This section lists the societies of North Carolina, giving details about each one and what resources and publications they offer.
Statewide and Regional Societies
County Societies
Statewide and Regional Societies
North Carolina Genealogical Society
The association was founded in 1975.
The aims of the Society are to encourage and promote research, help people to exchange genealogical information and to promote the collection, preservation and utilisation of manuscripts, documents and other materials with genealogical and historical value.
Links to other Societies, Archives and Libraries you may find of use are also accessible on their website.
Many books and publications you may find helpful are sold by the society, which include:
- Abstracts of Letters of Resignation of Militia Officers 1779-1840
- Abstracts of Vital Records from Raleigh Newspapers 1799-1839
- Back Issues of their Journal
- Bibles
- Divorces and Separations from Petitions to the General Assembly 1779-1837
- Formation of the Counties 1663-1943
- From Ulster to the Carolinas: Finding your Scots-Irish Ancestors: A Lecture Series by David Rencher
- Headrights: A List of Names 1663-1744
- Helen F. M. Leary Lecture Series
- J Mark Lowe Lecture Series
Links to websites you may find of use, which include Libraries, Archives and other websites with a specific interest in the state, are also available.
Website:
https://www.ncgenealogy.org/
County and Other Societies
Broad River Genealogical Society
Some databases are on the site, which include An Index of Obituaries and An Index of Land Grants in Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Rutherford and Tryon Counties.
For a fee, the association is willing to make copies of these Obituaries and Land Grants for you if you send them the necessary information.
Many resources are accessible at their library, including:
- Bulletins from other associations and groups
- Family Folders
- Maps
- Photographs
- Postcards
- Russell McIntyre Collection
- Subject Folders
- Virginia Greene DePriest Collection
They also have an extensive Book Collection, which provides information about the following:
- Cemeteries
- Court Records
- Death
- Marriages
- Soldiers
- Voters
- Wars
Many publications are available for sale, which incorporate:
- Cemetery Records
- Census Returns
- Church Registers
- Cleveland Co. Delayed Birth Certificates
- Cleveland Co. Land Grants
- Court Records for Cleveland, Tryon, Rutherford and Henderson Counties
- Death Certificates 1913-1919 and 1916-1922
- Gaston Co. Death Index
- Genealogies
- Marriages for Cleveland and Lincoln Counties
- Obituaries
The society also publishes a quarterly Newsletter entitled Eswau Huppeday and a Table of Contents is on the site which covers 2000-2003.
Website:
http://broadrivergen.org/
Burke County Genealogical Society
Numerous publications are available for sale, including:
- 1880 and 1900 Federal Census Returns
- Cemeteries
- Death Certificates 1911-1924
- Deed Book 1866-1869
- Deeds Registered 1804-1813
- Index to Burke County Journal 1982-1998
- Marriage Registers Index 1867-1908
- Treasury Book of J. L. Laxton 1875-1878
Website:
http://www.ncgenweb.us/burke/burkegs.htm
Carrabus Genealogy Society
Many publications are available for sale, which include:
- Cemeteries
- Census Returns
- Court Record Books
- Family Histories
- History Books
- Military Books
- Tax Assessment Records
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~nccgs/
Catawba County Genealogical Society
The society was established in 1986 in order to assist genealogists researching the history of German and Scot-Irish pioneers settling in North Carolina in the 1700s.
Many publications are available for sale, which include:
- 1840/1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880 Census Returns
- Back Issues of Catawba Cousins, their Journal
- Catawba Co. Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions 1843-1855
- Catawba Co. Heritage
- Cemeteries
- Death Certificate Abstracts 1915
- Marriages
- Probates 1843-1885
Website:
http://www.ncgenweb.us/catawba/ccgsmain.htm
Cumberland County Genealogical Society
The association was founded in 1984.
Numerous publications are available for sale, which include:
- 100 Years of Caring: The History of Highsmith Hospital School of Nursing
- Bastards, Bound Children and Guardians: Cumberland County 1791-1818
- Bastards, Guardians and Other Genealogical Abstracts 1819-1822
- Bible Records
- Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions 1823-1825
- Cumberland Co. Cemetery Surveys
- Deaths of Soldiers from the Fayetteville Observer 1861-1864
Publications sold by the Society also incorporate:
- Guardian Angels: Kellen Family History
- Gilchrist’s History
- Johnson-Lee Families, South of the Neuse
- Marriages and Death Notices abstracted from the Fayetteville Observer 1851-1865
- Marriages and Death Notices in the Weekly Standard 1859-1864
- Minutes of the Session of the Big Rockfish Presbyterian Church 1869-1955
- Slaves, Deaths and Relationships from Deed Books 53-55
- Harnett Co.: Will Book I Abstracts with Biographical Notes
Website:
http://www.ncgenweb.us/cumberland/society.htm
Durham-Orange Genealogical Society
The association was formed in 1989. It is dedicated to the preservation of Genealogy in Durham and Orange Counties. A link to a site listing Cemeteries in North Carolina is available, and this includes Durham and Orange Counties.
