Madison County Genealogical Society

P.O. Box 631
Edwardsville, IL 62025-0631

Cemeteries Committee Chairs Contact Us Home Library Links MCGS Resources in Illinois Digital Archives Meetings Membership Monthly Meeting Minutes Mystery Photographs Officer Contact List Publications Research Policy Webmaster:  Robert Ridenour Last Update: 22 Feb 2013

UPCOMING MEETINGS Unless Otherwise Stated, All Meetings are at 7:00 p.m.,  in the Community Room of the Edwardsville Public Library, 112 South Kansas, Edwardsville, IL.  May 9, 2013 Lost and Found: Your Adoption Search Searching for biological parents, siblings or children following an adoption event can be a difficult, if not impossible task. Join us as Belleville native Larry Darnell shares strategies and resources for adoptees and birth parents to find their biological relatives, along with his personal experiences researching his own biological lineage. Mr. Darnell has a 30 year career in Information Technology and has been actively researching and documenting his family history for the past 15 years. He also maintains the St. Clair County Genealogical Society Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SCCGS. June 13, 2013 German Farm Life and Traditions Learn what your ancestor's life was like in different areas of Germany with a slide show of homes, farms, traditional costumes and local traditions. This program will be presented by Kathy Wurth, genealogist, lecturer, and owner of Family Tree Tours, a heritage travel company. No Meetings Yet Scheduled for the Following Dates August 8, 2013 September 12, 2013 October 10, 2013 November 14,2013 If you have something you would like to see presented or you would like to make a presentation, please contact the president, rwridenour@shelbywb.coop and we will try to accommodate your wishes. Mystery Photos We have been asked about some place to post unknown photographs where they can be viewed by others and perhaps the subject(s) can be identified. We have added a "Mystery Photographs" link to the MCGS home page. If you can identify any subject in any photograph, please send an e-mail to the address given with that photograph. If you have any photographs you would like to have added to the "Mystery Photographs" pages, please send them to me at rwridenour@shelbywb.coop. (Note: My internet provider limits the size of my e-mails, including attachments, to 10 Meg.) Digital Scrapbooking On October 11, 2012, Lola DeGroff presented a program on Creating a Digital Scrapbook. Lola had a handout that leads you through the steps of creating a scrapbook page and exporting it as a JPEG. It then leads the user through the steps of uploading the pages and having the scrapbook printed. If you would like a copy of this handout, it can be downloaded or printed here. Judy Nelson MADISON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK 155 N. Main Street EDWARDSVILLE, IL 62025 (618) 296-4470   For additional information contact Judy Nelson 618-296-4932 or Elsie Wasser at 618-656-2299 For Immediate Release CIRCUIT CLERK ARCHIVES GO ONLINE EDWARDSVILLE, July 23, 2012 -Madison County Circuit Clerk Judy Nelson announced the Circuit Clerk's Office has undertaken an extensive initiative to preserve thousands of historic court records through digital imaging. "Creating digital images of historic records ensures they will be available for research and safe against loss or disaster," Nelson said. "But equally important is that once the digital images are created, they are being published online and available to the public. The records are valuable to historians and genealogists, as well as people just curious about family history." To read the entire article, click here. Stalker Needs Articles The Stalker is in dire need of articles. None have been received by the editor since late December 2011. The summer issue will be rather slim unless some new material is received soon. We need input from all members. Send your contributions to Scott Delicate at scottd14@verizon.net Troy Times-Tribune Looking for Information On Thursday, May 31, 2012, the Troy Times-Tribune ran an article under the title of Down Memory Lane. This article included a photograph of The Blackjack Band. Only four out nine members of the band were identified. If you know anyone who ever played in The Blackjack Band, perhaps you can help identify the "unknowns." Click here to see the article. History Is Waiting Join the 1940 U.S. Census Project The 1940 U.S. Census Community Project is seeking volunteers from genealogical and historical societies to help make the 1940 U.S. Federal Census searchable online for free. Be Part of the Historic 1940 U.S. Census Project Societies and individuals can provide expert help to index census returns for the areas in which they live, creating a more accurate and long-lasting record while at the same time generating excitement for society and volunteer activities. History is waiting. the project today. Benefits of Participation Generate excitement among society members and boost participation in the society Attract new members Help create a very important, free online record set for researchers of ancestors in your area. Join online at www.thel940census.com/society or over the phone 1-855-IDX-1940 and receive a Getting Started kit with information to help you recruit and train your members. We will also offer other helpful resources, contests, and incentives to further train and motivate your members and to provide recognition of your society's efforts. *** NOTICE *** Dues for 2013 are now being accepted. We would very much appreciate receiving your renewal checks ASAP. Delinquent members (unpaid on 31 January 2013) will receive no more Society publications until their dues are paid. GIFT MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE Do you have a family member that is interested in (or even obsessed with) genealogy? A membership in the Madison County Genealogical Society would be a very thoughtful gift. A gift card will be sent to the recipient of any gift membership. The following memberships are available: Individual/Family Annual Membership $20.00 Patron Annual Membership $30.00 Life Membership $250.00 Contact our Secretary, Petie Hunter, at petie8135@att.net, about a gift membership.     Now Available and Taking Orders The Ten Year Stalker Index, 1991-2000, is complete; and we are taking orders for either a printed copy, 330 pages, for $45 or a copy on CD for $15. The CD copy is searchable using Adobe Reader. A new Ten Year Stalker Index, 2001-2010, is complete; and we are taking orders for either a printed copy, 304 pages, for $35 or a copy on CD for $15. The CD copy is searchable using Adobe Reader. To place an order contact Petie Hunter, at petie8135@att.net.       Visitors are always welcome.          Goals of the Society To encourage and educate persons in the study of family history and research methods. To preserve genealogical and historical record. To inform people of the importance of collecting, preserving, and circulating genealogical literature. To promote research, publish, and circulate genealogical records and information .  To further these goals, the Society maintains a genealogical library room in the Edwardsville Public Library, holds workshops, invites guest speakers on topics relevant to genealogical research, and publishes genealogical records. WE INVITE YOU TO RESEARCH YOUR ANCESTORS WITH US!            This site is hosted by: