The Iowa Genealogical Society (IGS) is Iowa’s leading organization for family history research, education, and preservation.
We help individuals and families discover, understand, and preserve their heritage through access to resources, learning opportunities, and a supportive community.
Our Mission
We advance the study of family history by helping individuals discover, understand, and preserve their heritage. Through education, collaboration, and access to valuable resources, we support our members at every stage of their genealogical journey.
- We help people improve their knowledge and understanding of their family and its place in history
- We educate, collaborate, and connect with others who share an interest in genealogy
- We provide classes, conferences, and special interest groups to support research success
What We Do
- Provide access to a comprehensive genealogy library
- Offer classes, workshops, and conferences for all experience levels
- Support Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and collaborative learning
- Publish Hawkeye Heritage and other research materials
- Connect members with resources across Iowa, the U.S., and beyond
Why It Matters
Genealogy is more than a hobby — it’s a way to connect with the past, understand the present, and preserve stories for future generations.
Whether you are just beginning or have years of experience, IGS provides the tools, community, and support to help you succeed.
At a Glance
- Serving genealogists for over 60 years
- Extensive collections covering all 99 Iowa counties
- Research resources spanning the U.S. and beyond
- A welcoming library and conference center in Des Moines
Get Connected
Explore everything IGS has to offer: