Sponsored Webinar - From Beta to Brilliant: The New Tools Transforming MyHeritage

 Join NGS for a Sponsored Webinar presented by MyHeritage, From Beta to Brilliant: The New Tools Transforming MyHeritage, on Wednesday, March 25 at 8:00pm Eastern.

MyHeritage continues to lead the way in genealogy innovation, rolling out new tools and features that make it easier than ever to uncover your family history. In this session, Daniel will walk you through the platform’s most recent updates and show you exactly how to use them to enhance your research. From smarter search tools to improved matching technologies and DNA features, you’ll gain practical knowledge to help you take full advantage of everything MyHeritage has to offer. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this session will help you get more out of your MyHeritage experience.

Register NOW!

We hope to see you on Wednesday, March 25 at 8pm Eastern for this informative webinar!

Women’s History Month 2026

 March marks Women’s History Month. The origins of this annual event date back to 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28. The law authorized and requested President Ronald Reagan to proclaim the week beginning 7 March 1982, as “Women’s History Week.” Five years later, the National Women's History Project successfully petitioned Congress to pass Pub. L. 100-9, which designated the March as “Women’s History Month.”  

The original 1982 proclamation noted:

  American women of every race, creed and ethnic background helped found and build our Nation in      countless recorded and unrecorded ways...

As we celebrate America at 250, let us commemorate the role American women played in our history by focusing on our female ancestors and identifying resources to tell their stories.

American women—especially Indigenous and enslaved women—can be difficult to research due to a change of surname upon marriage and their lack of historical legal rights which mean a lack of government records that genealogists rely on. If you need some ideas for research, two National Archives web pages provide resources for researching historical women. Peruse these to find history and websites that are relevant to your female ancestors.

• National Archives – Archives Library Information Center – Women 
• National Archives – Archives Library Information Center – Pathfinder to Women’s History Research     

 The Internet is home to historical databases that list women’s names and other genealogical relevant information. Historians working on projects about historical communities develop databases that are also useful for genealogists. They can be more difficult to identify so make sure to use your favorite search engine to conduct searches for the words that best describe your female ancestors (a religion, a location, etc.) and the word “database” or history.  Some examples include:

• Enslaved: Peoples of the Historical Slave Trade                                                                       
• Slave Biographies                                                                                                
• The Quilt Index                                                                                                              
• Women Working 1800-1930                                                               
•  Sampler Archive                                                
• Women in the Holocaust

Obviously, women are found in genealogy website databases for the census, vital records, and military records but don’t forget to search your favorite genealogy website’s card catalog for the keyword “woman,” “women,” or “mothers” to find databases that have records that document women. You also shouldn’t limit your search to just a woman’s name. An example from the Ancestry Card Catalog for the keyword “mothers” shows the database World War I Mothers Pilgrimage for mothers and wives who lost a loved one in Europe during World War I. These images have women’s names as well as the name of their soldier.

Without a doubt, researching your American female ancestors is challenging. That’s a fact. But searching for women also can lead to deeper understanding of history and what records for a particular historical period may include your female ancestor.  So don’t limit yourself only to the familiar genealogy website search. Ask, “Where are women recorded?” and enjoy the search for their records!

Visit with NGS at RootsTech 2026

If you’re attending RootsTech in person, 5-7 March 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, then visit the National Genealogical Society in Booth #1506 in the Society Pavilion area of the Expo Hall.

Stop by the NGS booth to get a special sticker and fun badge ribbons that support the genealogy and family history community. Throughout the event, you can find out how to get the most out of membership and its benefits, learn about GRIP and education courses, get information on the NGS 2026 Family History Conference, and more.

We’re also excited to announce that presales for the forthcoming new second edition of Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGG, FASG, FNGS, FUGA, will begin at RootsTech!

Plus, you’ll want to make sure you enter drawings at the NGS booth during breaks for a chance to win prizes including:

• Priority registration for GRIP 2027
• NGS 2026 GenTech Toolbox session of your choice
• One NGS Continuing Genealogical Studies (CGS) course of your choice
• A one-year NGS individual membership (digital only)
• PDF version of one NGS Research in the States guidebook of your choice
• One copy of the new edition of Mastering Genealogical Proof (get on the pre-order list for free)

Connect with several NGS board members, members, and staff who will be among the many instructors and attendees. If you are part of an NGS organization member, join us for a meetup. Please email us right away if you have not submitted the organization member meetup RSVP form.

