CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A volunteer-run organization is helping people learn more about their family history. 

What You Need To Know

  • A volunteer-run organization helps people find out about their family history

  • The Mecklenburg Genealogical Society helped Gloria Hartis Alexander find out more about her family line

  • The group keeps copies of records, maps, and family books at the research center and online

In 1981, a small group of genealogists founded the Mecklenburg Genealogical Society or Olde Meck. They aimed to help people in their genealogical research and preserve records that interested family historians. 

Now, they continue their mission: hosting monthly meetings and events, maintaining a research library and collecting and organizing genealogical materials.

Olde Meck Vice President Lynn Bancroft said although their focus is Mecklenburg County due to their location, they can help people with family ties elsewhere. 

“Especially in this day and age, have the expertise to help people with online research. And in many areas of the country. So no matter where your ancestors are from,” Bancroft said. 

Gloria Hartis Alexander has been researching her family history. 

Last year, she visited the Sutcliffe-Ferguson Family Research Center. With the help of volunteers and records, she found a great-grandmother and land grants from the 1700s belonging to her fourth great-grandfather.

“He was my original ancestor that came from Germany,” Hartis Alexander said. 

Her research started decades ago after she asked her father about their family line. 

“He knew three things: There were three brothers that came over together, that they fought in the American Revolution and that they were blacksmiths,” Hartis Alexander said. 

Most of the Hartis family stayed in Mecklenburg County, making books, maps, copies of records and the resources from the group’s website invaluable. 

“It’s like a treasure hunt, and then you find pearls, and that takes you to another pearl, and that’s what I have found here,” Hartis Alexander said. 

Families in the area have also done research and shared it with the Mecklenburg Genealogical Society. 

Hartis Alexander is compiling her in-depth research in a book, which she hopes becomes a treasured gift for future generations. 

“Unless we know our history, we can’t value our freedom,” Hartis Alexander said. 

You can visit the Sutcliffe-Ferguson Family Research Center to request help from volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays or by appointment. You can make an appointment by emailing info@oldemeck.org.