Finding Genealogy Resources Beyond FamilySearch: The National Genealogical Society

Finding Genealogy Resources Beyond FamilySearch: The National Genealogical Society

This guide helps you discover how FamilySearch.org can connect you to valuable resources offered by the National Genealogical Society (NGS) to expand your genealogy research beyond the FamilySearch database.

1. Accessing the FamilySearch Research Wiki

   The FamilySearch Research Wiki is a collaborative online encyclopedia of genealogy research resources. It's your starting point to discover external organizations like NGS.

   • Step 1: Go to FamilySearch Research Wiki in your web browser.
   • Step 2: In the Search bar, type "National Genealogical Society" (without quotes).
   • Step 3: Press Enter or click the magnifying glass icon to initiate the search.

2. Navigating the NGS Wiki Page

   The search results will likely lead you to a page dedicated to the National Genealogical Society. This page provides an overview of NGS and its resources.

   • Step 1: Click on the search result that best matches "National Genealogical Society."
   • Step 2: Review the information on the page. Look for sections about NGS’s website, publications, educational resources, and any collaborative projects they might have with FamilySearch.

3. Exploring the NGS Website Link

   The Wiki page should contain a link to the official National Genealogical Society website. This is where you'll find the most comprehensive information.

   • Step 1: Locate the external link to the National Genealogical Society's official website (usually a blue, underlined link).
   • Step 2: Click the link to open the NGS website in a new tab or window.
   • Step 3: Explore the NGS website. Look for:
     • Membership information and benefits.
     • Educational resources like online courses, webinars, and research guides.
     • Publications such as their journal and magazine.
     • Details about their annual conference.

4. Utilizing NGS Resources for Specific Research

   Now that you are on the NGS website, you can explore their resources related to specific research roadblocks.

   • Step 1: On the NGS website, use their search function or navigation menu to find resources relevant to your research needs. For instance, if you're researching ancestors in a specific location, look for NGS resources related to that area.
   • Step 2: Consider joining NGS for access to member-only resources, which can provide deeper insights and more specialized research assistance.
   • Step 3: Keep an eye out for collaborative projects between FamilySearch and NGS, as these often provide access to digitized records and indexes that are not available elsewhere.

5. Returning to FamilySearch and the Wiki

   Remember to integrate your findings from NGS back into your FamilySearch research.

   • Step 1: As you find new information on the NGS website, note the sources and citations to maintain research integrity.
   • Step 2: Add the information to your FamilySearch family tree.
   • Step 3: Consider adding the new resources to the corresponding FamilySearch Wiki pages to assist other researchers.

By using FamilySearch.org as a portal to discover and leverage resources like those offered by the National Genealogical Society, you can significantly enhance your genealogy research and overcome challenging brick walls in your family history.