Growth:

2008 is the 48th year of the New Mexico Genealogical Society, with steady increase in membership after we were "discovered" at our 40th anniversary, and our publications by NMGS Press became known for their exceptional accuracy. Following Robert E. Esterly's initial publication of a comprehensive resource book titled "Genealogical Research in New Mexico," Karen Stein Daniel has continued to reproduce the book each year, and it has grown larger and more valuable each year. The book is free to new members. In 1998, our web site was launched by Pat Esterly, and quickly followed with the online project, "Locating Catholic Church Records in New Mexico," by Armando Sandoval and Angela Lewis working with Pat Esterly. In 2006 the Society helped to commemorate the 300th birthday of Albuquerque by researching and publishing the genealogy of the city's founding families. The immense project, spear-headed by Gloria Valencia y Valdez, has earned additional honors for the Society.

Last year NMGS logged the highest paid membership in all of its 47 years, and In 2010 we will be celebrating our Golden Anniversary -- 50 years of continuous service to the genealogical community. Watch for the exciting plans being made for that birthday.

NM Genealogist Award: The New Mexico Genealogist, our quarterly journal, was awarded the 2005 Lansing B. Bloom Award from the Historical Society of New Mexico. Editor Karen Stein Daniel, CGSM, along with past editors and article contributors, has earned hearty congratulations for an excellent publication. Ms. Daniel was editor of the New Mexico Genealogist from 2000 to March 2006. The award reads "for Outstanding Publication or Series of Publications by a Society or Institution," and is signed by HSNM President Rick Hendricks.

Church Project Honored: Our project "Locating Catholic Church Records in New Mexico" was named by Family Tree magazine as one of only two web sites in New Mexico in their list of "state-centered online genealogy tools which rise above the rest." and also among the "best free cyberstops for researching ancestors."The second New Mexico web site chosen was the New Mexico Death Index. The article in Family Tree magazine of December 2005 article was titled "States of Excellence" and stated their goal as follows: "We've gone all over the map surveying sites of state archives, libraries and historical societies; public libraries; genealogical societies and independent researchers. This state-by-state roundup singles out online destinations most likely to advance your ancestor search, plus tips for using the sites-and they're all free."

Award of Excellence: An honor for former NMGS President, Ron Hill

"The National Genealogical Society is pleased to announce Dr. Ronald A. Hill, CG^SM FASG, of Star, Idaho as the winner of the 2008 Award of Excellence: Genealogy and Family History Book. The award was presented to Dr. Hill for his book, Ancestors and Descendants of Reuben Ball, in Kansas City at the Conference in the States on May 16, 2008.

The Award for Excellence: Genealogy and Family History Book is presented for a specific, significant, single contribution in the form of a family genealogy or family history book which serves to foster scholarship, promote excellence and which was published during the past three years. Continued below.

Retired: Former NMGS President, Margaret Windham

Margaret L. Windham served NMGS as membership chair from 1972-1874, then followed as Vice President in 1974, and President in 1975. She was in charge of the Bicentennial Projects in 1976. She then began working on extractions and publications of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe baptismal and marriage records. That project has grown to an incredible 30 years. Her contributions have enabled us to extract, translate, and publish many invaluable vital records.

In the first year of the Federation of Genealogical Society's Ruth C. Bishop Volunteer Award, the New Mexico Genealogical Society honored Margaret Leonard Windham as our nominee. A thank you does not seem sufficient for Margaret. NMGS would not be where it is today without her contributions.