The Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society is dedicated to helping you explore, preserve, and share your family history. For over 30 years, we’ve been connecting genealogists and historians in the heart of Tennessee
Upcoming Events
- May 15 : Genealogy Workshop
- June 10: Cemetery Tour
- July 7: Family History Seminar
Research Projects
Uncovering Tennessee's Past
Special projects and databases to support your genealogical research.
Counties we cover
Our Curated Links
Genealogy
Research Links
The Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society has compiled a collection of trusted genealogy resources to help you discover, preserve, and share your family history. Browse research links for each of our forty counties, locate archives and historical societies, or explore national genealogy organizations and online research tools.
State Resources
Archives, historical societies, genealogical societies, libraries, and research guides for each MTGS county.
Research Collections
Access Tennessee State Library & Archives collections, catalogs, and research materials to assist your search.
Genealogy Websites
Continue your research with FamilySearch, Ancestry, national organizations, and other trusted genealogy resources.
Tennessee State Library & Archives
Before exploring county resources, we recommend starting with the Tennessee State Library & Archives—one of the most valuable collections for Tennessee family history research.
Additional Genealogy Resources
Explore some of the most trusted genealogy organizations, archives, and research tools available online.
Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society
Nashville chapter dedicated to preserving and researching African American family history.
East Tennessee Historical Society
Research collections, publications, exhibits, and educational resources.
Midwest Tennessee Genealogical Society
Resources, publications, and local genealogy information for West Tennessee.
Tennessee Genealogical Society
Statewide genealogy organization offering publications, events, and research support.
Tennessee Historical Society
Explore Tennessee history through articles, educational materials, and historical collections.
Federation of Genealogical Societies
National organization supporting genealogy societies and family history research.
National Genealogical Society
One of the country's leading organizations for genealogy education and research.
Cyndi's List
A massive directory of categorized genealogy resources from around the world.
FamilySearch
Free genealogy records, family trees, and millions of digitized historical documents.
Library of Congress
Historic collections, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and government records.
U.S. National Archives
Federal census records, military records, immigration records, and more.
RootsWeb
Classic genealogy databases, mailing lists, and volunteer research resources.
AncestryDNA
Discover family connections through DNA testing and historical record matching.
Ancestry Obituary Search
Locate historical obituary records from across the United States.
Ancestry Vital Records
Search birth, marriage, and death records from thousands of collections.
MAPCON Genealogy Resources
Helpful genealogy software recommendations and online research resources.
Begin Your Family Tree
A beginner-friendly guide to researching your family history.
Professional Genealogical
Researchers
Connecting you with experienced researchers dedicated to your family history.
Applications were received from the following persons indicating their willingness to perform genealogical research for a fee.
MTGS does not assess the ability of those on the list and assumes no responsibility for the quality of workmanship.
It is wise to determine rates before assigning research. Please enclose an SASE when writing to researchers.
We encourage you to write or e-mail the researcher, instead of telephoning, as your initial contact.
Researchers wishing to apply to be included in this list should fill out
this form.
Jill Hastings-Johnson
Charter Member of MTGS
- P. O. Box 585, Clarksville, TN 37041
- jkhastings23@gmail.com
- Former Director of the Montgomery County TN Archives.
- Specialties: Extensive research experience in Southern records, esp. Texas, Tennessee and Kentucky, as well as southern Indiana and southern Illinois.
Richard A. Smallwood, Sr.
- 1008 Harrison Ave SE Huntsville, AL 35801-3139
- smally@AOL.com
- Specialties: Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee
- 256-536-0491
Debbie W. Spero
- 276 Alexander Lane Bethpage, TN 37022
- debwspero@gmail.com
-
http:/www.tngenealogy
research.com - Specialty: Tennessee
- 615-841-3711
Julie Townsend Gontarek
- 485 Sterns Crossing Rd., Brentwood, TN 37027
- jtgontarek@gmail.com
-
https://www.apgen.org/
users/julie-gontarek - Specialties: Tennessee, Eastern U.S., family history, land and neighborhood research, 20th cent. Jewish immigration
- 615-804-8043
Sherri Lehde
- 3762 Windmill Dr., Clarksville, TN 37040
-
hightowergen
services@gmail.com - Specialties: African-American, unknown parentage, Mid-Atlantic, Southern US
- Certifications: Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogist (AIGG), MLS
- 931-217-2389
Are you a Genealogical Researcher?
