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WELCOME
The Morris Area Genealogy Society (MAGS) provides a lively forum for resource sharing, mutual assistance, and instruction for those interested in family history and genealogy. Beginners as well as more experienced genealogists profit from monthly lectures on topics relating to genealogy. Since our origin in 1988 at the Joint Free Public Library of Morristown and Morris Township, our Society has grown and we now meet at the Morris County Library (MCL)*, 30 East Hanover Ave., Whippany, NJ on the first Tuesday evening of the month, unless otherwise noted on the meeting schedule. Visitors are welcome at our monthly meetings. Refreshments are served at 6:15; the program runs from 6:45 - 8:15 pm. If a monthly meeting needs to be cancelled, every effort is made by the MAGS Board to notify the Morris County Library before 3 pm, with a cancellation notification posted on this page of this website. When in doubt, please call the Morris County Library directly. The Morris County Library meeting rooms are open. We are making every effort to run our monthly general meetings both in person and via Zoom. See below for the latest scheduled meeting. BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP Among the benefits of membership are a subscription to the quarterly Morris Area Genealogy Society Newsletter and participation in our MAGS Special Interest Groups (SIGs). A MAGS SIG is a smaller group within the larger organization (MAGS) with a shared interest in a specific area; it focuses on particular challenges and topics such as research strategies in a smaller, less formal setting. SIGs can provide individual help on your genealogy research. Go to our Special Interest Group page for more information. Our newest benefit of membership is access to our private MAGS Presentation Website where recordings of most of our prior general monthly meetings are available. Click here for direct access to this website. Members are encouraged to volunteer their time and share their expertise by serving on committees. *Directions to the Library. Telephone number: 973-285-6930. |
The Morris County Library (MCL) meeting rooms have been reopened.
Check individual SIGs to see when how they are meeting.
If you are a MAGS member and are interested in joining a SIG, send an email to:
[email protected]
and advise what SIG(s) you wish to participate in.
Check individual SIGs to see when how they are meeting.
- MONTHLY GENERAL MEETINGS - in person at MCL; most will also be Zoom (hybrid) meetings to accommodate members who live far away.
- BEGINNERS AND BEYOND SIG - in person - open to non-MAGS members also
- BRICK WALLS SIG - in person
- DNA SIG - in person
- COMPUTER GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY WRITING SIG - Zoom only
If you are a MAGS member and are interested in joining a SIG, send an email to:
[email protected]
and advise what SIG(s) you wish to participate in.
MAGS - UPCOMING MEETING
If you are not a MAGS member and are interested in attending this free meeting via Zoom, please send an email one week before the meeting date to [email protected] .
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6 Oct 2026
Hybrid |
Genealogical Myths: Legends, Lies, and Lineage - by Michael Traynor
Where do family history myths come from, and why do they persist so stubbornly? This engaging lecture explores the rich human origins of genealogical mythmaking and dismantles some of the most common family legends, from claims of Ellis Island name changes and vague royal ancestry to narratives of powerless women and untraceable roots. Through rigorous, evidence-based research guided by curiosity and compassion, we can uncover more nuanced and compelling personal truths beneath these enduring stories.
Michael Traynor is a professional genealogist and owner of Moon & Yew Genealogy, based in northern New Jersey. He began researching his family history as a hobbyist in the early 2000s and has since built a career helping others unravel their own ancestral mysteries. Michael holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and has completed both the ProGen and GenProof study programs. Shaped in part by his background as an English teacher and poet, he brings a meticulous, creative eye to his research. He recently served as a guest lecturer in Marist University's first-year seminar course, The Psychology of Genealogy. A member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Michael also serves the genealogical community as a mentor genealogist for the National Genealogical Society's Advanced Skills course and for GenProof Study Groups, and as Historian and Trustee for the Morris Area Genealogy Society. |
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Website last updated: 2026 September 13
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Morris Area Genealogy Society in New Jersey or MAGS
Membership access to private MAGS Presentation Website |
©Morris Area Genealogy Society
This site may be linked to but not duplicated without the specific permission of Morris Area Genealogy Society [email:[email protected]]. It is permissible to print or save files for personal use only.
This site may be linked to but not duplicated without the specific permission of Morris Area Genealogy Society [email:[email protected]]. It is permissible to print or save files for personal use only.
