The special issue of the NGS Quarterly that examined the Jefferson- 
Hemings question was, at that time, under the editorship of Elizabeth  
Shown Mills, a Fellow of the American Genealogical Society. The  
author of at least one of the articles is Helen Leary, also a Fellow  
of the American Genealogical Society. Both are professional  
genealogists certified by the Board for Certification of  
Genealogists, an independent non-profit organization.

Quoting from the  American Genealogical Society web site (http:// 
www.fasg.org/):

"An honorary society, ASG is limited to fifty life-time members  
designated as Fellows (identified by the initials FASG)."

"Election to the ASG is based on a candidate's published genealogical  
scholarship. Emphasis is upon compiled genealogies and published  
works that demonstrate an ability to use primary source material; to  
evaluate and analyze data; to properly document evidence; and to  
reach sound, logical conclusions presented in a clear and proper  
manner."

I would think some, if not all, of these same principals apply to  
other fields of study, particularly history. Perhaps those who call  
themselves historians could benefit from following the same principals.

As for the National Genealogical Society, the President and Treasurer  
resigned a few years ago. Their offices were immediately filled by  
currently serving board members until the next regularly held  
election. The the office manager was let go. I hardly think this  
constitutes the entire leadership. Some third world countries can  
only hope for such an orderly transition of leadership.

The "problems" of the National Genealogical Society, if any, have  
absolutely nothing to do with the professional integrity of Elizabeth  
Shown Mills, the past editor of the NGS Quarterly, or Helen Leary,  
the author of the Jefferson-Hemings article, both of whom would  
probably object to having their professional reputations impugned on  
this list.

_________________
Donald W. Moore, CG(sm)
Antecedents(r) LLC
http://www.antecedents.com

Certified Genealogist and CG are service marks of the Board for  
Certification of Genealogists® and used here under license.

Antecedents is a registered service mark of Antecedents LLC.



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