The Genealogical Society of Bergen County (GSBC) is a non-profit society founded in 1973, whose original purpose was to provide a forum for those searching for their family heritage. This original purpose has been expanded to include seeking out and preserving information about the families and genealogical records of the greater Bergen County area, and offering educational and other assistance to all those interested in genealogical research.

Bergen County, founded in 1682, is located in the northeastern corner of New Jersey.
Prior to 1840 Bergen County also included the areas that are now Hudson and Passaic Counties. Settlement was begun in the mid-1600's, and many descendants of these early families still remain in this area. See here for a history of Bergen County's Townships and Municipalities. This 4-part article appeared first in the GSBC newsletter The Archivist (see below).

The GSBC now provides classroom training and seminars to educate and promote interest in family history, publishes a quarterly newsletter, and maintains a genealogical library and other records. See here for a history of the Society.

The group meets on the 4th Monday of the month except December (and May, if Memorial Day falls on the 4th Monday of the month). The July and August meetings are generally workshop sessions. The meetings start at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments are served. A short business meeting preceeds the main program. A listing of the scheduled meetings for 2010 can be found here. Meetings are held in the auditorium of the Ridgewood Public Library, 125 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, N.J. 07450. (map)

The GSBC publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Archivist, in February, May, August and November. This is mailed to all members, either by postal mail or by email, as preferred. It generally includes a schedule of meetings, seminars, and other scheduled events of the GSBC and other nearby societies, articles relating to research in Bergen County, queries and responses, listings of various records of general interest, and other interesting information and helpful hints. Backissues (1973-2007) can be purchased on CD, or searched in our database section.

Members are encouraged to submit articles, queries, research hints, suggestions, genealogical indices, etc., for publication in The Archivist The deadline for submission is the 10th of the month preceding publication of The Archivist. Please send material to:

Genealogical Society of Bergen County, N.J.
Attn.: Archivist Editor
PO Box 432
Midland Park, NJ 07432
or email them to the editor. Please put Archivist submission in the subject line.