The April–June 2026 Issue of NGS Magazine is Now Online

 

The April–June 2026 issue of NGS Magazine, Volume 52, No. 2, is being printed and is now available digitally in the Members Only section of the website. This issue continues the year-long theme of America250, with an issue spotlight on the 1800s.

Note to longtime members and newer members who elected to purchase the print version of NGS Magazine: Delivery of print copies depends upon USPS schedules.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features

Diseases and Epidemics in the 1800s

Lori Lyn Price

Presidential Censuses and Passenger Manifests, Part I

Stephen P. Morse

Occupational Clues to an Immigrant’s Identity: A Case Study

Denise E. Cross, CG

Accessing US Synagogue Records for Jewish Family History Research

Ellen Shindelman Kowitt

A “Union Man” Dies as a Union Prisoner of War

William A. “Bill” Veselik

 

Departments

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

David Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS, FNGS

EDITOR’S NOTE

Sunny Jane Morton

TEN YEARS OF CONFERENCEKEEPER

2026 NGS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

NGS NEWS

New Toolkit: For a More Welcoming, Inclusive Genealogy Community

Explore NGS’s New Online Member Community Space

In Memoriam

2025 NGS Donors and Volunteers

 

SOCIEY FORUM

Honoring Blue-Collar Ancestors: Inclusive Programming in Practice

Kate Townsend, CG

REFERENCE DESK

Emigrant Guides for Westward Travelers

Kathy Petlewski, MSLS

DNA DISCOVERY

Y-DNA and mtDNA for 1800s Research

Paul Woodbury, AG

GENTECH SOLUTIONS

Boo! Boolean Searching is NOT Scary

Robert Raymond

 

NGS Magazine is published quarterly to update members of the National Genealogical Society on NGS activities and to provide genealogists with special information and guidance on conducting effective genealogical research. The magazine is sent to libraries by subscription. Online access to NGS Magazine is available as long as membership is active. An index to the titles and authors of articles in issues from 2005 to 2024 is available for free.

She was also a Genealogist: Lillian A. Norton, the First Editor of NGSQ

As we end Women’s History Month 2026, I’ve been focusing on not only my female ancestors, but the women involved in various genealogical organizations. One of my questions has been the role of women in the early days of the National Genealogical Society (NGS). Many early genealogy societies were founded by white men and excluded women. I was pleasantly surprised that NGS included women from the very beginning. Women were founding members of NGS and one woman was the first editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ).[1]

Yes, the NGSQ’s first editor was a woman (as well as the second editor). And although she only edited the inaugural issue, her contribution to NGS and other genealogical organizations was a priority and focus of her life.

Lillian Adelaide Norton (1860-1945)

"Valuable Historical Research Work is Aim of National Genealogical Society," The Washington (District of Columbia)  Times, 5 Sept. 1914, p. 8, cols. 1-3; digital images, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/: 2 April 2026).

Who was that first NGSQ editor? She was Lillian Adelaide Norton. Born in 1860 in Massachusetts, Lillian  was no doubt interested in genealogy judging from her list of genealogically related memberships. She was also known for something that seems remarkable considering her place in time. She was the “highest paid woman employee of the Federal Government.” In 1901 she was appointed superintendent of postal finance in the post office department. The Wauwatosa News (Wauwatosa, Wisconsin) article announced her appointment and pay. Curiously, it assumed that eventually a man would replace Lillian but a look at the US Census shows that Lillian continued to work for the post office through 1930, though possibly at a different position.

"Her Salary The Highest," Wauwatosa (Wisconsin) News, 30 Nov. 1901, p. 3, col. 3; digital images, Newspaper Archive (https://newspaperarchive.com/: 2 April 2026).

NGS Beginnings

NGS was founded on 24 April 1903, by “six individuals [who] met to discuss a plan: Dr. Joseph G. B. Bulloch, Newton L. and Gertrude Collamer, Alfred Barbour Dent, Eugenia Washington Moncure, and Ruth M. Griswold Pealer.”[2] One of the earliest decisions was to add a periodical to the NGS offerings to members. According to a 1906 The Washington Herald newspaper article, the new periodical was planned for a December launch and was to be eventually a monthly publication.

"Plans Genealogical Paper ," The Washington (District of Columbia) Herald, 11 Nov. 1906, p. 6, col. 2; digital images, Newspaper Archive (https://newspaperarchive.com/: 2 April 2026).

This newspaper article reports other activities of the new society including welcoming two new members, Miss Isabel Fraser Johnstone and Miss Lillian Adelaide Norton.

What Did that First Issue Include?

Despite the initial December launch date, that first issue of the NGSQ did not appear until April 1912. The nine-page periodical included genealogies, heraldry, and a question and answers section. On the first page of the new periodical is a list of NGS Officers including the inaugural editor, Miss Lillian Adelaide Norton.

After the NGSQ

Genealogists trace lives from birth to death. So, as I continued to learn about Lillian, I wanted to see what I could find about the end of her life. Her 1945 obituary was published in The Evening Star (Washington, District of Columbia) under the headline, “Miss Lillian Norton, District Resident for 67 years, Dies at 85.”

"Miss Lillian Norton, District Resident for 67 Years, Dies at 85," The Evening Star (District of Columbia)  Times, 27 August 1945, p. 10, col. 5; digital images, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/: 2 April 2026).

Her life’s work is detailed in this obit along with her membership in  “patriotic organizations” including her charter membership in Mary Washington Chapter 504 of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the American Colonists, the Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America, the Daughters of 1812, the Huguenot Society, the Dames of the Loyal Legion, the Columbia Historical Society, the Eastern Star, and the National Geographic Society. The paragraph of her membership affiliations ends with the statement, “She was also a genealogist.”

There is no mention of NGS in the obituary, but we know that she was an active member in the decades after she joined. Yes, that one single issue of NGSQ, was the end of Lillian’s editorship, however, she did hold other roles at NGS including corresponding secretary, treasurer, councilor, and vice president. She was elected to honorary membership in 1937.[3]

Lillian helped NGS in a number of ways including editing that founding issue of the NGSQ. Her leadership led to other women who took that editorship of the publication over the next one hundred years including today’s editors, Diane MacLean Boumenot, CG, and Mary Kircher Roddy, CG, CGG.

 

To read the first issue and other archived issues of the NGSQ, see the NGS website at https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/ngsq/ngsq_archives/. NGS members have access to the  complete NGSQ archive.

 

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[1] NGS was founded by white men and women. NGS did have a history of exclusion based on race. More on this can be found in the online article, Our Journey from Exclusion to Inclusion on the NGS website: https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/towards-a-fully-inclusive-genealogy-community/.  

[2] Wilcox, Shirley Langdon, The National Genealogical Society: A Look At Its First 100 Years (2003). Available at https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/wp-content/uploads/NGS-History/history_of_ngs_4.0.pdf

[3] National Genealogical Society Quarterly 100^th Anniversary Commemorative Brochure (2012), pg. 3.

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.

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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.