A. No. UGA is an education-oriented society that welcomes members from all over the world. Our education, resources, publications, and events focus on a variety of genealogy topics that are not specific to Utah.

Q. Why would a non-Utah resident want to join UGA?

A. UGA’s mission is to provide premier genealogical education and information for people everywhere, not just for those in Utah. UGA members receive our monthly newsletter, which announces upcoming webinars, conferences, and events; the Crossroads quarterly journal, featuring articles of genealogical interest; and discounts to UGA’s conferences, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), the SLIG Academy for Professionals, SLIG Extended workshops and events, and SLIG Fall Virtual Courses. Did you know that the UGA-member discount to SLIG is greater than the cost of a UGA annual membership? This means you actually save money by joining UGA before registering for SLIG!

Q. What kinds of webinars does UGA offer?

Our monthly webinar series, UGA DNA, focuses on how to use DNA in genealogical research. Popular topics include the different types of DNA tests that are available, how to analyze and interpret DNA results, and how to incorporate DNA into your genealogy business. Another webinar series, Genealogy ProTalk, is geared towards new and aspiring genealogy professionals. These webinars cover topics such as running a business, creating a website, earning a credential, managing your time, and furthering your education. Other regular webinars are sponsored by UGA’s virtual chapter and cover a variety of interesting topics for genealogists.

Q. I enjoy attending genealogy conferences, but travel is expensive. Why should I attend UGA’s annual conference?

UGA’s annual conference, the Summit of Excellence, boasts nationally renowned speakers and informative classes on interesting and relevant topics. Our 2021 Summit of Excellence will be offered virtually, so you can join us from anywhere! This year’s conference will feature multiple tracks of topics from the beginner to skilled classes on record types, methodology, and international research.

Q. I’ve heard of SLIG. What is it?

A. SLIG stands for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, which is a week-long genealogical institute held every year in January. SLIG offers high-intermediate to advanced education and includes courses on methodology, standards, regional or ethnic group research, and research tools. Attending SLIG is a great way to increase your knowledge, network with professionals, and make lifelong friends. In addition to SLIG, UGA is also pleased to sponsor the SLIG Academy for Professionals, SLIG Extended workshops and events, and SLIG Fall Virtual Courses, all of which will elevate your genealogical education to new heights.

Q. Does UGA have chapters?

A. If you are interested in meeting with other UGA members in person to network and learn, you can join a local chapter. UGA currently has active chapters in the Salt Lake Valley, South Davis, and Ogden areas of Utah. If you are interested in starting a local chapter in your area, email us at membership@ugagenealogy.org.

Q. If I don’t live in Utah, can I still join a UGA chapter?

A. Anyone can join UGA’s virtual chapter, which meets online. Our virtual chapter offers regular events, classes, and webinars to allow members to learn from and network with each other.

Q. Can UGA help me learn about DNA?

A. The UGA DNA special interest group hosts monthly webinars targeted at mastering topics on genetic genealogy. UGA DNA can be found on Facebook as “UGA DNA - Special Interest Group.”

Q. Can UGA help me become a professional genealogist?

A. UGA’s regular webinar series, Genealogy ProTalk, is geared towards new and aspiring genealogy professionals. Genealogy ProTalk webinars cover topics such as running a business, creating a website, earning a credential, managing your time, and furthering your education.

Q. I’m interested in publishing an article in Crossroads journal. How do I submit something for consideration?

A. Crossroads is published quarterly. We publish case studies, family histories, Utah history, articles on genealogical methodology and technology, how-to articles, news items, and book reviews. Find out more about submissions.

Q. I have Utah pioneer ancestors and could apply to join UGA’s First Families of Utah. How would it benefit me to join First Families?

A. First Families is a meaningful way to honor your Utah pioneer ancestors. Anyone with ancestry from Utah can apply to join First Families by paying the application fee and submitting genealogical proof of their lineage back to the ancestor of interest. If accepted, you will receive an official First Families Certificate honoring your ancestor, who will then be added to UGA’s official database. Qualifying ancestors are spotlighted in UGA’s monthly newsletter, blog, and social media sites. It’s a nice way to put your ancestors in the spotlight and honor their accomplishments.

Q. Is UGA a part of, or affiliated with, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

A. UGA is not affiliated with any religious or political organization. We were organized on September 25, 1971, and chartered on December 1, 1971, by the State of Utah as a nonprofit educational organization.

Q. I found a record online that says it was originally microfilmed by your society. Is there a way I can access it online?

A. UGA is often mistaken for the Genealogical Society of Utah, which microfilms records from all over the world. The Genealogical Society of Utah is now known as FamilySearch. You can search their catalog at https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog to find the record you are looking for.

Q. How do I retrieve my member user name or password if I cannot remember them?

A. Click on “Members” in the menu to the left of your screen. You will see, to the right of the username and password boxes, question marks. Click on the appropriate question mark and your username and password will be sent to your email address.

Q. I just signed up as a member of UGA, but didn't receive a user name or password during the registration process.

A. It takes us a while to verify payment and enter your name into our member database. Within 48 hours of receipt of your application, we will provide your unique username and password for logging into our secure webpage. If you have not received this information within two days, please contact us at info@ugagenealogy.org.

Q. How can I reach UGA?

A. You can reach UGA in a number of ways. You can email us for general information at info@ugagenealogy.org. If you would like to talk to someone, you can call us at +1(801)259-4172. Listen carefully to all of the options to reach the person who can best help you. If you get a voicemail, leave a detailed message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.