Did you know that crime fighter Elliott Ness once worked for the Pullman Car Company?

Members of the South Suburban Genealogical and Historical Society do. And they have the employment records to prove it.

The nonprofit organization celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Established in 1968, the society serves south Cook and east Will counties in Illinois as well as Chicago's Roseland/Pullman neighborhoods and northern Indiana.

Kathy Nassios, of Homewood, is president. She has been interested in genealogy for decades and has been involved in the society for 16 years.

"It's become quite a fast growing hobby," Nassios said. She compares genealogy to piecing a puzzle together. "It is amazing where it leads."

The group maintains a genealogical and research library. Located in Hazel Crest, the facility houses more than 11,000 books and periodicals as well as CDs, maps, directories and special collection manuscripts.

Impact of the Internet

Nassios has seen firsthand how the Internet has fueled an interest in genealogy. According to Nassios, the Internet not only has simplified research but has made it easy for people to connect.

"People get together (online) from all over the world," she said.

Nassios describes the digital age as wonderful. Gone are the days of notebooks and binders. Online newspapers and archives allow people to search death notices and locate ancestors.

Advances in digital photography make it easy to scan and enhance photographs. Enthusiasts use software programs to make family trees, compile family histories and photographs, and print their own books.

"Lots of people think the Internet is just for young people," Nassios said. "But people in their 70s and 80s have a reason to connect."

Still, Nassios says, it is important for people to be savvy. She cautions about sharing details like maiden names that might lead to identity theft.

"People who don't know what they are doing put their whole history out there," Nassios said.

The group provides free research assistance, access to census and military records, and a cemetery photo service. Their Web site includes tips for beginners and links to many related sites.

Nassios says she is fortunate to have old family Bibles, photos and documents that others might dismiss as junk.

"Nothing beats having a handwritten letter from your grandmother."

Nassios has three words of advice to anyone who wants to preserve family history: "Label your photos."

Tracing your roots

Nassios recalls a family gathering when she got 8mm family movies to preserve by re-recording. Several generations in the same room shared their memories as they watched the old films.

"Not only did we restore them but (we also) captured everyone's stories as live commentary," Nassios said.

While professional genealogists abound and provide valuable services, Nassios encourages beginners to take advantage of free and low-cost resources. She describes society members as "a great group of people to hang around with.

"The wonderful thing about genealogy is that there are so many volunteers willing to help," she said.

Nassios says it is fun to help somebody else find something. If you are curious about the history of an old vase or family artifact, Nassios says all you have to do is ask.

The society welcomes new members and encourages people to visit its Web site at www.ssghs.org. The group meets monthly from September to June. Speakers are invited on a variety of historical topics. An Abraham Lincoln impersonator will appear in November. Past programs have covered such topics as African-American genealogy, genetic genealogy, photo restoration and the Alpha Wreck Odyssey, an Indiana Dunes shipwreck with possible ties to the Underground Railroad.

Nassios good naturedly warns anyone interested in tracing their roots.

"It can be addictive, so be prepared."

Maryellen Hofmann is a citizen journalist from Homewood. You can contact her at mdhcommunications@comcast.net.