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La Crosse Area Genealogical Society Records

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 030

Scope and Contents

Records, dating from 1972 to the present, of the La Crosse Area Genealogical Society, Inc., include bylaws (1973-2002), brochures, correspondence (1977-1995; 2001), financial reports (1995-1996), logos, meeting sign-in sheets, 1992-2000, membership lists (1973-1982; 1993; 2001), meeting minutes (1973-1975; 1981-1988; 1991-present), newsletters (1972-2007), newspaper clippings (1975-present), photographs (1975-present), and program announcements (1972-present). The newsletter ceased publication in 2007.

Dates

  • 1972-2008

Creator

Access to Materials

Materials in this collection are available for patron use.

Historical Note

The La Crosse Area Genealogical Society, under the sponsorship of the La Crosse Public Library and librarians Emma Diekroeger and Jean Solberg, adopted its bylaws Oct. 24, 1973. The library sponsored a genealogy institute which held workshops in 1972 for those interested in pursuing family history research.

The first officers of the club were Esther Senn as chair, Ed Polodna as vice-chair, and Joy Reisinger as secretary-treasurer. The first membership meeting was held Nov. 28, 1973, and one of the issues addressed was the concern over proposed federal legislation to limit searching in the National Archives to professional genealogists. Members Lee Grippen and Betty Jacobson were elected to the executive committee as members-at-large.

Meetings have been held monthly, and the group affiliated with the Wisconsin Genealogical Society and later the Wisconsin Genealogical Council. Speakers from the area present programs of interest to genealogists. Special all-day workshops and field trips are also offered on occasion.

In 1976, the United States celebrated its bicentennial and the television mini-series of Alex Haley's Roots caught the attention of the American public. Genealogy as a hobby has continued to grow since that time. The Society published its first quarterly publication in 1979. Incorporation of the Society occurred in the mid 1990s. The charter list of memberships totalling 46 in 1973 has grown to over 200 in 1999, with members living all across the United States.

Extent

0.8 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Records of a La Crosse, Wisconsin, area genealogical organization founded Oct. 24, 1973, under the sponsorship of the La Crosse Public Library to promote interest in and the research of family ancestry; and to help others who are interested in researching the same areas or surnames.

The records, dating from 1972 to the present, include bylaws, brochures, correspondence, logos, membership lists, executive committee meeting minutes, newsletters, newspaper clippings, photographs, and program announcements.

Acquisitions Information

Donated by Earl Newton, Past President, May 2001.

(Accession Nos. 1993.006, 2001.028, 2001.038)

Related Materials

Missing Title

(Genealogical publications)
La Crosse Area Genealogical Quarterly

Physical Description

2 archives boxes

OCLC Number

47227022

Processing Information

Processed by Marie Rieber and Anita Taylor Doering, Dec. 1993; updated by ATD, May 1999; updated by Margaret Donndelinger, May 2001; updated by ATD, March 2007, March 2008.

Title
Guide to the La Crosse Area Genealogical Society Records, 1972-2008
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Marie Rieber and Anita Taylor Doering, Dec. 1993; updated by ATD, May 1999; updated by Margaret Donndelinger, May 2001; updated by ATD, March 2007, March 2008.
Date
2008 March
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the La Crosse Public Library Archives Repository

Contact:
800 Main St.
La Crosse Wisconsin 54601
(608) 789-7136