National Genealogical Society Presents Awards Honoring Excellence in Newsletter Editorship and Service to NGS

Arlington, VA, 4 May 2016—The National Genealogical Society (NGS) honored excellence in the categories of newsletter editorship and service to the Society with the presentation of several awards at the Opening Session of the NGS 2016 Family History Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 4 May 2016. The Opening Session keynote speaker, Connie Lester, PhD, spoke on the topic “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives” after which NGS President Jordan Jones presented the following awards.

Each year, the NGS Newsletter Competition recognizes the hard work, long hours, and creativity that editors devote to their newsletters. A panel of three judges reviews each newsletter on material interest, variety, organization, quality of writing and editing, readability, and attractiveness. This year’s categories and winners are:

Family Association Newsletter:

Winner: The Timen Stiddem Society Newsletter, the newsletter of the The Timen Stiddem Society, edited by Richard L. Steadham.

Honorable Mention: About Towne, the newsletter of the Towne Family Association, Inc., edited by Rae Russell Johnson.

County/Local Genealogical and/or Historical Society: for societies with less than 500 members:

Winner: GRIVA News & Notes, the newsletter of the Genealogical Research Institute of Virginia, edited by Sharon Barden Garber.

Honorable Mention: The Newsletter of the Irish Family History Forum, the newsletter of the Irish Family History Forum, edited by Patricia Mansfield Phelan.

Major Genealogical and/or Historical Society: for societies with more than 500 members:

Winner: The New York Researcher, the newsletter of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, edited by Susan R. Miller.

The President's Citation

The President's Citation is given in recognition of outstanding, continuing, or unusual contributions to the field of genealogy or the society.  This year, the President’s Citation honors two individuals, Cyndi Ingle of Edgewood, WA, and Dick Eastman of Orlando, FL, who have given generously of their time and talents to benefit the genealogical community.

Since 1996, Cyndi Ingle has published and maintained Cyndi’s List, a free, categorized, and cross-referenced online listing of genealogical sites. Cyndi’s List quickly became an indispensable resource for genealogists worldwide.

In addition to running her website, Cyndi has also found time to volunteer. She served as a board member of the NGS for five years, and is involved in other genealogical societies, such as the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), where she currently serves on the technology and awards committees. She has published three books, and is an internationally renowned speaker about genealogy and technology. Her generosity and dedication have greatly benefited the genealogical community.

Also in 1996, Dick Eastman launched the Eastman Online Genealogy Newsletter.  EOGN covers genealogy news, as well as issues of technology, privacy, digital rights, and access as they relate to genealogy. A trailblazer in the use of technology, Dick was an early promoter of the use of online forums to advance genealogical research.  Today more than 75,000 people read his newsletter and benefit from his reviews and tutorials.

Dick’s dedication to clear writing and independent opinion has made his periodical a sought-after source of information, commentary, and discussion for twenty years. Dick is also an internationally renowned speaker on the broad array of topics he covers in his newsletter.

NGS also recognized several individuals for their dedicated efforts in support of the NGS 2016 Family History Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Award of Honor

The Award of Honor was presented in recognition of dedication and sustained service in support of the conference. Recipient of the award was the Florida State Genealogical Society, Inc., Marlis Humphrey, president.

Certificates of Appreciation

Certificates of Appreciation were given to recognize the committee chairs who spent countless hours preparing for the conference. NGS is aware that there could be no conference if it were not for the volunteers’ efforts and commitment. So honored were Conference Chair, C. Ann Staley, CG; Conference Vice Co-Chairs, Amy Larner Giroux, PhD, CG, CGL and Margo Fariss Brewer; Local Host Committee Chair, David W. Dellinger, PhD; Librarians' Day Chair, Drew Smith, MLS; Registration Chair, John F. Laurent; Local Publicity Chair, Marlis Humphrey; Vendor Support Chair, Jean Foster Kelley, CG; Vendor Support Assistant Chair, Denise Manning; Volunteer Chair, Susan Luce; Volunteer Assistant Chair, Cheryl Shaughnessy; and Youth Camp Chair, Margo Fariss Brewer.

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogical education, exemplary standards of research, and the preservation of genealogical records.  The Arlington, Virginia, based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian, seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, and guidance in research. It also offers many opportunities to interact with other genealogists.

Please visit the NGS Pressroom for further information.