First, I need to disclose that I am a charter member and current
Secretary of the Michigan Germanic Genealogical Society (MIGGS). I feel
strongly enough about this organization that I want to spotlight it.
Michigan is filled with those who descend from German immigrants,
I am one. Have you ever been to Frankenmuth Michigan, a German town that
adheres to its German heritage today? Visitors to Michigan will see German
influence throughout the state.
History of MIGGS
It was in the Spring of 2018 when a group of people met to discuss
forming a new German Genealogy Group. Would it be a Special Interest Group or a
Genealogical Society? It was decided to become a society and it would be called
Michigan Germanic Genealogical Society (MIGGS)
The society was in its infancy when COVID hit. MIGGS wasn't unique
to the challenges a pandemic caused genealogical societies, but it had barely
gotten going and bam, we are shut down and needing to pivot to online meetings.
The society suffered from this, and it was in the Spring of 2022
that the President, Ed Redmer, sent an email for help. He was looking for
volunteers to help breathe new life into the society. He got help in the form
of six people who were interested in keeping MIGGS going.
Throughout the Spring and Summer meetings were held. A lot has
been done in this brief period. A Board of Directors was formed with new
officers. MIGGS is looking for a Vice President who would oversee program
planning. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please let
MIGGS President, Paul Roltsch, know at info@miggs.org. All meetings are virtual,
and you don't have to be in Michigan to volunteer.
Currently, MIGGS is updating bylaws, creating policy and
procedures, recruiting members, and filing for 501c3 status. MIGGS has created
a brochure, updated the website, created a Facebook page, and more.
What is MIGGS?
So, what is MIGGS? MIGGS is a genealogical society that explores
Michigan's Germanic family history heritage. Four free and open to the public
meetings will be held with hopes of expanding it to six in the future. Events
for September and November have been planned and can be seen at https://miggs.org/
While on the website look at other areas of the website. Learn
about the board members, membership, resources and more. Check back often as
more is added.
Benefits of Membership in MIGGS
There are great benefits to membership, and we would love to have
you join us. A membership form is available at https://miggs.org/join-us/ The
benefits include:
Four informative meetings with Germanic
genealogical interest
Quarterly newsletter with information and updates
Notices by postcard or e‐mail of program
meetings
Free 30-minute consultation with a skilled
German researcher
Information on workshops and seminars of
Germanic interest
Speakers and presentations virtually presented with Zoom
Networking opportunity with others who are doing similar research
Notifications of events that explore the rich Germanic heritage in
Michigan
MIGGS will continue to grow and provide Germanic family history resources and help. I hope you will join us.
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