HISTORY OF THE
EAST TEXAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
It all started early in 1977 when three area genealogists, Janice
Brown, Hughes Ratliff, and Ella Mae Swenson recognized the need to
gather and preserve genealogical material pertaining to the east
Texas area and make the information available to fellow researchers.
They decided a genealogical society would be the ideal way to
provide both the monetary and human resources that were needed for
such an undertaking. A society would also bring together people of
like interests for fellowship, information sharing, and training.
The society, representing Smith, Anderson, Gregg, Henderson,
Panola and Rusk counties, held its first meeting on April 16, 1977.
Within two years over two hundred researchers had joined the
society.
One of their primary goals was the establishment of a
genealogical reference center at the Tyler Public Library that would
be recognized as one of the best in east Texas. Through the hard
work and dedication of its many members, the society has more than
succeeded in accomplishing this goal. Over the past twenty-five
years, they have placed over 3,000 books, 1,500 rolls of microfilm,
200 plates of microfiche, and numerous maps in the library, at a
cost exceeding $60,000. Through a quarterly magazine exchange
program with other societies, research material from every state has
been provided to the library.
From the beginning the society has produced quality publications,
and in recent years it has been the recipient of awards from the
Texas State Genealogical Society. In 1995, the society's quarterly
publication, East Texas Family Records, edited by Martha Glover, won
first place in the Writing Awards Competition for the most
outstanding quarterly publication. Again in 2001, the quarterly,
co-edited by Martha Glover and June Everheart, won second place in
the state competition. Also in 2001, the monthly newsletter, The
Bulletin, edited by Pat Galloway, won second place in the Writing
Awards Competition.
ETGS has earned state-wide recognition as a leader in its field.
In 1996, 2001 and again in 2007, the society was selected to host
the Texas State Genealogical Society's annual state conference and
seminar that was held in Tyler.
The society has always emphasized the importance of continuing
education by providing training for beginner genealogists;
sponsoring seminars; conducting workshops; and presenting monthly
meetings centered around topics of general interest. Through the
years, these educational programs have helped genealogists improve
their research skills and become more knowledgeable about available
resources.
Jane Lewis, revised from earlier edition. |
