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Mesa County Genealogical Society

Welcome to the Mesa County Genealogical Society! We're a nonprofit group passionate about family history. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, we’re here to help you explore your roots. Our members research ancestors from all states and countries — and we welcome anyone with an interest in genealogy!

Mesa County Genealogical Society Brochure
First building in Grand Junction, Colorado


If you would like to donate to the MCGS you may do so below.

MCGS is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.



Click the icon to join our Facebook Group. You will be able to communicate with other members and post interesting genealogy related information.

After asking to 'Join' will will need to answer a few simple questions, then read and agree to the group rules.



Meetings

    Our Society meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month from 7 - 9 PM, at the Keller Williams Realty building at 2474 Patterson Rd. You are more than welcome to come a bit early to socialize.

    Most meetings are held in a hybrid (Zoom/in-person) format and an email with any handouts and an invitation to attend the meeting via Zoom will be sent prior to the meeting date.

    The MCGS Business Meetings are held after the regular 'Monthly Program' presentation.

What's New on the MCGS Website?

    An article written by Gertrude Radar has been added to the MCGS Cemetery Project Page. If you have a source description for this article please send an email to the MCGS Webmaster.

MCGS Programs and Calendar of Events


To all MCGS Members We will soon begin planning for the 2026 program lineup, and we want you to be part of the process. The MCGS Program Committee is eager to hear your ideas and suggestions. Whether it's a fascinating topic you've always wanted to explore, a dynamic speaker you have heard and feel would be of interest to our members, or details on a skill you would like to master - we want to know! Your input is crucial in finding programs that are not only educational but also inspiring for our members. Let's work together to make this year a truly helpful one for our family history research.

Don’t forget about our “First Friday” sessions, held at the beginning of every month. These events offer a free and friendly opportunity for community members — and MCGS members alike — to receive one-on-one help with genealogy questions. Sessions take place at a different Mesa County Library branch each month, where our experienced volunteers are available to guide you through your research challenges, whether you’re just getting started or tackling a tricky family mystery this could be just the help you need.

To register for upcoming First Friday help sessions, visit the 'Events' page on the Mesa County Library website and search for “genealogy.” While walk-ins are welcome, we encourage you to register in advance. This helps us pair you with a volunteer who has experience in your particular area of interest.

We look forward to hearing your ideas on programs and seeing you at an upcoming First Friday event!

Jan 2 2026 First Friday - Fruita 10am - 12pm
Jan 8 "Navigating Ancestral Arrivals: A Genealogist's Treasure Map to Immigration Records" Zoom presentation by Lisa Vogele. Lisa recently won the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) first-ever fellowship and will be traveling and researching in Italy this fall.
Feb 6 First Friday - Palisade 2pm - 4pm [As of Dec 2025 the Palisade branch is closed due to ceiling repair. We are hopeful that this will be done by February].
Feb 12MCGS Annual Meeting and Elections along with a program to be announced.
Mar 6 First Friday - Clifton 12pm - 2pm
Mar 12 Monthly Program and Business Meeting 7pm - 9pm
Apr 3 First Friday - Central Library 1pm - 3pm
Apr 9 Monthly Program and Business Meeting 7pm - 9pm
May 1 First Friday - Fruita 10am - 12pm
May 14 Monthly Program and Business Meeting 7pm - 9pm
Jun 5 First Friday - Palisade 2pm - 4pm
Jun 11 Monthly Program and Business Meeting 7pm - 9pm
Jul 3 First Friday - Clifton 12pm - 2pm
Jul 9 Monthly Program and Business Meeting 7pm - 9pm
Aug 1 America 250 - Colorado 150
Aug Annual MCGS Salt Lake City Research Trip ?
Aug 7 First Friday - Central Library 1pm - 3pm
Aug 13 Annual Potluck Picnic - Details will be emailed
Sep 4 First Friday - Fruita 10am - 12pm
Sep 10 Monthly Program and Business Meeting 7pm - 9pm
Oct 2 First Friday - Palisade 2pm - 4pm
Oct 8 Monthly Program and Business Meeting 7pm - 9pm
Nov 6 First Friday - Clifton 12pm - 2pm
Nov 12 Monthly Program and Business Meeting 7pm - 9pm
Dec 4 First Friday - Central Library 1pm - 3pm
Dec Annual Holiday Potluck - Details will be emailed

Genealogy Events of Interest

The 2026 National Genealogical Society Annual Convention will be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana on the 27-30 May 2026. You can learn more about this convention here.

The 2026 RootsTech will be held March 5 - 7, 2026. The 'Class Preview'is available here.



Current Officers, Board Members, and Committee Chairs

Note: The 'Board' of the Mesa County Genealogical Society includes the 3 Board of Directors, and the elected Officers.

Officers 2025
Karen Merritt SturgillPresident
Dave FishellVice President
Bonnie EmmertSecretary
Laurie BunigerTreasurer

Board of Directors 2024
Frank NemanichJody BlackmerMargo Lurvey

2025 Committee Chairs
Program CommitteeChair: Brenda Sabo, Members: Laurie Buniger, Karen McGuirk, Dave Fishell, Gail Woodmansee
HistorianBrenda Sabo
Membership/OutreachBonnie Emmert
NewsletterGail Woodmansee
ParliamentarianVacant [ Roberts Rules of Order]
ResearchVacant (Members)
Genealogist/LibrarianKaren Sturgill
WebmasterKaren Sturgill
Ad Hoc Cemetery Project CommitteeChair: Dave Fishell, Co-Chair: Laurie Buniger



Mesa County Genealogical Society is a member of the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies (CCGS) and the National Genealogical Society (NGS). The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was merged with the NGS in the summer of 2019.

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