Meeting new genealogy-enthusiasts (find, search, public, LDS)

[us2indaup]

I've just moved to a new area (Chattanooga TN) and would love to find other geneanology enthusiasts to chat with nearby, in hopes of making new friends with similar interests. There is a genealogy section in the library here, and an LDS Family Search center, but other than just hanging around these places hoping to strike up conversations with random people, what else would you suggest?

[RVcook]

Have you tried the local genealogical/historical society? Most large and small towns have them and along with memberships, they usually do workshops, offer volunteer opportunities and meet at least once per month. I live in a relatively small town in the midwest and my tiny town of 650 has a historical society, while the next larger town (about 15 miles away) of 6,100 also has one.

Might be worth looking into.

RVcook

[daliowa]

Originally Posted by us2indaup

I've just moved to a new area (Chattanooga TN) and would love to find other geneanology enthusiasts to chat with nearby, in hopes of making new friends with similar interests. There is a genealogy section in the library here, and an LDS Family Search center, but other than just hanging around these places hoping to strike up conversations with random people, what else would you suggest?

Try contacting Hamilton County TN Genealogical Society.
Hamilton County Tennessee Genealogy Society

[historyfan]

The local public library and or town museum likely has at least one genealogy researcher on board.

[cdnirene]

Check to see if any genealogy classes or seminars are offered at certain times of the year. My local library offers seminars from time to time. That's a good way to meet others who are new to the hobby.

[maus]

Thanks for posting ideas about meeting others interested in the same thing. It sounds like some great ideas to go meet some like-minded people.

[bjh]

You might also try volunteering at the genealogy section of the local library.

Or see if there's a relevant www.meetup.com group in your area, or start one, if there isn't.

[EnricoV]

Looks like the closest society that meets (The Hamilton County group looks like it's internet only) is the Chattanooga Delta Genealogical Society, at the Rossville (Georgia) Public Library.

The East Tennessee Genealogical Society, in Knoxville has a fabulous facility, and program. But that'd be a much longer drive. Though you might want to keep an eye on them for special programs, workshops, etc.