The society publishes a quarterly Journal called The Trading Path and a Table of Contents covering issues published from 1990-2011 is available. It is also possible to download PDF Versions of their newsletter from 2008-2012.
A list of surnames currently being researched by Members is also available.
Website:
https://dogsnc.org/
Forsyth County Genealogical Society
The association was established in 1982, its aims being to preserve local history and to assist genealogists with their research.
Information about the various towns is available, along with a link to a list of Cemeteries in the region.
Many publications are available for sale, including:
- Back Issues of their Journal
- Cemetery Records
- Census Returns for Davie, Forsyth and Stokes Counties
- Cohabitation and Marriage Bonds 1849-1868
- Death Notices from the People’s Press for Salem, NC 1851-1892
- Marriage Licences 1868-1889
- Wills 1849-1917
Links to other sites you may find useful are also accessible.
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~ncfcgs/
Gaston Lincoln Genealogical Society
The association was organised in 1987, its aims being to preserve records relating to the area and to disseminate historical and genealogical information. It is possible to peruse an Index of Bondspersons from the book Marriage Bonds of Tryon and Lincoln Counties on the site.
Many publications are sold by the society, which include:
- Alexander Co. Marriages
- Back Issues of their bulletin Footprints in Time
- Census Returns
- Edgewood Cemetery in Lowell
- Gaston Co. Marriages 1889-1901 and Deaths 1911-1915
- Hollywood Cemetery in Gastonia
A Table of Contents for the Journal from 1980s-2010 is on the site.
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~ncglgs/Index.htm
Granville County Genealogical Society
The association was organised in 1994, and has a specific interest in the persons and activities in the area. Its aims are to encourage and promote interest in genealogical research and to promote the collection of documents, family records and other genealogical materials.
A link to a list of Cemeteries in the region is on the site.
Website:
http://www.gcgs.org
Greene County Arts and Historical Society
Many resources are available in their Research Room, which incorporate:
- 1923 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map for Snow Hill
- Census Returns
- Church Histories
- Family Histories
- Greene Co. Ledger
- Maps
- Photos
- Real Estate Records
- Standard Laconic Newspaper
Numerous publications are available for sale, including those relating to Dobbs Co.:
- 1780 Tax Lists
- Bibles
- Crown Patents 1759-1775
- Entries and Warrants 1741-1757
Publications available for sale also incorporate:
- Entries of Claims for Land within the Counties of Dobbs, Glasgow, Lenoir and Wayne
- Genealogical Abstracts of Greene Co. Deeds 1776-1860
- Greene Co. 1800, 1820-1860 Census Returns and 1816 Tax List
- Greene Co. Cemetery Inscriptions 1750-1970
- Greene Co. Estate Records 1839-1845
- Lenoir Co. 1844 Tax List
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~ncgcgrr/
Guilford County Genealogical Society
A list of research facilities is accessible, which include Greensboro Public Library, High Point Public Library Heritage and Research Centre, LDS Family History Centre in Greensboro and Jamestown Public Library.
Numerous publications are available for sale, which incorporate:
- Abstracts of Marriage Bonds and Additional Data 1841-1868
- Apprentice Bonds and Papers 1817-1870
- Cemeteries
- Census Returns
- Contents of The Guilford Genealogist 1974-2000
- Court Minutes
- Family Burying Grounds and Abandoned Church Cemeteries
- Guilford Co. 1908 Miller Map
- The Wharton, Donnell, Shoffner Connection 1780-1983: Alamance and Guilford Counties
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~ncgcgs/
Henderson County Genealogical and Historical Society
The association was established in 1983. Its aim is to promote and encourage research into the County by collecting, preserving and publishing its history.
They also have an Endowment Fund administered by the Community Foundation of Henderson Co. The Foundation will keep the principal of the fund whilst the income will be distributed to the society.
Many resources can be accessed in their Research Library, including:
- Adoptions 1921-1964
- Bible Records
- Census Returns 1840-1930
- Church Histories
- Court Minutes 1839-1868
- Deeds 1838-1987
- Early Newspapers
- Estate Records 1899-1964
- Genealogies
- Maps
- Marriages 1851-1915
- Photographs
In addition, Cemetery, Marriage and Land Records for surrounding counties in North Carolina and South Carolina are also accessible.
