SALT LAKE CITY — Two prominent and influential genealogical organizations announced their intent to merge last week.
In a historic move, the boards of the National Genealogical Society and the Federation of Genealogical Societies approved a memorandum of understanding to form one consolidated group that will continue to operate as the National Genealogical Society, according to a news release.
News of the pending merger was announced Wednesday at the opening session of the FGS Family History Conference in Washington, D.C. The merger is expected to be completed before Oct. 1, 2020.
Leaders of both organizations agree the move will better serve the genealogy community by providing greater support for both individual members and societies.
FGS President Faye Stallings voiced her support for the merger.
“This will allow for improved and expanded services to help support societies,” Stallings said in the news release.
NGS President Ben Spratling agreed.
“We look forward to continuing the strong legacy of FGS as a ‘gathering point’ for family historians and societies all across the nation,” Spratling said.
FamilySearch Chief Genealogical Officer David Rencher 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,” Rencher said. “FamilySearch is thrilled with the leadership of both organizations coming together to better serve all genealogists and family historians.”