Brief History
The Collin County Genealogical Society (CCGS) was formed in October 1970 by six local residents for the purpose of promoting interest in genealogy and assist members with their genealogical research. Originally named the Plano Genealogical and Historical Society and later the North Central Texas Genealogical and Historical Society. The current name Collin County Genealogical Society was bestowed in November 1979 to better recognize the growing needs of the community. Initially meeting in member’s homes, the Society finally established a permanent residence at the Gladys L. Harrington Library in Plano in January 1971. The genealogy collection is now housed in the Genealogy Center at the W. O. Haggard Library in a larger dedicated space These six pioneering Collin County genealogists laid the foundation for the Society that has grown to include members that hail from all over the United States. Several of the charter members continue to be active today with society activities. The Society celebrated the 50th anniversary at our June 2021 meeting.
About the Society
In support of it original objectives, the Society has many ongoing projects to benefit the amateur to the professional genealogist. The Society actively encourages its members to submit new ideas for projects and programs to fulfill its primary objectives. Some of the projects include an educational fund raising seminars with a well-known speaker, free informative monthly programs with guest speakers, preservation and digitization of Collin County historical newspapers, transcribe records and conduct cemetery surveys and provide documentation and preservation. The Society publications include our journal the Collin Chronicles and the award winning society newsletter, multiple volumes of Collin County marriage indexes, three volumes of Ancestors of the Collin County Genealogical Society members. The Society welcomes all regardless if members have Collin County ancestors. CCGS volunteered and presented genealogy classes for the Genealogy Center department throughout the years. Provide support to local boy scouts working on their Eagle Scout projects. The Society continuously purchases a large number of reference books for the genealogical collection housed at the W. O. Haggard Library in the Genealogy Genealogy Center. The collection covers the entire United States.
CCGS is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation, EIN 75-1928489.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. Tax law.
Celebrating Over 50 Years!
CCGS is celebrating over 50 years of service to North Texas and the Genealogical Community. We plan events to honor our 50 years of service to the city of Plano, The Plano Public Library system and Collin County. Genealogy is the fastest growing activity in the world. To commemorate this milestone, the society is compiling and publishing a book of family stories. Genealogists are the keepers of our families' histories that often go untold, except to pass on to another generation. With this book the society wants to document and preserve these precious memories for generations to come that they might not be forgotten or left to gather dust in someone else's closet.
CCGS is a supporting organization of the Plano Public Library for over fifty continuous years by providing donations of materials, volunteer time and financial support to grow the genealogical and historical collection to be the best in North Texas and has received the Volunteer Award from the City of Plano.
CCGS is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation, EIN 75-1928489.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. Tax law.
Society members have participated in Plano’s VIP program to provide support by volunteering numerous hours in the genealogical/historical collection in the Genealogy Center at W. O. Haggard Library and members recognized by City of Plano as long-time Volunteers in Plano – serving the Genealogy Center among other volunteer activities. To learn more about the CCGS Volunteer Opportunities click here.
Plano is celebrating 150 years in 2023. Check out the library's YouTube video
CCGS is a proud member of the following organizations, Texas State Genealogical Society and the National Genealogical Society.
Collin County Genealogical Society eNewsletter won 3rd place in the Texas State Genealogical Society Writing Awards November 13, 2021. Our award winning newsletter took 1st place with the National Genealogical Society a few years ago.
