8 May 2019

The Genealogical Society of Bergen County (GSBC), NJ, is honored to be the recipient of the National Genealogical Society’s 2019 Honorable Mention Award for County/Local Genealogical Society Newsletter.

The judges particularly noted the quality of the educational articles in the publication, recaps of programs, and dedication to balancing New Jersey history with topics of interest to a wider research audience. They also commented that The Archivist was a “publication that all societies should aspire to.”

A special thank you is extended to all the GSBC volunteers, GSBC Members, it's tireless board, and those who write for The Archivist.

The Archivist has been published quarterly by the Society since 1973 and includes original research and family narratives, transcriptions of manuscripts, original indexes, how-to articles including recaps of presentations and GSBC events, and much more. The Archivist is the work of dedicated volunteer writers, reporters, indexers, transcribers, photographers, and proofreaders. More information about the 25019 awards may be found on the NGS UpFront blog.


Please consider supporting our Society, and our work, by becoming a Member. GSBC Membership is only $20 per year and supports numerous educational events, including:

GSBC General Meeting Programs (~10 per year)
Events on a variety of genealogical research topics including nationally-known guest speakers, films, and roundtable discussions that help members learn and grow. 

GSBC Genealogy Consultants—Look-up Service
Members receive four complimentary look-ups—an invaluable service if you can’t make it to the research room or archives, or need additional help with a brick wall. 

GSBC Genealogy Consultants—Consultations
Complimentary on-site consultation with our Patron Assistants (PAs) and access to subject-matter experts. 

The Archivist, GSBC Quarterly Newsletter
Published quarterly since 1973, The Archivist contains summaries of GSBC programs and events, original Bergen County family research, “how-to” articles on various topics, information on area repositories and events, and articles to help you with NJ research. The Archivist has been recognized for its excellence by the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors and the National Genealogical Society.

GSBC E-News
Our twice-monthly e-newsletter contains timely genealogical news of interest, including links to upcoming GSBC events and programs, links to articles, new online databases and repositories, and items of interest to genealogists and those interested in local history.

NJGSBC.org Website Members-Access
An ever-growing central resource, the GSBC website contains members-only access to Bergen County indexes and genealogical information compiled by GSBC members, indexes for family files at the RPL, immigration guides, back-issues of The Archivist and E-News, and more!

Bergen County-Focused Resources
Support of original Bergen County-focused newspaper and cemetery indexes and research compiled by our volunteers to aid and expand access to information about Bergen County. This is the lifeblood of our Society, and our volunteers, both local and distance, make it happen! 

Support for the Bolger Heritage Center at the Ridgewood Public Library
A Bergen County-focused genealogy library and local history archive, the Bolger Heritage Center serves as “home base” for the Society as well as its collections. 

Genealogical Databases
Available on-site at Bolger Heritage Center are various subscription-based genealogy databases, including Ancestry (Library Edition), AccessNewspaper Archives, among others. Membership dollars help support this ever-growing list of database options—for all to enjoy.

Plus, On-Site Repository Workshops, Research Road-Trips, and News and Information about Local, Regional, and National Genealogy Events.


Your GSBC Membership also helps support these Special Events

The Annual Ridgewood Public Library (RPL) Lock-In
A full evening of research, programs, and expert advice—all after the doors are closed to the general public.

Genealogy Courses at Bergen Community College (BCC) A multi-week course held at BCC through the Institute of Learning in Retirement (55+) program. Introductory courses to ones focusing on DNA. 

Genealogy-Focused Computer Classes
Hands-on classes held on a variety of research topics including: best practices, advanced research techniques, ethnically-specific research, online research tools, and emerging technologies. (Reduced fee for GSBC Members.)

The GSBC Annual Seminar
A full-day in-depth seminar on a topic of particular interest to GSBC Members. (Reduced fee for GSBC Members.)