NGS Conference Recording Packages

Are you attending the NGS Family History Conference next week? I am excited to be there in person, but I always miss some excellent sessions because I can only be in one place at a time.

Are you unable to attend the NGS conference in Florida? Would you like to hear some of the conference sessions from home? Well, here are your options.

Option 1 --
There is still time to sign up to watch the live-streaming of ten of the sessions on Thursday and Friday, May 5th and 6th. If watching live does not fit into your schedule, you will have three months to watch the sessions at your convenience. Here is the link to register.

Option 2 -- 

You can purchase a pass which will include audio recordings of ALL 140 sessions of the conference! See the three package options in below, and click here to order online from PlayBack. This is a great deal, and if you act fast you can save $100 on the package by ordering before May 7th. After that date the prices go up.  

Option 3 --

If you just have a few sessions you are interested in, you can order them individually for $10 each. Click here to see a listing of all of the sessions by topic or presenter. I have ordered individual recordings of my favorite sessions for each of the last eight years. It is a great way to hear some of the best presenters in genealogy while you drive to work or take your daily walk. 

I hope you enjoy these options for continuing your genealogy education!

Angela

Studying Evidence Analysis, Part 1

This is part of my ongoing series on Educational Preparation for BCG Certification. It is not limited to those interested in certification, but provides ideas for any interested genealogist. There are links to the other posts in the series at the bottom of this article.

Note: One of the recommendations in part 2 of this article (which will be posted next Monday), is time sensitive so will be included here. Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 16^th, there is a free webinar hosted by the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

            “The Importance of Context in Record Analysis”

            Presented by Barbara Vines Little, CG, FNGS, FVGS

            LIVE: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 – register here

Description: Source citations provide context for the information we gather. Was the death date from a tombstone, a newspaper obituary, a county history, a Bible record, or a death certificate? The best citations tell us that the tombstone was contemporary with the death, the Bible record was entered in the same hand and the same ink, the county history was written a hundred and fifty years later, and the death certificate was signed by an attending physician. The details provide background context that helps us evaluate the validity of the information and suggests other avenues for research. But this information only scratches the surface. A full evaluation of any record’s context requires that we explore the complete content of the document. We want to know the reason for the document’s existence; the social, legal, and geographical context behind its creation; and what ancillary documents were produced both before and after its creation.

Studying Evidence Analysis, Part 1

This week our focus is on understanding and applying the second element of the Genealogical Proof Standard, “tests—through processes of analysis and correlation—of all sources, information items, and evidence.” This topic is broader than others we have discussed in this series. I will highlight some of the options I have found for studying evidence analysis and correlation, and I hope others will share their suggestions in the comments.

Informal Study Options:

1 - Read chapter 1 on the “Fundamentals of Evidence Analysis” in Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace by Elizabeth Shown Mills (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2015).

This chapter is one of the best explanations of evidence analysis available in genealogy. It covers basic issues and then explains the evidence analysis process map (the third edition of the book published in 2015 contains the most recent version of the map).

In this chapter Elizabeth Shown Mills states:

            “As history researchers we do not speculate. We test. We critically observe and carefully record. Then we weigh the accumulated evidence, analyzing the individual parts as well as the whole.” (Evidence Explained, page 15)

She continues on to list the important considerations in conducting analysis of genealogical records and the evidence they contain, including the classes of evidence, the quality of the evidence, and points to consider in your analysis.

2 – Second, study chapter 5 of Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones (Arlington, Virginia: National Genealogical Society, 2013).

In this chapter Thomas W. Jones states:

            “Proof, of course, requires us to determine which sources, information items, and evidence items are probably correct and which are not. Consequently, we must test our sources, information and evidence.” (Mastering Genealogical Proof, page 53)

Dr. Jones points out that “we analyze one source at a time,” and provides tests for analyzing the source and the information. Once we have analyzed each source we compare them to see what evidence agrees, and where we may have conflicts. This chapter contains examples of analysis and correlation in the figures and tables provided, and then exercises for you to practice these skills.

3 - Review chapter 4 on “Standards for Researching” in Genealogy Standards: 50^th Anniversary Edition by the Board for Certification of Genealogists (Nashville: Ancestry, 2014). This chapter contains standards #35 through #47 for analyzing evidence, and particularly #35 on source analysis and #36 on information analysis. These are the standards by which BCG portfolio applications will be judged.

