In 2009 in Tucson, Arizona, a few friends (Hal Hegwer, Rob Young, and others) got together informally to discuss Jewish Genealogy. In 2010, they formed the Southern Arizona Jewish Genealogy Society, with monthly meetings from September to May at the Tucson JCC. A logo was created. The group grew until there were about 40 members. 

In 2019, Covid hit and the group suspended activity. In 2022, Hal Hegwer arranged for the group to resume meetings (now at the Kol Ami Synagogue) In 2023, Hal and Claire Wakefield decided that their age no longer allowed them to lead the group. At that time, new informal leadership, led by Rich Schlesinger, took over. When Nancy Grayson joined in August 2024, she infused new energy and led the group to incorporate, start a reference library, fund raising, and inviting more national and international speakers.

In September 2024, the informal SAJGS leadership, Nancy Grayson, Rich Schlesinger, Howard Toff, and Cheryl Toff, formalized Southern Arizona JGS; created bylaws, mission statement, formally elected a board, applied for 501(c) status, joined the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS), and grew. Our EIN number is 33-1235261.