About the McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society (MCIGS)
Who We Are
The McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society (MCIGS) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to serving family history researchers from McHenry County, Illinois, and around the world. We are a community of passionate researchers and volunteers committed to discovering, preserving, and sharing our rich genealogical and historical heritage.
Our Mission
The purpose of MCIGS is centered on a three-fold mission:
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To foster an interest in genealogy among the public.
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To provide instruction in current research methods and practices.
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To support the preservation of and access to genealogical and historical records, especially those pertaining to McHenry County, Illinois.
What We Do
MCIGS offers a wide range of resources and activities to support both new and experienced researchers in their family history journey:
Research Collections & Records
We maintain and provide access to valuable records and indexes specific to the county, including:
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Early Settlers Records and Ancestor Charts.
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Church Records: Including St. John Church Baptismal, Confirmation, Marriage, and Death records.
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Newspaper Indexes: Indexes from historical newspapers such as the Herald Newspaper, Woodstock Sentinel, Marengo Republican, McHenry Plaindealer, and Richmond Gazette.
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Census Records: Access to key historical census data, such as the 1880 and 1930 McHenry County Censuses.
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MCIGS Library Collections and Genealogy Links.
Education & Support
We are committed to helping our members sharpen their research skills through various programs:
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General Meetings: Regular meetings featuring presentations and workshops on current research methods and specific genealogical topics.
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Research Guides: Offering resources like the "Beginning Genealogy" guide and the "McHenry County Research Guide."
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Direct Assistance: Members can utilize our resources to Ask For Research Help or Hire a Local Researcher for more in-depth support.
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Events: We host board meetings and special events, including an annual Conference and opportunities for Scholarship applications.