The Wilkes Genealogical Society, Inc. preserves and shares the family histories of “The Original Wilkes County.” Chartered in 1967 and incorporated in 1974, WGS is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
WGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. You can verify our status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
Please note: WGS is independent of the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. and the Wilkes County Library. To support our work, please donate directly to the Wilkes Genealogical Society.
Who We Are
Our Society is a labor of love run entirely by volunteers. Monetary gifts go toward genealogical research and preservation. Donated research materials are made available for public use in our Genealogy Research Room—not locked away behind entry fees.
Our Mission
Our purpose is to acquire, preserve, and promote genealogical research. We do this by:
- Collecting local records and maintaining a strong reference collection
- Publishing genealogical materials for researchers
- Supporting a worldwide community of people with roots in northwestern North Carolina
Adapting for the Future
Since our founding, WGS has grown from hand-typed, mailed bulletins to a modern digital presence. The change has not always been easy, but it is essential to keeping our work available to members near and far.
In 2016 we began moving toward digital e-Bulletins to manage rising print and postage costs. Today this website is our central hub, where members can access and download materials at their convenience.
Are our digital archives members-only? Online bulletin access helps maintain the website and cover operating costs. Our public commitment is unchanged: bulletins and research materials remain freely available for in-person use in the Genealogy Research Room at the Wilkes County Public Library.
Membership & Involvement
Join the Society
Membership fees are kept affordable to help cover operating costs. Members receive access to current and archived WGS Bulletins through this site.
- Join online: Choose a membership level and pay securely on our membership page.
- Pay by check: Register online and select “Pay by Check” at checkout. Your account is activated when payment arrives.
Mail checks to: WGS, Inc., PO Box 1629, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
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 Street, North Wilkesboro
- Research help: Assistance is often available before and after meetings as time permits
The WGS Bulletin
We aim to publish the Bulletin four times a year. It is currently produced by a small volunteer team, and we welcome help with research, writing, or formatting. If you can contribute, please contact us.
Research & Contributions
Genealogical Queries
Members can submit queries from the member dashboard after logging in. For best results, include full names, dates, and places—not just surnames. You are also welcome to join our Facebook Group to connect with other researchers.
Accuracy & Corrections
We strive for careful work, but we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of every published detail. If you find an error, please contact us with the correction and your supporting sources.
Book & Data Donations
We gratefully accept books, periodicals, and digital research files. Materials may be shared in the Genealogy Research Room or featured in our Bulletins. Please contact us to coordinate a donation, or visit our Donations page for guidelines.
A Word From Our Founders
The goals of our founders still guide the Society today. Explore where it began by viewing our first bulletin from May 1967 below.
Become a member to unlock our full archive of more than 50 years of research. Members can access WGS Bulletins online anytime.