OUR BEGINNING: The Wichita Genealogical Society was formed in 1987 by a group of family researchers, genealogists, and historians dedicated to preserving and sharing genealogical material. This group also had a desire to promote the growth of the Local History and Genealogy Department of the Wichita Public Library , making it a Premier Research Center in Kansas.

MISSION: Our mission is twofold. One mission focus is "to facilitate the gathering of genealogical and family history information for the researcher." To that end WGS offers education, assistance, support, and opportunities for both members and non-members. Workshops covering various topics in genealogy and research methods are given periodically and seminars presenting nationally known genealogical authorities are included. Research trips are offered which are important advantages in accessing other genealogical repositories. Members are always happy to help others in their quest to answer genealogy research questions.

The second mission focus is "to support the Local History and Genealogy Department of the Wichita Public Library." This takes the form of providing volunteers, funding for acquisitions, preservation, etc. Some WGS members provide staffing to the Local History and Genealogy Department with volunteers who work with the librarian and assist patrons with their research questions. WGS contributes books, microfilm, microfiche, and other genealogical research materials to the genealogical collection at the Wichita Public Library as well as the numerous quarterly publications WGS receives through a nation wide publication exchange program with other genealogical and historical societies. For more WGS sponsored databases and holdings, see WGS Resources.

VISIONS: Our Visions which support our Mission Statement and are to:

• attract and keep a larger and more diverse membership
• develop exceptional and engaging educational programs for both first timer and seasoned Family History researchers
• improve its visibility to the public
• increase its focus on supporting the Genealogy Department of the Wichita Public Library
• have an awaard winning Web Site with increased availabe daa
• develop and maintain a sound fiscal policy

WORKSHOPS AND EDUCATIONAL CLASSES: WGS has regular monthly workshops and educational classes to examine many aspects of genealogical research. See the Calendar for more times and event details.

PUBLICATION: The official WGS publication is The Ark Valley Crossroads , issued four times a year. In addition to both primary and secondary source material, family data is sought from members to be included in the quarterly. Articles of both general and local interest appear in each issue.

RESEARCH TRIPS:From time to time WGS sponsors research trips to major genealogical research libraries. In the past these have included the Kansas State Historical Library in Topeka, Kansas; The Utah Genealogical Society Library in Salt Lake City, Utah; and The Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence, Missouri.

OTHER NEAT THINGS:

Research Requests are encouraged and are answered by WGS volunteers for a nominal fee.

A vertical file is maintained for the use of all researchers. Also a surname card file is available to the public for cross-referencing.

We in WGS eagerly seek new ways to enhance genealogy research. Currently state of the art genealogical computer technology is being phased into service at the library, largely through efforts of the Society. The sizable holdings at the Local History and Genealogy Department of the Wichita Public Library are a great resource repository for you to use.

WGS is actively involved in several projects and invite its members to participate in these. For a list of ongoing projects click projects.

To learn what volunteers do and how to become a volunteer, click Volunteers.

To know more about the officers and committee chairs, click Board and Committees.

WGS is incorporated under the laws of the State of Kansas as a not-for-profit organization. It is a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations to WGS are tax deductable within the IRS guidelines.