Essex Society of Genealogists

05/20/2026

Do you have ancestors from Salem, MA? Do you have a "witch" in your lineage?

05/15/2026

Did you know in late September 2025 we celebrated our 50 th Anniversary?!

Several members spoke about the beginning of ESOG, our President, Diane Shields, spoke about the present, and the audience led us into the future.

In the past year our vice president, Barbara Beake, provided many interesting speakers. We began with David Dearborn speaking on the history of ESOG. We examined historical records of the
Revolutionary War with Michael Strauss and learned about full text search on Family Search with Dawn Carlile. We had our Show & tell in January, followed by researching French-Canadian Ancestors with Margaret R. Fortier in Feb. In March, Linda B. MacIver educated us on her Top Six Genealogy Resources and then Denise E. Cross talked about finding your Seafaring Ancestors in April. And just last weekend Annette Burke Lyttle helped us in writing our family stories.

Join as a member today to get access to these past lectures and to be able to attend future lectures LIVE.

05/11/2026

I just listened to this incredible Youtube video. If you are interested in how the Salem witchcraft influenced the revolution you will really like it. The time between the hangings and the Revolutionary war was about the same time for us between WW2 and now. Of course, WW2 influenced my life. Why wouldn't the Salem hangings influence the beginnings of the Revolutionary war in Boston and Essex County?
Go to
The American Revolution and Salem Witch Trials Families with Dan Gagnon

05/08/2026

Massachusetts vital records are at risk! MGC is urging genealogists, researchers, and anyone who cares about access to historical records to take action on an important legislative development.

Governor Maura Healey’s supplemental budget proposal (H.5377) contains language in Section 43 that could significantly affect access to Massachusetts vital records. While MGC supports removing the outdated term “out-of-wedlock” from Massachusetts statutes, the proposed language in Section 43 goes further than intended and could create confusion and restrict access to records that researchers rely on.

MGC is asking that Section 43 be amended to a simple, targeted fix that removes only the offensive language without disrupting existing records access law.

What You Can Do:
Contact your Massachusetts state representative, state senator, and the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means. Ask them to support the MGC’s proposed amendment to Section 43 and to approve Sections 44 and 45 as submitted.

Not a Massachusetts resident? You can still contact the Committee Chairs directly and share why access to Massachusetts vital records matters to your research.

To find your legislators, visit the MA Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

The leaders of the Committees on Ways and Means are:

• House Chair: Aaron Michlewitz (Aaron.M.Michlewitz@mahouse.gov, phone: 617-722-2990, fax: 617-570-6575)

• Senate Chair: Michael J. Rodrigues (Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov, phone: 722-1114, fax: 617-722-1498)

• Senate Vice Chair: Joanne M. “Jo” Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov, phone: 617-722-1532)

For the full background on our concerns and the specific language MGC supports, visit our blog: https://www.massgencouncil.org/post/act-now-gov-healey-s-supplemental-budget-contains-both-good-and-very-bad-news-for-genealogists

Please share this post widely with your genealogical networks, societies, and colleagues. Time is of the essence!

05/08/2026

Turn Your Facts into Stories You Can Share with Barbara Vines Lyttle, CG

You’ve uncovered lots of wonderful facts about your ancestors and you want to share them with your family, but pedigree charts put them to sleep. You need to turn those facts into stories. Does the idea of trying to tell the stories of your ancestors seem like too big a job? Two simple principles can get you started writing your family stories: look at what the facts imply and “take small bites.” This presentation will introduce a four-step process for putting those principles into action, allowing you to share your family stories with ease.

Join us Saturday May 9th at 12:45 PM EDT for a wonderful presentation and member meeting. See your email for instructions to join.

Not yet a member? Join here

Join the Essex Society of Genealogists to access exclusive research, publications, and educational events. Become a member today to explore your Essex heritage.

11/11/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ACHebxQez/

It sounds like a great time to visit the library!

Explore Family History

08/15/2025

Our 50th Anniversary luncheon deadline is quickly approaching. Don't miss out. Sign up today at esog.org under 50th.

Your Essex County Family History Starts here Learn More

06/12/2025

01/10/2025

www.massgencouncil.org/m-o-r-e presents

Sybil J. Gilchrist​

Camarades of War I

Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET via Zoom

This presentation is FREE, but registration is required.

MGC's Open Records and Education program looks into today's genealogy. M:O.R.E. provides education and discussion on today's genealogy topics.

09/25/2024

I encourage everyone to check out essexheritage.org to discover information on the 34 cities and towns and all the rich cultural programs available in Essex County, Massachusetts. This site also features an events page for Rev 250 programs!

09/25/2024

Massachusetts Genealogical Council is offering an evening with Jenifer Kahn Bakkala who will speak on Writing a Compelling Family History. It will take place on Monday, September 30, at 7:00 PM ET via Zoom. This is a free presentation, but registration is required. Find further information at

Since 1980, the Massachusetts Genealogical Council (MGC) has served as the umbrella organization for Massachusetts genealogists, historical societies, and individuals concerned about records preservation and free and unfettered access to civil records.