For the novice family historian, the greatest single source of help and encouragement is often a genealogical society. Most provinces and larger cities have genealogical societies, where members meet regularly to learn and discuss methodology and to share experiences and information. Often the society has a library and several experts in particular aspects of the field. In addition, genealogical societies host websites, publish newsletters, and organize symposiums, which provide substantial and useful information and resources for their members.
The Saskatchewan Genealogical Society (SGS) was formed in 1969 by a group of people interested in promoting the study of family history, preserving heritage documents and collecting materials for the study of this discipline. Today the Society has branches throughout the province and members scattered throughout the world, the largest genealogical lending library in Canada and a professional certification program.
Two excellent research tools, Tracing Your Ancestors in Saskatchewan: A Guide to the Records and How to Use Them, and Tracing Your Aboriginal Ancestors in the Prairie Provinces, are available for purchase from the Society. These publications contain comprehensive reviews of genealogical sources, and are highly recommended for novice and experienced family historians alike.
Family history records may also be searched online at the FamilySearch.org website operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Historical and genealogical societies and resource centres exist which are dedicated to family history research related to specific groups, including the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada, the Mennonite Historical Society of Saskatchewan, the Eastern European Genealogical Society, and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan Genealogical and Archive Centre. Contact information for these and other organizations may be found on the Internet.