UpFront with NGS: NGS

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24 June 2024

Culture Conversation with Megan Smolenyak and Lisa Fanning's MemberConnects! Panel Now Posted to NGS YouTube Channel

Check out the recordings of our recent Culture Conversation with Megan Smolenyak and our MemberConnects! event with Lisa Fanning, Alison Wilde, Tristan Tolman, Kathey Williams, Tynan Peterson, and Rhone Kevorkian on the NGS YouTube Channel. There's plenty more on the channel as well, including SLAM! Idea Showcase videos and other webinars.

16 April 2024

Join our Culture Conversation with Megan Smolenyak, A Genealogical Adventurer and Storyteller Solving Mysteries!

Join us for a captivating conversation with Megan Smolenyak, a renowned genealogical adventurer, storyteller, and expert in pushing the boundaries of conventional genealogy.

Megan Smolenyak is a name that resonates across the genealogical community. As a popular writer, speaker, and TV guest, her expertise has been featured on prestigious shows like Good Morning America, the Today Show, CNN, and the BBC. Megan's passion for solving mysteries and making unexpected discoveries has taken her on remarkable adventures that have reshaped history and provided invaluable insights into the backgrounds of notable individuals.

Megan's expertise has led her to unravel fascinating stories and genealogical mysteries. From tracing Michelle Obama's roots showcased on The New York Times' front page, to revealing the true Annie Moore, the first immigrant through Ellis Island, Megan's discoveries have captivated the world. Learn about her incredible journey in correcting history and unraveling the roots of notable individuals like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and many more.

Megan's work isn't limited to historical figures. She has delved into the ancestry of well-known celebrities, shedding light on their roots and fascinating connections. From Martha Stewart to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Katy Perry to Prince, Megan's expertise has uncovered surprising genealogical links that demonstrate how we are all connected in unexpected ways.

22 May 2024 8:00 p.m. ET

Registration

Join us for an exciting exploration of the world of genealogy with Megan Smolenyak. Don't miss out on this chance to witness her passion, uncover hidden stories, and learn from a true expert in the field. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot now!

23 October 2017

It’s Never Too Early to Consider Writing About Your Research and Submitting it to a Contest

It’s Never Too Early to Consider Writing About Your Research and Submitting it to a Contest

Sharing our research with others, whether families or the broader community is very important. Why put in all that hard research effort to let what you’ve done gather dust?!?! By sharing our research, everyone benefits whether directly or indirectly related to you – either through family connections, education about records and strategies, or more.

Consider entering one of these competitions. Many have deadlines coming up!

NGS

NGS sponsors a few contests based on family history research and writing. The deadline for submissions is 15 December 2017.

1. The Family History Writing Context

2. Award for Excellence: Genealogy & Family History Book

3. NGS Newsletter Competition

ISFHWE

We recently announced the 2017 winners of the ISFHWE Excellence-in-Writing Competition. Since 1 October 2017, entries are being accepted for the 2018 edition.

This gives you family history writers plenty of time to make submissions in any of the 6 available categories:

· Category 1 – Published Columns

· Category 2 – Published Articles

· Category 3 – Genealogy Newsletters

· Category 4 – Unpublished Material by Unpublished Authors

· Category 5 – Unpublished Material by Published Authors

· Category 6 – Poetry and Music Lyrics

All the important details are found here.

Consider submitting on behalf of your own writing or on behalf of what you consider a particularly stellar genealogy newsletter.

Ohio Genealogical Society

The Ohio Genealogical Society sponsors a Writing Competition and awards prizes! Entries are accepted from 1 September through 31 December 2017.

Rules and style guide available here.

Chicago Genealogical Society Writing Contest

A contest designed to encourage those with a Chicago connection in their family history to share their genealogical research in narrative format.

Entries are accepted 1 April – 31 December 2017 and details can be found here.

Western Michigan Genealogical Society 2018 Writing Contest

This year’s theme is Family Tradition …

Traditions often enrich and strengthen family bonds and create fond memories. Whether they are stories, activities, or beliefs handed down from generation to generation, it’s important to preserve your family traditions for future generations. WMGS encourages you to write about one of your family’s traditions. They may occur daily, weekly, monthly or yearly, and revolve around military, holidays, or her special occasions. Some may be humorous or unusual.