NGS looks forward to seeing you soon in Booth #1506 at RootsTech 2026!

Meet the 2026 NGS Education Scholarship Recipients

 

Each year, the National Genealogical Society (NGS) supports genealogical learning through its education scholarships. The scholarships invest in researchers who are committed to strengthening their skills and advancing their work in family history research .

The 2026 scholarship cycle drew an inspiring response. We received many thoughtful and high-quality applications from individuals dedicated to genealogical education.

This year, NGS is delighted to recognize the recipients of the Donn Devine Memorial Scholarship and the John T. Humphrey, CG, Memorial Scholarship.

Donn Devine Memorial Scholarship—Charlie Wilson of Sutton, Massachusetts

Charlie Wilson. Used with permission

Since 2020, the GRIP Genealogy Institute has proudly offered the Donn Devine Memorial Scholarship to support deserving individuals who wish to attend the institute. Awarded annually, the scholarship recognizes a prospective student who has not previously attended GRIP and who demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing genealogy through volunteer service and advocacy.

Our 2026 recipient is Charlie Wilson of Sutton, Massachusetts.

Wilson learned about the scholarship through an NGS email announcement. After reading more about the award, she recognized a clear connection to her own values and work.

“I saw myself reflected in Donn Devine’s values of ethical research and volunteer service and felt I had to apply,” she shared.

Wilson volunteers with the Sutton Historical Society in Sutton, Massachusetts. Over the past three years, she has inventoried its extensive museum collection to create a more accessible resource for researchers. In reconstructing the lives of individuals and families represented in the documents, she deepened her own understanding of Sutton’s social and historical fabric.

Her continued research, which focuses on the lives of people on the margins, demands careful analysis, thoughtful interpretation, and strong research skills. Wilson is looking forward to reaching her genealogical goals by participating in the targeted, in-depth instruction that GRIP offers. “My quiet work of researching unfamiliar names can continue to meaningfully inform, educate, and challenge the public,” she explained.

Wilson will attend the GRIP Genealogy Institute course “Records Loss: Overcoming Destroyed, Missing, or Non-Extant Records,” coordinated by Kelvin L. Meyers, FTxSGS.

We are pleased to welcome Charlie Wilson to GRIP. Her commitment to learning and service embodies the spirit of the Donn Devine Memorial Scholarship.

John T. Humphrey, CG, Memorial Scholarship—Shannon Kupfer-Trausch of Galena, Ohio

Shannon Kupfer-Trausch. Used with permission

The recipient of the 2026 John T. Humphrey, CG, Memorial Scholarship is Shannon Kupfer-Trausch of Galena, Ohio.

Awarded annually, the John T. Humphrey Memorial Scholarship supports genealogists preparing for advanced or professional work by providing complimentary enrollment in the NGS Advanced Skills in Genealogy course. John T. Humphrey’s leadership and dedication to genealogical education continues to influence the field., The scholarship aptly recognizes individuals committed to strengthening their research skills and methodology.

“When I submitted my application, I was hopeful but knew the selection process would be highly competitive,” she shared. “To have been chosen is both validating and incredibly exciting.”

Kupfer-Trausch brings a strong academic and professional background to her genealogical pursuits. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Library and Information Science, and is currently completing a Master of History. Her genealogical education includes coursework through Boston University, the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, Samford University (IGHR), and multiple Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy programs.

In her application essay, Kupfer-Trausch described her progression from an enthusiastic “collector of names” to a focused researcher committed to developing a deeper methodological skill set. She emphasized that the Advanced Skills in Genealogy course represents an important step toward her long-term goal of working as a professional genealogist, while also strengthening her effectiveness as a librarian.

“For the next several years, as I serve patrons as a librarian at the State Library of Ohio, the skills I gain through the Advanced Skills in Genealogy course will guide me and help me to be a better, more thorough librarian,” she noted. She also looks forward to applying those skills in her own research and future professional work.