We are always looking to expand our list of trusted professionals
About Us
Preserving Family History and Heritage since 1988
Our Mission
The Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society is dedicated to helping you explore, preserve, and share your family history. We connect genealogists and historians in the heart of Tennessee through education, resources, and community.
- Educate We provide programs, workshops, and resources to help you learn and grow in your research.
- Connect We bring together a community of individuals who share a passion for genealogy and history.
- Preserve We encourage the preservation of records and stories for future generations.
Our History
Founded in 1988, the Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society began as a small group of local researches with a shared passion for uncovering family stories. Over the past 30+ years, we have grown into a thriving organization dedicated to supporting genealogists at every stage of their journey.
What We Value
Integrity
We value accuracy, honesty, and ethical research in all we do.
Stewardship
We are committed to preserving records and stories for future generations.
Community
We believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and shared knowledge.
Curiosity
We encourage discovery and lifelong learning in the pursuit of our family histories.
Our Leadership
Our board members and volunteers work together to advance our mission and support our community.
Bonnie Winn
President
Passionate about Tennessee Research and helping others discover their roots
Pam Griffith
Vice President
Family historian with over 20 years of research experience
Becky Mangano
Treasurer
Manages our resources and supports the society’s financial health.
Bill Kelly
Recording Secretary
Organized researcher and advocate for genealogy education.
Julie Gontarek
Director
Specializes in records. preservation and local history
Kay Gregath
Board Member
Enjoys helping new researchers and building community connections.
Become Part of Our Story
Join our community and help us preserve history for future generations
Kay Gregath
Mail and Membership Master
Kay Gregath plays an essential role within the Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society as its mail and membership coordinator. Often described as the organization’s “mail and membership master,” she helps keep member records, renewals, correspondence, and day-to-day communications organized and running smoothly. Kay also serves on the website committee, where she helps ensure the society’s online presence remains useful, welcoming, and accessible to both longtime members and new researchers.
Outside of MTGS, Kay has enjoyed a successful career as a Realtor in the Nashville area, helping individuals and families navigate important milestones with knowledge, patience, and care. Her professional experience has strengthened her attention to detail, communication skills, and commitment to serving others—qualities she brings to every part of her work with the society.
Our Leadership
Our board members and volunteers work together to advance our mission and support our community.
Bonnie Winn
President
Passionate about Tennessee Research and helping others discover their roots
Pam Griffith
Vice President
Family historian with over 20 years of research experience
Becky Mangano
Treasurer
Manages our resources and supports the society’s financial health.
Bill Kelly
Recording Secretary
Organized researcher and advocate for genealogy education.
Julie Gontarek
Director
Specializes in records. preservation and local history
Kay Gregath
Board Member
Enjoys helping new researchers and building community connections.
Become Part of Our Story
Join our community and help us preserve history for future generations
MTGS Officers
Bonnie Winn
President
Pam Griffith
Vice President
Becky Mangano
Treasurer
Bill Kelly
Recording Secretary
MTGS Directors
Brenda Cowan Francis
Term Runs to May 31, 2027
Jeff Bockman
Term Runs to May 31, 2027
Julie Townsend Gontarek
Term Runs to May 31, 2028
Kathryn Hopkins
Term Runs to May 31, 2028
Ex Officio Board Members
and Pam Griffith
Book Review Editor
and Social Media Administrator
Committee Chairs
Shannon Yeatman
Refreshment Commitee
Mary Lawrence
MTGS Meeting Registrar, Emerita
Gail Gill Sanders
Refreshment Committee, Emerita