Welcome to the Michigan Genealogical Council

The Michigan Genealogical Council was organized on April 6, 1972 in Lansing, Michigan by representatives from ten Michigan genealogical societies and representatives from the Library of Michigan.

They set as their objectives; to locate, preserve, publish and deposit in suitable repositories, records of value to genealogists and to initiate activities which encourage and assist those who are involved in genealogical research.

Membership in MGC is open to any genealogical or family history society, amateur or professional with a primary interest in genealogy.

The first MGC sponsored seminar was hosted by Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society on 16 September 1973. Subsequent seminars were held annually for many years, hosted by member societies around the state. The variety of locations provided an opportunity for more society members to attend these educational seminars and to create interest from the general public.

During the Bi-Centennial year 9,338 persons received Centennial Family Certificates which were granted upon proof that their ancestor lived in Michigan on or before 1876. Documents received as a result of this project will be most valuable to future researchers. Their supportive records are now preserved on 81 reels of microfilm in the Abrams Collection at the Library of Michigan

The Council and its delegates have completed many projects over the years. We have grown in membership societies and also decreased. We are at a time now that economics plays a roll in attendance of delegates. The decisions to change the day, week or number of meetings falls into an important position in the success of this group.

We welcome and encourage participation in many forms; serve on a committee, run for elected position, do committee work, or make suggestions for projects and programs. We need input to continue to make this Council a success.

Our new web site and methods of communication will be a big help. We as delegates have a responsibility to the societies we represent and to the Council. Good communication is a key to any organization's success. Let's work together to keep the Council and its' goals going forward to benefit us and those that follow us. This year we are 36 years old. Let's keep it going.

Excerpts from "The History of MGC" speech given at the May 6, 2008 meeting for our 36th anniversary.
Barbara Curtindale, Historian and active delegate since 1977.

Delegate meetings are in Lansing, Michigan, in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
Please check the Community Calendar for the exact dates and times.

The MGC Newsletter is published four times per year.