Finding Your Ancestors in Voluntary Association Records

Our 19th-century ancestors often joined or received aid from local organizations. These ranged from clubs and fraternities to charities, unions, ethnic societies, political groups, aid societies and more. These associations were a backbone of society in the 1800s for people from all walks of life. Many even provided critical social services to vulnerable Pennsylvania communities. This talk with HSP Genealogist Katy Bodenhorn Barnes was hosted by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania on September 26, 2023.

Ms. Barnes is a contributing author to HSP's recent publication, Two Hundred Years: The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1824-2024. Her essay drew attention to the vast genealogical resources in HSP's collection through the lens of family Bibles.