31 May 2011

The OGS and National Institute for Genealogical Studies Partnership

When two major organizations in a field decide to work together it's likely something good will come of it. For the Ontario Genealogical Society, and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, both Toronto area-based organizations which have languished somewhat in the past few years, the announcement of partnership initiatives noted in the press release below is a welcome "shot in the arm."

For Immediate Release
THE ONTARIO GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GENEALOGICAL STUDIES ANNOUNCE A PARTNERSHIP
(Toronto: May 27, 2011) At its recent 50th Anniversary Conference in Hamilton May 13-15, Nancy Trimble, President of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS), and Louise St Denis, Managing Director of The National Institute for Genealogical Studies, signed a mutually beneficial partnership agreement. Both organizations will remain as independent entities but will work closely with one another for the advancement of genealogical research. Reciprocal advertising arrangements are being developed. As well, free or discounted courses, and other promotions, will benefit OGS members. Free use of The Institute Live Meeting Room will be made available for Society and Branch online communication for committees, meetings, workshops, and speakers. This will allow OGS members to be a part of their Society and Branch activities regardless of where they may live. 
“Education is an important component in the role we have in our Society. Partnering with The National Institute will enable us to provide valuable education without re-inventing the wheel. This will be a tremendous benefit to our members”, says Nancy Trimble.

Society members will be encouraged to usewww.genealogywise.com, The Institute’s Social Media website. As an adjunct benefit, all those attending the Conference’s closing ceremonies received a free course from The Institute entitled “Social Media for the Wise Genealogist.” 
A wide array of other items is also being discussed, and timelines for activating those will be released in the near future. In addition to Society-wide arrangements, Branches will be able to take advantage of a number of benefits with The Institute within this agreement.
Louise St Denis adds, “The Internet, and easier access to information, is changing the role of Societies in general. We look forward to working with the Ontario Genealogical Society and their members. Our combined efforts will help provide greater membership benefits to both organizations and the genealogical community-at-large.” 
About The Ontario Genealogical Society
The Ontario Genealogical Society, founded in 1961, is the largest genealogical society in Canada. Its dedicated mission is to encourage, bring together and assist those interested in the pursuit of family history. The Society is represented by a membership not only within Ontario but nationally and internationally. There are more than 30 branches dedicated to research in a specific geographical area or the study of a topic of specific interest. A central research library is housed in the Gladys Allison Canadiana Room of the North York Library in Toronto.
For more information on the Society, its various Branches and Special Interest Groups, please visit their website at www.ogs.on.ca, call the Provincial Office at 416-489-0734, email atprovoffive@ogs.on.ca, or join them on Facebook. 
About The National Institute for Genealogical Studies
The National Institute, a leader in online genealogy education, has been offering genealogy and history courses for over eleven years. They now offer over 200 courses in genealogical studies to help enhance the researcher’s skills.
For those looking to acquire more formal educational training, The National Institute offers – in affiliation with the Continuing Education Unit of the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto – Certificate Programs in the records of Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States, as well as a General Methodology and Librarianship Certificate.
For more information, please visit The National Institute’s site atwww.genealogicalstudies.com, or call toll-free in North America at 1-800-580-0165, or email at admin@genealogicalstudies.com.

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