About Us Join WPGS / Renew Publications Upcoming Events Library & Research FREE Databases Members Only Contact WPGS

Not a Member?

The Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society is a great group of passionate, dedicated genealogists with a lot to offer both Pennsylvania residents, and those who now live far from their Pennsylvania roots.
Why not join us?

Genealogy Tip:

In 1754, the colonies of Virginia and Pennsylvania entered into a dispute over the ownership of what is today the southwest corner of Pennsylvania, including the present-day counties of Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and portions of Allegheny and Beaver. The dispute continued throughout the course of the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War, and during this time many Southwestern Pennsylvania settlers purchased their land from the colony of Virginia.

In 1780, commissioners for the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania were appointed to draw proper boundaries, and in 1784 and 1785, new meridian lines were run confirming the present-day boundaries of Pennsylvania. As part of the deal, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania honored the claims of those holding land under Virginia certificates. These lands were resurveyed and Pennsylvania patents were issued to the owners (in many cases this might be a different owner due to the length of time between the original Virginia Certificate and the new Pennsylvania patent). For this reason, information regarding land claims in the disputed area prior to 1780 is generally found among the records of both states.

Become a WPGS Member:

Membership in the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society opens doors to a wealth of records and friends for those with an interest in the families of Western Pennsylvania. Learn more about membership in WPGS.

Upcoming Events

February 11, 2012

Here Comes the 1940 Census!
Marilyn Cocchiola Holt
Genealogists across the country are anticipating the arrival of the 1940 census population schedules on their computer screens. We will discuss preparing to research in the census schedules and becoming familiar with the format and questions asked. Marilyn Cocchiola Holt is Department Head of the Pennsylvania Department of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and President-Elect of WPGS.
10:00 a.m. - 12 Noon. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Reservations not required. Just show up! There is a $5/all day fee if you choose to park at the Carnegie Museum/Library parking garage.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Lecture Hall
4400 Forbes Avenue (Oakland)
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

March 12, 2012

"The Throughway" and Other Tales of Pittsburgh
Gary Link
Local Author Gary Link writes historical novels set in the Pittsburgh area in the mid-1800's. A lifelong resident of the Western Pennsylvania, Gary lives with his family in Freeport, his boyhood home. His new book, The Throughway, discusses the Underground Railroad and leaders of the black community in antebellum Pittsburgh Gary 's second novel The Spectrum was published in September 2006. It is the sequel to The Burnt District, published in 2003. His novels are available on online booksellers, bookstores in the Pittsburgh area, and directly from the author by emailing Gary at thethroughway@live.com.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Lecture Hall
10:00 a.m. - 12 Noon. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.>

More Upcoming Meeting Dates

WPGS meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month from September through June (except December and January). There are also no WPGS public meetings in July and August.

April 2012 - Spring Seminar
May 12, 2012
June 9, 2012