2016 Federation of Genealogical Society Awards

NOTE from DearMYRTLE: The following was received from our friends at FGS.org:

Federation of Genealogical Societies Presented Awards to Deserving In​d​individuals and Organizations in the Genealogical Community at FGS 2016 Annual Conference September 1, 2016 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) presented awards to fellow genealogists and organizations who provide excellent work, assist other genealogists, and aid in the preservation of records at this morning’s Keynote Session at the FGS 2016 National Conference, “Time Travel: Centuries of Memories,” in Springfield, Illinois. Loretto (“Lou”) Szucs from Illinois was presented with the Rabbit Malcolm H. Stern Humanitarian Award for being a constant supporter and visionary for the genealogical community. Judy Russell from New Jersey, also known as “The Legal Genealogist,” was presented with the Directors Award for her role as a leader within the genealogical community in helping to raise awareness and funds for the Preserve the Pensions project. Mike Hall from Utah was presented with a Presidential Citation for his constant dedication and support of FGS’ Preserve the Pensions project. Julie Cahill Tarr from Wisconsin was also presented with a Presidential Citation for enriching FORUM's readers with dynamic new content and resources as FGS FORUM editor. John Fisher from Vermont was presented with the FGS Award of Merit in recognition of exemplary and outstanding service to FGS Member Society, the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society. Phyllis Snider from Illinois was presented an FGS Certificate of Appreciation for her tireless work in promoting genealogy for and with the Iliana Genealogical and Historical Society. The FGS Technology Advances Award was presented to the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG) Wiki in recognition for their impact on the genealogy community with their promotion and education of genetic genealogy and their advocacy for education of genetics as a tool for genealogical research.  An FGS Technology Advances Award was also presented to JSTOR (Journal Storage) for their impact on the family history community by providing access to more than 2,300 digitized academic journals. Eight individuals received the FGS Award of Merit in recognition of meritorious service or distinguished work on the 2016 FGS Conference. Additionally, sixteen individuals received a Certificate of Appreciation to express FGS’ thanks for work performed for the 2016 FGS conference in an outstanding manner. “Congratulations to all FGS Award winners,” said FGS President D. Joshua Taylor. “Thank you for your service and creativity. Each worthy recipient is representative of the tremendous accomplishments made in the genealogical industry.” About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and empowers the genealogical and family history community, especially its societies and organizations, by advocating for the preservation and access of records and providing resources that enable genealogical organizations to succeed in pursuing their missions. FGS helps genealogical societies and family history enthusiasts alike to strengthen and grow through online resources, FGS FORUM magazine, and through its annual national conference which provides four days of excellent learning opportunities for both societies and family history enthusiasts. Also, FGS was the driving force behind the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors project alongside the National Parks Service and since 2010, has been actively involved in Preserve the Pensions, an effort to raise more than $3 million to digitize and make freely available the pension files from the War of 1812. To learn more visit fgs.org.