The Genealogical Institute on Federal Records will be held in-person at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., from Sunday, August 4th through Saturday, August 10th, 2024.
Gen-Fed will begin accepting entries for the registration drawing the week of February 10th through February 16th, 2024. More people want to attend Gen-Fed than we can accommodate at NARA. For that reason, we use a random selection process to even the playing field:
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- Fill out the Attendee Seat entry form (remains open for one week).
- If you win a seat in our random drawing, you’ll be registered.
- If you are selected, you must be prepared to pay the fee, agree to policies, and attend the week of Gen-Fed.
To enter your name in the drawing click here after reading the FAQ below: https://airtable.com/app89NTnfxcLGjVIM/shrEBtczX6ITPEa6S
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- Form opens at 9:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, 10 February 2024
- Form closes at 9:00 p.m. ET on Friday, 16 February 2024
Gen-Fed will send an email to entrants after the form closes on 16 February with the Zoom link for the live drawing on Saturday, 17 February at 1:00 p.m. ET / noon CT / 11:00 a.m. MT / 10:00 a.m. PT. You do not need to attend to be awarded the registration seat.
READ THE F.A.Q. FIRST
Q: How will I know if I won a Gen-Fed seat?
A: Winners will be randomly drawn on Saturday, 17 February 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET during a live session, viewable by all, via Zoom (you don’t need to be present to win).
Q: How many seats are available?
A: In 2024 we will be drawing 35 seats. This is determined by (a) the number of persons allowed in the space reserved for us at Archives I, plus (b) the number of 2023 scholarship winners or sponsored students selected Gen-Fed as their institute of choice. Twenty additional names, above and beyond the remaining available seats, will be drawn for waitlist status.
Q: How many times can I enter?
A: Once, please. Duplicates will not be included in the drawing.
Q: When will waitlist entrants be notified that they’re “in?”
A: ASAP, if/when seats become open.
Q: When do I pay tuition?
A: Payment ($650) will be due, in full, upon email notification that you’ve won a seat and are officially registered.
Q: What if I’m attending on a scholarship (ex: Lackey, ASG, BCG, other sponsorship, etc.)?
A: No need to fill out the form–your seat has already been reserved.
Q: What about hotel and transportation?
A: Each student is responsible for their own transportation and board. Gen-Fed has contracted with a local hotel for a lower group rate. Go to the Registration FYI page for more.
Q: What else should I know?
A: Students must all agree to abide by the Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct to be allowed to register. Additionally, the National Archives has COVID regulations in place, and the Gen-Fed Institute has also amended it to include their own recommendations. Read them before you fill in your entry form.
Q: Am I ready for Gen-Fed?
A: This is an important question. Gen-Fed is a week of advanced-level courses on federal records in a complex facility. It is best to have at least intermediate to higher-intermediate level skills and education going into this week. Try this self-evaluation test here.
Good luck and we hope to see you this year!
Rebecca and Mary