Uncovering Your Ancestry: A Deep Dive into the Blair County Genealogical Society
Introduction:
Are you tracing your family roots and have a connection to Blair County, Pennsylvania? If so, the Blair County Genealogical Society (BCGS) is an invaluable resource. This comprehensive guide delves into the society's offerings, its history, and how it can help you unlock your family's past. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just beginning your ancestry journey, understanding the BCGS's resources and services is crucial for successful genealogical research in Blair County. This article will serve as your complete guide to navigating the world of Blair County genealogy with the BCGS as your trusted partner.
Outline:
I. History and Mission of the Blair County Genealogical Society: A brief overview of the society's founding and its dedication to preserving local genealogical records.
II. Resources and Services Offered by the BCGS: Detailed exploration of the library, databases, online resources, workshops, and assistance provided. This will include specific examples of what kinds of records are held.
III. Utilizing the BCGS for Effective Genealogical Research: Practical tips and strategies for maximizing the use of BCGS resources, including navigating their library and databases.
IV. Membership Benefits and How to Join: Information on membership levels, fees, and the advantages of becoming a member.
V. Community Engagement and Events: Highlights of community outreach programs, workshops, and meetings hosted by the BCGS.
VI. Beyond the BCGS: Additional Resources for Blair County Genealogy: Suggestions for complementary research sources, such as local libraries, archives, and online databases.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Answering common questions about the BCGS and genealogical research.
Article Body:
I. History and Mission of the Blair County Genealogical Society
The Blair County Genealogical Society stands as a cornerstone for anyone interested in exploring their family history within Blair County, Pennsylvania. Founded with a commitment to preserving and sharing local genealogical data, the BCGS has become a vital hub for researchers of all experience levels. Its mission centers on providing access to valuable resources, fostering a supportive community of genealogists, and educating the public about the importance of preserving family history. Their dedication to meticulous record-keeping and community outreach has made them a highly respected organization in the field.
II. Resources and Services Offered by the BCGS
The BCGS boasts an extensive collection of genealogical resources, accessible to both members and non-members (though members often enjoy additional privileges). Their impressive library houses an array of primary source documents including:
Census records: Various census records for Blair County, spanning decades and providing invaluable insights into family structures, occupations, and migration patterns.
Birth, marriage, and death records: Vital records are crucial for tracing lineages, and the BCGS holds a significant collection of these documents, often dating back centuries.
Church records: Baptismal, marriage, and burial records from numerous churches in Blair County offer significant genealogical detail.
Land records: Deeds, property transfers, and tax assessments provide clues to family ownership and movement within the county.
Military records: Information on individuals who served in various conflicts, including enlistment records and pension applications, can be a rich source of genealogical information.
Obituaries and newspaper clippings: These offer biographical details, family connections, and dates of important life events.
Photographic collections: Family photographs are invaluable in bringing personal stories to life. The BCGS may possess collections illustrating the lives of Blair County residents.
Beyond their physical library, the BCGS likely offers online access to digitized versions of some of these records, potentially through a searchable database. This digital access expands the reach of their resources to researchers worldwide. They also frequently offer workshops and educational sessions, covering various genealogical research techniques and software. Their knowledgeable staff and volunteers are often available to provide personalized assistance and guidance to researchers.
III. Utilizing the BCGS for Effective Genealogical Research
Effectively using the BCGS resources requires a strategic approach. Begin your research by identifying your known ancestors and the information you already have. This will serve as a foundation for further exploration. Then, utilize the BCGS's online catalog or database (if available) to search for relevant records. Don't limit your searches to just surnames—explore given names, birthdates, locations, and any other identifying information you possess. Remember to cross-reference information found in different documents to verify accuracy and build a comprehensive picture of your ancestors' lives. Take meticulous notes and keep track of your sources.
IV. Membership Benefits and How to Join
Becoming a member of the BCGS offers significant advantages. Membership often provides access to exclusive resources, discounted workshop fees, and opportunities to connect with other genealogists. Membership levels may vary, potentially offering different benefits based on the fee. The BCGS website will detail membership information, including how to join and the associated costs.
V. Community Engagement and Events
The BCGS actively engages with the community through various events and programs. These may include regular meetings, workshops on specific genealogical research techniques, presentations by guest speakers, and collaborations with other historical organizations. These events provide opportunities for learning, networking, and sharing genealogical knowledge within the community. Check their website or contact them directly for the latest schedule of events.
