Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society
Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society -- Kalamazoo, MI

Welcome to the KVGS website!

We serve historians and genealogists who are interested in the Kalamazoo River Valley region - and around the world, too.  Join us!
 

Reminder to Members: Renew your membership!

Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society's membership year runs from July 1 through June 30, and members enjoy a 90-day grace period. If you haven't already, renew by September 28 to avoid an interruption in your 2026/2027 membership and to keep receiving society communications.
 

It's officially beautiful Michigan Fall!

Please join us for our next general meeting on Monday, October 19, at 7 pm. Immediately following a short business meeting, KVGS Member and Genealogist Janine Cotugno will present “To Be or Not to Be Canadian…Eh! Tips on Canadian Genealogy." Members and guests alike are always welcome! Come early for a cookie, to catch up with old friends, and to make new ones. Refreshments will be available at 6:30 pm.
 
Did you know you might be eligible for Canadian Citizenship if you have an ancestor born in Canada? If you can provide vital statistics and other documents showing a direct line between that ancestor and yourself, you can apply for a Canadian Citizenship by Descent Certificate. Learn from Janine which genealogy sources can help you find the documents you need on your genealogical quest.
 
This event is hybrid: in person at Portage District Library (300 Library Lane, Portage, MI) and via Zoom. Register in advance if you plan to attend the 7 pm Zoom meeting. KVGS members can expect to receive a reminder email with a Zoom registration link several days before the meeting. Visitors, please email us at info@mikvgs.org a few days ahead to request the registration link.
 
KVGS continues to offer monthly "Drop-in Genealogy Help" sessions. Drop by the Portage District Library's Heritage Room between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm on Thursdays following our general meetings and see how another perspective can help. Put September 24 and October 22 on your calendar so don’t forget! You do not need to be a member to participate.
 
Please check our EVENTS page often for details on upcoming fall events and programs through June 2027. You’ll want to save the dates!
 
Suppose you missed an earlier program. Members will find recordings and handouts from previous programs in the MEMBERS section of our website.
 
We look forward to seeing you on October 19 at the Portage District Library!
 
Best regards,
 
Your KVGS Board
 

KVGS on Social Media and Other Sites

KVGS is on more than just our own website.  Visit us at the following links to check out our "footprint" on the Internet.
 

Memberships & MI Pioneer Certificates

 

We are an organization member of the National Genealogical Society. Visit the NGS website at:  https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/
 
Genealogy Calendar of Events:  https://ConferenceKeeper.org
 
 
We are an organization member of the Michigan Genealogical Council. Visit the MGC website at:  https://mimgc.org/
 
Genealogy Calendar of Events:  https://mimgc.org/events-calendar/
 

 
MGC Pioneer Certificate Program:  https://mimgc.org/pioneer-certificates/
 
If you are thinking of applying for a Michigan Pioneer Certificate and wish to know more about the KVGS Mentoring Program, contact Janine Cotugno at janinecotugno@yahoo.com. We’ve also added a document sharing application tips on the “Forms, Tools, and Tips” page of the KVGS website.
 
Oct
19
KVGS Genereral Meeting/Janine Cotugno, To Be or Not to Be Canadian...Eh! Tips on Canadian Genealogy
  Immediately following the business meeting, KVGS Member and Genealogist Janine Guimont Cotugno will present "To Be or Not to Be Canadian…Eh! Tips on ...
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Nov
2
Board Meeting
  Monthly board meetings are open to members. Come see the Board in action. Currently, the Board is meeting by Zoom.  If you want to ...
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Nov
4
Family Tree Maker User’s Group (SIG)
  Meets once a month on the first Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. New users and experienced users of the software gather to help ...
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Nov
14
2026 MGC Fall Family History Event featuring Kelli Jo Berghemer, M.S.M.
  The Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society is a member of the Michigan Genealogical Council and is pleased to share information about the 2026 MGC ...
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Nov
16
KVGS General Meeting/Jeff Mason, Breaking Down Brick Walls & Reawakenting Dead Ends
  Immediately following the business meeting, Genealogist Jeff Mason will present “Breaking Down Brick Walls & Reawakening Dead Ends.”   Have you ever put ...
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