4 – Study chapter 17 on “Evidence Analysis” by Donn Devine in Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers and Librarians edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2001).  This chapter was written before the new 3 x 3 Evidence Process Map was produced (see the 2015 edition of Evidence Explained), but the principles in the chapter are sound. The questions about factors that point to the reliability, or unreliability, of evidence on page 337 are useful tools.

5 – You may also like to read Elements of Genealogical Analysis by Robert Charles Anderson (Boston: NEHGS, 2014). This book presents a step-by-step process for solving genealogical problems using source analysis, record analysis and linkage analysis. Anderson uses different terminology than the Board for Certification and Mastering Genealogical Proof, so don’t get confused, but his analysis techniques are sound.

6 -- As recommended in the post on citations, the EvidenceExplained.com website is an excellent resource. You will want to return often to read new posts in the forums, as well as new QuickLessons and blog posts. Here are a few of the ones most relevant to evidence analysis:

Evidence Explained Forums – a place for you to ask questions on evidence analysis issues as well as record usage and interpretation. You may want to read the archives.

Evidence Explained QuickLessons -  these are brief lessons on a variety of source, analysis and citation topics. Here are a few that are relevant to studying evidence analysis:

QuickLesson 1: Analysis & Citation

QuickLesson 2: Sources vs. Information vs. Evidence vs. Proof

QuickLesson 5: Analyzing Records

QuickLesson 8: What Constitutes Proof?

QuickLesson 10: Original Records, Image Copies, and Derivatives

QuickLesson 13: Classes of Evidence—Direct, Indirect & Negative

QuickLesson 16: Speculation, Hypothesis, Interpretation & Proof

QuickLesson 17: The Evidence Analysis Process Map

      QuickTips – the blog at EvidenceExplained.com. Start with these posts:

            A Record Here ... A Record There ... Wow! A Match!

            How To Solve a Research Problem

            Analyzing Census Records: Context Matters!

            Analyzing Records to Find Our Answers

            Finding the 'Core Truth' in a Tradition

            Analyzing Compiled Material "On the Fly"

            Understanding What We Find

            The Disciplined Researcher's 20-Question Guide

7 – Study the article “Working with Historical Evidence: Genealogical Principles and Standards” by Elizabeth Shown Mills from Evidence: A Special Issue of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, 87 (September 1999): 165-184. It is available as a PDF file on Elizabeth’s website at http://historicpathways.com/download/workwthhistevidence.pdf

8 - Read the articles "The Importance of Genealogical Analysis and Correlation" (April 2015) and "The Great Mix-Up: Sources, Information, Evidence and Proof" (March 2015) by Melissa A. Johnson, CG in the NGS Monthly. Members of the National Genealogical Society can access the NGS Monthly at http://ngsmonthly.ngsgenealogy.org/

9 – Read the skillbuilding articles on the website of the Board for Certification of Genealogists that relate to evidence:

            Stefani Evans, "Data Analysis," OnBoard 18 (May 2012): 13-14.

            Stefani Evans, "Evidence Correlation," OnBoard 18 (September 2012): 21-23.

            Elizabeth Shown Mills, "Analyzing Wills for Useful Clues," OnBoard 1 (May 1995): 16.

            Elizabeth Shown Mills, "Analyzing Deeds for Useful Clues," OnBoard 1 (January 1995): 8.

10 – Read case studies in genealogy journals to learn how others used methodologies for solving genealogical problems. The most-often recommended publications are the following:

National Genealogical Society Quarterly

New England Historical and Genealogical Register

New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Record

The American Genealogist

Part 2 of "Studying Evidence Analysis" with the formal study activities will be posted on Monday, February 22, 2016.

Note:

These are just ideas for you to add to your individual education plan as you choose. They are NOT meant to be a checklist where you have to read/study/participate in every option. 

Other posts in this series:
Educational Preparation for BCG Certification  
Studying the Genealogical Proof Standard

Conducting Reasonably Exhaustive Research

Studying the Art of Citation

NGS Conference Blog Compendium

If you are like me and missed attending the National Genealogical Society (NGS) Conference this week, then I would recommend visiting the NGS 2015 Conference Blog Compendium compiled by Randy Seaver on his Geneamusings blog.

