Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois
Proudly serving the counties of Southern Illinois
Map of Southern Illinois

About Us

GSSI was organized in Carterville, Illinois in March 1973 for the purpose of encouraging the science of genealogy; helping others gather genealogical information; and preserving, protecting and publishing information of importance to Southern Illinois genealogy. Our geographic area includes the twenty-eight counties of Illinois south of Interstate 70: Alexander, Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, St. Clair, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White, and Williamson.
 
 
The GSSI Genealogy Collection, located at the John A. Logan College Library, consists of more than 1000 books and several hundred reels of microfilm. The collection does not circulate, but it is catalogued and can be searched through the JALC Library website.
 
Meetings
Meetings are held quarterly on the second Saturday of the month at libraries and other sites in the GSSI 28-county service area. Dates, times and places of these meetings will be announced on our Events page on this site and in local media. All general meetings of GSSI are open to the public. Members of GSSI are encouraged to bring guests to the meetings.
 


Operating Year: January - December 2024


Board Members
President: Michael L Spinks
1st Vice President: Phil Stucker
Recording Secretary: Julia E. Mowery
Treasurer: Mrs. Gloria Ann Spinks
Past President: Phil Stucker
 
Directors
Director 2024-2026: Melodie Penrod
Director 2024-2026: Joyce Siason
Director 2022-2024: Marilyn Beltz
Director 2022-2024: Dusty Renee Boner
Director 2023-2025: Jon Gobert
Director 2024-2026: Vacant
 
Appointed Positions
Membership: Mrs. Gloria Ann Spinks
Editor of The Saga: Dusty Renee Boner
Newsletter Editor: Michael L Spinks
Librarian: Marilyn Beltz
Genealogist: Julia E. Mowery
Archives: Michael L Spinks
Archives: Jon Gobert
Publications: Melodie Penrod