Brown County Genealogical Society

Specific Need

General operating funds. 

Mission

The objectives of this dedicated group are to promote an interest in the hobby of genealogy in Brown County and assist members in genealogical research, to locate, preserve and index genealogical records available to the public.

Profile

Genealogy is the preservation of family history. People have been doing genealogy for years. It is the fastest growing hobby in the United States. Today genealogy is frequently an assignment in schools. People are becoming interested in researching their family history, but they just are not sure how to start.

            The Brown County Genealogical Society was chartered in June 1997 by first president and founder Lyle Hinz. The first board members were: Lyle Hinz, President; Marla Hathhorn, Vice-President; Nancy Prawl, Secretary; Sharilyn Gilbert, Treasurer; and Sandy Carter, newsletter editor. There were 52 charter members; with over 100 members to date.

The society started out in the Brown County Historical Society Museum with a few books and no space. Meetings were held in the public library. The society moved into its own research library in a building on the courthouse square in 1999. It has gradually increased its collection of research materials; and now both floors are brimming with materials.

            The Brown County Genealogical Society is supported by donations, membership dues and book sales. It receives no State, County or City tax moneys.

            A monthly meeting with a guest speaker is held on the 3^rd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the research library, 116 S. 7^th St., Hiawatha. The public is invited to attend.