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Welcome to GSWC!
The Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County, Michigan (GSWC) welcomes anyone interested in genealogy and local history, whether they are beginning or more experienced family history researchers. We publish a quarterly journal called Family History Capers and hold eight general meetings a year, each with a program and a class. We have three active special interest groups - German, Ireland & UK and DNA. Attending GSWC meetings will help you to keep current in the world of genealogy. Thank you for visiting the GSWC website. We hope your visit will be productive and that you will return often.
Our website features an extensive list of Washtenaw County and Michigan research links and resources; databases; and indexes. Washtenaw Research is our most important page, with twenty categories and its own page navigation. The Bible registry has over 2,000 surnames and 9,500 individual names. The library catalog has over 2,000 books. Members have added over 350 names to the surnames database. Every issue of Family History Capers has been indexed to the best of our ability. Public Downloads has forms, handouts, reports, and member favorites.
We invite you to explore the site. Please see About Our Website for navigation notes.
Browse the categories on the Washtenaw Research page and click on some links. Filter the records in the Library Catalog by name, subject, or location. Email a member directly from Members Surnames by clicking on the envelope icon by a name. If you need a library look-up, please submit a request to the research committee, which meets every Monday at the library. The GSWC Library is temporarily closed. GSWC Zoom Meeting January 26, 2025 1:30 PM
 After the brief business meeting starting at 1:30pm Madeline Yanov will present, via Zoom, "Marriage by Blacksmith: Gretna Green Marriages, or The Search for Missing Marriage Records."
In the world of romance, few destinations hold as much allure as Gretna Green. Situated just inside the border of Scotland, this picturesque town has become synonymous with elopements and spontaneous weddings. What historical events led to the unique practice of marriages conducted by blacksmiths, were these marriages legally binding, and where can you find the records? 
After a short intermission Lisa Alzo will teach, via Zoom, "10 Ways AI Can Help You Find Your Elusive Ancestors."
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already helping to shape the future of genealogy. Learn how current and developing technology can help you find your elusive ancestors and share their stories.
How do I get a link to join the meeting? Members will receive an email invitation to register for the meeting about a week prior. Non-members, please send a request to register (must be received by January 23). Please see About Meetings for more information. Family History Capers - Current Issue
To read the current issue of Capers, first log in. Then, go to Washtenaw Research > Capers Archive > Current Issue: Volume 48 - Issue 1. Contents include Washtenaw County Rural Schools: Part 1, Lyndon Schools; Oral History Interviewing Tips: Floor Plans, Part 2; Washtenaw County Farm Bureau and Junior Farm Bureau Membership, 1944; Book Review of Buried Secrets; Hull and Van Buren marriage, 1908; and Theodore D. Ford Bible record. 2024-2025 Lectures and Classes
Click here for a flyer with information about our meetings and the meeting schedule through May 2025. Please download it and post it where it will do the most good.
Become a Member!
Membership in GSWC will give you full access to society collections by unlocking member-only indexes, databases, cemetery records, and archives. It will open up opportunities for you to meet like-minded people who will hear you. As a member you can help grow our surname database and receive messages from others with similar lines. As a member you can help us to maintain high quality programming and website content. You can help to ensure the continuation of our society and to shape its future.
Our work is done entirely by volunteers. We have projects you may be interested in, as listed on the Volunteer page. Whether your skill set lies in writing, editing, speaking, teaching, research, administration, marketing, cataloging, indexing, data entry, or field work (reading gravestones! photography!) you can find your special niche here. Or, try something new! Join us and experience the satisfaction of helping others.
Our Memberships and Social Media
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