The Oklahoma Genealogical Society recently spent several thousand dollars to obtain a new set of The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, books that had originally been printed between 1881 and 1901. 

In 1866 a joint resolution of Congress authorized the compilation and publication of the records of the Civil War. This massive undertaking would eventually lead to the publication of 128 books called collectively The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. These Civil War records have been studied, argued over, and cited by every Civil War historian since their publication. 

The companion set, Southern Historical Society Papers, was obtained at the same time. Published in 52 volumes from 1869 to the 1950s, this collection includes reminiscences and analyses of war experiences from the Confederate point of view. 

The Oklahoma Genealogical Society meeting on Monday, February 1, at 6:00 P.M. at the Oklahoma History Center, 2401 N. Laird Ave, Oklahoma City, will have a discussion and comparison of these collections when Billie Stone Fogarty presents “My Civil War Soldier: What Can I Learn from The War of the Rebellion Official Records?” 

Information that is available online about these records will also be highlighted. Researchers will learn how to use what is available on the internet and how to use the printed books along with the online sources to more effectively enhance their Civil War Research. Every genealogist with Civil War ancestors will want to become familiar with and use this collection.

Billie Stone Fogarty serves on the Board of Directors for several genealogical and historical organizations including the Oklahoma Genealogical Society, Oklahoma Historical Society, and Association of Professional Genealogists. She is an active member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, International Society of Family History Writers and Editors, and has spoken at the National Genealogical Society national conference.

As a former history teacher with both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, Billie now devotes her time to infecting others with her love for history up close and personal – family history! She lectures regularly and also teaches genealogy each semester in adult continuing education courses.

Professional Memberships include: 
National Institute on Genealogical Research Alumni Association,
National Genealogical Society,
Federation of Genealogical Societies (Delegate),
Association of Professional Genealogists,
Genealogical Speakers Guild,
International Society of Family History Writers and Editors.

She has participated in numerous national conferences and learning opportunities and belongs to several local genealogy societies and lineage groups and works closely with a variety of groups devoted to making genealogy and family history more accessible to others. She has served the last six years as President of the Oklahoma Genealogical Society.