The South Bend Area Genealogical Society was established in 1976, to promote the collection, preservation and dissemination of knowledge and information with reference to genealogical and related historical data, and to instruct in research and documentation of said data.

The Society was conceived in 1975 by Laureen Bostedt and Fay Lies, with Prudence Michael and Carol Collins as advisors.

The first organized meeting was held January 22, 1976 in the Schuyler Colfax Auditorium of the South Bend Public Library under the direction of Jeanne Denham, President.