Welcome to Our Website

The Indian River Genealogical Society, Inc. had its beginnings when the Colonial Dames of the XVII Century met and discussed forming a genealogy society to help their members and increase membership. On 6 April 1983, the first meeting and founding members met---Louise Auten, George Wilson, Freda Hoppe, Carolyn Scagnetti, Ruth McConathy, Edward Hungerford, Martha Dodd, Burton Holt and Mabel Lutz. The original meeting place was the social hall of the Roseland United Methodist Church. Since 1991 when the new library was built, the Society has met in the large meeting room at the Indian River County Main Library.

The Indian River Genealogical Society, Inc., is a Section 501 (C)(3) non-profit corporation, chartered by the State of Florida. Our Mailing address is: PO Box 1850, Vero Beach, FL 32961-1850     Click here for a fact sheet: IRGS Facts

Our Objectives

The objectives of the Society are to further genealogical research and promote interest in family and local history by:

1. Providing instruction on methods of researching, organizing, indexing, retrieving, preserving and disseminating genealogical information and records, through programs, classes and seminars.
2. Providing genealogical and historical information through publications, lectures, workshops, seminars, field trips and study groups.
3. Encouraging the donation of genealogical and historical material to the Genealogical Section of The Indian River County Main Library for use by the general public.
4. Maintaining liaison with local, national and international genealogical and historical organizations.

Our Governance

Officers are elected for one year terms at the December Membership Meeting in accordance with our Bylaws. Visit our Officers Page for more information.

Our Membership

Membership is open to anyone interested in furthering the objectives of the IRGS. Visit our Membership Page for more information.

Our Banner

The Indian River Genealogical Society's banner represents not only our society but the beautiful area which it represents. The background is the gold of the sun on the sands of our beaches. The palms are natural for our coastline along with the turtles and tropical birds who nest there. The ship represents our ancestors who risked to much to seek their freedom on America's shores. Our coast is known as the Treasure Coast and our treasure chest contains the gems of memories of our ancestors. The books are full of the knowledge we have yet to find and the cloud on the horizon is to remind us that finding those ancestors is not always easy. On the top center of the banner is the tree of life and on it are eleven Indian River oranges that represent the eleven charter members who started the Indian River Genealogical Society. It was truly an honor to work on the design of the banner however it was a particular privilege to have the Sunbonnet Sue Quilters of Vero Beach, many of whom are also members of our club, volunteer to create it. They have our sincere gratitude for their beautiful work.
.............. Nancy Hendricks

In Memoriam

Please visit our new Memorial Page. Updates and additions should be sent to our Corresponding Secretary.