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ASG Scholar Award

An annual scholarship, providing a stipend of $500 toward tuition and expenses at two major genealogical institutes, was created in 1996 by the American Society of Genealogists. Candidacy for the award is open to all genealogists, genealogical librarians, and researchers working in related fields.

The ASG Scholar Award provides financial assistance for a developing scholar to attend one of the two oldest training programs in American genealogy: the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) or the National Institute on Genealogical Research (NIGR). The recipient may register for the institute of his or her choice. Attendance at both institutes is highly prized. All classes are small, and enrollment is limited.

The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, held for one week each June and based at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, was founded in 1964 to provide a structured program of genealogical study at an academic level. It offers six to eight tracks of study, ranging from beginning and intermediate genealogy to advanced research methodology, professional genealogy, and other specialized topics—as well as a British research program based in London. The scholarship will apply to any of the advanced courses (Track III or higher) taught on the Birmingham campus. IGHR program materials are available from: IGHR Director, Samford University Library, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229.

The National Institute on Genealogical Research, held for one week each July and based at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., is the nation’s oldest institute for genealogical education, founded in 1950. NIGR provides a unique program of advanced instruction in the use of National Archives records. Program materials are available from: NIGR Director, P.O. Box 724, Lanham MD 20703-0724.

Past recipients of the ASG Scholar Award are listed below.

1996

Patricia Law Hatcher, CG, Dallas, Texas
"A Multiplicity of Marys: Corrections and Additions to Genealogies of the Abbott, Hale, Hovey, Jackson, and Jewett Families of Essex, Massachusetts"

1997

Peter E. Carr, San Luis Obispo, California
"Guide to Cuban Genealogical Research: Records and Sources"

1998

June Reidrich Zublic, CG, Turnersville, New Jersey
"After the Treaty of Paris of 1783: One Quaker Family in Saratoga, Albany County, New York. Israel and Amity (Harris) Phillips."

2000

Carol Gohari, Glendale, New York
"Jacob Eaton of Brookhaven, Long Island, New York, and His Children"

2001

Douglas S. Shipley, Fredericksburg, Virginia
"Frank and Fanny Austin: Oral and Documentary Research of a Formerly Enslaved Family"

2003
 
Nancy S. Peterson, Gig Harbor, Washington
"The Missing Randalls: Descendants of John(1) Randall of Westerly Through His Son Peter"

2004
 
Birdie Monk Holsclaw, CG, Longmont, Colorado
"Life and Death on the Frontier: The Robert and Loana McFarland Family of Boulder Valley, Colorado"

2007
 
Dawn C. Stricklin, Springfield, Missouri
"The Many Mothers of John Little Crow"

2008
 
Ruth Randall, Albuquerque, New Mexico
"A Family for Suzanne"

 

ASG Scholar Award for 2009

Interested applicants for the award should apply before March 15, 2009, by submitting three copies of the items below.

  • a resume that emphasizes activities relating to genealogy and lists the  applicant’s publications in the field, if any.

  • a manuscript or published work of at least 5,000 words, demonstrating an ability to conduct quality genealogical research, analyze results, and report findings in an appropriately documented fashion. If the submission is to be returned, it should be accompanied by an envelope or bagging with  sufficient postage.

  • a statement (100—150 words) which (1) identifies the individual’s choice of institute program and (2) explains why the individual feels that attendance will enhance her or his growth as a genealogical scholar.

The ASG Scholarship Committee, chaired by Melinde Lutz Sanborn, FASG, and ASG vice-president, will make the selection for the award. Announcement of the award winner will be made by March 31, 2009. Applications should be addressed to Melinde Lutz Sanborn, Chair, ASG Scholarship Committee, 84 Rosewell Rd., Bedford NH 03110.