Wake County Genealogical Society, North Carolina
WELCOME to the Wake County Genealogical Society Website!
 
FUTURE EVENTS: Check the right panel on this page or visit our Events page.
 
WCGS NEWSLETTER: Visit our Wake Gen Watch Newsletter page.
Visit the new Cumulative Newsletter Index 2017-2026. It is searchable and linked for your convenience. Both are free to all.

Wake Genealogy Watch - Spring 2026 issue

 
The Spring 2026 issue (Vol. 9, Issue 3) of the Wake Genealogy Watch newsletter is now available online for reading or download. Visit the WCGS website or click here: Wake Genealogy Watch, Spring 2026.
This issue includes:
  • News of upcoming in-person Meet-ups
  • Barbara McGeachy helps you discover and access that family history book you need that is half a continent away using Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
  • A feature about the WCGS Publications available through Lulu.com
  • A summary of Saudra Russ Cropps’ presentation to the AAHGS-Triangle Chapter on Jesse Harris, a Black Revolutionary Patriot, including links to the presentation files
  • Highlights of the presentations from RootsTech2026
  • Cynthia Gage shares the process of finding records at NARA that may well enrich your WW2 Ancestors service record. There is information available that was not destroyed in a 1973 fire.
  • A timely feature on an online collection of NC Rev War Widows’ Pensions curated by MosaicNC
  • A look at Patriot qualifications as described at DAR. It was not only soldiering that earned Patriot status
  • And more
Photo Note: Please refer to the online edition where you can enlarge the photos to accommodate better viewing. 
 
Click this newsletter page link to view this and all past newsletter content. Visit the searchable Wake Genealogy Watch cumulative index to browse past issues.
 
We welcome your feedback, input, and submissions for inclusion in future editions. Please address all concerns to newsletter@wakecogen.org.
 

Upcoming In-person Events

Join us for the next WCG Meet-ups!
 
June 20
Book Exchange at Laurel Hills: Do you have any genealogy books that you don’t use and would like to go to a good home? Are you looking for genealogy books? Let’s get together and swap books! Afterwards, we’ll go to lunch (Dutch treat). This is a fund-raiser / meet-up / recycling event.  Details are at this blog post.
 
July 16
Coffee and Conversation: Meet at Panera Bread (Glenwood/Pleasant Valley), 6201 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh on Thursday July 16 at 9:30am. Let’s get to know each other! We’ll chat about what genealogical topics we're working on, or a brick wall, or ask other members how to do something. Details at blog post. (Live Friday, May 15)


Past Meet-up Photos
 
 
 

Follow Wake 250 Content at our Blog

 
 
This year, at the Wakecogen blog,  we are turning our attention to the days leading up to and including the Revolutionary war. We are exploring how that would be experienced by the colonists of our area from the 1750's through the 1790's. Follow their trials, and successes here. 

Image left - "A Society of Patriotic Ladies" British Museum 965125001  British editorial cartoon - unflattering portrayal of the Edenton Ladies from this blog post.
 
 
 
 
 
 

We told you Fall 2025 would be a busy season...

We had so many events planned this fall. Here are some highlights. I hope you were in on the fun. Each image can be viewed larger at our blog where more photos and full event accounts are shared. Just follow the links below.
 
October 4 - NC Archives & State Library Family History Fair 
Barbara McGeachy at the WCGS information table. Follow the link for a summary and link to videos!

 
October 18 - Shiloh Community Celebration Day
Celebrating the Church, Community, Founders,
and a Revolutionary ancestor. Many more photos at the link.
 
October 24-25 - NCGS Fall Conference
WCGS was well represented at the conference.
December 4 - WCGS Holiday Meet-up at Relish Kitchen
We had a great time! Follow these lovely Christmas elves to our blog post the recap and photos!


That wraps up the local events for this year. Looking forward to seeing you out and about in 2026!
 
 
May 26
Preserving Small Family Cemeteries
  Presenter: Joel Hobby   Join us for a discussion on the ins and outs of preserving small family cemeteries.   Join us!  Free and ...
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June 23
Fishing in Every Pond: Cousin Baiting
  Presenter: Christine Cohen   We will discuss the many ways to reach out to distant living cousins to help you expand your pedigree chart ...
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Volunteer needs
Near or far, there is always a way you can help WCGS!
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