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Writer's pictureRicki King

Special Interest Group Success

Updated: Feb 28, 2022

African American Special Interest Group and Genealogy Basics Special Interest Group

Our introductory meeting was held on Saturday, January 8th. The meeting started with introductions and what surname and problem each person was researching. After each introduction, suggestions were given on possible next steps. Then, before everyone began researching and following the recommendations, we held a scavenger hunt.


The scavenger hunt is from 4-5 questions with a bonus question using online or library resources. The design of the first scavenger hunt was to help teach everyone how to use FamilySearch.org and dig into what information a resource can provide beyond finding the name. For example, we worked with the 1940 census. The first hunt was using FamilySearch.org, which turned out to be very helpful to a few attendees who had not heard of FamilySearch.org. The group did a few questions together, and they were given a few questions to take home to practice. Other hunts will also include resources at the Iowa Genealogical Society.


Genealogy Basics will cover a broad range from genealogist or hobbyist from starting to intermediate.


Everyone is welcome, and everyone helps each other. The person beginning their search sees our research in a new light and asks the questions we forgot.


I call our first meeting a success! Each attendee was able to find information to help them with their problem or surname.



Our next meeting will be on February 12, 2022, at the Iowa Genealogical Society from 11 am to 1 pm. After that, all meetings will be at the same time on the second Saturday of each month. The first meeting is free. After that, however, we ask you to join the Iowa Genealogical Society to attend further sessions. A year membership is individual $37.50 and family $47.50 and runs a year from the date of purchase. A great value you are getting Ancestry.com to use free in-library and great volunteers to help answer questions while researching in the library. If you are using FamilySearch.org and see "Image Unavailable," go to the Iowa Genealogical Society as an affiliate library, you can see the document at the library.


Email Iowa Genealogical Society to add your name to the African American Special Interest Group and Genealogy Basics Special Interest Group list of attendees. We will notify you of any changes and upcoming meetings.


Coordinator Ricki King

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