Entries are accepted 1 January – 15 March 2018. Full details are here.

MASSOG Writing Contest

The Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, Inc. (MASSOG) holds a writing contest. For the first time, in 2018, the competition will be open to non-members who pay a submission fee.

Deadline for submissions is 1 August 2018. Full details are here.

Which competition will you be entering?

What other genealogy writing-related competitions do you know of?

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.

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Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to UpFront@ngsgenealogy.org. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.

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Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!

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22 December 2016

Happy Holidays from NGS

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Dear Members and Friends of the National Genealogical Society,

As we bustle about during the holiday season, we see friends, family, and even strangers wishing one another a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Holidays. It’s the time of year where we see people smile more often, reach out to one another, and reconnect with friends and family. But as genealogists, we enjoy connecting with family, and connecting the dots in our family tree, all year long.

In the days ahead, as we gather with family, it is the perfect time to acquaint our younger relations with the joy of discovering family history. Photographs and documents can introduce them to their ancestors and relate the stories of family members who are long gone—but live on through their genetic connection to us. Exploring your family history together can help children feel a greater sense of connection with their family and heritage and provide memories that will stay with them wherever they go. And, of course, it is never too early to begin grooming the next generation of genealogists to carry on our work.

On behalf of the NGS Board of Directors and staff, I wish you and your family a happy and festive holiday season. I hope everyone enjoys a happy, healthy, and productive new year and that we will see you when our genealogy family gathers at the NGS Conference in May in Raleigh, N.C.

Sincerely,

Ben Spratling
President
National Genealogical Society

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17 October 2016

Delaware Public Archives Conference featuring Dr. Thomas W. Jones -- Save the Date (4 March 2017)

Delaware Public Archives Conference featuring Dr. Thomas W. Jones -- Save the Date (4 March 2017)

Friends of the Delaware Public Archives share this great opportunity to hear Dr. Thomas W. Jones speak… [editor’s note: hyperlinks not in original]

On Saturday, 4 March 2017 the Friends of the Delaware Public Archives are offering a free one-day conference “Genealogy: Beyond Bare Bones building your Skills” to be held at the Delaware Public Archives in Dover. The workshop will feature Dr. Thomas W. Jones PhD, CG, FASG, FUG, and FNGS who has edited the National Genealogical Society Quarterly since 2002. He is the author of Mastering Genealogical Proof a popular genealogy textbook! Tom has been the recipient of many genealogical awards including the Association of Professional Genealogists 2011 Professional Achievement Award and its 2004 Grahame T. Smallwood Jr. Award of Merit. He is retired from a thirty-year career in higher education and professor emeritus at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Jones works full time as a genealogical researcher, writer, editor, and educator. He coordinates courses at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and Samford University’s Institute on Genealogy and Historical Research. Tom is most interested in solving “brick wall” genealogical problems. He writes and speaks frequently on genealogical methods with broad application across geographical areas, time periods and levels of expertise.

The March event will feature 4 sessions, one hour long; 2 in the morning followed by a lunch break on your own, with 2 in the afternoon. The topics include:

· "Can a Complex Research Problem be Solved Solely Online?"

· "Planning Efficient and Effective Research: A Case Study"

· "Five Ways to Prove Who Your Ancestor Was (Some Reliable and Others Not Reliable)"

· "Inferential Genealogy: Deducing Ancestors' Identities Indirectly"

Details will follow in January! Questions? nancyml@comcast.net

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.

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Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!

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05 July 2016

Genealogists Support Access to State and Local Records

RPAC Issues Statement -- Genealogists Support Access to State and Local Records

Austin, Texas, 5 July 2016—With access to many state and local government records threatened by decreasing budgets, the Records Preservation and Access Committee (RPAC) announced today its support of the Joint Statement by the Council of State Archivists, the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators, and the Society of American Archivists, which affirms that the “preservation of and public access to government records is of paramount importance” and “government archives play a critical role in ensuring citizens’ rights and preserving the nation’s history.”

