| Purpose
of the Society
To
advance genealogical research standards and to encourage publication of
the results.
To
secure recognition of genealogy as a serious subject of research in the
historical and social fields of learning.
The
Society
The
American Society of Genealogists (ASG) was founded in 1940 by three
distinguished academicians—Arthur Adams, John
Insley Coddington, and Meredith Colket (see ASG
History). It was
incorporated in 1946 as a non-profit educational organization in the
District of Columbia. An honorary society, ASG is
limited to fifty life-time members designated as Fellows
(identified by the initials fasg).
At the time of its founding, nothing existed to certify competent
genealogists nor was there a method to honor significant achievement in
the genealogical field.
Election
to the ASG is based on a candidate's published genealogical scholarship.
Emphasis is upon compiled genealogies and published works that
demonstrate an ability to use primary source material; to evaluate and
analyze data; to properly document evidence; and to reach sound, logical
conclusions presented in a clear and proper manner.
From
its inception to the present, ASG serves the field through promoting the
highest standards of genealogical scholarship.
Significant
Contributions
The
Genealogist, published twice yearly and edited by Charles M.
Hansen and Gale Ion Harris, is one of the most prestigious
journals in the field of genealogy. It publishes high-quality
genealogical articles including single-family studies, compiled
genealogies, and articles that solve specific problems.
The
ASG Scholar Award, created in 1996, offers
$500 toward tuition and expenses for the National Institute on
Genealogical Research, Washington, D.C., or the Institute of Genealogical and
Historical
Research, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama.
The
Donald Lines Jacobus Award, established
in 1972 to encourage sound scholarship in genealogical writing, is
presented to a model genealogy published within the previous five
years. The Society also awards a Certificate of Appreciation to
individuals or organizations whose contributions to genealogy are so
merited.
The
Board for Certification of
Genealogists was created by ASG in 1964 as a professional
accrediting body for genealogists. Although BCG is now an independent
entity, fellows of ASG have numbered among the trustees and officers
throughout the Board's history.
ASG
was instrumental in establishing the National
Institute for Genealogical Research in 1950. Since NIGR's
incorporation in 1989, ASG holds a designated seat on the Board of
Trustees.
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