FOCUS on Genealogy and Family History Organizations
Join NGS in Fort Wayne on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, for a special pre-conference event with the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center.
What is FOCUS?
Organizations are the backbone of the genealogy and family history community and an essential source of information, knowledge, and connection. To support these organizations, FOCUS offers staff, leaders, volunteers, and members a time to learn, collaborate, and get renewed energy to promote success and growth. If you are part of a society, library, archive, museum, or institution, then FOCUS is for you!
What Can You Expect in 2026?
FOCUS will take place approximately 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET at the ACPL Genealogy Center, one of the top family history research destinations in the country, providing an exciting and unique experience. This FOCUS event will highlight the value of libraries and genealogy librarians while giving attendees from all types of organizations practical insights and ideas and a network of people that will encourage and strengthen our community.
Plan to enjoy sessions and discussions with experts who are in a variety of organizations, including leading genealogy librarians, as well as an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour for FOCUS participants that will explore the ACPL Genealogy Center. Lunch will be included.
Genealogy organization leaders in Richmond, VA
As part of the FOCUS event in 2026, experience the launch of a new program – FORUM Roundtables! This offers an opportunity for people from genealogy and family history organizations to connect with others serving in similar roles and have constructive conversations on topics and issues that matter to them. Pick one table or visit several to share, ask questions, collaborate on solutions to challenges, and be inspired. Find your people and talk about things that are important to you and your organization.
FORUM Roundtables at this in-person event will likely include options for librarians and society leaders along with membership, volunteers, leadership development, marketing and communications, and more. FOCUS registrants will have an opportunity to weigh in on what tables they’d most prefer to see available. (After the launch in Fort Wayne, NGS organization members will be invited to participate in ongoing virtual FORUM Roundtables for a variety of roles and topics.)
The FOCUS schedule and complete details are coming soon!
After FOCUS on 27 May
Delegates from NGS organization members are invited to the Delegate Council meeting from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. For anyone registered for the 2026 Family History Conference, the Expo Hall Opening and Welcome Reception rounds out your day from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. We look forward to seeing you there!
2026 FOCUS Registration Information
FOCUS registration will open soon!
Special pricing is made possible for the 2026 FOCUS event thanks to the generous sponsorship of Vivid-Pix and support from the ACPL Genealogy Center. 2026 FOCUS registration is $55 per person, including lunch and all sessions. There will be an additional registration perk available to librarians.
Any individuals interested in building up the community of genealogy and family history organizations can sign up to attend FOCUS. Registration for the Family History Conference is not required for FOCUS participation. For those interested, NGS organization members have a discount offer for the conference.
Email Kate Smith at ksmith[at]ngsgenealogy[dot]org with questions about the 2026 FOCUS sessions.