RPAC and its many participating organizations represent several thousand local, state, and regional genealogical societies, including more than 400,000 members researching family history, and more than 2,000 professional and forensic genealogists. They are among the “more than 80 million professional and amateur genealogists around the world,” according to a 2013 report in the Voice of America on a market research study conducted by Global Industry Analysts.

Professional and forensic genealogists as well as family historians routinely seek access to archival collections in state, county and municipal archives, museums and/or libraries. Forensic and professional genealogists utilize these records for research, which includes tracking relatives with possible inheritable diseases; working with coroners to identify unclaimed persons; finding next of kin of unclaimed persons for repatriation of military remains; heir research; proving Native American tribal membership; adoption cases; land disputes; and oil and gas leases. Family historians study the records to trace and learn about their ancestors. Genealogical societies also hosts member trips to state and municipal archives. Yet, decreasing budgets are limiting—and, in some instances, precluding—access to these records.

In accordance with RPAC’s 2014 declaration, “Genealogists’ Declaration of Rights,” which has been signed by more than 10,700 genealogists in support of access to public records, the Committee applauds the archivists’ Joint Statement and commitment to their shared goals.

RPAC is sponsored by the Federation of Genealogical Societies, the National Genealogical Society, and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, and is supported by the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Board for Certification of Genealogists, the American Society of Genealogists, and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists.

When you #StartWithaSmile on #PrimeDay (12 July 2016), Amazon donates to National Genealogical Society. Shop for great deals at http://smile.amazon.com/gp/charity/homepage.html?orig=%2Fgp%2Fbrowse.html%3Fnode%3D11448061011&ein=52-0745713

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.

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Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!

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Follow NGS via Facebook, YouTube, Google+, Twitter

10 June 2016

NGS Guidelines Revised May 2016

Created by Carolina Prysyazhnyuk, https://www.flickr.com/photos/129657698@N02/16159019626/
[CC-BY-ND-2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/)], via flickr

As part of the NGS Board meeting held at the recent conference, revisions were approved for the NGS Guidelines. The last major revisions took place in 2002.

First, you might ask “what are the Guidelines?”

These Guidelines are recommended by the National Genealogical Society for the benefit of those who wish to improve their skills and performance in genealogical pursuits. NGS is neither an accrediting nor an enforcement agency and does not determine whether its recommendations are being followed in any particular case. These recommendations serve their purpose when an individual decides that the Guideline have been applied appropriately in a matter of personal interest.

In fact, Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist, recently referenced Guidelines for Sharing Information with Others (PDF 173KB), in her post, Blurring the Lines, when quoting …

“genealogists and family historians consistently — respect the restrictions on sharing information that arise from the rights of another … as a living private person;” and “convey personal identifying information about living people—such as … genetic information…—only in ways that those concerned have expressly agreed to…”

The other guidelines are …

· Guidelines for Sound Genealogical Research (PDF 179KB)

· Guidelines for Using Records Repositories and Libraries (PDF 190KB)

· Guidelines for Use of Computer Technology in Genealogical Research (PDF 78KB)

· Guidelines for Genealogical Self-Improvement and Growth (PDF 90KB)

Second, let’s talk about the revisions. The edits range from wordsmithing for readability, clarity, and ease of understanding, while others are more substantive in nature such as this addition to Guidelines for Sound Genealogical Research …

become familiar with research and ethical standards set by other genealogical organizations, such as the Board for Certification of Genealogists, the Association of Professional Genealogists, the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists, the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, and the Genetic Genealogy Standards Committee.

These guidelines are a means for the genealogical community to self-police itself.

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.

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Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!

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Follow NGS via Facebook, YouTube, Google+, Twitter

17 May 2016

FB Post-a-palooza Post NGS Conference ... lots of neat news you might have missed!

While in FL for the NGS 2016 Family History Conference and then as I recovered (so much to do and many people to meet!) during the subsequent week, many interesting news items were suited to cross-posting on the NGS Facebook (FB) page.