Every year, and for almost every major genealogy conference, Randy compiles a list of blog posts written about the conference. I enjoy reading about others' perspectives on the conference, and pick up tidbits of advice from the presenters via the bloggers. I appreciate Randy's compendium as he catches articles on blogs that I may not already follow. 

NGS Conference Mobile App Released

I was excited to receive the following announcement from the National Genealogical Association! The mobile apps are now such a convenience to reference the conference schedule, map and syllabus.

Mobile Conference App released–ready for download

Get the most from your NGS 2015 Family History Conference experience by downloading the mobile app. Use the app to help you make the most of your trip to St. Charles before, during and after the conference.

The NGS Conference App is available for iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, and web-enabled devices. Search your app store for NGS Family History Conferences.

New this year, we have introduced a multi-event NGS app. This allows attendees to download a single app and access all current and future NGS conferences by adding new events to this app.

The NGS Conference App is completely free! To download, go to http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/attend/mobile-app/.

 Features include: 

• The Dashboard to keep you organized with up-to-the-minute information

• About the NGS 2015 Family History Conference to keep all conference information in one place

• Alerts of important real-time communications from NGS

• Twitter feed to follow and join in on the conference chatter. The Twitter hashtag is #NGS2015GEN.

You can also

• Sync your schedule across multiple devices

• Locate exhibitors you plan to visit

• Access a list of Local Places based on Category

• Connect, message, and share schedules with your colleagues through the Friends feature

• Link to syllabus material for each lecture, which will be available about 29 April 2015

We encourage you to begin using the app now so you can plan and improve your conference experience in St. Charles.

NGS Conference Early Bird Discount Ends March 30th

Are you thinking of attending the National Genealogical Society conference in May? If you you may want to make your decision before the early bird discount ends on March 30th. It looks like an excellent program. See the press release below for details.

I will be unable to attend the conference in person this year, but will be participating in the live streaming events. See my post on NGS Conference to Live Stream Two Tracks.

Arlington, VA, 23 March 2015—If you are planning to register for the NGS Family History Conference in St. Charles, be sure to take advantage of its early bird discount. The discount, as well as the opportunity to order a printed syllabus, ends 30 March 2015. After that date, the NGS member price will increase from $195 to $230 for all four days, the non-NGS member price will increase from $230 to $265, and the syllabus will only be available as a flash drive.

 

This year’s conference features more than 25 tracks and 150 lectures, as well as social events, luncheons, and the NGS banquet. It is a great opportunity to network with other genealogists and enhance your knowledge. The conference will be held at the St. Charles Convention Center and will run from 13-16 May.  For conference information and to register, go to the 2015 NGS Family History Conference.

 

Social Events, Luncheons, and the NGS Banquet

Participating organizations sponsor several luncheons at which guest speakers address many fascinating topics such as

 

·       “Have You Tested Your DNA? Is there a Non-Paternity Event in Your Family?”

·       “Germans in the American Civil War”

·       “Intuition and Genealogy Success: A Sixth Sense, Chance, Coincidence, or Serendipity?”

·       “Then and Now: Changes in Methodologies and Sources”

 

The NGS Banquet is another event not to be missed!  Registration for all meals and social events closes on 29 April 2015. Tickets for social events will not be sold on-site. Be sure to sign up as quickly as possible. The StLGS Host Event BBQ is $39; luncheons are $21; and the banquet is $38. Menus are in the registration brochure.

 

Society Showcase

On Tuesday afternoon 12 May 2015, many Missouri genealogical and historical societies will be available in the St. CharlesConvention Center from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. to answer questions about local repositories and resources, discuss their group’s activities, and sell their publications.

 

St. Charles Area Tours

There’s still time to sign up for several exciting tours on Tuesday, 12 May 2015, prior to the NGS Family History Conference. For more information, please see St. Charles Area Tours. Registration for the tours closes on 29 April 2015.

 

Add Items to an Existing Registration

To add meals, tours, and pre-conference events to your current registration, log on to the NGS website, click on My Account, select My Events, and then click to Add Sessions.

 

We hope to see you in St. Charles in May!