A quarterly Journal is published by the association and includes:
- Articles relating to Genealogy
- Bible and Family Records
- Cemetery Surveys
- Record Transcriptions
- Military Records
Numerous other publications are available for sale, which include:
- Births 1914-1942
- Deaths 1914-1956
- Henderson Co. Cemeteries
- Henderson Co. Heritage
- Minutes of the Henderson Co. Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions 1839-1848
- World War I Draft Registrations
Website:
http://www.hcghs.com
Madison County Genealogical Society
Many resources can be accessed in their Library, which incorporate:
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Census Returns
- Early Illinois Land Documents
- Edwardsville Newspapers from 1800
- Family Histories
- Illinois Marriages
- Marriages to 1882
- Obituaries Index
An on-line catalogue of resources is also accessible.
Indexes of some Madison Co. Cemeteries have been published by the society and a list of these is available on the site, both Alphabetical and in published Volume Order.
Numerous publications are available for sale, including:
- 1820 and 1880 Federal Census Returns
- 1892 Rural Landowners
- Cemetery Books
- Court Documents 1813-1821
- Index of Biographical Sketches
- Marriages 1813-1865
- Naturalisations and Intentions
Back Issues of their Newsletter The Stalker are also available and contain Bible Records and Family Records. A Table of Contents from 2005 to present is also available.
It is also possible to purchase some publications directly from MCGS Members. These include:
- 1845 and 1885 State Census Returns
- Birth Record Index 1850-1879
- Marriage Record Index 1813-1850
- Naturalisations and Intentions 1852-1900
Please note these all relate to Madison County. Other publications available for sale include:
- 117th Illinois Infantry Volunteers 1862-1865
- A History of Brunswick: Life in a German Duchy from Roman Times through 1900
- A Social History of Hesse
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~ilmadcgs/
Moore County Historical Association
The Association was established in 1946 with the purpose of purchasing and then saving Shaw House from destruction.
Many archives relating to genealogy can be accessed at the Shaw House, which include Manuscripts, over 6000 Photographs, Documents and News Clippings.
Website:
http://www.moorehistory.com
Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society
The Society was established in 1980. Their aim is to promote and encourage the study of genealogy through workshops, publications and research support.
They have close links to the First Families of Old Buncombe Committee, and their aims are to honour the founding families of the Western North Carolina area, to identify the descendants of those families and to promote research into the genealogical, cultural and social history of the area.
Many volumes are accessible for in-house research, including:
- Abstracts of Land Entries
- Abstracts of Land Warrants
- Census Returns
- Deeds Abstracts
- Diaries
- Divorce Documents
- Genealogies
Volumes also include:
- Newspaper Extracts
- Periodicals and Journals
- Probate
- Tax Lists
- Vintage Irish County Maps
- Vital Records
- Will Abstracts
These do not only relate to Buncombe County, but to the State of North Carolina, Countrywide and further afield.
Numerous databases are accessible, incorporating:
- Buncombe Court Minutes
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Family Bibles
- Marriages from Buncombe, Rowan and Madison Counties
- Revolutionary War Pensions
- Testaments
Publications available for sale appertaining to the area include:
- Bastardy Bonds
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Census Returns
- Church Registers
- Court Documents
- Deaths
- Funeral Home Books
- Marriages
- Voter Registrations
- Wills
Publications available for sale relating to Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Swain, Transylvania, Gaston, Cherokee, Old Tryon, Rutherford and Rowan Counties include:
- Births
- Census Returns
- Church Registers
- Deaths
- Estate Papers
- Obituaries
- Voters Lists
- Weddings
In addition, volumes appertaining to Genealogy, Western NC’s Revolutionary War Soldiers and other General Historical Resources can be purchased from the society. Back Issues of their publication A Lot of Bunkum are also available.
A list of surnames currently being researched by Society Members is also accessible.
Website:
http://www.obcgs.com
Old Tryon County Genealogical Society
Many resources relating to Rutherford, Polk and Cleveland Counties can be accessed, incorporating:
- Birth and Death Certificates
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Census Returns
- Civil War
- Colonial and State Affairs
- Court Proceedings
- Funeral Home Registers
- Marriage Bonds
- Wills and Deeds
Resources appertaining to other Counties can also be accessed.
Numerous publications are sold by the organisation, including:
- Census Returns for Rutherford and Cleveland Counties
- Henderson Co. Marriages 1851-1898
- Polk Co. Marriage Bonds 1847-1868
- Rutherford Co. 1790 Census and Tax List
- Tryon Co. Land Grant Surveys 1768-1784 Index
Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society
The association was established in 1981. Many resources are accessible in their Library, which include Family Books and Charlotte/Mecklenburg Books.
