(FREE) Pioneer Genealogical Society Preserving Historical Treasure

Story by Chelsea McConnell | Staff Writer

Feb 15, 2024

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The Pioneer Genealogical Society (PGS) was formed in April 1971. They are a group of like-minded citizens from Ponca City and the surrounding area who value history and their ancestry. According to their website, they welcome anyone interested in the discussion and exchange of information about genealogy. Their purpose is “to study methods available to members for genealogical research and to develop and maintain ancestral records and family charts.” They achieve their purpose through “informative programs, workshops and other events presented for the genealogist. PGS collects and preserves both genealogical and related historical materials for public use. These materials are available in the Genealogy Room of the Ponca City Library.”

PGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and currently has between 80-100 members. Annual dues are only $15, and members receive a monthly newsletter to keep them apprised of club happenings. The Society maintains their website at https://www.pgskaycntyok.org/about-us, which contains reference information including lists of internments at local and area cemeteries.

Nancy Stevenson is a longtime member of the Pioneer Genealogical Society and currently serves as Recording Secretary of the Board. She is a treasure trove of information when it comes to the Society and genealogy in general. The Society is often presented with queries from the public. These queries come from folks who have begun to dig into their family history but have hit what members of the Society call a “genealogy brick wall.” When stumped, it’s best to go to the experts. Stevenson says the group uses everything available to them to solve these genealogy mysteries.

The Society has a dedicated room in the basement of the Ponca City Library where books and information are stored pertaining to genealogy. Stevenson says, “We have censuses on microfilm and a microfilm reader. There are a lot of local books. We have all the city directories before there were phone directories and all kinds of old records.” She goes on to share about the various online tools people can use to do research mentioning Find a Grave, Wikitree and more. (See reference list below.) PGS has a member dedicated to handle such queries.

The Society also prides itself on the programs they hold each month, which vary in topics both historical and genealogical in nature. A recent program was on the relative of a PGS member named Charlotte Cooley. Cooley trained as a nurse, joined the Air Force and spent two years nursing wounded soldiers on flights out of Tokyo during the Korean War. Another program covered the history of Arlington National Cemetery and its past life as a plantation owned by Robert E. Lee’s wife, Mary Curtis Lee. The Society often brings in area experts on various aspects of Oklahoma history to speak at their programs. Past speakers have been on topics like the prisoner of war camps in Oklahoma during WWII and the Orphan Train Movement began by the government in 1854 relocating orphaned children from the East to the Midwest United States. The Society recently hosted the director of the Oklahoma Territorial Museum in Guthrie, as well as a records expert from the Oklahoma Historical Society. As evidenced above, the programs are not just genealogy related, but also teach attendees about Oklahoma and United States history. These events are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Another fun event hosted by the Pioneer Genealogical Society is their annual Christmas party to be held on Monday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Woman Museum. Each year members are encouraged to bring a historical item belonging to one of their ancestors for a sort of history show and tell. They also host Ancestor Fairs. Members are encouraged to make a poster about, or bring items from, an ancestor to share with everyone in attendance. Both events foster sharing and preserving our history.

When asked why she’s passionate about genealogy, Stevenson says, “I think genealogy is important. I think it would be a great school topic because of the research skills you learn. You have to distinguish between good and bad information. I think we need that these days. Plus, it’s making history relevant to you. My motto is ‘Life isn’t a candle shining briefly and gone; life is a torch that you pass on and on and on’.”

The PGS meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the program room in the basement of the Ponca City Library. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend the interesting programs hosted each month. There are no meetings in January or February. Current Board members are President, Jerry Cathey; Vice President, Norris Frederick; Treasurer, Colleen Fleming; Recording Secretary, Nancy Stevenson; Corresponding Secretary, Marvis Soucek; and Archivist, Karen Hunter. For more information about the Pioneer Genealogical Society, you can reach them via email at pioneergenealogicalsociety@gmail.com or visit their website at www.pgskaycntyok.org.