February 6, 2026
Membership in most local genealogical societies runs from January to December. Membership renewals tend to be due during January. Most, however, give a grace month when you can still renew. That means now is a good time to renew your membership in one or more local genealogical societies.
If you don’t belong to any local genealogical societies, this is also a perfect time to join. Don’t be deterred by the fact that none of your ancestors lived in the area you now live in.
I don’t have any ancestors who came from Larimer County, for example. I’ve been a member of the Larimer County Genealogical Society for decades. That’s because there are lots of benefits from membership.
For me, the biggest benefit has always been the ability to interact with other interested genealogists. I’m the only genealogist in my family. While my husband and sons are always willing to listen to me talk about my latest genealogical discoveries, their interest is limited. After a few minutes, I can see that they’d rather turn their attention to the Nuggets game than hear more about my Salem witch from 1692.
Not so my friends from the genealogy society. They’re always willing to listen to my latest great find and commiserate with me about the leads that didn’t work out. In return, I’m thrilled to spend an hour outside in the parking lot after a meeting listening to someone else’s genealogy stories. Nothing could be more fascinating – even on a cold, dark evening in January.
Local genealogy societies also provide educational opportunities. For example, LCGS hosts a genealogical speaker at each monthly meeting. In addition, they present classes and seminars on various genealogical topics. The Society also sponsors study groups that focus on a variety of genealogical subjects. These include DNA, British Ancestry and how-to writing groups. In addition, one-on-one individual help sessions are available at the Loveland and Fort Collins libraries.
Most of these opportunities are available in person and via Zoom. Monthly meetings are also recorded and available to members. The LCGSCO.org website provides information about all meetings and programs. It also provides information about joining or renewing your membership. Membership in LCGS is only $25 annually per person.
Larimer County Genealogical Society is my local genealogical society, and I recommend joining it. I also recommend joining other local genealogical societies. Most societies now offer their meetings via Zoom so you can attend even if you don’t live locally. You can reap the benefits of meetings from areas where you have ancestors without having to leave home.
In addition to local societies, you might want to consider joining area-specific societies. For example, W.I.S.E. Family History Society (Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England) is Denver based and specializes in British Isles genealogy. There are other locale specific societies which concentrate on Swedish, German, Norwegian and other ethnicities. These societies can be helpful if you are tracing overseas roots.
Most local societies are inexpensive. They offer great value at a low cost. This is the perfect time of year to renew or join one or more of them.
Carol Stetser
Researcher
Larimer County Genealogical Society