Genealogical Organization People Organization's Family Eslpod Genealogy Society

The New England Historic Genealogical Society is the oldest and one of the best-known "genealogical societies" (organizations that help people trace their ancestry) in the United States. "Founded" (created) in 1845, it has 50 staff members and more than 25,000 members. The organization's "purpose" (reason for existing) is to "advance (improve; increase; expand) the study of family history in America and beyond." Although the name includes "New England" (the northeastern part of the United States), the organization's research "spans" (covers) the entire country and "beyond" (even further).

The organization "maintains" (operates and keeps current) a website that allows visitors to search the organization's "database" (a collection of digital information stored electronically) of more than 100 million names. The organization also publishes newsletters and "journals" (magazines with research-based articles) and has a large library of genealogical books, "manuscripts" (written, especially handwritten, documents that were later published), and more.

The Genealogical Society of Utah, founded in 1894, is not quite as old, but it is also well known. The organization is "affiliated with" (connected to) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see English Café 222). Members of the Church believe it is important to study genealogy to "seal" (connect) "family units" (groups of family members) together for "eternity" (forever; until the end of time). So the organization helps people identify their ancestors through its website, library, and other resources. The websites allows people to upload photos of their ancestors as well.