Western Michigan Genealogical Society-Follow Friday

Author: Brenda Leyndyke / Labels: ,

I started my research into Kirk's family in the Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan area.  One of the first places I looked was the Western Michigan Genealogical Society (WMGS) website.  I was amazed.  It was, and still is, one of the best society website's I have found.  I have spent hours looking at their database section. 

WMGS has basic society information such as membership, meetings, newsletter, and publications.  The publications can be purchased from their website.  In addition, the website has resource pages that includes research assistance, databases, biographies, and internet links.

If you have Western Michigan ancestors, especially Grand Rapids and Kent County ones, then you must check the database section out.  The majority of the databases are free, with a few requiring payment.  The free databases are:

  • WMGS Manuscripts
  • Member's Genealogy
  • Black Monument Company Records
  • Michigan Census
  • Kent County Deaths
  • Kent County Marriages
  • Chapman's History of Kent County
  • Goss's History of Grand Rapids and Its' Industries (1906)
  • Index from Periodicals compiled by Maud Quigley
  • Surnames and Queries
  • WMGS Website Links
The paid portion includes:
  • Newspapers
  • School Census Records
  • WWI Veteran's Census
  • Farm Bureau News
  • Latzek Funeral Home Records
With over 2 million records in their database you will be sure to find helpful information here.  I know I did.

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