SUPPORT the genealogical collections and services of the Library by acquiring materials and publications which are of genealogical value for the use of members (books, periodicals, tracts, pamphlets, and any other ways and means of genealogy collection; i.e., CD’s, booklets on family histories/genealogy).

• PRESERVE the heritage, history, and genealogy of the Wabash Valley families who settled here, and other counties relative to our quest. 

There are classes and courses.  Examples are beginners' genealogy classes; genealogy computer programs; creating family books and scrapbooks; preserving and protecting old family photos and documents; how to hurdle “brick walls” that elude finding the data you are seeking; how to find family data on the web; and even more (often at the request of members on a variety of topics). We also take advantage of special lectures, classes, and workshops provided by state and regional agencies, including many those of the Indiana State Historical Society and the Indiana State Genealogical Society.  

There are monthly Society Programs featuring talented and often national level speakers such as Curt Witcher, past President of the National Genealogical Society or Amy Johnson Crow, highly rated national speaker; officials of the national DAR; or experts in some field of genealogy such as a professional or highly respected amateur and favorite speaker. Door prizes, displays, snacks, genealogy related handouts, and coming event announcements are routine elements of those programs  

There are workshops, such as how to organize your genealogy files; how to maximize your research in cemeteries, researching in courthouses or in archives; how to find your female ancestors before women could own property or vote; how to find military, occupational, school, religious, or many varied topics for every level of research skills. Most workshops have quality handouts and displays.  

There are trips and tours to famous and useful genealogy repositories including both single day and multiple day group travel to the world famous Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana plus other area genealogical libraries. With the group, we get special guidance, lectures, and cost-saving rates that would not be available as an individual. Such trips always provide rich research resources and allow valuable exchanges of skills and ideas with genealogists of many abilities, experiences, and resources.  

There is a bi-monthly newsletter (WVGS Generations) every odd-numbered month with great articles, pictures, lists of coming events, highlight reports of previous activities, and pieces of genealogy humor or news. Periodically there are special bulletins for all members.