 

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

NGS Conference to Live Stream Two Tracks

I was excited to receive an email from the National Genealogical Society today announcing their live streaming program for the NGS Conference in May. I love to attend the NGS conference in person, but will be unable to do so this year so I am excited to participate in some of the sessions from the comfort of my home. NGS will provide live streaming of two tracks of the conference:

May 14th -- The Immigration & Naturalization Process
May 15th -- Methodology Techniques

These tracks include some of my favorite presenters, including Elizabeth Shown Mills, Thomas W. Jones, Warren Bittner, John Colletta, David Rencher, Julie Miller, Alison Hare, Angie Bush, Michael Ramage, and Jeanne Bloom. These two tracks can be viewed in real time, or later at your convenience over the next three months. You can register for the live streaming sessions on the NGS website.

In the past when I have missed and NGS conference I have ordered copies of some of the lectures on CD. While this option is still available, and I may order CDs of some of the lectures not available on the live streaming, I am excited to be able to see the video of the presenter and his/her slides, rather than just hear the audio. For NGS members you can purchase both of the live streaming tracks for $115. This is a great deal as it is about the same price as ordering the ten lectures on CD. 

Here are the track descriptions from the NGS website:

Day One: The Immigration & Naturalization Process

Day one offers information on immigration and naturalization records, uncovering the immigrants story, and useful hints on how to discover their home town.

Thursday, 14 May 2015

8:00 a.m. T205 — The Journey to America: Federal Passenger Ship Records, Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, CG
As immigration legislation in the United States became more restrictive, the information on passenger-ship records became more robust.

9:30 a.m. T215 — Becoming an American: Naturalization Records, Julie Miller, CG
This lecture will examine naturalizations in the United States. It will discuss the naturalization process, records that were generated, and how to locate them.

11:00 a.m. T225 — Discovering the REAL Stories of Your Immigrant Ancestors, John P. Colletta, PhD, FUGA
Three 19th-century case studies demonstrate the original records and published materials available to discover the particular facts of each immigrant ancestor’s story.

2:30 p.m. T245 — Bads, Bergs, Burgs, and Bachs: Finding Locations in Germany, Warren Bittner, CG
German localities are tricky as many towns share similar names, or the name has changed, or the place no longer exists. Learn to find localities.

4:00 p.m. T255 — A Methodology for Irish Emigration to North America, David Rencher, AG, CG, FIGRS, FUGA
Lacking a location in Ireland to begin research may necessitate learning to use the sources and methodologies for solving the problem with Irish resources.

---

Day Two: Methodology Techniques

Join us for day two, which includes learning methodology techniques for use with historical context, forensic genealogy, DNA, and problem solving using a combination of resources.

Friday, 15 May 2015

8:00 a.m. F302 – The Time of Cholera: A Case Study about Historical Context, Alison Hare, CG
A cholera epidemic in London, England, in 1854 is the backdrop for a memorable lesson in how to develop historical context.

9:30 a.m. F311 — The Problem-Solver’s Great Trifecta: GPS+FAN+DNA, Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
Can you really “prove” a maternal line when, for four straight generations, absolutely no document identifies a parent or sibling? This session shows you how.

11:00 a.m. F321 — When Does Newfound Evidence Overturn a Proved Conclusion? Thomas W. Jones, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
Even thorough research can miss relevant sources. What are the options when useful information or DNA test results appear after a researcher establishes a conclusion?

2:30 p.m. F342 — Forensic Genealogy Meets the Genealogical Proof Standard, Michael Ramage, JD, CG
Learn how a $22 million estate case involving same name/age/place ancestors was solved using the Genealogical Proof Standard.

4:00 p.m. F352 — Using DNA as a Genealogical Record, Angie Bush
Using DNA testing as part of an exhaustive search in conjunction with traditional records can provide new evidence to answer genealogical questions.

You can register for the live streaming sessions on the NGS website. 

NGS Releases Course on Researching Revolutionary War Ancestors

Great news! The National Genealogical Society has released a new course on Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors written by Craig R. Scott. There is also a course on Civil War Research, and NGS plans to release more online courses in 2015. Here is the press release:

ARLINGTON, VA, 16 DECEMBER 2014: The National Genealogical Society announced today the release of its newest Continuing Genealogical Studies (CGS) course: Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestors. Developed by military records expert Craig Roberts Scott, CG, FUGA, the new course expands on NGS’s goal of providing quality educational opportunities to the genealogical community.

In addition to his role as CEO and President of Heritage Books, Inc., Craig Scott has spent decades honing his military research expertise and teaching these skills within the genealogical community. He has coordinated military courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, and Samford University Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research in Birmingham, Alabama. His books include Understanding Revolutionary War and Invalid Pension Ledgers 1818-1872 and Pension Payment Vouchers They Represent, and The "Lost" Pensions: Settled Accounts of the Act of 6 April 1838.

