Federation of Genealogical Societies

The Federation of Genealogical Societies links the genealogical community by:


 * serving the needs of its member societies
 * providing products and services needed by member societies
 * marshaling the resources of its member organizations

FGS was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies.

FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow. To do this, FGS publishes FORUM magazine, filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news. FGS also publishes an extensive series of Society Strategy Papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society.

FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics.

Membership Benefits
FGS Member Societies enjoy these benefits:


 * Expanded listing in Society Hall
 * Two complimentary subscriptions to the FGS FORUM, our quarterly electronic magazine
 * Access to the FGS Members Only Section
 * Free FGS Society Strategy Papers
 * Access to the archive of issues of FGS FORUM from 1989 to present
 * Access to the archive of issues of the FGS Voice newsletter and its predecessor, the Delegate Digest from 2007 to present
 * Access to the FGS Insurance Program
 * Society Bylaws Review
 * Recognize volunteers by nominating them for FGS Awards
 * Monthly FGS Voice [View a sample Voice]
 * Submit articles and announcements for inclusion in both the FGS Voice blog and newsletter
 * FGS Conference
 * Representation by a delegate of your society to FGS and voting privileges in FGS meetings

FGS Associate Organizations enjoy these benefits:


 * Expanded listing in Society Hall
 * Two complimentary subscriptions to FORUM
 * Access to the FGS Members Only Section
 * Free FGS Society Strategy Papers
 * Access to the archive of issues of FGS FORUM from 1989 to present
 * Access to the archive of issues of the FGS Voice newsletter and its predecessor, the Delegate Digest from 2007 to present

Click here to become a member of FGS.

Friends of the Federation
The Federation of Genealogical Societies is a vital link for the twenty-first century genealogical community. Our hallmark role is linking the genealogical community through service to our member societies. You are invited to become a Friend of the Federation — a critical link in the Federation's capacity to continue serving the genealogical community.

We serve our member societies with society strategy publications, society management seminars, advisory and consulting services including bylaws reviews, and by supporting national conferences as gathering places for genealogists and family historians.

We strengthen the genealogical community by marshaling resources for such large undertakings as the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System and engaging in annual society management seminars.

We believe successful, vibrant genealogical societies will ensure the records that document our heritage are preserved, as well as our individual and collective abilities to engage in genealogical pursuits.

Becoming a Friend of the Federation makes you a vital link in the Federation's ability to continue fulfilling its mission. Please donate today.

When you join today you will be listed on our Friends Roll of Honor.


 * Patron—$1 to $99
 * Contributor—$100 to $249
 * Silver—$250 to $499
 * Gold—$500 to $999
 * Platinum—$1,000 to $24,999
 * Diamond—$25,000+
 * Corporate—$2,500+

Donate now. We are so grateful for your contribution.

Participate in the Federation's Fifty for the Future Campaign.

If you have questions or comments about Fifty for the Future or Friends of the Federation, please contact [mailto:friends@fgs.org friends@fgs.org].

Society Projects
The Federation of Genealogical Societies works to preserve resource materials of genealogical and historical significance. FGS provides national leadership by marshaling resources for the following projects:


 * Preserve the Pensions! A project to digitize the War of 1812 pension records. You can help this valuable project by making a donation.
 * Malcolm H. Stern-NARA Gift Fund. The Stern-NARA Gift Fund makes possible the creation of finding aids and the microfilming of valuable research materials now preserved in the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C.
 * FGS Records Preservation and Access Committee. The committee works with agencies throughout the country to establish a system by which records at risk can be identified and recommend steps to preserve them in the most permanent and economical method possible.
 * Civil War Soldiers &amp; Sailors System (CWSS). In 1999, FGS and GSU, with support from the National Park Service, the National Archives, and the Civil War Trust (among other groups), completed the data entry of more than five million names.
 * World Archives Project. FGS has partnered with Ancestry.com in a record preservation initiative that will make more records available to researchers around the world.
 * FGS Outreach. The Federation of Genealogical Societies established the Outreach Committee in January of 2009 to provide resources for FGS member societies to engage those outside of the immediate genealogical community. Current areas of outreach include: Youth; Historians; Librarians; and Archivists. FGS will publish the Reach Out series of digital publications encompassing electronic and print resources to assist FGS member societies.

Please contact [mailto:outreach@fgs.org outreach@fgs.org] for more information.

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FGS FORUM
FGS publishes FORUM, a quarterly magazine providing current information essential to the informed genealogist. Features include:


 * News about discoveries, record access and record preservation.
 * Feature articles on a variety of subjects of interest to all genealogists.
 * Notices of important events taking place in the genealogical community.
 * Detailed calendar of genealogical events, conferences and workshops.
 * Indexing and publication projects in progress or completed.
 * News from genealogical and historical societies worldwide.
 * News briefs from family associations, ethnic organizations and international groups.
 * Book reviews and notices covering a wide variety of publications.
 * Articles and tips for more effective society management.
 * And much, much more!

FGS VOICE
FGS Voice is the FGS blog containing news from FGS and its members.

Events

 * Pathways to the Heartland - FGS 2011 Conference September 7-10, 2011 Springfield, Illinois