Why Gen-Fed Belongs on Every Genealogist’s Bucket List

This will be one of many blog posts in the coming weeks about my bucket list attendance at the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed) in Washington D.C. Here are my thoughts on why you should attend it.

Why You Should Attend the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records

The Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed) is an exceptional educational opportunity for genealogists who want to deepen their understanding of federal records and how to use them in research. Held annually in Washington, D.C., this institute brings together expert speakers, hands-on research opportunities, and access to world-class archives.

Hands-On Research at the National Archives

One of the greatest benefits of Gen-Fed is the opportunity to conduct hands-on research at both National Archives I (downtown Washington, D.C.) and National Archives II (College Park, Maryland). You’ll learn how to navigate record groups, request materials, and explore documents that may not be digitized anywhere else. These research experiences are invaluable for uncovering details about ancestors who served in the military, worked for the federal government, or were impacted by federal policies.

Access to World-Class Libraries

In addition to the National Archives, Gen-Fed includes visits to other major repositories such as the Library of Congress and the DAR Library. These visits provide participants with guided orientations to the collections, tips from experienced librarians, and at the DAR Library the chance to explore materials that can enrich family history research.

Learn from the Best

The institute brings together expert genealogical speakers, including professionals who work at the National Archives. Attendees gain valuable knowledge through lectures, workshops, and one-on-one interactions. Topics cover NARA research tools, military service and pension files, land and bounty land records, immigration and naturalization, African American research, legislative and court records, and other specialized collections at NARA. Each session provides practical guidance on applying federal resources to real-world genealogical questions.

Camaraderie and Networking

Another advantage of Gen-Fed is the sense of community it fosters. Spending a week with like-minded researchers fosters collaboration, encouragement, and lifelong friendships. Many participants say that the opportunity to network with others who share their passion for genealogy is one of the most rewarding aspects of the institute. Researchers from 24 states and the Netherlands attended this year. They were from various backgrounds, such as, genealogical society leaders, attorneys, authors, librarians, professors, small business owners and more.

Special Events and Opportunities

Attending Gen-Fed is more than a week of classes at the National Archives. It is a unique experience that provides education with unforgettable opportunities. In addition to expert-led sessions on federal records, participants enjoyed special events such as the 75th Anniversary Commemoration and alumni receptions. Optional tours expand the learning beyond the classroom, with highlights including a National Mall tour of more federal records and individual military consultation. Dedicated research time at Archives I (DC) and Archives II (MD) added to the experience. 

 Why Attend?

Attending the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records is an investment in your skills as a researcher. You’ll return home with new knowledge, hands-on experience, and a deeper appreciation for the breadth of resources available at federal institutions. If you’re serious about genealogy and want to take your research to the next level, Gen-Fed is the place to be. 

Additional Thoughts

You may have heard how hard it is to get into the Gen-Fed Institute. There are requirements and it is limited to about 45 researchers, but don't let that discourage you. If you get wait-listed, be patient. This year the entire wait-list was contacted, so the wait-list works. If you want more information check out the Gen-Fed website:  https://www.gen-fed.org/

I almost forgot to mention the 300 page handbook and numerous dropbox resources. It is incredible. I will be busy reading it all in the weeks ahead.

I felt extremely priviledged and grateful to attend this year. My thanks go to Rebecca, the Director and Mary, Assistant Director for their excellent leadership. Also a very special thanks to the Gen-Fed Alumni Association for the Richard S. Lackey Scholarship that I was awarded.

AI Disclosures

This blog post on Journey to the Past was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically ChatGPT.

The research, interpretation, and writing are my own. AI was used to provide grammar and style suggestions and to generate the outline and headings for this post.

The title was suggested by AI, but I reviewed, edited, and selected the final version.

The photograph used on this blog post was taken by Brenda Leyndyke.

My Gen-Fed Journey-75th Year

This summer I had the privilege of attending the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed) during its 75th year. For one week, I joined fellow genealogists in Washington, D.C., to immerse myself in federal records, learn from experts, and dig into the archives. It was truly an honor to be part of such a milestone year.

The week was packed with learning, discovery, and inspiration. The 300-page syllabus alone will keep me busy for months, and the consultations and lectures opened doors to research paths I had not considered before. My time at the National Archives, especially working with primary source materials on lighthouse keepers, Civil War soldiers, and German prisoners of war, gave me confidence and focus for the projects closest to my heart.

Being in Washington during historic times made the experience even more powerful. The city was full of change, but I also found grounding in visiting places where history has long been remembered. The memorials and museums that honor those who came before us offered space for reflection. Standing at these sites reminded me that history is never far from the present.

Gen-Fed was not just about records. It was also about community. Surrounded by genealogists who share the same curiosity and passion, I felt like I belonged to something bigger. The dedication of the directors, Rebecca and Mary, and all who worked so hard behind the scenes, was remarkable. Their energy and leadership made the Institute both welcoming and inspiring.

For me, this was more than an educational program. With my husband living with Alzheimer’s and my mother still with me at 95, I knew this would likely be my last big educational journey. I embraced it as my "last hurrah" and I am so grateful I was able to go.

I returned home with scans, notes, and ideas that will fuel my research for a long time. I plan to share what I have learned with researchers at Fort Custer, with families tracing military ancestors, and with those whose loved ones were once prisoners of war. And of course, I will be writing about my discoveries here on the blog.

Gen-Fed’s 75th year was an unforgettable experience, and one I will carry with me always.