About

WGS is a legitimate 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization.  Please check our status on the IRS website.

About the Wilkes Genealogical Society (WGS)

The Wilkes Genealogical Society, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rich family histories of “The Original Wilkes County.”

Chartered in 1967 and incorporated in 1974, our Society is a labor of love run entirely by volunteers. Every monetary donation goes directly toward genealogical research and preservation. Unlike other organizations, we ensure that all donated materials are made available for public research—never hidden behind entry fees or restrictive doors.

Important Distinction

Please note that WGS is an independent organization. We are often confused with the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. or the Wilkes County Library. To ensure your support reaches us, please donate directly to the Wilkes Genealogical Society.

Our Mission

Our primary objective is to acquire, preserve, and promote genealogical research. we achieve this by:

  • Collecting local records and maintaining a comprehensive reference collection.
  • Publishing a wide range of genealogical materials.
  • Supporting a global community of researchers with roots in Northwestern North Carolina.

Adapting for the Future

Since our founding, WGS has evolved from hand-typed, physically mailed bulletins to a modern digital presence. This transition hasn’t always been easy, but it is essential for our survival.

In 2016, we began moving toward digital “e-Bulletins” to combat rising print and postage costs. Today, this website serves as our central hub, allowing members to access and download materials at their convenience.

Is our data behind a “paywall”? While our digital archives require a membership fee to maintain the website and offset administrative costs, our commitment to the public remains unchanged: all bulletins and materials remain freely accessible for in-person research in the Genealogy Room at the Wilkes County Public Library.

Membership & Involvement

Join the Society

Membership fees are kept affordable to cover our operating costs. Members receive access to all current and archived WGS Bulletins through this site.

  • Join Online: Click the button below to select a membership level and pay securely.
  • Pay by Check: You may register online and select “Pay by Check” at checkout. Your account will be activated once payment is received.
    • Mail checks to: WGS, PO Box 1629, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Join WGS Today

Meetings

We typically meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except December).

  • Time: 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: Genealogy Research Room, Wilkes County Public Library (215 10th St., North Wilkesboro).
  • Support: Research assistance is often provided before and after meetings as time permits.

The WGS Bulletin

We aim to publish the Bulletin four times a year. Currently, this vital resource is produced by only two volunteers. We need your help! If you can assist with research, writing, or formatting, please “step up to the plate” and contact us.

Research & Contributions

Genealogical Queries

Members can submit queries via their member dashboard after logging in. For the best results, include specific details (full names, dates, and locations) rather than just surnames. You are also invited to join our [Facebook Group] to connect with other researchers.

Accuracy & Corrections

While we strive for excellence, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of all published data. If you detect an error, please contact us with the corrected information and your supporting sources.

Book & Data Donations

We gratefully accept books, periodicals, and digital data. These materials are shared with the public in our Genealogy Reading Room or featured in our Bulletins. Please use the “Contact” link above to coordinate a donation.

A Word From Our Founders

The motives of our originators remain our guiding light today. Explore where it all began by viewing our very first bulletin from May 1967.

Become a member to unlock our full archive of over 50 years of research. Once you become a member, you will be able to access all the WGS Bulletins online.

View the May 1967 Bulletin