I think the idea of forming a genealogical society is wonderful. I would join, even though I am hundreds of miles away. But I had some thoughts I thought I would share: 1. Genealogical societies are often thought of as either a) bastard children of the historical societies or b) a group of crazy meddling people who like to pry into others' private lives, 2. I think that a society might get more respect if called something like the Washington County Family History Society. 3. I know that there are researcheres in the Freeburg, Marissa, and St. Clair societies that are actually Washington County researchers. Perhaps going to their meetings and recruiting would be a good idea, especially Marissa. Russell