To encourage those who are pursuing a career in genealogy by demonstrating a strong and serious interest in genealogy, in 2013, NGS renamed the Home Study Scholarship to the honor John Humphrey for his many years of service to the National Genealogical Society and to the field of genealogy.

Please note: this scholarship has been on hold while NGS made changes to our courses. Look for an announcement in early 2025.

Deadline for submissions is 15 December, annually. Applicants are notified by email of the decision of the committee by 1 April annually.

This Scholarship was renamed after John T. Humphrey, CG to commemorate his work in the genealogical field. John’s work in early Pennsylvania and German genealogy was considered the most important and essential work in this topic. He was a frequent teacher and lecturer, sharing his expertise in workshops, institutes, and conferences for genealogical learning as well as serving on many society boards. John served as a director of the NGS Learning Center and also as the NGS Education Director managing online and home study courses.

The winning application receives a scholarship to pay for the current NGS American Genealogical Studies series. The scholarship covers the cost of four online courses (The Basics, Guide to Documentation and Source Citation, Beyond the Basics and Branching Out).

These courses are cloud based so you need either a computer or tablet with an Internet connection to access to the course material. Please refer to the system requirements on the American Genealogical Studies.

Each course within American Genealogical Studies is designed for independent learning.

The Basics provides a solid foundation in genealogy while the Guide to Documentation and Source Citation helps genealogists understand the principles of citation for common sources. Beyond the Basics uses additional genealogical records, reinforces source documentation, writing reports, receiving comments from experienced genealogists while helping you expand your research possibilities.

Note: While the American Genealogical Studies series helps students learn about methods, skills, and standards for genealogy, NGS is not an accrediting body. So no formal genealogical credential or accreditation is conveyed upon successful completion.

The award will be in the form of a credit towards online courses offered by the National Genealogical Society, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. There is no cash award associated with this scholarship.

• It is open to applicants who are current members of NGS and have held membership for a minimum of two years.
• All persons worldwide are eligible to apply.
• The application is in English.
• The application becomes the property of NGS.
  • Receives no further comments on personal improvement.
  • Is not returned.
  • Is destroyed after the competition.
  • It is not eligible for later resubmission.
• Awardees are allowed the following time limit per course.
  • The Basics for six months from date of registration
  • Guide to Documentation and Source Citation for six months from date of registration
  • Beyond the Basics for twelve months from date of registration
• There is no monetary award for unused portions of the courses

Not eligible are: Individuals who were previously enrolled in the NGS American Genealogical Studies course, received a certificate of completion in NGS American Genealogical Studies from NGS, or hold a genealogical credential from either The Board for Certification of Genealogists® (BCG) or International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen).

Complete the application form and an essay of 500–1,000 words explaining why the NGS American Genealogical Studies course would be a valuable educational experience.

Pleases use the essay to describe:

• the type of career you intend to pursue in genealogy;
• why you plan to pursue that career path in genealogy;
• the extent of your current research experience; and
• how the NGS American Genealogical Studies series will aid in your career development.

The NGS Scholarship Committee reviews all applications. Notification of the award is made annually by 1 April and announced at the annual NGS Family History Conference.

• Application Form (PDF 145KB) >
• An essay of 500–1,000 words explaining why completing the American Genealogical Studies Series would be a valuable educational experience.
• Email the completed application (form and essay) to  [email protected]. Include “John T. Humphrey Memorial Scholorship” in the subject line.

Deadline for submissions is 15 December, annually.