Welcome to Gatherings, a dedicated space for members of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania to connect with others passionate about their ancestry. Explore shared ancestral lines, spark new research ideas, share research experiences, and build your family history together!
Here, you’ll be able to register for the monthly calls, find a vibrant forum, a searchable surname database, and access a live Zoom room for impromptu conversations.
See the FAQs below for more information.
Register for the next Monthly Gathering!
Join our interactive virtual discussion group to share and/or learn genealogy research tips and information about a wide range of topics that change every month.
All skill levels are welcome!
We meet on the 15th of most months!
Next Meeting: December 15, 2025
- DATE: Mon., Dec. 15, 2025
- TIME: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET
- LOCATION: Zoom
FORUM
Connect and Collaborate
Share Your Research & Discoveries!
The forum is your one-stop shop for engaging discussions, expert advice, and collaborative research with fellow genealogists.
- Ask questions: Stuck on a brick wall? Post your research question and get insights from experienced members.
- Share your discoveries: Unearthed a fascinating family story? Share your findings and inspire others.
- Learn new techniques: Dive into discussions on research methodologies, record sources, and overcoming research challenges.
- Offer guidance: Pay it forward by assisting fellow members with their genealogical roadblocks.
- Connect with researchers: Find others exploring similar family lines and collaborate on breaking through roadblocks.
Surname Database
Expand Your Network
Find your kin!
The surname database allows you to connect with other members researching the same family lines.
- Submit your family surnames: Add your family surnames to the searchable database and increase the chance of finding relatives who are also members of the society.
- Search for ancestral lines: Discover members researching the same surnames as you, potentially unlocking new leads and family branches.
- Connect with potential relatives: Reach out to members with shared surnames and discover if your family trees intertwine.
- Breakthrough brick walls: Connecting with others researching your family line or locations can provide missing pieces and propel your research forward.
Gatherings Zoom Room
Impromptu Genealogy Chats
Join the Conversation – Anytime!
The Gatherings Zoom room provides a space for members to connect in real-time for impromptu conversations. The exclusive, non-moderated Zoom room offers a space for:
- Drop in and chat: Pop into the Zoom room anytime to connect with fellow members.
- Ask questions in real-time: Get immediate feedback and brainstorming sessions with other genealogists.
- Share discoveries on the spot: Excitement about a research breakthrough? Share it live and get instant responses!
- Build lasting connections: Meet new members with shared interests and build lasting relationships within the society.
NOTE: This space is for impromptu and planned conversation for small groups of members to have discussions. It is not moderated by any member. Unless you are meeting a group in the Zoom room it is unlikely to be occupied by anyone.
Gatherings FAQs
General Questions
Who can access the Gatherings page?
The Gatherings page is exclusive to paid members of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania.
How do I access the forum/surname database/Zoom room?
You will find access links within each section of the Gatherings page. These links will not require your member login credentials.
Do I need any prior experience to participate in the forum?
No prior experience is necessary! The forum is a welcoming space for genealogists of all levels.
Forum
Is the forum monitored?
Yes, the forum is monitored by GSP administrators to ensure a respectful and productive environment. If you have any issues with the forum, please contact gatherings@genpa.org.
Can I post anything on the forum?
Please keep your posts relevant to genealogy and respectful of other members.
How do I find specific discussions within the forum?
Most forum topics have categories and tags to help you to search by keywords or topics.
Surname Database
How many surnames can I submit?
There is no limit on the number of surnames you can submit.
Can I add multiple locations to a single surname?
No, you can only add one location per surname. If you have multiple locations for your surname, simply submit a new entry for each location.
Will my information be shared publicly?
Your name will be linked to your surnames so other members can find you. Although your name will be included in the searchable database, if a member would like to contact you, they will only be able to contact you if you have a forum profile.
How often is the surname database updated?
The database is updated each time a member adds surname information.
If a member leaves GSP, will their surname data still be viewable?
Yes, their surname data will continue to be viewable.
What if my folks moved around and were in several counties? Different states? Should I enter them multiple times?
Yes, each one should be a row of data.
What do I do if my ancestors didn’t actually move but lived in different counties because new counties were formed from old ones? For example, my Deibler ancestors settled in Lancaster County but in the part that became Dauphin County. If I say Dauphin in 1771, Dauphin didn’t exist as a county until 1785.
If you have the same ancestor living in the same place after their original county has been formed into a new county, you should add one row of data for each County AND use the Time Period column to identify the years which the ancestor was present in each County.
Gatherings Zoom Room
What are the Zoom room hours?
The Zoom room is open 24/7, except during the times of regularly scheduled GSP meetings.
Do I need to register for Zoom chats?
No registration is required to use a Zoom room for conversations.
Are there any etiquette guidelines for the Zoom room?
Yes, there are guidelines for using the Zoom room. For more information, please read the guidelines here.
Is the Zoom room moderated?
This Zoom room is NOT moderated by anyone.
Is the Zoom room recorded?
No, the Zoom room is not recorded.