Books relating to other counties can be accessed, including:
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Censuses
- Court Minutes
- Deeds
- Marriage and Death Notices
- Marriage Bonds
- Marriages
- Will Abstracts
Books relating to North Carolina are also hold by the organisation, which include:
- Abstracts of Land Patents
- Colonial Records
- Early Records of NC: Probates, Administrations, Inventories, Deeds, Wills
- Marriage and Death Notices from Raleigh Newspapers
- State Censuses 1784-1787
- Wills
In addition, resources held include:
- Ancestor Chart Files
- Family Files
- Quarterly Journals and Magazines
- Rosters of Revolutionary and Confederate Soldiers
An online index to articles published in the MGS Quarterly publication is on the site. These articles include:
- Bible Records
- Church Histories
- Deaths
- Deeds
- Genealogies
- Marriages
- Research done by Members
- Taxpayers List
- Wills
Website:
https://oldemeck.org/
Pitt County Family Researchers
The society is a non-profit making association and was established in November 1994.
Their aim is to promote and encourage genealogical research in Pitt and its surrounding areas.
Their library is situated in Sheppard Memorial Library, which is located in downtown Greenville, North Carolina.
Some databases are accessible on their site, which include the Butcher Collection: Works of Genealogist Jonathan Butcher.
- Beaufort Co. Tax List 1755
- Bethany Free Will Baptist Church Annual Report published in 1980 (Abstract)
- Briery Swamp Primitive Baptist Church Minutes 1827-1829 (Abstracts)
- Cohabitation Records 1866(Early Black Marriages)
- Death Certificate Index 1913-1961
- Deeds
- Family Files
Databases also incorporate:
- Galloway Primitive Baptist Church Minutes
- Land Records
- Pitt Co. Census Returns 1790-1830 and 1850 (Transcriptions)
- Pitt Co. Marriage Bonds pre 1858
- Pitt Co. Marriage Register 1851-1867(Both White and Black Marriages)
- Pitt Co. Tax Lists 1762 and 1763
- Red Banks Primitive Baptist Marriages and Deaths 1792-1860
- Red Banks Primitive Baptist Minutes 1830-1851 (Abstract)
In addition, databases include:
- Red Oak Christian Church 100th Anniversary Celebration 1871-1971 Celebration Booklet
- Rountree Church Records 1850-1892 (Abstracts)
- St Paul’s Episcopal Church Funerals (Transcription)
- Salem Church Registers 1876-1887
- Wills before 1858
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~ncpcfr/
Surry County Genealogical Association
Many resources are available in their Research Room, including:
- Census Returns
- Genealogies
- Local and National Newsletters
- Maps
- State and Local Documents
The association publishes a quarterly Journal and a Table of Contents from 1981-2005 is on the site. It is also possible to purchase Back Issues of the publication.
Publications available for sale include:
- A History of Surry Co. Churches which includes an index of over 10000 names
- Heritage of Surry Co. Volumes 1 and 2
- Images of America
A list of Books sold by other people is also accessible, and these include:
- 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860 and 1880 Census Returns
- 1862 Tax List
- 1870 Population Schedule
- Abstracts of Births, Marriages and Deaths from Mount Airy Newspapers 1872-1895
- Deeds 1795-1803
- Kallam Cemetery Books
Books sold by other people also incorporate:
- Overseer of Roads 1807-1833
- Pleas and Quarter Sessions 1790-1795
- Volunteer Revolutionary War Soldiers
- Voter Registration Book 1902-1908
- Weddings 1779-1968
- Wills 1771-1827
- Wills 1827-1853
- Wills 1853-1901
Books by SCGA Members are also available for sale, which include:
- Beaufort Orphans 1808-1837
- Cabarrus Co. Court Minutes
- Deaths
- Marriages
- North Carolina Bastardy Bonds
- North Carolina Naturalisation Index
- Transcriptions of Census Returns
- Tax Lists
- Voter Registrations
Website:
http://surrygenealogy.wordpress.com
Wake County Genealogical Society
It is possible to download some Back Issues of their Journal Wake Treasures on the site, as well as some Back Issues of the WCGS Newsletter.
Numerous publications are available for sale, which include:
- Apprentice Bonds 1770-1860 and 1872-1903
- Back Issues of their Journal Wake Treasures
- Divorce Records 1831-1952 Surnames A-M
A list of surnames currently being researched by members is also available.
Website:
https://wakecogen.org/