Cape Girardeau County Genealogical Society
Bringing Cape Girardeau County History to Life!
INFORMATION
Attend a Program
Formal meetings are held at the Cape Girardeau County Archive Center, 112 East Washington, in Jackson, Missouri, on the fourth Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November at 7:00 p.m. Informative programs are given at each formal meeting. Visitors are always welcomed to bring their questions, and work with more experienced genealogists at the meetings.
We have books!
Click here for publications. Publications are available by mail order. All books are soft bound (stapled or spiral) unless otherwise indicated. We pay postage and some quantities are limited.
Genealogy Collection
The society maintains a library and other genealogical holdings in the Cape Girardeau County Archive Center. Our collection of local records is one of the best in Southeast Missouri. Many books have been published by the society and its members. Books donated to the CGCGS are listed in the next quarterly and placed in the Genealogy Room. We welcome photocopies of original records from the Cape Girardeau County area, such as Bibles, diaries, account books, and church, cemetery, and military records. Queries are free to members. The Genealogy Collection is open during Archive Center hours.
You are Important to Us
Our fiscal year is May 1 to April 30, so dues are due in May. Individual memberships are $10, family memberships are $15, and a life membership is available for a one-time payment of $250. We count on you and and apppreciate our active members. Click here for a printable membership form.
Building Family Trees
The CGCGS is currently NOT offering paid research. If you have specific needs, however, do not hesitate to email us and we may be able to put you in touch with a member who may assist you. Specific requests might be handled through the Archive Center.
2024 Officers
President: Drew Blattner
Vice President: Dr. Bill Eddleman
Treasurer & Membership: Betty Voss
Recording Secretary: Sheila Porter
Historian: Deb Baughn
Corresponding Secretary: Marybeth Niederkorn
Web Manager: Cheryl Rutledge-Brennecke
Meeting Information
Meeting Information is available, including zoom links, in our email publications.
Search our website
To search our website, add site:capegenealogy.org to any Google search
or use our Search page.
Featured Pages
Revolutionary Soldiers
Revolutionary Soldiers who came to the Cape Girardeau Area added 12/17/25
Marquis de Lafayette Presentation by Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr.
Video of May meeting added 12/12/25.
Civil War Letters of Michael Freyburger
Continued and added to bottom of page on 12/12/25
Land Claims in Southeast Missouri
Problems following Louisiana Purchase added 12/9/25
January 28, 2025 Meeting handout
"A Genealogist's Guide to Sanborn Maps" by professional genealogist and historian Michelle Spencer, of Roma Mary Grace Historical Research Services
Civil War Letters
Civil War Letters of Michael Freyburger of Shelby County, Illinois added 9/12/24.
Justices and Officers
1893-1894 Justices of Peace and Offices of Cape Girardeau County was added 9/12/24