Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society

An organization of amateur and professional family historians and genealogists dedicated to the study and preservation of family history focused on Western Pennsylvania.

We have a wealth of resources for both the budding researcher and the experienced pro. WPGS offers free programming and in-person help for all as well as valuable extras for our members.

Highlights of Member Benefits

  • Six issues of our newsletter, Jots from Western Pennsylvania
  • Two free queries in each edition of the Society newsletter
  • Significant discounts towards WPGS Publications, Library Research, and the Online Used Bookstore
  • Inclusion in the online Ancestor Chart Project
  • Access to 146,000+ names in over 2,500 member Ancestor Charts
  • Surname Research Project – surnames being researched by members
  • Access to Online Members Only databases and documents and much more!
  • Membership year begins July 1 through June 30 each year.

Westinghouse Student Engineers

Suzanne Johnston Memorial Scholarship

Annually, WPGS awards the $250 Suzanne Johnston Memorial Scholarship to a current member to assist with registration fees for a local, regional, national, or virtual genealogy conference.

Map of Pennsylvania

Upcoming Events

Collection Highlights

Allegheny County Naturalizations

This member’s only collection contains an index of Immigrants who applied for Naturalization Papers in the District Courts of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Copies of the Naturalization records can also be ordered through our Research Services.