Overview
The Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society, Inc. (DDGS) is a non-profit 501(c)(7) corporation, chartered in 1999 to further the interest in genealogical research among its members and to assist others with an interest in genealogical research in Kent County, Delaware and beyond our state boundaries. We're prepared and have resources to help with anyone's genealogical search no matter where the roads take us. Our Society is comprised of volunteer members and is staffed by volunteers to oversee the day-to-day operations, with chairpersons overseeing Society activities and events. We're an active Society, offering opportunities to learn from professionals and to educate the public, and offering networking opportunities for those on their genealogy journey. Membership is open to anyone interested in genealogy, from beginners to advanced, living in Delaware or from out of state.
Upcoming Events
Ask A Genealogist with Tom Mercer
Dover Public Library - 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901
Ask a Genealogist is our society’s open, welcoming help session for family historians.
Speaker TBA at the Dover Public Library - Followed by a membership meeting
Dover Public Library - 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901
Presented TBA
Cracking the Slave Wall in African American Genealogy - Followed by membership meeting
Dover Public Library - 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901
Presented by Syl Woolford
"The ABC's of Researching Your Family's Story"
Duck Creek Regional Library, 22 South Main Street, Smyrna, DE 19977
Week 1 - Beginning your genealogy journey - With Tom Mercer
"The ABC's of Researching Your Family's Story"
Duck Creek Regional Library, 22 South Main Street, Smyrna, DE 19977
Week 2 - Types of records and where to find them - With Tom Mercer
"The ABC's of Researching Your Family's Story"
Duck Creek Regional Library, 22 South Main Street, Smyrna, DE 19977
Week 3 - vital statistics & census records - With Tom Mercer
"The ABC's of Researching Your Family's Story"
Duck Creek Regional Library, 22 South Main Street, Smyrna, DE 19977
Week 4 - Military records & immigration records with Tom Mercer
Speaker TBA at the Dover Public Library - Followed by a membership meeting
Dover Public Library - 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901
Presented TBA
Share and Tell at the Kent County Public Library - Followed by a membership meeting
Kent County Public Library - 497 S Red Haven Ln, Dover, DE 19901
Presented TBA
Why Join a Genealogical Society?
This is a great question, and we're glad that you asked!
Membership Benefits:
We invite you to become a member of DDGS and help us preserve our rich family history. We're dedicated to offering a variety of services to our membership:
DDGS can offer our members:
- Education: Learn to be a better researcher through attending presentations, workshops, meetings, and special interest groups
- Socialization: Meet with a diverse group that enjoys geneaology and have the opportunity to learn, collaborate, socialize, and share common interests
- Resources: Discover records and sources or volunteer to help preserve records through digitization and indexing
- Advocacy: Support legislation and policies for vital records preservation and access for genealogical research
- Promote genealogy: Share our knowledge and resources, assist people in connecting their families to the past and the future during special events in Delaware communities
- Ability to network and collaborate with other genealogists
- Newsletters with interesting articles, Society updates, and resources to help you with research
- Bi-monthly membership meetings and annual membership meeting, with guest speakers
- Access to the Members Only section of the DDGS website, including newsletters, membership directory, searchable obituaries, meeting minutes, and previous presentation recordings
- Discounts on DDGS publications
- Access to workshops and conferences to keep you up to date on genealogy education and methodologies
We Can Help You With Your DAR & SAR Applications
Do you have a patriot in your family tree? DDGS would like to help you with documenting your patriotic ancestors. For more information, email info@downstatedegenealogists.org.
Updated September 21, 2026