Society History

In January 1994, a small group of genealogists led by Mary Ellen Lytle formed the South Orange County California Genealogical Society. Mary Ellen was the first president and Judy Deeter the first Vice President. The other board members were Pat Stafford, recording secretary; Ruby White, Treasurer; Martha Lewis, Parliamentarian; Goldie Gay, Publicity and Pat Weeks, Newsletter Editor. There were 50 members in February when the society officially came into being. By May the membership had increased to 100. Board meetings were held at Arby’s Restaurant and general meetings were held at the Norman P. Murray Community Center in Mission Viejo.

The first newsletter was in July of 1994. Pat McCoy won the contest to select a name for the newsletter and by September 1994 it appeared at the top of the newsletter. Ed Gill was the winner of the contest to design a logo for the society. It shows a trail going from the San Juan Capistrano Mission up to Saddleback Valley which is the area that the society serves. He and Pat McCoy received a free one-year membership for their efforts.

In February 1997, we moved our general meetings at the LDS Church in Mission Viejo. Although we are not officially affiliated with the Church, the Church has been a generous and welcoming home, and we now hold our monthly meetings in the large chapel inside the main building, just down the hall from their FamilySearch History Center.

The Mission Viejo Library opened October 25, 1997, and generously provided a space for our genealogical collection of books and CDs. In May of 2002, the new south wing was opened and the genealogy section was moved into the new area. Volunteer docents from our society staff the genealogy desk in this area.

In the thirty years since our beginning, we have established a library, conducted outstanding yearly seminars, held monthly meetings with top notch speakers and provided numerous ongoing classes and special interest groups. Our members are very active researchers and dedicated to helping others. This has not only provided a service to the community, but has evolved into a truly social camaraderie among our members.