Here is a recap of some of what was posted. Have you “Liked” the NGS FB page? Besides having a link to every Upfront with NGS blog post, the NGS FB page feed is also chock full of news of interest to genealogists and family historians. Do check it out if you already haven’t.

o SCGS Jamboree 2016 Announces Live Streaming of Genetic Genealogy, http://genealogyjamboree.blogspot.com/2016/05/jamboree-2016-announcing-live-streaming.html

o Planning to attend MAAGI (Midwest African American Genealogy Institute) or would like to attend? Check out these 4 scholarship opportunities. Deadline is May 30th for scholarship submissions. http://www.maagiinstitute.org/scholarships.html

o This was fascinating to watch. It gave me an overall and obviously simplified perspective on the Civil War on the whole, something that I'd never quite grasped before. The Civil War in Four Minutes, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN1VX_g8JZM

o Great article on Personal Archiving. The video included is well worth the watch (it runs about 35 mins or so) ... Your Personal Archive Project: Where Do You Start? http://blogs.loc.gov/digitalpreservation/2016/05/how-to-begin-a-personal-archiving-project/?loclr=fbdig

o Speaking of personal archiving ... Are you leaving a legacy...or a mess? Do we sometimes spend so much time on researching that we don't stop and document, share, and more, the research we've already done? https://www.americasfootprints.com/blog/detail.php?Are-you-leaving-a-legacy...or-a-mess-397

o An interesting post about handwriting through time. The Hidden Messages of Colonial Handwriting, http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-hidden-messages-of-colonial-handwriting

o Opening September 24th. Click the video link in the referenced Washington Post article and you will be taken on a 1 minute behind the scenes tour ... A first look inside the Smithsonian’s African American Museum: Stunning Views, grand scale, https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/a-first-look-inside-the-smithsonians-african-american-museum-stunning-views-grand-scale/2016/05/10/80ac784e-160e-11e6-9e16-2e5a123aac62_story.html?tid=sm_fb

o Do you have Expired Credits with ScotlandsPeople? I did and until 22 May you can reactive such credits -- go tohttp://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/Content/Help/index.aspx…, visit the shopping basket page (you do NOT need to purchase anything) and put spring2016 in the voucher code box. The "life" of your credits will automatically be extended.

o Interesting ... with new information, the history of President Monroe's home will need to be revisited ... "At Virginia home of President Monroe, a sizable revision of history": http://ow.ly/tyeU3003qR1

o What to do with inherited letters, photo albums, stamps and more, http://www.thedenverchannel.com/lifestyle/what-to-do-with-inherited-letters-photo-albums-stamps-and-more

o BYUtv’s ‘Relative Race’ winners take home $25,000, and much, much more, http://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/television/byutv-s-relative-race-winners-take-home-and-much-much/article_4c4f7428-890d-5b77-ba5f-a2d65a78cf03.html

o A lawsuit we, as genealogists, need to be aware of – Google Image Search and the Misappropriation of Copyrighted Images, http://cpip.gmu.edu/2016/05/03/google-image-search-and-the-misappropriation-of-copyrighted-images/

o Whether you have or haven't been to the National Archives to do research, you will want to participate in this chance to win a trip to DC (and a VIP experience at the National Archives) for July 4th! You must enter by June 10th. The winners package is for 4 individuals, http://www.archivesjuly4.org/giveaway/win-a-trip

o Great historical look at ways to get into and out of New York City. Anyone who has ever worked or lived in the area are familiar with these bridges and tunnels and others might just marvel at the engineering involved! A look at the history of New York City’s tunnels and bridges, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/bridge-pics-article-1.2576529

o I wonder if the school still has records that go back that far? Shakespeare’s school to open to visitors to celebrate 400^th anniversary, http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/apr/20/shakespeares-school-to-open-to-visitors-to-celebrate-400th-anniversary

o Sorry to read this news. Australia's Trove is a wonderful resource! (via ResearchBuzz News) – National Library of Australia’s Trove stops adding items to its collections, http://buff.ly/1WdJk6M

Editor’s Note: Related posts ...

+ Facebook (FB) + NGS = Lots of neat news about genealogy & history-related resources! (July 2015)

+ Facebook (FB) -- Are you taking advantage of its wonderful and FREE genealogical resources? (June 2015)

+ Facebook can be a genealogical goldmine or a "too much" nightmare -- taming social media (Dec 2014)

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!

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Follow NGS via Facebook, YouTube, Google+, Twitter