Vernon & District Family History Society
The Vernon & District Family History Society (VDFHS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to genealogy and family history research. Established in 1982[^1][^2], it serves individuals interested in tracing ancestral roots, particularly within the Vernon region of British Columbia and surrounding districts.

History
Founded on November 24, 1982, by a group of ten individuals at the Bella Vista home of charter member Kay Biller[^2], the society began with Claude McKim as its inaugural president and Russell Udy as vice-president[^2]. It was created to provide access to genealogical resources and foster collaboration among local researchers[^1][^2].

Activities and Services
The society operates a Resource Centre offering access to genealogical databases, historical records, and research assistance[^1][^4]. Volunteers aid members in navigating DNA testing methodologies and interpreting results[^2]. Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month[^2], and the organization periodically hosts public events, including open-house workshops to demonstrate research tools[^4].

Collaborations
VDFHS partners with external organizations such as the FamilySearch Center in Vernon, which provides complementary resources including photo scanners, printers, and specialized databases[^5].

Governance
As a registered nonprofit (Business Registration Number 889949772RR0001), VDFHS is governed by a volunteer board. Membership spans January 1 to December 31 annually[^1].

[^1]: Vernon & District Family History Society. "VDFHS - INDEX." www.vdfhs.com.
[^2]: "Vernon and District Family History Society soaks up 40 years." Vernon Morning Star, 22 Nov. 2022.
[^4]: "Vernon & District Family History Society - Resource Centre Open." City of Vernon.
[^5]: "Vernon British Columbia FamilySearch Center." FamilySearch.

[1] https://www.vdfhs.com [2] https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/community/vernon-and-district-family-history-society-soaks-up-40-years-3352706 [3] https://guides.vapld.info/c.php?g=581824&p=4017445 [4] https://www.vernon.ca/activities-events/news-events/events-calendar/vernon-district-family-history-society-resource [5] https://locations.familysearch.org/en/ca/bc/vernon/1506-35th-st