Have you ever wondered about the stories of your ancestors? The search for such stories has led many to the exciting world of genealogy groups, a community where history comes alive, and the past greets the present. Genealogy groups have surged in popularity as more individuals seek to uncover their family's legacy, pointing to a growing fascination with personal histories and cultural identities. The ready availability of DNA testing in recent years has further fuelled interest in genealogy.

What are genealogy groups?

Genealogy groups are places where enthusiasts and experts share a common interest in family history research. Most groups provide access to online genealogy sites, microfiche and books to assist their members in achieving their goals in finding that long lost relative. Here in Kāpiti we are fortunate to have Kāpiti Genealogy, which was formed 40 years ago, and is a Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists.

Benefits of joining genealogy groups

Access to resources and databases for research

Kāpiti Genealogy members can access Ancestry, Find My Past, RootsIreland and The Genealogist sites on the computers at the Alison Proctor Family History Centre in the Paraparaumu Library. Members and the public can get assistance with their research on Wednesday mornings between 10 am and 12 noon.

Opportunities for networking and collaboration

Kāpiti Genealogy have two regular meetings:

Evening meeting, held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7pm for a 7.30 pm start at the Coast Community Church, Hinemoa Street, Paraparaumu. The Evening meeting has a guest speaker or a member to share their family research.

The Day Group meets the 4th Wednesday every month at 1.30 pm for a 2 pm start at the Waikanae Baptist Church, Te Moana Road, Waikanae. We don’t usually have a guest speaker at this session, it is a time to discuss members’ research and look at various sites to answer any questions that may be raised.

Special Interest Groups

Special Interest Groups are offered at Kāpiti Genealogy and these are advertised to members and non-members. These groups meet on a two monthly basis. The present groups are RootsMagic (Zoom meeting), DNA and the soon to be reconvened Irish Interest Group. Members also have an opportunity to attend the Monthly members-only Zoom meeting which covers many aspects of genealogy and genealogy sites.

Field trips

We have a member who organises trips to the National Library, Archives New Zealand, and various other places of interest to our members. The trips are always well attended. The most recent trip was to the Supreme Court and Old Court House in Wellington.

Attend a meeting as a guest
Experience the group’s atmosphere and decide if Kāpiti Genealogy’s activities and approach suit your interests and style of research. There is a $5 koha fo non-members.

In Summary

Joining a genealogy group can richly reward your quest for familial understanding, providing a supportive community, resources, and expertise.

Further information about joining Kāpiti Genealogy can be found on their website at https://www.kapitigen.org/membership/

Your ancestors’ stories await!

Ends

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