The West Florida Genealogocial Society (WFGS), a 501(c)(3) organization located in historic Pensacola, Florida, is the largest genealogical society in Northwest Florida.
WFGS was founded in 1982 to promote knowledge of and stimulate interest in the study of genealogy.
Monthly meetings are held on the first Saturday of every month (except July) at the West Florida Genealogy Library, 5740 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola.
All meetings are open to the general public and include a presentation on genealogical research or
relevant history.
We have great news to share! After 17 months of not seeing your bright smiles, we are returning to monthly IN-PERSON meetings on August 7!
We received news that the West Florida Genealogy Library meeting room is now available without restrictions. It is currently cluttered with furniture and computers, but we hope to have it cleared in time for the August 7 meeting to accommodate welcoming our members back. In an abundance of caution, we will not be providing beverages and refreshments at the first meeting.
There are no mandatory mask or social distancing requirements at this time, but we will continue to monitor CDC, state, and local guidance to ensure that we are adhering to health and safety recommendations. Please be aware that if the CDC or government offices issue stricter requirements, up to and including shutting down in-person meetings again, meetings may revert back to virtual.
We would like to thank all members for their patience and support during these past 17 months. We look forward to seeing everyone at 10 a.m. on August 7.
2021 West Florida Genealogical Society Conference with
The Legal Genealogist, Judy Russell
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2021
Registration for our 2021 Fall Virtual Conference featuring Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL, The Legal Genealogist is open to everyone! She is a genealogist with a law degree who writes and lectures on topics ranging from using court records in family history to understanding DNA testing. On the faculty of numerous genealogy institutes, she is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Board for Certification of Genealogists®, from which she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist® and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠. Her award-winning blog is here.
Due to travel limitations and uncertainty going into the flu season, this will still be a virtual presentation. The Board will be exploring options for a limited, private viewing room for those who are unable to participate from home. Please stay tuned for additional information.
The West Florida Genealogical Society is a participant in Escambia County's commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the changing of the flag. On July 17, 1821, a ceremony in downtown Pensacola marked the end of Spanish rule of Florida and the creation of Escambia County, Florida.
The 2020 edition of Footprints, the journal of the West Florida Genealogical Society, is now available. If you would like to access the digital copy immediately, click here. You must be logged in as a member to access this page.
If you are unable pick up a copy at the WFGL or live outside the area please contact Denise Mowery and a copy will be mailed to you. Remember, if you were a paid member of the West Florida Genealogical Society in 2020, your copy is free. Copies can be purchased for $3 (plus $3 for postage, if mailed).
West Florida Genealogy Library Hours
Currently the West Florida Genealogical Library hours are Tuesday through Friday: 10-7 and Saturday, 10-4. The stacks are open for browsing, and the use of masks is left to patrons' discretion in consideration of their own health requirements. CDC guidelines regarding social distancing are being recommended in the meeting room, and for the time being, tables and computers are still set up for social distancing.
Due to the current concerns regarding COVID-19 and to ensure the safety and health of our members and visitors, scheduled WFGS and Genealogy Library events are subject to change.
Please continue to check this website and the WFGS FaceBook page for updates.
Looking for materials held at the West Florida Genealogy Branch Library?
Here is a link to instructions on how to use the WFPL Main Catalog Advanced Search function to narrow your search results to materials specific to the Genealogy Branch.
Click here for a link to all the SURNAME FILES currently held in the West Florida Genealogy Branch Library's vertical files.
Local history Facebook pages of interest: Lots of photographs of old landmarks and stories from page members.
Be sure to set a timer when you get on these pages or you'll lose track of time!
