We have an exciting announcement for in-person attendees: The NGS Luncheon and Awards will feature Crista Cowan speaking on “What America’s Families Are Still Hiding: A Genealogist’s Confession” on 30 May!
Known worldwide as the Barefoot Genealogist, Cowan has served for more than twenty years as Ancestry’s corporate genealogist. In addition, she is a small business owner, media personality, author, podcaster, and dedicated world traveler who shares her passion for family history and travel with many lucky nieces and nephews.
After spending a season hosting Stories That Live In Us and gathering family history stories from all fifty states—stories of immigration, migration, courage, and community that span America’s 250 years—Cowan has learned something uncomfortable about the work we do and what we do with it when we’re done. In her talk, she’ll share what she discovered and give you a clear, actionable plan to transform your research from a private archive into a living legacy before it’s too late.

If you still need to sign up, don’t wait! Advance registration to attend in person closes in one week on 6 May 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.* Walk-in registration will be open at the conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but ticket sales to luncheons and other events also close on 6 May. To add to an existing registration, open your confirmation email and scroll down to the “Add to your order” button.