Many professional genealogists dream of seeing their work in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ) or The American Genealogist (TAG). These journals represent the pinnacle of genealogical scholarship. But the profession is broader than case studies and proof arguments. Writing for wider audiences—local newspapers, historical magazines, online blogs, or even academic publications—offers unique opportunities for professional development. It sharpens communication skills, expands reach, and strengthens genealogy’s place in the larger historical conversation.
Why Broaden the Audience?
Most genealogical journals are read primarily by other genealogists. While this peer audience is essential, genealogy also intersects with history, cultural studies, education, and community memory. Writing for wider audiences allows genealogists to:
- Share research with descendants and communities. Family members may never read NGSQ but will devour a well-crafted article in a local magazine.
- Reach new learners. Articles in regional newspapers or online blogs often inspire beginners to explore their own ancestry.
- Demonstrate versatility. Being able to adjust tone and style for different readerships proves that a genealogist is not only a researcher but also an effective communicator.
Lessons from Journalism
Journalists excel at distilling complex stories into concise, engaging narratives. Genealogists writing for local newspapers or society newsletters benefit from adopting journalistic techniques: strong leads, clear structure, and accessible language. Instead of detailing every land transaction, a genealogist might focus on one compelling story—a widow who fought for her pension or an immigrant who established a community business.
Writing for the press also trains genealogists to write under word limits. This discipline encourages clarity and discourages jargon, skills that carry over into client reports and presentations.
Opportunities in Local and Regional Publications
Local newspapers, historical societies, and heritage magazines are eager for content. A genealogist who uncovers forgotten pioneers or documents a town’s immigrant community provides material of immediate interest to readers. Publishing locally also builds visibility in the community, leading to speaking invitations, society memberships, or client referrals.
For example, a genealogist researching German immigrants in Wisconsin might publish an article in a state historical magazine, weaving together genealogical data with broader themes of migration and settlement. Such articles often reach audiences far larger than specialized journals.
Digital Platforms and Blogs
In the digital age, genealogists no longer have to wait for editors. Blogs and society websites provide platforms for immediate publication. Writing online allows genealogists to experiment with voice, test ideas, and reach global audiences. It also enables integration of images, maps, and hyperlinks—enhancements not always possible in print.
Blog writing can be less formal, but it should still be accurate and well-cited. The discipline of producing regular posts strengthens writing habits, forces genealogists to organize their thoughts, and builds an online portfolio of work.
Writing for Academic Audiences
Some genealogical research fits within broader academic fields, such as migration studies, women’s history, or African American history. Publishing in scholarly journals outside genealogy expands credibility and introduces genealogical methods to historians and social scientists.
Submitting to these journals requires adapting style to academic conventions, framing genealogical evidence within historiographical debates, and engaging with secondary literature. Though challenging, this form of cross-publishing enhances professional standing and demonstrates that genealogy contributes to mainstream scholarship.
Books and Community Histories
Genealogists sometimes underestimate the professional growth that comes from writing books or long-form histories. Whether compiling a family history, editing a collection of letters, or producing a town genealogy, these projects demand mastery of structure, sourcing, and narrative. They also teach project management—how to balance scope, deadlines, and publication logistics.
Books aimed at general readers often require synthesizing genealogical detail into engaging stories. Striking this balance trains genealogists to respect evidence while keeping readers hooked.
Challenges of Writing for Wider Audiences
Writing outside the genealogical bubble poses challenges:
- Balancing depth and accessibility. Professionals must avoid oversimplifying without overwhelming lay readers.
- Managing citations. Casual publications may resist formal footnotes, but professionals should still maintain documentation. Endnotes, source lists, or digital supplements can provide transparency.
- Protecting privacy. Wider circulation means heightened responsibility for respecting living individuals’ confidentiality.
Overcoming these challenges strengthens adaptability, a hallmark of professional growth.
Professional Payoffs
Writing for wider audiences offers concrete benefits:
- Enhanced communication skills that carry over to teaching, client work, and scholarly writing.
- Visibility and reputation beyond genealogical circles. A well-placed article can lead to media interviews, consulting requests, or collaborations.
- Community impact. By sharing stories in accessible venues, genealogists contribute to public history, ensuring families and communities see themselves represented.
Conclusion
For genealogists, writing is more than a method of recording research—it is a form of professional development. By writing for audiences beyond genealogical journals, professionals sharpen communication skills, expand their reach, and connect genealogy to broader historical conversations. In doing so, they not only grow individually but also elevate the visibility and impact of the field itself.
Citations
- National Genealogical Society. National Genealogical Society Quarterly. https://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
- Cottrell, Megan Smolenyak. Hey, America, Your Roots Are Showing. New York: Viking, 2012.
- Association of Professional Genealogists. “Publishing Opportunities.” https://www.apgen.org.
- Hamilton, Paula. “Genealogy and Public History.” Public Historian 18, no. 1 (1996): 7–24.
- Brown, Julie. “Family History in Local Newspapers: Practical Tips.” APG Quarterly 43, no. 2 (2021).
South Central Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists 