VGS Awards

In September 1995, the Virginia Genealogical Society’s Board of Governors formally established an awards program to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the genealogical community. Awards are not necessarily annual awards but will be presented when merited by a nominee. Nomination forms are due by 1 February.

Download the VGS Award Nomination Form (used for all award nominations)

• Fellow of the Virginia Genealogical Society (FVGS) Award. This award recognizes individuals for their long-term contributions in a given area, long-term contribution in more than one area, and exemplary service in the promotion of study of genealogy and family history in Virginia.

• Virginia Records Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in making more records available to researchers through publication. This includes individuals who have excelled in the areas of publishing, writing, or editing Virginia genealogical source materials. Previous Award Winners.

• Commonwealth Award. This award recognizes other societies or organizations within the state for performing outstanding service in the promotion of genealogical study. Achievements in this area would include maintaining a genealogical research library, preserving local records, improving genealogical education through special projects, compiling widely accessible electronic databases, and producing high-quality publications.

• Volunteer Award. This award recognizes an individual for exceptional or long-term volunteer service that supports or advances local or statewide Virginia genealogical research.

• Honorary Life Member Award. This award recognizes an individual for volunteer service and activities over a long period that supported or advanced the goals of the Virginia Genealogical Society.

• Chuck Novak Commemorative Outstanding Member Award. This award recognizes a society member who has contributed to the growth and success of VGS by demonstrating an intense commitment to advance the mission of the society. Evidence of commitment may include planning and executing relevant programs such as conferences, serving on committees to promote and improve the society, demonstrating leadership ability by accepting positions as officer and/or board member, inspiring sharing of ideas and collaboration to enhance opportunities for society members, promoting genealogical education through speaking engagements and contributing articles, and maintenance of volunteer activities for at least a decade. Note: Current Board members are eligible for this award, and nominee must be a VGS member.

Eligibility and Nomination Criteria

• Current VGS Board members are not eligible for awards.
• Membership in VGS is not required of a nominator or nominee.
• Awards can be given posthumously.
• A nominator may not submit a nominee for more than one award.
• A nominator may submit multiple nominees for a given award.
• A nominator may submit nominees for all three categories.
• Nomination forms are due February 1.

Requested Information

Download the VGS Award Nomination Form (used for all award nominations)

• Name, address, e-mail, and telephone number of the nominator.
• Name, address, and e-mail of the nominee.
• Supporting information that is brief yet detailed; discussion of at least three achievements is requested.
• Additional documentation, such as a list of publications.
• If award is posthumous, provide additional information including to whom presentation should be made.
• A citation that highlights the significance of the nominee’s achievements.

Review of Nominations: All nominations will be reviewed by the Awards Committee.

Selection and Presentation of Awards: Successful nominees will be notified prior to the announcement. Award presentation will be made during the VGS annual meeting.