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I'm speaking of a Civil War Round Table but other similar organizations DAR, SCV, DRT are having the same issues with gentrifying memberships.
For the latter three, the eligibility requirements are a big obstacle. I'm interested in local or regional history discussions; I'm not interested in assembling a book of ancestry to determine whether I'm eligible.
My direct experience w/ 2 other fraternal organizations (not mentioned here) is that the process of being recruited and joining is almost the height of activity. Older members always say they want new members, but in practice they tend to be inward focused. I'd suggest an organization that wishes to grow would hold events open to the public, and casual functions that are comfortable for people who did not grow up with the existing membership. The regular formal meetings didn't really allow for new members to visit and get to know the older existing members, or find a purpose beyond joining for the sake of joining. That wasn't a major issue for someone like me who's easily entertained by listening to old men tell stories and bicker amongst each other, but I know some of the problems with new membership retention.
The roundtable probably has different issues, in that's it's seen as more of a niche scholarship organization than a place for casual enthusiasts like myself. A respectable group for sure, but I don't know that I'd be able to contribute much.
I'd love a local history organization that doesn't require me to prove my society status or be really smart.