Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society
Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society -- Kalamazoo, MI

Welcome to the KVGS website!

We serve historians and genealogists who are interested in the Kalamazoo River Valley region - and around the world, too.  Join us!

Welcome All!

We are excited to see you at our February 17 general meeting. This event is hybrid (Portage District Library, 300 Library Lane, Portage, MI, and on Zoom). Socializing and refreshments will begin at 6:30 pm at the library.
 
We will begin with a short business meeting starting at 7:00 pm. Do you have a friend you would like to bring along? Remember, guests are always welcome at our meetings!
Immediately following the business meeting, Jessica Trotter, recognized by the Michigan Genealogical Council in 2021 as Public Librarian of the Year, will present "Researching African American Ancestors." Researching African American Ancestors can be a tremendous struggle and rewarding experience. Ms. Trotter's presentation offers helpful resources, tips, and pitfalls to avoid.
 
KVGS members can expect to receive a meeting reminder email with a Zoom registration link a few days before the meeting. You can also register on Zoom through the website EVENTS page.
 
In the meantime, we invite you to visit our EVENTS page for information about more exciting learning opportunities coming this year:  "Peter Robinson Settlements, a British Canadian Experiment," "Emigration, Immigration, and Naturalization," "WWI and WWII Military Records," "Understanding Full-Text Search in Family Search Labs," and more.
 
KVGS has recently added something new: monthly Genealogy Help sessions at the Portage District Library on Thursdays following our general meeting. Bring your questions to discuss with KVGS volunteers at the Portage District Library Heritage Room on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 10 am to 12 pm. Just drop in and see what another point of view can do to help solve your problem.
 
Suppose you missed an earlier program, such as Judy Nimer Muhn's excellent January presentation, "I've Tested My DNA: Now What?” You will find recordings and handouts from many earlier programs under our website's MEMBERS section and then in the RECORDINGS/HANDOUTS section. Please remember to sign in as a member first.
 
See you February 17, 2025!
 
KVGS Board
 

KVGS on Social Media and Other Sites

KVGS is on more than just our own website.  Visit us at the following links to check out our "footprint" on the Internet.
 

KVGS Memberships

 
 
We are an organization member of the National Genealogical Society. Visit the NGS website at:  https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/
 
Genealogy Calendar of Events:  https://ConferenceKeeper.org
 
 
We are an organization member of the Michigan Genealogical Council. Visit the MGC website at:  https://mimgc.org/
 
Genealogy Calendar of Events:  https://mimgc.org/events-calendar/

Feb
13
Michigan Pioneer Certificate Meeting
  Join KVGS members as they research their ancestors who lived in MI before Dec. 31, 1880 to apply for the Michigan Pioneer Certificate.  Contact ...

Feb
17
General Meeting / Program: Jessica Trotter, Researching African American Ancestors
  Please join us on February 17 at 7:00 pm for our February general meeting. Immediately following the business meeting, Jessica Trotter, Named Public Librarian ...

Feb
20
Drop-in Genealogy Help Sessions
    Need help with a genealogy research problem? Wondering what to do next in your family history search? Bring your questions and problems to ...

Mar
3
Board Meeting
  Monthly board meetings are open to members. Come see the Board in action. Currently, the Board is meeting by Zoom.  If you want to ...

Mar
5
Family Tree Maker User’s Group (SIG)
  Meets once a month on the first Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. New users and experienced users of the software gather to help ...

Visit Us on Flickr
Stop over to Flickr.com to see the images uploaded from the KVGS collection. Visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikvgs/