Genealogical Society of South Brevard County Florida
Genealogical Society of South Brevard
Genealogical Society of
South Brevard
P.O. Box 786
Melbourne, Florida
32902-0786

Our history

GSSB CHARTER
The GSSB was formed in 1974 by the "Founders" of the society after the Melbourne Public Library agreed to provide genealogical resources and library space in the Family History Room. This was a mutually beneficial arrangement which met the need for a genealogy group in the southern Brevard County area.

THE FOUNDERS
  • Lowell A. Barker
  • Marguerite P. Lee
  • Rhoda R. Burgoon
  • Margaret B. MacNeill
  • Beth H. Griswold
  • Billie P. Webb
  • Joanne G. Kirchman
  • Helen A. Wilder
GSSB ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
In 1979, the GSSB officially incorporated as a "not for profit" corporation, even though the society had actually been operating since 1974. This gave the GSSB tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The subscribers to the Articles of Incorporation who executed this document were:
  • Arthur T. Green
  • Margaret B. MacNeill
  • Beth H. Griswold
  • Merrill P. Moore
FIRST GSSB OFFICERS
Until the first election or appointment of officers could occur under the new articles, the following members were appointed to serve as officers:
  • President: Virgil G. Miller
  • Vice Pres.: Zada A. Hunter
  • Secretary: Arthur T. Green
  • Treasurer: Billie P. Webb
FIRST BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Articles of Incorporation additionally established the first board of directors, comprised of the "Founders" and the following elected members:
  • Archie J. Adkins- Melb. Village
  • David L. Elliott- Satellite Beach
  • Jane G. Elliott- Satellite Beach
  • Arthur T. Green- Melbourne
  • Miriam K. Hicks- Eau Gallie
  • Zada A. Hunter- Indialantic
  • Virgil G. Miller- Melbourne
  • Merrill P. Moore- Palm Bay
MAINTENANCE OF A GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Two additional positions were later added to the Board of Directors to create three groups of 6 directors holding staggered three year terms. This resulted in 18 director positions, including officers, with each group of 6 directors having three year terms. As founders individually left the society or became deceased, the society maintained all 18 of these positions. It accommodated annual elections of one-third of the board of director positions which are vacated annually.  In 2021, the board started a reduction of the number of directors, going to 15 positions which will maintain the three year term of annual elections. There may be future reductions but there are no current plans to change the three staggered (rotating) terms. The board accepts nominations from the membership to fill the vacancies each year for another three year term, by a majority vote the nominees are elected. This election occurs each January at the society annual business meeting.