Here in Montour Co. PA we started a genealogy society in 1999. We met once a month without a room to keep our resources and kept our 'cache' at an empty store room above a store of a members'. We were very lucky that our public library decided to undergo a major renovation. We asked, and got a room donated to us that we now keep all our resources in, have our own librarian, assecssion coordinator & volunteer coordinator. We elected officers, charge $10. a year dues ($15.family) and send out newsletters quarterly. We have approximately 75 members from all over the country due to advertising on rootsweb, historical societies etc. Our room is open Mondays and Saturdays. Truthfully, it's tough to get people out on Sat. In July we'll have been opened a year. We have had a great year. We have had 2 computers, and one large file drawer donated to us as well as a few books. Now we are trying to purchase resources, slowly. We meet once a month and try to have a speaker since we have found it brings the membership out. We are not related to the historical society in town, unfortunately. They have a wonderful collection of not only county history but families. The board is a group of nice but set in their way people who are scared not only of change, but of losing their assets, I guess. We've try to get them to meet us half way but no go, yet. We have lots of people who are willing to help do cemetery lists, alot of Churches have let us copy their books and we ask for a family tree of our members and anyone visits us. We did write up bylaws, for our protection. It was difficult in the beginning and we still have to pull teeth to get people to chair different activities but it has not only been a great experience for the county but me and the people involved. My advice is, go for it! Butler Co appears to have great volunteers to help you get set up, do the leg work and paperwork. For anyone who is thinking about doing the newsletter, I do the Montour Co. Genealogical Society newsletter and the Historical newsletter. The newsletter are about 5 pages, go out 4 times a year and I try to make them informational (of course). I use old newspaper articles, parts of the Church records, etc. Other members contribute articles too. Its fun, I thoroughly enjoy it and it is not difficult, I usually find I have too much info. I am excited that Butler Co is thinking of a genealogy and I will be glad to join as soon as you get organized. I am sorry this is so lengthy, but want to encourage all of you. Good Luck. Lynn