Family History Story Contest

The Anchorage Genealogical Society would like to send one of you to RootsTech in March 2025!

To be considered, all you need to do is write and submit a Family History Story of your own between two and five pages in length. The winning story will be chosen by the AGS Board of Directors along with last year’s Spring Seminar presenters, Tom and Alison Taylor. Your story can be about any family history topic - an interesting individual or branch of your family, an exciting genealogical discovery you have made, a detailed research project you completed, or some specific travel you have done to research your family - it’s up to you, as long as it relates to your family history! 

One of the Taylors’ presentations at our Spring Seminar was on “How to Write the Ten Best Stories of Your Life” and will be used as a basis for determining the winning Family History Story. Don’t worry, you don’t need to have attended the seminar to submit a story - although it may help. You can find information and pointers on writing family history stories at Tom and Alison Taylor’s web site: www.picturesandstories.com. 

All participants must be current or new members of the Anchorage Genealogical Society. The winner will receive roundtrip economy class airfare for one to Salt Lake City in March 2025 to attend the RootsTech 2025 conference. Also included will be paid registration at the conference and three nights’ ­­hotel stay (breakfast included!) within walking distance of the conference. The winner will be responsible for all other costs, such as meals, ground transportation, etc. The prize is non-transferable, and if the winner is unable to attend, the trip will be awarded to an alternate participant. The winner’s story will be posted on the AGS web site.

Stories should be between two and five pages in length, double-spaced in 10- or 12-point font. Story entries will need to be submitted via email to inquiries@anchoragegenealogy.org, by 11:59 PM on November 30, 2024. The winner will be determined and announced at the AGS meeting/party on December 18, 2024. RootsTech 2025 takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 6-8, 2025.

Any questions can be submitted to the AGS Board of Directors at inquiries@anchoragegenealogy.org. 

• A friendly LDS Family History Center. Experienced volunteers are on hand to assist with computers, microfilm/fiche and readers, and most major on-line genealogy resources. This service is available free of charge to the public. Church affiliation is not necessary. Call 907-277-8433 before you go. Open times vary depending on staffing.

• Records formerly located at the National Archive Center (NARA) - Anchorage were moved in the Summer of 2014 to either the Alaska State Library in Juneau (https://library.alaska.gov) or the Seattle branch of the National Archives (https://www.archives.gov/seattle/public).