We congratulate Shannon Kupfer-Trausch on being selected for the 2026 John T. Humphrey, CG, Memorial Scholarship. Her dedication to continued learning and to supporting fellow researchers reflects the educational spirit John Humphrey championed throughout his career.

Supporting Growth Through Education

NGS Education scholarships expand access to learning opportunities that help researchers build stronger skills, apply sound methodology, and contribute meaningfully to the genealogical community.

The National Genealogical Society congratulates Shannon Kupfer-Trausch and Charlie Wilson. Their dedication to continuing education, research, and service reflects the purpose of these awards.

Please visit our website to learn more about the Donn Devine Memorial Scholarship, the John T. Humphrey, CG, Memorial Scholarship, NGS Education learning opportunities, and the GRIP Genealogy Institute.

Coming Together to Celebrate America at 250

 

 by Juliana Szucs

No matter how or when our ancestors came to be in this country, we are all connected to its history. This year’s celebration of America at 250 is the perfect time to reflect on the stories, struggles, resilience, and changes that forged our nation. Each family carries part of the American story, and as family historians, it’s our time to shine! 

What makes the United States remarkable is its diversity. America was shaped by many paths—voluntary and forced, some hopeful and some harrowing. As genealogists, we understand the complexities of our history. Family history encompasses not just the who, but the where, when, and how. That is where the stories live. But not all of those stories have been preserved in the same ways, if they were preserved at all. 

Growing up in a genealogy household, I always knew my own story was a unique blend—Polish, Hungarian, Irish, French, and English. That awareness shaped how I understood myself and my place in history. My daughter recently wrote about her ties to her Hungarian roots through the family recipes that were passed down. That spurred an interest for her to call me to learn more about the immigrant ancestors who brought those recipes to this country, as they came seeking a new life. (Yes, I was more than happy to oblige!)  

For many communities, including African American, Indigenous, Asian American, Latino, Pacific Islander, and some other immigrant populations, family history has been carried through memories and stories retold, songs, dance, foods, and celebrations, rather than traditional written records. Even so, lives that were erased, overlooked, or excluded from traditional archives can still be reconstructed when we broaden our understanding of what family history looks like and where it lives. 

Knowing where we come from helps us better understand who we are— and whose stories we may still be missing. When my mom embarked on our family history journey many years ago, genealogical and historical societies were incredibly helpful, and they are still a vital part of the genealogical community, guarding our access to records, helping with preservation, education, and other initiatives.  

As we prepare for a year-long celebration of America at 250, societies have a unique opportunity to ask deeper questions of themselves. Whose stories are present in our collections, programs, and narratives? Are our projects and programs reflecting the diversity of the community we represent? Whose stories are missing—and why? How can we ensure that our work reflects the multifaceted histories of the communities we serve? Do we have programs for a younger generation who might share the same interest the recipe sparked in my daughter? 

Programs based on smaller communities in the area where our ancestors lived are just as important as the larger ethnic population—even if you don’t have direct ties to that smaller community.  After all, they were our ancestors’ neighbors. Their very presence in the area is significant when it comes to adding context. As ethnic communities melded together here in America, you may even find that a foreign tradition made it into your family. (Hey, you don’t have to be Polish to enjoy a Paczki on Fat Tuesday!) 

The current issue of National Genealogical Society Magazine includes an article by Lauren Peichtel and Nicole Martinez-LeGrand, which looks at ways we can strengthen and grow the field of family history, expanding interest with inclusive programs that go beyond the traditional lectures and workshops. That article can be found online for free (for both members and non-members). 

We’ll also be exploring ways we can join in our nation’s 250th Anniversary with new ideas for your family history here on the UpFront blog, so stay tuned here and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Diverse family history programming not only expands historical context; it fosters empathy, builds understanding, and strengthens relationships within our communities. By listening to underrepresented voices, learning the histories of the places we research, and forming meaningful partnerships, societies can help more people see themselves reflected in America’s past—and its future. 

Throughout this commemorative year, we invite societies and researchers alike to explore what America250 looks like through the lens of family history for everyone.

 

 

Celebrate Black History Month and Explore Resources for Family History Research

Join the National Genealogical Society (NGS) in honoring Black History Month in February.

