The July–September 2025 Issue of NGS Magazine is Now Online

The July-September 2025 issue of NGS Magazine, Volume 51, No. 3, is being printed and is now available in the Members Only section of the website. This issue’s theme is Editor’s Choice.

This issue—Deb Cyprych’s last as editor—features a variety of her favorite topics. In the Editor’s Note, she writes, “During the past nine years, it has been an honor to collaborate with top-notch authors and columnists, superb reviewers, and creative designers to offer ‘unique, timely content that improves research outcomes,’ the goal I set in 2016. I hope these issues have been useful, and I wish all readers success in genealogical pursuits. NGS Magazine is in good hands with Sunny Jane Morton.”

We wish Deb all the best in her retirement!

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

Using Logic in Genealogical Research                                                                                                      Jennifer Zinck, CG

Tracing from America to the Ancestral Home: Truly the Same Person?                                                    Suzanne Russo Adams, AG

Creating Maps to Complement Research, Step by Step                                                                              Kimball G. Carter, CG

Families of Every Kind: Best Practices for Recording Complex Parent Relationship                              Carly Lane Morgan, JD

“I, Genealogist”: Using First-Person Voice in Family History Narratives                                                  Sunny Jane Morton

Researching Ancestral Health                                                                                                            Lindsey Harner

Departments

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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

EDITOR’S NOTE                                                                                                                                      Deb Cyprych, FNGS

NGS NEWS                                                                                                                                              2025 NGS Awards and Competition Results Announced                                                                              Judy Nimer Muhn

DNA DISCOVERY                                                                                                                                    An Introduction to Chromosome Browsers                                                                                         

Paul Woodbury, AG

GENTECH SOLUTIONS                                                                                                                        Maintaining Image Legibility in Word Documents                                                                                     Robert Raymond

SOCIETY FORUM                                                                                                                                 NGS Organization Members: Spotlight on Libraries

Charity C. Rouse

REFERENCE DESK                                                                                                                                Manufacturing Schedules in Federal Census Records, 1810-1820 and 1850-1880                                      Kathy Petlewski

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. NGS organization members have a limited license to access NGS Magazine. 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.

Culture Conversation with Jari Honora Now Posted to NGS YouTube Channel

 

Culture Conversation with Jari Honora Now Posted to NGS YouTube Channel

 Check out the recording of our recent Culture Conversation with Jari Honora on the NGS YouTube Channel. There's plenty more on the channel as well, including SLAM! Idea Showcase videos and other webinars.

We Are the Guardians of America's Story

As Americans, we have a unique history with the threads of many generations woven together into one diverse tapestry. This year as we begin the celebration of 250 years of American independence, we honor more than just the founding fathers—we honor every man, woman, and child who helped build this nation throughout our history.  

From the earliest settlers to newly arrived immigrants, from Indigenous ancestors whose roots stretch back millennia to enslaved Africans and their descendants and to all families seeking freedom, hope, and opportunity here—America’s story is the story we tell through our family history. 

With our documented research, we are guardians of the story of America through the eyes of those who are the threads of our history. Every name we save, every record we uncover, every story we preserve and share, memorializes the people who built and shaped this country—not just in the halls of power, but in its homes, fields, factories, and communities. 

Genealogical and historical societies are already planning special events to aid genealogists in their quests to preserve history and encourage involvement in family history among the younger generations, whose interest may be sparked by nationwide festivities. The National Genealogical Society (NGS) has created a helpful guide full of ideas and ways societies can organize events. Individuals can also participate in our national celebration in meaningful ways.  

As we begin the year of the United States Semiquincentennial, let’s double down our efforts to tell the stories that need to be told and inspire future generations to discover their place in American history.  

Happy Independence Day!

Note: The NGS offices will be closed in observance of the national holiday on July 4^th.