Welcome to the Northwest Suburban Genealogy Society

Already interested enough to attend an event? Stay connected and make the most of everything NWSGS offers.

We’re glad you found us. If you signed up for one of our events, you already know how rewarding family history can be. NWSGS is a welcoming genealogy community where you can learn, connect, and grow your research skills.

Whether you are just getting started or have years of experience, we invite you to take the next step with us.

Start Here  |  Membership Options  |  Monthly Meetings  |  SIG Groups  |  AI Resources  |  Members Only

Start Here

This page is designed to help you choose the best way to stay connected with NWSGS.

If you are exploring: start with a free Guest Membership.

If you want full access and more value: choose a Paid Membership.

If you want to see what we offer: explore our monthly meetings, Special Interest Groups, and AI resources.

Featured Starting Point

Join NWSGS

The best next step is to create your NWSGS membership account. A free Guest Membership keeps you informed about upcoming events and society activity. A Paid Membership gives you earlier registration, members-only access, archived handouts, and video recordings where available.

Best for: anyone who wants to stay connected and get more from NWSGS.

Open Membership Registration

Membership Options

Joining NWSGS is easy, and there is a path for everyone.

Paid Membership

Best for researchers who want fuller access, stronger value, and more opportunities to learn.

  • Register earlier for monthly meetings and events
  • Access our Members Only section on the website
  • View back copies of monthly meeting handouts
  • Watch video recordings of monthly meetings when presenter permission allows
  • Watch video recordings of SIG meetings
  • Get more value from every program you attend

Best for: active researchers who want the full NWSGS experience.

Paid members may register for events up to 30 days in advance.

Become a Paid Member

Free Guest Membership

A great way to stay connected if you are just getting to know us.

  • Receive notices about upcoming meetings and society activities
  • Learn more about our programs and community
  • Register for eligible events during the guest registration window
  • Stay informed while deciding whether NWSGS is right for you

Best for: visitors who want to stay informed and explore before joining as a paid member.

Guest members may register for events within the 15-day guest registration window.

Sign Up for a Free Guest Membership

Monthly Meetings

NWSGS offers monthly meetings designed to inform, inspire, and support your genealogy journey. Our speakers cover a wide range of topics that can help you improve your research, organize your findings, and tell your family stories more effectively.

Best for: members and guests who want live genealogy education and fresh ideas.

View Upcoming Monthly Meetings

Special Interest Groups

Our Special Interest Groups, or SIGs, give members a chance to explore topics in greater depth and connect with others who share similar interests. NWSGS currently offers groups focused on Artificial Intelligence, Irish research, RootsMagic, and Roundtable discussion.

Best for: members who want deeper discussion and more focused learning between monthly meetings.

See the SIG Calendar and Meeting Information

AI Resources and the AI SIG

One of the most exciting parts of NWSGS is our growing focus on artificial intelligence and how it can support genealogy research. Our AI Resource Center and AI Special Interest Group help members explore practical ways to use AI for research, writing, organization, transcription, analysis, and problem-solving.

Best for: researchers who want practical help using new tools in genealogy.

Visit the AI Resource Center  |  Learn About the AI SIG

Members Only Resources

A paid membership continues to deliver value long after a meeting ends. Paid members can return to helpful resources again and again, including archived monthly meeting handouts, video recordings of monthly meetings where allowed, and video recordings of SIG meetings.

Best for: members who want lasting value beyond the live event.

Why People Join NWSGS

NWSGS is more than a meeting link. It is a place to build your skills, discover new resources, and connect with others who care about family history.

  • Monthly programs with knowledgeable speakers on genealogy methods, records, writing, and research strategies
  • Special Interest Groups for deeper learning and shared interests
  • A friendly community of people who enjoy helping one another
  • Ongoing opportunities to learn from both live events and archived resources
  • Support for both beginners and experienced researchers

Learn More About NWSGS

Which Membership Is Right for You?

Feature Paid Membership Free Guest Membership
Stay connected to NWSGS Yes Yes
Receive notices about upcoming events Yes Yes
Monthly meeting registration access Up to 30 days ahead 15-day guest window
Access to Members Only section Yes No
Archive of monthly meeting handouts Yes No
Monthly meeting recordings where allowed Yes No
SIG meeting video recordings Yes No
Best choice for active researchers Best value Good first step

Don’t Let This Be Your Only Visit

You already took the first step by signing up for an event. Now make sure you stay connected.

Start with a free Guest Membership if you are exploring. Choose a Paid Membership if you want earlier registration, richer resources, and access to our Members Only content.

We would love to welcome you into the NWSGS community.

Join NWSGS  |  Upcoming Monthly Meetings  |  SIG Groups  |  AI Resource Center  |  About NWSGS