At our December Show & Tell, Sharon Galligan shared what sparked her interest in genealogy.  She got started because someone in her family had already done a lot a research and she received a beautiful pedigree chart in the mail.  Now this might not looks like a beautiful wall hanging to many but to a genealogist this radiates the dedication and enthusiam of someone that loved exploring their heritage.  It is also the inspiration for Sharon joining the research pool.  Looks like she has a wonderful heritage to pass along.

 

     The Grand Prairie Genealogical Society was formed in the fall of 1967 by several patrons of the Grand Prairie Memorial Library.    The first years formed a solid foundation for this organization now celebrating more than 45 years.  

           

     The “DAR Patriot Index” was the first book our organization gave to the library, who placed them in a barrister bookcase, for security.  By 1970 the collection of research materials had grown significantly and a proposal was made to the library that a separate section be established.  By 1971 GPGS had purchased a reader and 40 rolls of microfilm and various books for the library.  Over the years, the Genealogical Society and it’s members have compiled and published a number of books.  Donating research materials to the genealogical section continues to be a major focus for the Society.  Over the years, the Society and the library have worked together to expand local research facilities and materials.

     In addition to the materials provided to the library, the Grand Prairie Genealogical Society has sponsored a number of workshops.  The first workshop was “How to get started in Genealogy” held on Saturday, February 3, 1968.  A few in other years have included “Family Tree Climbing Can Be fun!” in 1977, A Civil War Workshop in 1988, “Organizing & Managing a Genealogical Project” in 1990, “Texas Our Texas” in 1997 and “A Day with Lloyd Bockstuck” in 2005.  We have also enjoyed countless informative programs by Librarians, Professional Genealogists, Authors and a wide variety of other speakers at our monthly meetings.  

     We manage to sneak fun in as well.  Besides all the talented speakers GPGS has benefited from our own members who have shared their time, treasures, personal research materials and stories.  The annual “Antless” Picnic held every July and the Christmas Potluck Celebration are always fun and a hit with the members.   "What I did on my summer vacation" or "What I accomplished in my genealogy research" are always interesting antidotes.

     As technology provides greater resources for research  the Grand Prairie Genealogical Society faces new challenges for resources and equipment and training. 

Cemetery CD Coming Soon

 

     The Cemetery committe fter a much needed rest is back working on producing the CD of the cemeteries they surveyed in the last 2 years.  We are looking forward to having that available for those that would like to have one.  They will be available for a donaiton on an as requested basis.  For our members who would like to see that informaiton now, check the Cemetery link after you have logged in.  Great research tool.

 

     Besides all the gravesides with pictures, you can find a history of each cemetery and pictures and directions within the city.