Get to know the Society
Local history belongs
to all of us.
USGSMD is a volunteer-run nonprofit serving researchers and communities in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties.
Since 1973
Our history
The Upper Shore Genealogical Society of Maryland was formed in 1973 by 14 individuals who, after participating in a genealogy class, were inspired to organize USGSMD to help others research their family history. The organization has grown to more than one hundred members.
Fiscal year July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027
Officers and committees
USGSMD officers
- President
- William C. Schaffner
- Vice President
- Shirley Bigelow
- Treasurer
- William C. Schaffner
- Corresponding Secretary
- David Baker
- Recording Secretary
- Vacant
Board members and committee chairs
- At-Large Board Member
- Diana Herr
- Program and Publicity Chair
- Shirley Bigelow
- Publications Chair
- David Baker
- Library Chair (Head Librarian)
- David Baker
Other appointed positions
- Programs
- William C. Schaffner
- Editor, Chesapeake Cousins
- David Baker
- Editor, Cousin to Cousin Newsletter
- Shirley Bigelow
- Editor, Membership-Surname Directory
- David Baker
- Head Librarian
- David Baker
- Librarians
- William C. Schaffner and Diana Herr
Past presidents
- 2024–2025 William C. Schaffner
- 2020–2024 David Baker
- 2019–2020 Nathalie Thomas
- 2018–2019 Mary Ellen Larrimore
- 2015–2018 Eric Alexander
- 2014–2015 Vernon L. Skinner, Jr.
- 2012–2014 Dr. Eric A. Cheezum
- 2010–2012 Jean Kelly
- 2008–2010 Cindy Schmidt
- 2006–2008 Judith Hymes
- 2005–2006 Jennifer P. Taylor
- 2003–2005 Irma S. Harper
- 2001–2003 Jane Whomsley
- 1999–2001 Cindy Schmidt
- 1998–1999 W. Neil Keddie, Jr.
- 1996–1998 Irma S. Harper
- 1994–1996 Vicki E. Rhodes
- 1991–1994 Helen E. Seymour
- 1990–1991 Henrietta Wood
- 1988–1990 Mary V. Slaughter
- 1986–1988 Richard E. Forrester
- 1984–1986 Irma S. Harper
- 1983–1984 Ms. S. Eugene Clements
- 1981–1983 Dora Mitchell
- 1980–1981 Jerry Fletcher
- 1978–1980 F. Edward Wright
- 1977–1978 Mrs. Arthur N. Starin
- 1975–1977 Mrs. Dean Brinsfield
- 1973–1975 Raymond B. Clark, Jr.
Learn together
USGSMD meetings
General meetings are held at 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of January, March, May, September, and November. Locations are announced on the website, Facebook page, and by email to members, as they vary.
Meetings provide a forum for exchange, including a problem-solving session where members can ask questions and get help with genealogical research.
See meeting announcements →The Society journal
Chesapeake Cousins
Chesapeake Cousins helps further the research of our members. Published twice per year in spring and fall (April and October), it contains a wide variety of articles submitted by members. Articles include family group sheets, lineage charts, family histories, success stories, queries, brick-wall research, family Bible records, ancestor biographies, photographs, court records, depositions, newspaper abstracts, military records, tax records, pension lists, immigration records, and other genealogical and historical topics.
To contribute or ask a question, email the Society. Back issues are available in the bookstore.
Member updates
Cousin to Cousin newsletter
The Cousin to Cousin newsletter keeps members informed about Society activities, new books and family histories, meeting dates and topics, and other useful updates. It is published twice per year. Questions, comments, and submissions can be sent to usgsmd@yahoo.com.
Governance
USGSMD bylaws
The bylaws of the Upper Shore Genealogical Society of Maryland were approved unanimously at the May 14, 2022 member meeting.
Read the USGSMD bylaws ↗