North Carolina Genealogical Society

The North Carolina Genealogical Society was established in 1974 to raise the standards of genealogical research; to encourage and instruct members in the area of genealogical research; to acquaint members with sources of genealogical material; to serve those interested in genealogy through its publications and workshops; and to promote the collection, preservation, and utilization of manuscripts, documents, and other material of genealogical or historical value. The society is served by an elected president, first vice president, second vice president, secretary, treasurer, a past president, and six directors representing all sections of the state. The society issues a quarterly journal and a quarterly newsletter, holds at least two workshops each year, and has various genealogical publications for sale. Its 2,200 members reside all over the United States and in several foreign countries.

In 1973 the North Carolina Literary and Historical Association appointed an exploratory committee to determine the feasibility of creating a genealogical section within that organization. In November of that year, a group of interested parties voted instead to form an independent genealogical society; a steering committee was appointed with Adm. A. M. Patterson serving as chairman.

The formal organization of the society occurred on 22 June 1974 in Raleigh after articles of incorporation and bylaws had been established by the steering committee earlier that year. Charles R. Holloman was elected the first president of the North Carolina Genealogical Society. In late 1974 a publications committee was authorized to plan for a quarterly journal of the society. Guidelines were adopted and the first journal, edited by George Stevenson (alias Haywood Roebuck), was issued in early 1975. In 1987 the society hosted the annual National Genealogical Society Conference in Raleigh. Over the years, the board of directors of the society has met at locations all over North Carolina in an attempt to involve members in its work. An annual meeting is held in Raleigh in late October each year consisting of a workshop featuring noted genealogical speakers and a society business meeting.