Be sure to visit the archives of past tips. You will see the archive links in the list below. There are hundreds of genealogical societies available to join. 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.
Societies also form around common locality of origin of members' ancestors such as, the Palatines to America and Germans from Russia societies. 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. The following book is an invaluable tool in recognizing Genealogy Societies and locating them. In addition to work of their own, these state-level societies sometimes help coordinate the efforts of local societies within the state.