Proud Member Of
Delaware Public Archives

Friends Delaware Public Archives

Welcome to the DDGS Website!

"Every step you take is supported by a thousand ancestors" 
- Unknown
 
The Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society, Inc. (DDGS) is a non-profit 501c7 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 staffed by volunteers to oversee the day-to-day operations and chairpersons overseeing Society activities and events. We're an active Society, offering opportunities to learn from professionals and to educate the public, and offering network opportunities for those on their genealogy journey. 
 
Membership is open to anyone interested in genealogy, beginners to advanced, living in Delaware or from out of state. 

Legistlative Hall, Dover, Delaware

Publication Sale!


Why Join a Genealogical Society?

This is a great question and we're glad that you asked! 
 
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 resourcs, assist people in connecting their families to the past and the future during special events in Delaware communities 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                     

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: 
  • 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, By-Laws, and meeting minutes
  • Discounts on DDGS publications
  • Access to workshops and conferences to keep you up to date on genealogy education and methodologies
 
 
 
                                                       
 
 
 
 
 

Upcoming Events
October 21, 2023
1:30 pm to 2:00 pm
October Regular Membership Meeting
This portion of the meeting is our regular membership meeting. This meeting is open to the public.

October 21, 2023
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Pauper Records found at the Delaware Public Archives
How to Use Pauper Records from the Delaware Public Archives in Research    Joe Sullivan from the Delaware Public Archives will speak on pauper records and ...

December 9, 2023
1:30 pm to 2:00 pm
December Regular Membership Meeting
This is our December (Holiday) Regular Membership Business Meeting. This meeting is open to the pubic.

December 9, 2023
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Methodist Church Records in Delaware & Maryland
How Genealogists Can Find and Use Methodist Church Records for Genealogists   Barb Duffin, Curator at Barratt's Chapel and Methodist Conference Archivist, will speak on Methodist Church ...

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