VI. Beyond the BCGS: Additional Resources for Blair County Genealogy
While the BCGS is a cornerstone of Blair County genealogical research, it’s important to remember that additional resources exist. Local libraries often hold relevant materials, and the Pennsylvania State Archives may possess records pertinent to Blair County. Online databases such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage can be invaluable tools, offering broader genealogical resources. Exploring these complementary sources can significantly enhance your research and provide a more complete picture of your family history.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much does it cost to use the BCGS resources? A: While some resources may be freely accessible, membership often provides greater access and benefits, with varying membership fees available.
Q: Do I need to be a member to access the BCGS library? A: The accessibility of the library to non-members varies; check their website or contact them directly.
Q: What if I can't find what I'm looking for? A: The BCGS staff and volunteers are usually available to assist researchers and can offer guidance or suggest alternative research strategies.
Q: What types of records are held by the BCGS? A: The BCGS typically holds a vast array of records, including census records, vital records, church records, land records, military records, obituaries, and photographic collections.
Conclusion:
The Blair County Genealogical Society serves as a vital link to the past for countless individuals seeking to uncover their family history within Blair County. By leveraging their extensive resources, active community, and knowledgeable staff, researchers of all levels can significantly advance their genealogical endeavors. Embrace the opportunity to explore your heritage with the BCGS as your trusted guide, and uncover the rich tapestry of your family's story.
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| blair county genealogical society: Master Index for Blair County Genealogical Society, Inc. Newsletters, Volume 1, 1980 to Jan Oberle, Blair County Genealogical Society, 1999 |
| blair county genealogical society: Master Index for Blair County Genealogical Society, Inc. Newsletters Jan Oberle, 1999 |
| blair county genealogical society: Ancestral Charts of Blair County Genealogical Society Members , 2012 |
| blair county genealogical society: Ancestral Charts of the BCGS Society Members Blair County Genealogical Society, 1996 |
| blair county genealogical society: Early Area Marriage Clippings Blair County Genealogical Society (Pennsylvania), 2015 |
| blair county genealogical society: 1859 Map of Blair County, Pennsylvania Richard D. Gority, Blair County Genealogical Society (Pennsylvania), 199? |
| blair county genealogical society: 1859 Map of Blair County, PA Blair County Genealogical Society, 1983 |
| blair county genealogical society: 1850 Tyrone Township Census, Blair County, Pa , 2012 |
| blair county genealogical society: Publication Blair County Genealogical Society, 19?? |
| blair county genealogical society: Article Extracts & Indexes from the Files of the Morrison Cove Herald, Martinsburg, Blair County, Pa James D. Boor, 1986 |
| blair county genealogical society: 1850 Huston Township Census, Blair County, Pa , 1992 |
| blair county genealogical society: Some Blair County, PA Cemeteries in Hollidaysburg Borough , 1982 |
| blair county genealogical society: 1850 Tyrone Township Census, Blair County, Pa Blair County Genealogical Society (Pennsylvania), 1992 |
| blair county genealogical society: First Families of Blair County, Pennsylvania , 2012 |
| blair county genealogical society: Marriage Application Records, Blair County, PA. Blair County Genealogical Society, 1986 |
| blair county genealogical society: 1850 Huston Township Census, Blair County, Pa Blair County Genealogical Society (Pennsylvania), 1992 |
| blair county genealogical society: The Altoona Tribune Death & Marriage Abstracts Blair County Genealogical Society (Pennsylvania), Altoona Public Library (Pennsylvania), 2004 |
| blair county genealogical society: Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Blair County, Pennsylvania Samuel T. Wiley, Winfield Scott Garner, 1892 |
| blair county genealogical society: Civil War Veterans' Obtuaries, Articles, Letters and Photographs June L. Hoffman Weston, Blair County Genealogical Society (Pennsylvania), 2005 |
| blair county genealogical society: The Blair County Directory for 1870-1871 of Inhabitants of Altoona City Together with a Business Directory of Blair County , 1999 |
| blair county genealogical society: The Blair County Directory for 1870-71 Blair County Genealogical Society, 1999 |
| blair county genealogical society: A History of Blair County, Pennsylvania Charles B. Clark, 1896 |
| blair county genealogical society: A History of Blair County, Pennsylvania Esq. Charles B. Clark, 1996 |
| blair county genealogical society: Semi Centennial History of Blair County, 1896 Charles B. Clark, 1996 |
| blair county genealogical society: The Source Loretto Dennis Szucs, Sandra Hargreaves Luebking, 2006 Genealogists and other historical researchers have valued the first two editions of this work, often referred to as the genealogist's bible. The new edition continues that tradition. Intended as a handbook and a guide to selecting, locating, and using appropriate primary and secondary resources, The Source also functions as an instructional tool for novice genealogists and a refresher course for experienced researchers. More than 30 experts in this field--genealogists, historians, librarians, and archivists--prepared the 20 signed chapters, which are well written, easy to read, and include many helpful hints for getting the most out of whatever information is acquired. Each chapter ends with an extensive bibliography and is further enriched by tables, black-and-white illustrations, and examples of documents. Eight appendixes include the expected contact information for groups and institutions that persons studying genealogy and history need to find. |
