There are hundreds of genealogical societies at the grassroots level, many formed by amateur researchers who sense a need for meetings and instruction. Because much family history research utilizes records found at the county level, many local societies represent counties.
Organizations also form around shared interests.
Some of these local groups, including the two just mentioned, are chapters of national groups. For almost every state there is a state genealogical society, a state council, or both. In addition to work of their own, these state-level groups sometimes help coordinate the efforts of local societies within the state. Their publications, newsletters and quarterlies, supplement those produced by the local societies. Some state organizations, such as the Ohio Genealogical Society, offer chapter membership in the organization.