We Preserve the Past to Enrich the Future
Founded in1973, the St. Cloud Area Genealogists is a non-profit organization based in central Minnesota. Our mission is to preserve the past and enrich the future of family history research. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced family historian, our premier organization welcomes everyone. Our members research their ancestors from diverse locations within Minnesota, across the United States, and from foreign countries. The heart of our genealogical society lies in the kindness of our volunteers, who generously contribute their time and talents to achieve our goals.
Connect
Share your genealogy passion with others and join a supportive community.
Be Inspired
Enjoy educational presentations from professional and local genealogists.
Discover
Explore resources to bring your family history to life.
Community Events
Upper Midwest Genealogy Institute
Minnesota Genealogy Center
The Upper Midwest Genealogy Institute returns to MGS 7-8 August 2026. Popularly known as UMGI—pronounced like “bungee”— it is a small, but intense, two-day institute-style program geared to experienced researchers who want to advance their skills. UMGI 2026 will focus on resources and strategies for 19th and early 20th century family history research—with an emphasis on families moving to or through the Midwest. This year’s program will blend lectures with small group student exercises that give attendees an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned. UMGI 2026 instructors include are J. H. Fonkert, CG, Jessica Fontana, and Elizabeth Williams Gomoll, CG. Registration is expected to open 15 March. Watch the March MGS newsletter and the MGS website for more information.
Sundown Cemetery Tour Series
Oct. 10th 5:00 p.m. St. James Cemetery, Cold Spring, St. Cloud, MN; Oct.17th 5:00 p.m. St. Benedicts Monastic Cemetery, St. Joseph, MN; Oct. 24th 5:00 p.m. Big Grove Church Cemetery, Brooten, MN; Oct. 25th 5:00 p.m. Oak Hill Cemetery, Melrose, MN
Free for Members of Stearns History Museum, $10 for guests
North Star Genealogy Conference
Eagan Community Center, Eagan, Minnesota
What does a live, in-person conference like North Star offer to family history buffs? Genealogists can learn so much nowadays through “virtual” means—webinars, seminars, classes, even conferences—without ever leaving their homes. Yes, this year’s North Star conference offers the insight and expertise of two nationally known experts in genealogy research and multiple sessions on a wide variety of interesting topics from regional experts all in the span of two days. You might be able to take in these types of sessions at your own pace at home if you sought them out. But you’d miss the conference experience. You’d miss talking with other attendees who may have run into some of the same “brick walls” you have—and have found a solution. You’d miss asking your questions of the experts who are right there, speaking at the conference. You also couldn’t enjoy the networking and camaraderie of like-minded people who love family history as much as you do. We hope you’ll look at the conference schedule to find out all you can learn in two days. Then, also note the times built into the schedule for you to make your own experiences—visiting with vendors, lunch times, the Friday evening social, and bidding on door prizes. Register now to save your spot at the conference, then plan on having a great time exploring family history together. We’ll see you at the end of October!