| blair county genealogical society: Altoona David W. Seidel, 2010 The Pennsylvania Railroad was incorporated in 1846 and immediately began the task of finding an all-rail route to connect Philadelphia with Pittsburgh. The Pennsylvania Railroad surveyed possible routes and arrived on a valley floor at the base of the Allegheny Mountains in 1849 that was primarily occupied by the David Robeson farm. As people arrived for employment opportunities, the railroad company purchased the Robeson farm, laid out the plan of a town, and named it Altoona. Shops were established, and crafts were needed as locomotive and car design and building evolved, all with increasing population and prosperity. Altoona grew from farmland to 75,000 people in 75 years. |
| blair county genealogical society: Blair County Records; The Stevens Mortuary, Altoona, Pa., 1911-1914 Blair County Genealogical Society (Pennsylvania), Stevens Mortuary (Altoona, Pennsylvania), 1983 |
| blair county genealogical society: Blair County, Pennsylvania, Tax Records, 1846 , 1981 |
| blair county genealogical society: Genealogist's Address Book. 6th Edition Elizabeth Petty Bentley, 2009-02 This book is the answer to the perennial question, What's out there in the world of genealogy? What organizations, institutions, special resources, and websites can help me? Where do I write or phone or send e-mail? Once again, Elizabeth Bentley's Address Book answers these questions and more. Now in its 6th edition, The Genealogist's Address Book gives you access to all the key sources of genealogical information, providing names, addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail addresses, websites, names of contact persons, and other pertinent information for more than 27,000 organizations, including libraries, archives, societies, government agencies, vital records offices, professional bodies, publications, research centers, and special interest groups. |
| blair county genealogical society: Red Book Alice Eichholz, 2004 ... provides updated county and town listings within the same overall state-by-state organization ... information on records and holdings for every county in the United States, as well as excellent maps from renowned mapmaker William Dollarhide ... The availability of census records such as federal, state, and territorial census reports is covered in detail ... Vital records are also discussed, including when and where they were kept and how--Publisher decription. |
| blair county genealogical society: Railroad City , 1990 |
| blair county genealogical society: Naked in Cyberspace Carole A. Lane, 2002 Reveals the personal records available on the Internet; examines Internet privacy; and explores such sources of information as mailing lists, telephone directories, news databases, bank records, and consumer credit records. |
| blair county genealogical society: St. Patrick's Cemetery, Newry, PA Blair County Genealogical Society (Pennsylvania), 2005 |
| blair county genealogical society: Trinity United Methodist Church, Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania , 2012 |
| blair county genealogical society: The Glory of Gable's Robert Jeschonek, 2019-09-04 Once upon a department store, Gable's was the place to shop, eat, meet, and be seen in downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania. Now, the classic store has come back to life in the pages of this one-of-a-kind book. For the first time, the whole true story of Gable's, its leaders, its employees, and the shoppers who loved it has been told, complete with secrets and inside stories from those who knew it best. You'll never forget this trip through a century of retail history, from the store's humble beginnings to its glory days to the thrilling fight to save it from going out of business. Hundreds of rare photos and images, never before gathered in one place, will take you back to the people and moments that made Gable's great, and carry you forward to a modern-day reunion of Gable's employees and a VIP tour inside the Gable's buildings as they stand today, complete with yesterday's treasures. Discover mysteries and surprises that have never been revealed to the general public until now. Relive the story of a lifetime on a magical journey straight out of your favorite memories and dreams. If you've ever longed to return to the department store where you always felt at home, or you just crave a simpler, sweeter place where the malteds are always delicious and the customer is always right, step inside. You're invited to the grand reopening of the store that comes to life every time we remember...The Glory of Gable's! |
| blair county genealogical society: The Genealogy of the Keller Family Linda Shillinger, 2007 |
| blair county genealogical society: Orphan's Court Docket A, Huntingdon County, PA Addie Beck, 2007 |
| blair county genealogical society: Fourth Street Presbyterian Church Records, 1916-1955 , 2012 |
| blair county genealogical society: History of Huntingdon and Blair counties, Pennsylvania Africa J. Simpson, 1977 |
| blair county genealogical society: Art Work of Blair County & A Historical Sketch of Blair County Charles B. Clark, 2008 |