In this eight-module cloud-based course, Scott introduces numerous U.S. based records related to those who fought for independence, including compiled service records, prisoner of war records, and pension files. He will also teach strategies to identify and locate information about ancestors who lived at the time of the Revolution.

 

Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestors is available to NGS members for $45.00 and to non-members for $70.00. For additional information or to purchase the course, visit the NGS website at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/researching_your_revolutionary_war_ancestors.

The NGS Continuing Genealogical Studies courses are designed for both beginners and established genealogists who wish to focus on a specific topic and put their ensuing knowledge to work quickly. The courses allow individuals to complete genealogical coursework at their own pace and from the convenience of their own homes.

Two other cloud-based CGS courses are also offered:

• Introduction to Civil War Research
• Genetic Genealogy, The Basics

In addition to the CGS courses, NGS also offers several courses from its American Genealogical Studies (AGS) series, including:

• The Basics
• Guide to Documentation and Source Citation

Advanced AGS courses in a new series called Beyond the Basics are currently in development. This cloud-based series is scheduled for release in 2015 and will complete American Genealogical Studies, which replaces the NGS Home Study Course, the standard in genealogical education for decades.

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogy education, high research standards, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, 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, research guidance, and opportunities to interact with other genealogists.

Registration Now Open for 2015 NGS Conference

I receive the following press release from the National Genealogical Society:

2015 Family History Conference

St. Charles, Missouri, 13–16 May 2015

Crossroads of America

Arlington, VA, 1 DECEMBER 2014: Registration is now open for the National Genealogical Society’s thirty-seventh annual family history conference, Crossroads of America, which will be held 13–16 May 2015 at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Missouri. Conference highlights include a choice of more than 150 lectures, given by nationally known speakers and subject matter experts on a broad array of topics. The conference will open with The Tales of Pioneer Paths: Rivers, Roads & Rails given by J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA, a full-time professional researcher and educator, and former APG president.

Continuing NGS’s goal of providing quality educational opportunities to its participants, the conference will feature a variety of lectures for all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Lecture topics covered at the conference will include: researching in many Midwestern states; national and regional migration paths; land, military, immigration, and naturalization records; ethnic and religious groups including African American, German, Irish, Jewish, Native American, Polish, and Scots-Irish; methodology, analysis, and problem solving; and the use of technology including genetics, mobile devices, and websites useful in genealogical research. The Board for Certification of Genealogists’ Skillbuilding track will again be an integral part of the conference and presented over the four days of the event.

Registration is currently open. To register online, visit the NGS website at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/event-registration/ and complete the registration form.

The online searchable program is available at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/agenda/ and the PDF brochure is available at http://goo.gl/x92kAg. The brochure includes an overview of the sessions, tours, pre-conference events, registration times, and rates, as well as general conference and hotel details. Attendees are urged to visit the conference blog, which will feature tips on local and regional research facilities as well as things to do in and around St. Charles and updated information on hotel availability and local restaurants.

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogy education, high research standards, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, 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, research guidance, and opportunities to interact with other genealogists.

A Speaker's Perspecitve on the NGS Conference

I decided to take a little different approach to blogging about the NGS conference, as I am one of the few bloggers who was presenting at the conference. I thought some of you would like to see the perspective from the other side of the podium.

In March 2013 I answered the Call for Papers from the National Genealogical Society and proposed a presentation on "Tract Books: Master Index to the Federal Land Records." Tract books are some of my favorite records, and now that FamilySearch has digitized many of them they are more accessible to researchers.

In August 2013 I heard that NGS had selected my proposal to speak on tract books (but not the other three topics I had submitted). I worked over the next few months to prepare four pages of material on the subject for the syllabus. My handout focused on the details of using tract books and referenced online resources for background information on federal land records and the rectangular survey system. I included this background information in my presentation as it is necessary to understand the organization of the tract books and the records they lead to. I wanted attendees to know how useful these records can be, and what genealogical gems they may contain.

I had my PowerPoint presentation prepared before I arrived at the NGS conference. This allowed me to spend most of the week  attending sessions, networking with colleagues and friends, and hosting a ProGen Study Group gathering. I attended Elizabeth Shown Mills session on "Using Evidence Creatively: Spotting Clues in Run-of-the-Mill Records" and was excited to see that she used tract books in two of her three case studies. It was great advertising for my topic.

