WINNEBAGO & BOONE COUNTIES GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

The Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society (of Illinois) exists to:

• Encourage and support genealogical researchers.
• Promote the discovering and preserving of valued genealogical resources of Winnebago and Boone County, Illinois.
• Through our website, provide resources to help genealogists with an interest in Winnebago or Boone County, Illinois.
• Offer networking opportunities with others who have similar research interests.

All in-person meetings are at the Rockford Public Library - East Branch  6685 East State St, Rockford IL

UPCOMING MEETINGS

WBCGS holds monthly meetings that are open to the public.  Meetings are the first Saturday of the month at 1:30pm. 
We do not have meetings in December, July and August.  
At each meeting, our speaker makes a presentation about a specific topic related to genealogy or a topic of local interest.

Based on the success we've had in using Zoom for our monthly meetings, we plan to continue offering Zoom meetings.  Meeting invitations will be sent to all WBCGS members with an email address prior to each meeting. Members and non-members can register for our meetings using the links below.

JUNE MEETING

Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. CDT
"America at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestors"
Speaker: Scott Norrick
Meeting Location: RPL East Branch (in-person speaker, but also available via Zoom)
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​Zoom registration for this meeting

For the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, this presentation will guide you in discovering Revolutionary War ancestors using key archives, resources, and strategies while exploring both Patriot and Loyalist stories.  
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Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. While providing a list of names, dates and places for ancestors is a start, Scott enjoys helping others discover the stories of triumphs and tribulations that defined our ancestors’ lives. He does this by assisting clients with breaking down their genealogical brick walls and by helping them document the rich stories of their family history.
His areas of expertise include research in the American Midwest along with the immigration to the Midwest from European countries.
He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree from Northwestern University. With over 30 years of family history research experience, he is familiar with all the latest and time-tested genealogical tools. Through his company Ancestral Past, he welcomes the opportunity to assist others on their genealogy journey.

SEPTEMBER MEETING

Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. CDT
"Celebrate 250 with a Patriot"
Speakers: Sharon Thomasson and Darlene Schoepski
Meeting Location: RPL East Branch (in-person speaker, but also available via Zoom)
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​Zoom registration for this meeting

​​Join us for a special program featuring representatives from the Beloit Chapter and the Asa Cottrell Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Kishwaukee Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Learn about the history and mission of these respected lineage societies, along with the benefits of membership and the process for proving eligibility.

Whether you’re just beginning your family research or already have Revolutionary War ancestors, this session will highlight the resources, guidance, and support available to help you take the next step in your genealogy journey.​

OCTOBER MEETING

Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 1:30p.m. CDT
"WBCGS 40th Anniversary"
Speaker:
Meeting Location: RPL East Branch (in-person speaker, but also available via Zoom)
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​Zoom registration for this meeting
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As the Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society celebrates its 40th Anniversary, we invite both longtime and newer members to share favorite memories, special moments, and reflections about WBCGS. For 40 years, our society has been built on friendship, volunteer dedication, and a shared love of family history, and we want to honor those stories during this milestone celebration.
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Whether you remember the early years or are one of our newest members, your memories matter. Join us as we gather member stories, enjoy refreshments, door prizes, and a special commemorative memento, while preserving not only family history, but the history of WBCGS itself. 

The Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) was formed in 1968 through the cooperative effort and forward thinking of Illinois genealogical society representatives, who envisioned a statewide genealogical organization. ISGS is a not-for-profit, nonsectarian, educational organization.

Visit their website for more info
www.ilgensoc.org

ISGS Associate Member​