Brown County Genealogical Society

Goal: $10,000.00

Specific Need

We are needing a more robust website that will allow us to reach out to more people.

Electrical upgrades needed

New refrigerator (ours went out)

AC added to our present furnace.

Mission

Preserving the past for future generations.

Profile

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION:

What is Genealogy?

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.  This is where we come in.  If you are interrested in finding your family history, we are here to get you started with forms to organize your family information, help in digital research and more.  Please feel free to contact us or come visit us at the Society Library.  Please refer to our website (link found on the right side of this page) for our library hours.

HISTORY OF OUR SOCIETY            

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 always welcome.

MATCH DAY FUNDS:

We are fortunate to have joined the Hiawatha Community Foundaton, Give Back to Move Forward in 2021.  We have purchased a copier, heavy duty bookcases, upgraded our computers, and we hope to make improvements to our lighting and other building maintence in the future.  

Without the continued support of our donors, we could not continue to operate and help the public with their genealogy needs.