The National Genealogical Society 2026 Family History Conference

America at 250
27–30 May 2026 | Fort Wayne, Indiana

The National Genealogical Society’s annual conference—a pinnacle of the genealogical calendar—will take place 27-30 May 2026 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, home to the renowned Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library.

In recognition of the Semiquincentennial Anniversary of the signing of United States Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, our theme is America at 250. The conference will shine a light on the stories, communities, and research strategies that help us understand the nation’s past. It also will focus on how genealogists can preserve our family histories for the future.

This conference will deliver the exceptional programming, expertise, and camaraderie you’ve come to expect from NGS. It will also offer participants the opportunity to pursue their research at one of the most significant genealogical destinations in the country, the Allen County Public Library and its renowned Genealogy Center.

The Genealogy Center: A Researcher’s Paradise

One of the greatest benefits of meeting in Fort Wayne is our proximity to the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library. It is the second-largest genealogy library in the United States, surpassed only by the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. Imagine attending a session, gaining new insights, and then walking a single block to apply them immediately at this resource-rich research center.

In collaboration with the library, NGS will offer special on-site programming within the Genealogy Center. These unparalleled opportunities will help you deepen your research and explore new tools. While there, you will work alongside expert librarians and genealogists.

Gathering of the Best of the Best

The NGS Family History Conference is always a highlight of the year. It’s a time when genealogists, educators, researchers, and enthusiasts come together to exchange ideas, build skills, and celebrate the power of discovery. But 2026 promises to be especially meaningful.

With expert speakers, innovative sessions, and direct access to the Genealogy Center, this year’s conference offers a rare opportunity. Participants will gain new skills, new insights, and new connections all while commemorating our ancestors’ stories throughout 250 years of the American Experiment.

Save the Date

Registration opens December 2025.

Stay tuned for announcements about speakers, special events, and other surprises as we prepare for this landmark year.

We look forward to welcoming you to Fort Wayne in 2026—for a conference that will inspire, educate, and connect us all through the shared pursuit of family history.

Meet us in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne International Airport lies just eight miles from downtown, meaning you can be at your hotel, the convention center, or the library within minutes of arrival. Fort Wayne is also less than a 4-hour drive from Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Indianapolis.

All conference activities will center around the Grand Wayne Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown. Several hotels are directly connected to the convention center. Others are just steps away, ensuring a convenient and comfortable stay. The Allen County Public Library is a short walk from the convention center.  It’s perfect for combining sessions with hands-on research.

Unlike sprawling venues, the Grand Wayne Convention Center offers an intimate, accessible layout. Sessions and exhibit halls are close together, so participants will find it easy to move between events.

Downtown Fort Wayne offers a variety of restaurants, cafés, and quick dining options, catering to every taste, budget, and dietary need, all are within walking distance.