The Alberta Genealogical Society (AGS) is a Canadian non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting interest and research in genealogy within the province of Alberta. Established in 1970 and officially formed as a society in 1973, AGS serves as a provincial association facilitating the exchange of genealogical ideas and information among its members and the general public[1][3][4].

Mission and Objectives

AGS's primary mission is to foster enthusiasm for genealogy and genealogical research by providing educational opportunities, publishing scholarly materials, and maintaining genealogical resources related to Alberta. The society aims to support genealogists at various research levels through workshops, seminars, and conferences featuring expert speakers[1][4].

Activities and Publications

The society publishes Relatively Speaking, a quarterly magazine and newsletter that offers scholarly articles, member stories, and research updates. AGS also organizes educational programs and events, including day-long workshops, seminars, and biennial provincial conferences. These activities provide genealogical education and community engagement opportunities for members and the broader public interested in family history[1][2][4].

Resources and Research Support

AGS maintains extensive genealogical resources to aid research, including the Alberta Records Name Index (ARNI), community newspapers databases, and indexes of land patents and homestead applications in Alberta from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The society’s branches contribute to collecting, indexing, and preserving genealogical materials related to Alberta’s history. These resources are accessible to members and the public, often through the society’s website and local branches[1][2][4].

Organizational Structure and Membership

The society is governed by a board of directors, with Lynne Duigou serving as board president as of the latest information. It comprises ten branches operating throughout Alberta, each providing local support, meetings, and educational events. AGS relies heavily on volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to maintain and expand genealogical resources. Membership benefits include access to society publications, events, and research assistance[1][4].

Historical Background

Founded by Charles Douglas Denney in 1970, the Alberta Genealogical Society has grown to become one of Canada’s largest genealogical societies. Its archival holdings include unique indexes such as the Index to the Registration of Births, Marriages and Deaths, 1870-1905, which is also available at the Provincial Archives of Alberta. AGS’s resources have been utilized not only by Albertan researchers but also by genealogists researching regional histories, including those in neighboring regions like the Pacific Northwest in the United States[1].

The Alberta Genealogical Society continues to be a vital organization fostering genealogical education, research, and preservation within Alberta through its dedicated volunteers, educational programming, and rich archival resources.