For 60 years, The Genealogical Society of East Alabama, Inc. (GSEA), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, has promoted the sharing of genealogical and historical information, within and about the five-county area of east central Alabama: Chambers, Lee, Macon, Russell, and Tallapoosa counties.

These five counties have a special history together: After 1832's Treaty of Cusseta, among the counties created when the native Creek tribes gave up their land, the central part was divided into counties of Chambers, Macon, Russell, and Tallapoosa. Then in 1866, Alabama's Lee County was created by carving out over 600 square miles from the middle of those parent counties.

Through our quarterly journal, Tap Roots, and our special publications, the story of the area's natives, settlers and descendants is documented and preserved. We are also involved at the forefront of cemetery preservation efforts and fighting against the shameful vandalism of our ancestors' resting places.

From the four corners of East Alabama -- Jernigan to Hackneyville, Standing Rock to Chesson, and everywhere in between -- your ancestors want to tell you their stories. They want you to know not just who, when and where, but how and why. They lived and worked and while most never achieved much notoriety, they still had an individual, unique life that they want you to know about.

By joining the GSEA, you can find their stories by availing yourself of the amassed knowledge of experienced researchers that started out just like you, and gain personal knowledge and experience through our programs, publications and guest speakers. And finally, we can help you share your newfound knowledge and experience with future generations!