File ORG - Mennonite Genealogy Inc. fonds

This fonds consists of a number of categories of materials created and collected by its founder Abram A. Vogt, and subsequent volunteer staff. The oldest item is a book by Menno Simons published in 1556 entitled Die Fundamente der seligmachenden Lehre unsers Hern Jesu Christi. Most of the published [Series 3] and unpublished genealogies and family histories were published in the 20th century with most of them bewteen 1960 and 2004. Collection contains a Historical Library of 1155 published titles related to Mennonite history and genealogy. Unpublished Mennonite genealogical collections is another category of materials [Series 1]. There are over 200,000 cards in a genealogy card index (entitled Kartei) [Series 4]. There is a substantial collection of biographical newspaper clippings (entitled the Aktei) and geographical/event newspaper clippings (entitled Chronik) [Series 2]. The MGI photograph collection contain photo of individuals, families and organizations [Series 5]. There are 37 maps related to Mennonite history. The collection contains the correspondence from the MGI Office with researchers [Series 6]. There are also electronic records -- both related to administration of the collection and also various genealogical databases in PAF and BK formats.
The MGI holdings also contained the following separate fonds or collections: a) Mennonite Benevolant Society - Bethania fonds, b) Agnes Kettler collection, c) Anna Vogt fonds, d) A.K. Friesen letter collection, e) Katherine H. Loewen collection (to be described separately).