VERO BEACH — With pomp, proclamations, and pearls, the Indian River Genealogical Society will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Tuesday, April 9, at 9:30 a.m. in the large, first floor meeting room of the Indian River County Main Library, 1600 21st St. in Vero Beach.
Former, current, and prospective members and friends are invited to help the IRGS honor Pamela J. Cooper, who for 27 years has directed the growth of the library’s Florida Archives and Genealogy Department.
Under Mrs. Cooper’s leadership, the genealogy collection has grown from 250 to over 30,000 titles. She is a past president of IRGS and has held leadership positions in statewide and national genealogical societies.
She is the recipient of the Fliby Prize for Genealogical Librarianship, the Award of Merit from the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and the Indian River County Laurel Award for Professional Leadership.
Following a very brief business meeting, the festivities will begin. Past IRGS presidents and early members will be recognized. A rolling slide show will feature pictures of memorable meetings, and the society’s scrapbooks will be displayed.
The grand dame of Vero Beach, Alma Lee Loy, will make remarks. Refreshments, along with a 30th anniversary cake, will be served.
Since its founding in 1983, members have published two books: one listing the county’s cemeteries and the other depicts Indian River County’s history in vintage postcards.
Each year the society brings a noted genealogist to the county for its Valentine seminar. Members have documented the lives of the men honored on Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary, and they participated in a nationwide project to index the 1940 US Census.
In addition, members volunteer to help others research their families’ histories.
The society provides numerous classes for beginning genealogy researchers.
