Further to yesterday’s post about the results of the survey, What are the most important factors that make you decide to join a genealogy society?, here are some of the comments respondents wrote in the Other box, comments written on the blog post about the survey, and comments posted on Facebook.
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To connect with other members who share the same ancestry back to early America and the colonies.
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The ability to communicate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for genealogical research.
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“Addicted” to genealogy.
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Because it’s FUN!
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Common regional or family interests.
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I think the main reason people join is to find out how to start researching.
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To pass on information to my descendants.
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Conduit for general information.
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Actual support and access to genealogical files.
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User friendly Facebook page and website.
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Contact with potential clients.
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In Connecticut you need a researcher card for access to recent vital records
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Knowing that reference materials are available to peruse.
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Off-site access to paid sites (Fold3, Archives.com).
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As a thank you for the records they maintain, research they do because they are in my “hometown” and I am far away.
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Family folders (records).
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I love to be a part of where my ancestors lived. Also to share what I have found and to learn from others in the same area.
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Chance to meet distant cousins.
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A window into the broader genealogy community.
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Stories even if they are not related to my ancestors.
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“Face time” vs exclusive online research.
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Ongoing training provided to new and established members.
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Mostly habit, but makes less sense now with internet providing resources and community.
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I want to support the preservation of history and honour my ancestors.
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I am not joining one near me – when I went to a meeting, it felt clique and unwelcoming. I have been a member of organizations, not just genealogy and find it interesting that people complain new people do not join, when all they do is chat with their friends at meetings and do not include a new person that is standing by themselves. Why would they join?
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One thing that you don’t examine is different types of groups. I belong to several very different kinds. One is a small group that meets at our local library where we take turns presenting our current research and help each other with research and use of our computer programs. I’ve belonged to four different regional/subject groups over the years. I attended the meetings of only one of them, large group meetings with interesting speakers who presented very well. I currently belong to one regional group but it’s too far away for attending meetings, but I want to financially support their work, and I enjoy their webinars. I also think of my family associations as genealogy groups.
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Most societies have a discount membership when more than half the year is gone, and that is a good way to “try them on for size.” I did that with one I joined. I had a few questions, not only about possible ancestors but also about the area. Not one of my questions was ever answered. I got “sorry I don’t know” not even a referral to someone who may help. You can guess I never renewed.
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I find that most people do not join because they can find (or think they can find) everything on the internet (even if it is wrong). People post basic research questions on Facebook and other genie sites. Sometimes they get good responses, other times the bare minimum and still other times it is the blind leading the blind. I don’t understand why people don’t read some of the great helpful books that have been written.
Gail – In light of some of these comments, you might ask in a future survey why people quit genealogical societies. It seems to be a common thread among such groups that membership totals are dwindling.
You read my mind. Stay tuned for info about the follow-up survey next week. I think those results will be equally enlightening.
Hi Gail,
I must have missed the survey. Did you do the survey yourself or was it done by someone else? I’ve passed the link along to my fellow Exec members. I’m sure we can all learn something from it.
Re the comment that “new attendees” don’t feel welcome because no one approaches them. I have to say that before the meetings, I am busy setting up, helping prepare the refreshments etc and after the meeting, other members want to talk to me, so I often don’t get a chance to identify new faces and approach them. It helps to have a “greeter” at the door so that someone is designated to welcome people. However, even that can be difficult since they can’t spend any time to find out more about their interests. It’s a dilemma for sure.
Yes, I did the survey myself. Watch for news this week about another one that may prove to be equally interesting for your exec. I agree that a greeter is a good idea. Thanks!
Do you think that some of this same info applies for historical societies also? Do you know if anyone’s every done a similar survey with that target?
Thanks for the info!
Good question. Do people join historical societies to learn how to study history? I don’t think so. That is where historical societies and genealogical societies differ. There are probably several other differences.