| Dear NGS Organization Members, Administrators, and Delegates, Join fellow organizations, the National Genealogical Society, and the Filson Historical Society in Louisville, Kentucky, on 23 May 2025 for a unique experience designed to help your organization thrive. FOCUS offers time to discover new ideas, engage with other participants, and learn about planning strategically for the future. Register for FOCUS and be part of building the community of genealogy and family history organizations. The Filson is excited to welcome you, share expertise, and encourage collaboration and inspiring discussions. Enjoy making connections throughout the afternoon and takeaway practical steps to support and grow your organization. Learn More and Register for FOCUS The FOCUS program this year includes: Welcome Luncheon—While having lunch, get an introduction to the Filson and FOCUS 2025 and its relevance to outreach and engagement with an eye toward America250 in 2026. We’ll then split up into smaller groups to rotate through the three main sessions that follow. Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour—A special tour of archive and museum collections storage space will provide insight into the challenges and innovative solutions to an organization’s preservation needs. While exploring facilities, discuss how to create an incredible visitor experience and prepare someone for on-site research. Development and Growth—For long-term sustainability, organizations must be able to reach new people, engage members/patrons, and secure needed resources. Get tips on fundraising, including major gifts and grant writing, ideas on attracting and retaining members, and how to set your organization up for success and growth. Relationships and Structure—Organization leaders must think and plan strategically to nurture the relationships that improve their operations. Learn about managing volunteers, developing leaders, building partnerships, and creating an organizational structure and vision that encourages meaningful involvement and a bright future. Everyone is invited to participate in FOCUS! Registration is $150 for NGS individual members and $175 for non-members which covers lunch, sessions, and transportation from the Galt House Hotel to the Filson and back. Sign up through the NGS Family History Conference website (conference registration is not required to attend this pre-conference event). Learn More and Register for FOCUS |