As Americans prepare to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, learn about the abundant contributions of Black Americans to the United States and explore family history.

In honor of the US Semiquincentennial, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is offering new resources and information, entitled African American Participation in the American Revolution. The Daughters of the American Revolution provides a Quick Start Guide on African American research that includes a section on African Americans during the Revolutionary War. The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture and its Center for the Digitization and Curation of African American History are two other valuable resources.

Below are additional links that can help you research Black ancestry.

• 10 Million Names (a collaborative project dedicated to remembering the estimated 10 million enslaved individuals in the US)
• African American Heritage (National Archives and Records Administration, NARA)
• African American Newspapers (Chronicling America, Library of Congress)
• Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (and AAHGS local chapters)
• Center for Family History (International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina)
• Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Database (National Park Service)
• Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1874 (FamilySearch)
• Freedmen’s Bureau Records (FamilySearch)
• Mapping the Freedmen’s Bureau (a project designed for genealogy and local history researchers)
• Rediscovering Black History (NARA blog)
• Sons & Daughters of the United States Middle Passage (a lineage society for descendants of enslaved individuals from 1619-1865)
• Southern Claims Commission (FamilySearch guide to the records with links to some online available records)

ConferenceKeeper.org offers a calendar of upcoming events that focus on African American research, and FamilySearch Wiki features a comprehensive resource for African American genealogy.

These are just some of the many resources available to those exploring Black family history. We hope they help you open new opportunities for discovery. 

National Genealogical Society Welcomes Major General (Retired) Garrett Yee as Honorary Chairman of Veteran Bounty Land Records Capital Campaign

Major General (Retired) Garrett S. Yee (courtesy of General Yee)

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) is proud to announce the appointment of Major General (Retired) Garrett S. Yee as Honorary Chairman of the Veteran Bounty Land Records (VBLR) capital fundraising campaign, a landmark initiative to preserve and digitize historic U.S. military records.

This ambitious $2.5 million project, part of the Preserve the Pensions initiative, aims to preserve, index, digitize, and make accessible online more than 360,000 bounty land warrant application files from veterans of early American wars. The records housed at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) include information about veterans of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, and other frontier conflicts. When complete, these invaluable records will be freely accessible to genealogists, historians, educators, and the public, enabling the discovery of family histories and stories long hidden from view.

"We are honored to welcome General Garrett Yee as our Honorary Chairman," said David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS, FNGS, President of the National Genealogical Society. "Garrett's distinguished service to our nation and his leadership embody the spirit of this project, honoring those who served while connecting future generations with the personal narratives and legacies of their ancestors."

Major General (Ret.) Yee brings to this honorary role a distinguished record of military leadership, strategic vision, and public service. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, he is a graduate of Santa Clara University. He holds an MBA from Golden Gate University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His career culminated as Assistant to the Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), supporting global defense communications and information technology operations, before retiring in 2022 with numerous awards recognizing his leadership and service.

In his civilian career following military retirement, General Yee has continued his commitment to mission-driven leadership, including roles in the defense and technology sectors, reinforcing his dedication to service and community impact.

"As we celebrate 250 years of the American experience, I am deeply honored to serve as Honorary Chairman of this effort to preserve and share important historical records of those who helped shape our nation," said General Yee. "The bounty land files held at NARA reflect service and sacrifice while highlighting the immense value our country places on those who serve. The bounty lands were the way our nation compensated early American soldiers and sailors for their service. I am proud to help bring this project, and the stories of those men and women, to life."

The Veteran Bounty Land Records contain the application materials submitted by early patriots and their survivors to receive land as compensation for their service. The files connect countless Americans to the personal stories of patriotism and resilience in our early history. The VBLR campaign, officially launched in 2023 by the National Genealogical Society and NARA in collaboration with lead partners the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and FamilySearch. The project has already raised more than $1 million toward its goal. NGS invites donors, genealogical societies, corporations and foundations, history and patriotic organizations, and all who value historical preservation to join in completing this campaign.

For more information about the Veteran Bounty Land Records Project, visit ngsgenealogy.org/veteran-bounty-land-records-project/.