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The Saginaw Genealogical Society: Preserving Saginaw's History

The Saginaw Genealogical Society (SGS) is all about the preservation of historical records, and making that information available for folks like you and me to peruse whenever the whim to do a little research may strike.

Whenever possible, the SGS works in conjunction with the Local History and Genealogy Department at the Saginaw Public Library, Hoyt branch, holder of the third largest genealogical collection in the State of Michigan. Hoyt Library itself is a beautiful, local historical building in which to search for our ancestors.

Founded in 1971 by the late Leonard Zorn, who had a deep appreciation for history, the Saginaw Genealogical Society continues under new leadership, taking on projects such as photographing Saginaw County cemeteries (along with Eagle Scouts and friends of the Society). This information is then transcribed for inclusion on their new website at www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~misagigs/.

The Society follows in Zorn's footsteps by planning interesting programs pertaining to local history with a focus on ancestry, photographing and indexing the birth, marriage, and death indexes under the auspices of the County Clerk’s office at the courthouse, working with Holy Cross Children’s Services to index St. Vincent’s records dating back to 1875, researching places like the Saginaw County Poor Farm, answering inquiries from out-of-town folks looking for help with their Saginaw ancestor, and providing friendship to others with the same interest.

Visit Hoyt Library, located at 505 Janes Avenue, and take the first steps in tracing your own family history, and perhaps even become a member of the Saginaw Genealogical Society.

The simplest way to begin your search would be to ask family members questions like, “What were grandma and grandpa’s parents' names? Where did they live? Tell me what they were like if you knew them. What were their occupations?” or “Does anyone have any pictures?”

If you're looking for volunteer opportunities, you can help with transcribing records from the comfort of your home. All it takes is a computer, internet connection, Microsoft Excel, and time. You can work in your p.j.'s any time of the day or night. This is a great project for students trying to earn community service hours, or retired people looking to fill their spare time at home.

The Society is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, and welcome donations of both time and monies. Any monies donated are tax-deductible. Especially meaningful are donations in memory of a beloved family member. These are recognized in the Society's monthly newsletter, published September through June.

Check out the Timbertown Log, and read articles on Saginaw’s history. The publication is printed three times a year, filled with interesting information. If you're looking for a military man (or woman), veterans are a specialty of SGS's new president, Carolyn Obertein. A recent program highlighted how to obtain veteran’s medals and burials in Michigan’s veteran’s cemeteries.

SGS offers for sale local compilations by members, such as births, deaths, and marriages from The Saginaw Courier, spanning the years 1870-1876, or Veterans of World War I.  Both books sell for $35 (+ $5 shipping/handling).

If you are interested in becoming a Saginaw Genealogical Society member, you're invited to visit one of the SGS monthly meetings from September through May. February 9, 2010’s meeting featured John Sheridan from the Hoyt Library Genealogy department speaking on organizing your records.

March 9, 2010’s meeting will feature local author Larry Toft, speaking on his recent historical book about Saginaw Township.

Since the 2010-2011 board will have some openings, June’s meeting will be devoted to electing a new board, and planning for summer activities.

Meetings are held free of charge at either Hoyt Library, or a local place of historical interest. They're always open to new ideas, so join the Society today for just $20 for a single membership, or $25 for a family membership. Contact Carolyn Obertein at carolinsaginaw@yahoo.com for more information.  The Saginaw Genealogical Society looks forward to you joining their “family!”

 

 

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