Membership Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access current and back issues of the Magazine?
Go to https://www.vgs.org and click on “Login” at the top of the page to log in to your account.
Hover over the “Publications” menu item and click “Magazine of Virginia Genealogy Archive.”
Issues for the current volume are at the top of the page.
To search for a specific article or author, click “Search the Table of Contents.”
How do I access current and back issues of the Newsletter?
Hover over the “Publications” menu and click “VGS Newslertter Archive.”
Issues for the current volume are at the top of the page.
To search for a specific article or author, click “Search the Table of Contents.”
I forgot my password and/or username.
Go to https://www.vgs.org. Click on “Log In” at the top of the page. Then click “Forgot Your password?” Follow the prompts to reset your password.
If you cannot reset your password or have forgotten your username, email admin@vgs.org. Please provide your name and the email address on your membership record.
How do I renew my membership?
Go to https://www.vgs.org. Click “Log In” at the top of the page. Hover over the “Membership” menu and click “Renew.” Set the payment method to “PayPal” to pay with a credit card or “Manual” to pay by check.
VGS offers three renewal options: PayPal, credit card, or check.
To renew via check, you may complete the membership form at https://www.vgs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-VGS-Membership-Form.pdf and mail it to the address on the form.
To renew online with a credit card, you may do so via PayPal. A PayPal account is not required. Follow the prompts on the screen.
To pay with a credit card, click “Pay with Debit or Credit Card” when you see the following screen:
I didn’t receive an issue of the Magazine or Newsletter.
Email admin@vgs.org and provide your name, current mailing address, and the issue you are missing. A replacement issue will be provided.
General Frequently Asked Questions
Does VGS have a research staff?
VGS does not have a research staff. While VGS does not recommend specific genealogists, several resources exist to help locate a researcher specializing in your interests.
VGS maintains a list of Virginia-based researchers for hire at https://www.vgs.org/va_researchers/.
The Library of Virginia maintains a list of Virginia-based researchers at https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/proresearchers.pdf.
The Board for Certification of Genealogists maintains a searchable database of associates at https://bcgcertification.org/directory/?wpbdp_view=search.
The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) maintains a searchable database of its members at https://apgen.org/. Click on “Find a Genealogist.”
FamilySearch provides a free, online help service where you can meet with an expert for twenty minutes. Information on this service is at https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/online-genealogy-help.
Good luck with your research!
How do I obtain a back issue or an article published in the Magazine or Newsletter?
The Magazine of Virginia Genealogy is a VGS member benefit. VGS does not sell individual issues, articles, or pages. Digital copies of back issues are available to VGS members on our website.
Non-members may download a PDF of the Table of Contents for all issues at https://www.vgs.org/mvg_toc/.
Members may search the table of contents for all volumes at Magazine of Virginia Genealogy Table of Contents.
Many research facilities across the country have copies of the Magazine. To locate one near you, please visit https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=magazine+of+virginia+genealogy. Change the location at the top right of the screen to your city and state.
The Allen County Public Library offers an article copying service for periodicals in their collection. The order form is available at https://www.genealogycenter.info/pdf/Article-ORDER-FORM.pdf. If the above link does not work, visit the library’s main page at https://www.acpl.lib.in.us/.
Additionally, Volumes 1–40 of the Magazine are available on Ancestry, and many libraries provide onsite access to Ancestry. The Magazine is cataloged on ancestry as “Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly.”
How do I become a VGS member?
Hover your cursor over the “Membership” menu and click “Join.”
If you have any questions, please email admin@vgs.org.