The morning of my presentation I decided to run through it in my hotel room so it would be fresh in my mind. The speaker just before me said he had trouble with the cable provided to connect the laptop to the projector. I was grateful that it worked for me. I felt like the presentation went well. I spoke a little fast, but I was trying to share as much information as possible in  55 minutes. I will listen to the recording later to see  how I can improve my speaking skills. I appreciate those who attended my presentation to learn about these records.

There was a real camaraderie between the speakers. We encouraged each other before our presentations, and then asked each other how our presentations went afterward.  I received a phone call from one colleague whose projector had broken right before his presentation. I was happy to loan him mine, and got my exercise as I ran to my hotel room to get it just minutes before he was to begin. It is this type of support that I have felt in the genealogy community. I know if there had been a problem with my projector or computer that there were several friends I could have called upon for assistance.

Each speaker works very hard to put together presentations to educate others in the genealogical community. I appreciate each of them, and the conference chairmen, for making the NGS conference such a wonderful educational opportunity.

Genealogists Sign a Declaration of Rights

Are you concerned about open access to federal, state and local public records? Then you may want to sign the Genealogists' Declaration of Rights introduced at the NGS conference last week. Hundreds of genealogists have signed the declaration already, and they were wearing stickers to show their support at the conference. There will be additional opportunities to sign the Declaration at other conferences this summer. If you are not able to sign in person, then the Declaration is also available for signature at http://bit.ly/gen-declaration . Here is the press release with details on the issue and the Genealogists' Declaration of Rights.

 
 
RPAC Press Release

Richmond, VA, 12 May 2014

Jordan Jones, President of the National Genealogical Society (NGS), a sponsoring member of the Records Preservation and Access Committee (RPAC), announced the Genealogists’ Declaration of Rights before a crowd of more than 2,500 genealogists attending the Opening Session of the NGS 2014 Family History Conference in Richmond, Virginia, on 7 May 2014.

The Declaration of Rights is a statement advocating open access to federal, state, and local public records. The Declaration affirms America’s long history of open public records, which has been threatened the last few years over concerns about identity theft and privacy. The Records Preservation and Access Committee has worked with state and federal legislators as well as local public officials for more than twenty years in support of legislation and regulations that achieve a balance between access and privacy. The Declaration of Rights has been approved by the board of directors of the three sponsoring organizations: The National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS).

During the NGS 2014 Family History Conference this week, genealogists from almost all fifty states have signed the Declaration of Rights. Over the next few months, the Declaration will travel to the 34^th IAJGS Conference on Jewish Genealogy in Salt Lake City, Utah, 27 July–1 August 2014 and the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference in San Antonio, Texas, 27–30 August 2014. The Declaration will also be available for signature at http://bit.ly/gen-declaration by genealogists not attending one of the conferences.

Genealogists advocate the right of access to records held by government agencies including but not limited to vital records (births, marriages, deaths, divorces); land conveyances and mortgages; tax assessments; guardianships; probates of estates; criminal proceedings; suits of law and equity; immigration; military service and pensions; and acts of governmental entities.  Genealogists further advocate that they need to be allowed access to original records when photocopies, microfilm, digital images, or other formats are insufficient to establish clear text, context, or completeness of the record. The rights of genealogists specified in the Declaration object to numerous barriers created to deny them access to records.

Thousands of professional genealogists do research every day on behalf of clients, government agencies, and attorneys. Of particular note are the many forensic genealogists who assist the Department of Defense in locating heirs for the repatriation of remains from previous wars; assist county coroners in the identification of unclaimed persons; work with attorneys in locating missing and unknown heirs involving estates, trusts, real estate quiet title actions, oil and gas and mineral rights, and other similar legal transactions; trace and track heritable medical conditions where finding distant cousins can facilitate early treatment and possibly prevent a premature death; research stolen art and artifacts for repatriation; and identify American Indians, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians to determine eligibility for tribal benefits.  

The Records Preservation and Access Committee (RPAC) is a joint committee of the National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) as sponsoring members. The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen), and the American Society of Genealogists (ASG) also serve as participating members. RPAC meets monthly to inform and advise the genealogical community on ensuring proper access to vital records and on supporting strong records preservation policies and practices at the federal, state, and occasionally the local level.