Genealogical Organizations
Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS)
AAHGS was founded in 1977 “to trace the historical ties that bind us one to another, mold the present, and shape the future” with local chapters and national conferences.
American Society of Genealogists (ASG)
ASG is an honorary society founded in 1940 and limited to a membership of fifty published scholars. Instrumental in founding two institutes and BCG, it publishes The Genealogist (http://fasg.org/the-genealogist/) twice a year.
Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)
APG is an international organization supporting those engaged in the business of genealogy through advocacy, collaboration, education, and the promotion of high ethical standards. It is the largest organization of genealogical professionals. Members pay dues, sign an ethics code, and submit annual accounts of their continuing education. Webinars, focused discussion sessions, the members-only email list, local chapters, and Special Interest Groups help foster professional development and a sense of community. The APG Quarterly (a member benefit) deals with the full spectrum of business and professional issues in genealogy.
BCG Education Fund
Founded in 2000 as an independent non-profit charitable trust, the Education Fund advances the educational aims of BCG. In addition to the “Putting Skills to Work” workshop prior to NGS conferences, it sponsors the Helen F. M. Leary Distinguished Lecture at the NGS and FGS conferences, and the Donald Mosher Memorial Award for Colonial Virginia research.
Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG)
CAFG, established in 2011, holds an annual institute and offers four levels of membership as well as credentialing. Forensic genealogy applies genealogical standards to cases with legal implications, usually involving living individuals.
International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS)
IAJGS coordinates the activities and annual conference of more than 70 national and local Jewish Genealogical Societies around the world.
International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)
“The first society to promote the use of DNA testing in genealogy,” ISOGG continues to advocate and educate on the subject through workshops, a wiki (https://isogg.org/#ISOGGWiki), a speaker’s bureau, forums, and meetings, fostering a supportive network for genetic genealogists.
National Genealogical Society (NGS)
Founded in 1903, NGS provides education and training, fosters increased quality and standards, and promotes access to and preservation of genealogical records. Its enterprises include two quarterlies, an annual conference, educational and awards programs, the Genealogy Hall of Fame, and concise state-by-state research guides.
New England Historical and Genealogical Society (NEHGS)
Founded in 1845, NEHGS advances the study of family history in America and beyond by educating, inspiring, and connecting people through scholarship, collections, and expertise. NEHGS publishes two quarterlies and its eight-story library and archive offers what it describes as “the largest collection of original family history research materials in the country.”
New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (NYG&B)
Founded in 1869, the NYG&B preserves, documents, and shares the stories of families whose lives have touched the state of New York. Central to this are its quarterly, publications, educational programming, and website.
Records Preservation and Access Committee (RPAC)
RPAC is a joint effort of three sponsors—NGS, FGS, and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (http://www.iajgs.org/blog/)—and six participating members (APG, BCG, ICAPGen, ASG, ProQuest, and Ancestry). It advises genealogists about records preservation, records access, and legislative issues.
Allied Professional Organizations
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
AASLH helps preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful to all people.
American Historical Association (AHA)
AHA serves historians in all fields and all professions, advocating for history education, the professional work of historians, and the importance of historical thinking in public life.
American Library Association (ALA)
The ALA supports library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to ensure access to information for all.
Organization of American Historians
OAH promotes excellence in the scholarship, teaching, and presentation of American history.
Society of American Archivists (SAA)
SAA helps archivists ensure the identification, preservation, and use of records of enduring value.