Hi, I want 'you all' to be aware of a national decline in memberships in local and state societies. By joining the local, state and national genealogy organizations, we are surporting the value and creadabilty of this wonderful hobby/obsession of finding out who we are! I have been helped by going to the local Southern California meetings. I have taken classes and attended seminars where I learned the techniques of sucessful researching. I have traveled via car or public transport to local facilities with other researchers and that was so much fun! I have shared books and resources with others. One time, Roberta Craig and I bought a two-volumne set of Ohio books. She kept the Harrison County one, and I kept the one of Carroll County. And by attending the local meetings I have had a large group of people to problem solve with! And they understand when I mention that I have books and papers all over the place. I also belong to the groups in the areas that I am doing research. For example: Jefferson Co., Ohio. That way I can keep abreast of what is happening in the area where several family members have made homes. I learn which records and data bases are available or not available. Being a part of the state or national organizations, I am able to give support to national issues being discussed or shared. Recent federal and state legislation has had a direct impact on what records I may be able to access. I learn about these battles through my volunteer representatives. I wrote this in responce to past unsoliced advice that has been given on this site. I am only ready take advice when I have faced a problem and asked for help. I have received so, so much help by paying dues and supporting genealogy assemblies. I urge you to jump in, you will be glad you did! Liz Stookesberry Myers First Family of Ohio Los Alamitos, CA