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"Genealogical Resources Available at the Arkansas State Archives" Presented by Elizabeth Freeman Archival Assistant Division of Arkansas Heritage Arkansas State Archives May 28, 2028 6:00 pm via Zoom 
The Arkansas State Archives is an essential destination for genealogists and family historians researching Arkansas families, migration routes, frontier communities, and the broader story of the region before Oklahoma statehood. As the official archives of Arkansas, it preserves government records, historical manuscripts, newspapers, photographs, maps, military records, church materials, and county records that can help researchers move beyond names and dates to discover the lives, locations, relationships, and experiences of their ancestors.
A major highlight for researchers interested in early Arkansas and the pre-Oklahoma era is the Archives’ holdings related to Arkansas Territory and the western frontier. Arkansas Territory was created in 1819 and originally included land that later became part of present-day Oklahoma. This makes Arkansas records highly relevant for families who lived, traded, served, migrated, or interacted along the Arkansas–Indian Territory border. This presentation will introduce genealogists and family historians to the Arkansas State Archives’ major collections, explain why Arkansas records matter for both Arkansas and pre-Oklahoma research, and offer practical search strategies for using county records, newspapers, land records, territorial materials, military collections, maps, manuscripts, photographs, and online finding aids. Participants will come away with a clearer understanding of what the Archives holds, how to approach its collections, and why it is such a powerful resource for uncovering family stories across Arkansas and the early western frontier. Elizabeth Freeman is an archival assistant with the Arkansas State Archives, part of the Division of Arkansas Heritage, and has served there since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Central Arkansas and brings experience as a library technician, researcher, and outreach leader. Her work includes reference services, outreach programming, social media and website updates, reproduction orders, and patron assistance in the research room. Freeman is also an experienced lecturer who presents to associations and community groups. She is especially committed to preserving historical county records and helping researchers uncover Arkansas family histories. NOTE: Due to recent attempts by 3rd party bad actors to infiltrate our meetings, all attendees are required to personally identify themselves by turning on their camera and mic to return a greeting from the host. You may turn off your camera during the presentation.
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All 2026 Meetings via Zoom unless otherwise indicated 
Sharon Dragoo "The Butterfield Trail" Sharon Gillins "The Southern Claims Commission" Linda Morgan Clark "Introduction to AI for Genealogists" All programs (both virtual and in-person) are open to the public. Virtual meetings require you to turn on your camera and mic when your join the meeting. Common courtesy in interactions with other participants is expected. The regular monthly meeting is the 4th Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm CT Be a part of MCGS and become a member! Your membership gives you the opportunity to "give back" to the larger genealogy community and your dues help provide more and better resources for researchers. |
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MCGS Special Interest Groups
Here's where you can talk about your genealogy and family history research to your heart's content with genealogy friends from California to North Carolina (and points in-between).
Join the "Bunch" at anytime! Grab a sandwich, and come and go as you need to. This free-ranging conversation among genealogy friends always yields great information and builds relationships across local, state, and regional boundaries. No registration required but there are some guidelines:
Join the "Bunch" at anytime! Grab a sandwich, and come and go as you need to. This free-ranging conversation among genealogy friends always yields great information and builds relationships across local, state, and regional boundaries. No registration required but there are some guidelines:
- Please turn on your camera. This fosters the sense of connection and engagement that makes this virtual meeting a unique experience that so closely resembles an in-person meeting.
- Remember to be respectful and considerate of other’s opinions and contributions. When disagreements arise, common courtesy helps to maintain a positive community spirit.
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Explore the World of RootsMagic with Us!
Join us monthly on the second Thursday at 2:30 p.m. CDT for an informal and interactive session dedicated to all things RootsMagic. Whether you're a seasoned user of RootsMagic 11, still navigating earlier versions, or never used RootsMagic at all, this monthly virtual meeting on Zoom is your go-to space for Q&A, discussions and valuable insights using.this popular genealogy software.
Questions? Email: [email protected].
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Zotero 9 for Genealogy SIG
MEETS VIRTUALLY the third Thursday of the months at 2:30 p.m. CT to learn from other attendees how to use this free, extremely flexible research tool for collecting, organizing, annotating, citing, and sharing your genealogy research. To keep the group interaction to approximately one hour, participation may be limited at any time. You must register and answer the survey questions. Your registration will be reviewed before it is approved.
MEETS VIRTUALLY the third Thursday of the months at 2:30 p.m. CT to learn from other attendees how to use this free, extremely flexible research tool for collecting, organizing, annotating, citing, and sharing your genealogy research. To keep the group interaction to approximately one hour, participation may be limited at any time. You must register and answer the survey questions. Your registration will be reviewed before it is approved.
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We Are Here for You
Whether you have Muskogee County ancestors or have no family connection to Muskogee County or even Oklahoma, you will still find extensive support for your genealogy and family history research at the Muskogee County Genealogical Society (MCGS).
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