Q: What does JCNYGS stand for?
A: JCNYGS is the acronym for the "Jefferson County New York Genealogical Society."
Q: How long has the society existed?
A: Formed in 1994, the society has been active across Jefferson County ever since.
Q: Why should I join JCNYGS?
A: To connect with lecturers and other members who enjoy genealogy and have learned the
best research methods through trial and error.
Q: Are there any dues to become a member?
A: Yes. There are three levels. Dues are $20.00 annually for individuals. Dues are $22.00
annually for families. Families are two or more members at one address. Dues are $25.00
for organizations such as museums, historical societies, and genealogical libraries. A
limited number of organizational memberships can be awarded at no cost.
Q: Can I join and/or renew my membership online?
A: Yes. However, please read the following guidelines carefully.
Visit www.jcnygs.org members tab to join and/or renew online. You must have an
email address to receive a member number.
For your first time on www.jcnygs.org, select the membership level, and fill out the
membership information. Your login and password are specific to you and not accessible by
JCNYGS leadership.
Enter your credit card information when initially joining and/or renewing for the
first time. You will be charged for one year at the membership level chosen. JCNYGS does
not have the option of selling multiple-year memberships online.
Subsequent online annual renewals will be automatically charged to your credit
card unless you select no automatic renewal.
For more information, email: membership@jcnygs.org
Q: If I do not want to join online, are there other ways to join JCNYGS?
A: Yes. By attending a meeting or joining in person and paying with cash or check.
Or you can send a check to JCNYGS, P.O. Box 6453, Watertown, New York 13601. You
can pay for up to three years in advance when paying by cash or check. Provide your
name, address, email, and phone number. If you do not use email, state this in your
correspondence. For more information, email: membership@jcnygs.org
Q: Can I change my online individual membership to a family membership or vice versa?
A: Yes. When your individual or family membership expires, rejoin JCNYGS under the
preferred level. A word of caution, changing levels before the expiration date will forfeit
the previously paid membership.
Q: Does JCNYGS keep my credit card information on file?
A: No. JCNYGS does not save credit card information, nor has access to it.
Q: Can I donate to JCNYGS?
A: Yes. You can donate online by using the donate tab, or you can donate cash or check at
any one of the society meetings. You can also donate by sending a check to JCNYGS, P.O.
Box 6453, Watertown, New York 13601.
Q: Is there a society newsletter?
A: Yes. The society's 24-page newsletter, the Informer, is printed quarterly and mailed to
all members. The newsletter is also available digitally to all members at www.jcnygs.org.
Q: Can I publish a genealogical query?
A: Yes. Queries are strongly encouraged. Members can go to www.jcnygs.org and share a
query. Additionally, we may publish them for free in our quarterly newsletter.{
Q: Can I publish a genealogy article?
A: Yes. Articles are strongly encouraged. We publish them for free in our quarterly
newsletter. For more information, email: informer@jcnygs.org
Q: Where does your society meet?
A: Unless advertised differently, we meet at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints on Ives Street, Watertown, New York. The building is across the street from the
Immaculate Heart Central School sports complex. Visit www.jcnygs.org for programs and
driving directions.
Q: Do you have social media?
A: Yes, we have Facebook: Search for Jefferson County NY Genealogical Society
Q: Must I live in Jefferson County, New York, to be a member?
A: No. We have members in over 35 states and Canada. Most of our members have
ancestors who once resided in Jefferson County.
Q: How often are meetings?
A: Meetings are held monthly from March through December of each year. Programs are
advertised on www.jcnygs.org and in our quarterly newsletter, the Informer.
Q: Are meetings live-streamed?
A: No. However, we provide meeting minutes and program overviews in our quarterly
newsletter.
Q: Do you have any "professional or licensed genealogist" in the society?
A: Yes. Jean Wilcox Hibben lives in California and authors our quarterly “Aunty Jeff”
advice column.
Q: Are there any genealogy research agencies “For Hire” in Jefferson County, New York? A:Yes. For information and rates, write Allyson Stephenson at timelessgenealogy@gmail.com
Q: Who do I write to for more information?
A: There are three options. The first option is to visit www.jcnygs.org and filling out the
“Contact Us” form. The second option is to send an email to leadership@jcnygs.org. The
third option is to write to JCNYGS, P.O. Box 6453, Watertown, New York 13601.
If you have any questions or comments about this page, please contact,
County Coordinator Bruce Coyne.