Swain County Genealogical & Historical Society is a non-profit corporation that was founded in January 1984 to meet the needs of Swain County Heritage Researchers. Our goal is to provide and share genealogical information of interest to Swain County researchers, to encourage the collection and preservation of such records as Family Bible Records, Military Records, Cemetery Records and other materials, as well as educate our members through workshops and publications. Membership in the Society is open to anyone who is interested in genealogy and historical research.

Membership runs from January through December and the cost is $20.00 per year. This includes the quarterly publication of "The Bone Rattler" which consists of contributed information that is submitted to the Society. Everything from family history, lineage charts, to local history can be found in these issues. PLEASE notify us promptly of a change of address. Two publications will be mailed at one time, twice a year. We must have 200-pieces to receive bulk rates from the Postal Service. Membership after the bulk rate mailing will have to pay the full postage rates. Returned books for persons temporarily away from home will have to pay the return postage.

You are invited to submit information for review and possible publication in an issue. We welcome any information that is related to families and local history. All of our members are encouraged to submit a 5-generation lineage chart for publication in the Bone Rattler.

MEETINGS

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month. To accommodate for day-light savings time, meetings are held at 6:00 pm for the months of October through March, then at 7:00 pm for the months of April through September. All members and visitors are invited to attend. Upcoming events and projects are discussed, comments and suggestions are welcome.  NOTE:  No meeting is held for the month of July. The August meeting is combined with our annual outdoor picnic.

LOCATION

The Society Office is housed in the Swain County Community Building, upstairs over the Bryson City Police Department, located at 200 Main Street. The Community Building is situated on the town square just across the street from the old courthouse. This historic building was constructed around 1910 and has housed many different departments of both city and county government.