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Black History Month – FamilySearch

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February is celebrated as Black History Month. FamilySearch has created some great new content for Black History Month that might be of interest to you. These include new, free African American Heritage-related record collections and a variety of fun, interesting articles like Facts about Black History, Black History Month Activities, Influential African American Women, Black History Month Is for Everyone, and a Black History Month Calendar. 

You can read more about this information at FamilySearch.

FGS and NGS to Merge

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FGS and NGS have announced that they are going to merge. I received the following press release via FamilySearch. They stated that: ” David Rencher, FamilySearch CGO, said this is a significant move forward for both organizations. FGS has wanted to better serve individuals, and NGS has been seeking ways to better serve societies. Combining their efforts is a win/win for all genealogists at the local, state and international levels. FamilySearch is thrilled with the leadership of both organizations coming together to better serve all genealogists and family historians. “

What do you think of the merger? How do you think this will change the world of family history and genealogy conferences?

Press Release

NGS AND FGS ANNOUNCE INTENT TO MERGE

(21 August 2019)–In a historic move, the boards of the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announced today their intent to merge. The two organizations, both non- profit leaders in the dynamic genealogy industry, will form one consolidated group that will continue to operate as the National Genealogical Society. Both boards approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) earlier this week, and jointly announced the news at the Opening Session of the FGS Family History Conference in Washington, D.C., this morning.

Leaders of both organizations believe this merger will serve the genealogy community by improving support of both individual members and societies in the pursuit of genealogical excellence.

The organizational structure of NGS will be modified to increase functions that support genealogical societies and family organizations. Digitization projects of genealogical importance such as the War of 1812 pensions will continue. The two organizations will continue to operate independently while all details of the merger are completed, no later than October 1, 2020.

Faye Stallings, President of FGS, said: “We are excited about this opportunity to combine with a premier organization that has been in operation since 1903. This will allow for improved and expanded services to help support societies.” Ben Spratling, President of NGS, commented, “We look forward to continuing the strong legacy of FGS as a ‘gathering point’ for family historians and societies all across the nation.”

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogical education, exemplary standards of research, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Falls Church, 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.

FamilySearch recruits 100,000 to save the world¹s records

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This news release was received from FamilySearch.

FamilySearch recruits 100,000 to save the world’s records

Worldwide genealogy event unites volunteers in making historical records discoverable online

SALT LAKE CITY (July 11, 2016) — On July 15, FamilySearch International will launch the world’s largest indexing event with a goal of bringing more than 100,000 people from around the globe together online during a 72-hour period to save the world’s records by making them searchable to the public.

“FamilySearch believes everyone deserves to be remembered,” said Shipley Munson, FamilySearch International’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “All should have the opportunity to find their ancestors, and we provide a simple way for people to make those family connections.”

During the 72-hour indexing period, volunteers participate by downloading the FamilySearch software, a program that stores scanned copies of a variety of old records. Volunteers can then complete as many records as they would like by retyping the information from the scanned images into the program. Anyone with a computer and internet connection can join.

“Family history discoveries online are driven by indexed records. Volunteer indexers make those personal discoveries happen. Without them, much of what we do would not be possible,” Munson said. “We invite everyone to join in this important cause to preserve history.”

Volunteers have made over one billion historic records searchable online since FamilySearch introduced online indexing in 2006. The demand for volunteers continues to grow as millions of historical records worldwide are added online every year and as more people take interest in making personal family discoveries.

To join over 100,000 teammates in saving the world’s records, visit the FamilySearch World Records website.

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. It is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 4,921 family history centers in 129 countries.