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. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html