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Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

National Genealogical Society

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National Genealogical Society

For generations. Past. Present. Future. NGS, a non-profit founded in 1903, is the premier U.S. national society for beginners to advanced family historians.

Our mission is to inspire, connect, and lead the family history community. We foster collaboration and best practices in advocacy, education, preservation, and research. We enable people, cultures, and organizations to discover the past and create a lasting legacy.

02/19/2026

Thriving genealogy communities begin with strong organizations. FOCUS is an NGS preconference event developed specifically for societies, libraries, archives, and family history organizations looking to strengthen collaboration and better serve their members.

On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, NGS will host FOCUS at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne. The day will feature sessions centered on working in and with libraries, the launch of FORUM Roundtables, and behind-the-scenes access at one of the nation’s premier research centers. FOCUS exists to equip and encourage those who sustain the genealogy field.

If you are involved in a genealogy or family history organization, this event was created with you in mind. Register today and make plans to attend FOCUS 2026.
https://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/focus/

02/18/2026

America at 250 is more than a milestone. It is an opportunity to explore how opportunity, diversity, and belonging shaped the lives of our ancestors.

On Wednesday, 27 May, Katherine R. Willson will lead a three-hour preconference workshop that examines 250 years of American history through the lived experiences of families and communities. Plan to arrive early in Fort Wayne and deepen your conference experience.

Learn more and register:
https://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/workshops

02/17/2026

America at 250 is not just a national milestone. It is a family story.
In our latest UpFront blog post, Juliana Szucs reminds us that every family carries part of the American story. Some stories live in records. Others live in recipes, songs, memories, and traditions passed from generation to generation. As genealogists and societies, this is our moment to ask deeper questions. Whose stories are we preserving? Whose stories are missing?

As we prepare for a year-long commemoration, this post invites all of us to reflect, expand, and celebrate family history for everyone.
What does America at 250 look like through the lens of your family history?

Read the full post and join the conversation. https://upfront.ngsgenealogy.org/2026/02/coming-together-to-celebrate-america-at.html

02/16/2026

Planning your trip to the 2026 NGS Family History Conference starts with registering early. When you register at the early bird rate, you will receive access to the NGS hotel discount information.

NGS room blocks at the hotels closest to the conference are filling quickly, so early registration is the best way to secure both your conference rate and convenient lodging.

Have questions or running into issues with hotel reservations?
Email registrar@ngsgenealogy.org and the NGS team will be happy to assist.

02/16/2026

NGS is closed today for the commemoration of Presidents' Day. Thank you for your patience with calls or emails. We will reopen tomorrow, 17 February.

02/14/2026

Every family tree has at least one ancestor who stands out and keeps drawing us back. It might be a royal connection, a factory worker, a farmer, or someone whose life was complicated, bold, or unexpected.

From royals to commoners, factory workers to farmers, famous to infamous, which ancestor’s name has captured your heart or imagination?
Share their name in the comments and tell us what makes them unforgettable.

02/12/2026

How can genealogy and family history organizations prepare for America at 250 and create engagement that lasts beyond the anniversary year? This recorded NGS OrgConnects! event brings together leaders who are already thinking long term about outreach, partnerships, and public impact.

In this panel discussion, Marion Noble, Madeleine Rosenberg, and Allison DePrey Singleton share practical ideas for planning programs, building partnerships, and sparking sustained interest in family history during this once in a generation moment.
Watch the full recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WEfcNyIz_Js

02/10/2026

Do you know about a genealogy resource others may have missed? NGS Magazine is seeking submissions for Projects and People, a special classifieds style section highlighting little known or recently updated resources that deserve wider attention.

We are looking for free resources or collections that support U.S. research and have been created or significantly updated within the past two years. Submissions are now being accepted for the April issue.

Have a project or resource others should know about?
Submit it by 1 March using this form: https://forms.gle/q1D5S5uiwWW3QF5UA

02/08/2026

Early bird pricing for the 2026 NGS Family History Conference is only available through 28 February. Registering early is the best way to save on four days of education, inspiration, and connection in Fort Wayne.

NGS individual members always receive a discounted registration rate. Additional discounts are available for NGS organization members and youth attendees.

Are you planning to attend this year?
Register and view pricing details here:
Individual registration: https://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/2026registration
Organization member registration: https://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/orgregistration
Youth registration: https://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/youth-registration

02/06/2026

Ever wondered what is really available inside state archives and how to access those records more effectively? NGS MemberConnects! is hosting a live State Archives Crawl on 11 February that brings reference archivists from across the country together for an interactive conversation.

This Zoom event will feature a roundtable discussion and breakout rooms where participants can learn directly from archivists about unique state holdings, access procedures, and practical research tips. Because of the format, this session will not be recorded.

Nearly 30 state archives are confirmed to participate. NGS individual members should register using the link sent by email.

Not a member yet? Join NGS today to get access to this event and future MemberConnects! opportunities.

02/05/2026

Join us at GRIP. 19 courses offered in summer and fall. Learn more at https://grip.ngsgenealogy.org/.

02/04/2026

Genealogists rely on access to records, and access depends on advocacy. The Records Preservation and Access Coalition is organizing Family History Hill Day in Washington, DC on 15 April 2026, giving family historians a chance to speak directly with lawmakers about records access and preservation.

Preparation starts early. The first training takes place on 25 February. Signing up now ensures you are ready to participate and have your voice heard.

Learn more and register using the link and help protect access to the records we all depend on. https://www.recordsadvocate.org/register-for-family-history-hill-day-on-15-april-2026

Learn more about RPAC at https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/records-preservation-access-coalition.

Address

PO Box 128
Falls Church, VA
20701

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Website

https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/

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For Generations Past, Present, and Future

The National Genealogical Society (NGS), a non-profit organization founded in 1903, is the premier national society for everyone from the beginner to the most advanced family historian.