Mission Statement, Articles of Incorporation & Bylaws,

Mission Statement and Leadership

Organized March 6,1991, the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society approved and adopted the following mission:

• To encourage affiliation among people interested in pursuing their ancestral heritage;
• Provide instruction in research methodology and adherence to standards of accuracy and thoroughness;
• Provide a forum for sharing knowledge gained by members in their own research and;
• Collect, preserve, and disseminate genealogical, biographical and historical knowledge.

MVGS provides monthly programs featuring national and regionally prominent speakers and a library with numerous genealogical publications and computer access to popular databases. It also offers educational classes, a bi-monthly newsletter, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs).

Being part of a society helps you become a better genealogist no matter where your ancestors lived.  MVGS isn’t solely focused on researching Virginia; we just happen to live here. 

By joining, you can connect with others who are passionate about researching their ancestors. 

Articles of Incorporation

Amended Bylaws

Criteria for End-of-Year Awards

Leadership

President - Carol Campbell

Provides leadership of the Society and the Board of Directors to ensure the purposes and vision of the Society are achieved.

1st Vice President, Programs - Suzanne Scherrer

Works in coordination with other committees and Board members to develop monthly programs and events. Duties include finding speakers and making and finalizing all arrangements for guest speakers for general meetings.​

2nd Vice President, Membership - Jan Niehoff

Responsible for maintaining records of all active members, which includes welcoming members and visitors and recording attendance at regularly held membership meetings and other functions, maintaining attendance records, updating dues payments, maintaining member name tags, assisting newcomers with applications for membership and payment of dues.

Treasurer - Claudia Rumberger

Collects all Society's dues and other money's received by the Society, makes deposits and creates and maintains Society financial records. Pays bills as they are due. Works with the Board to develop a yearly budget

Secretary - Janet Bailey/Amy Breedlove

Responsible for taking and preparing the minutes of the Board of Directors' meetings and the Society's meetings. Maintains permanent records and current inventory of the Society's property.

COMMITTEE CHAIR RESPONSIBILITIES

Rules Committee – Vacant

The Rules Committee shall provide necessary liaison with the Hollin Hall Senior Center Director, the Fairfax Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and other governmental entities which may have regulations and policies which may impact on the Society. The Committee reviews the Society’s bylaws and recommend necessary changes. The Chairperson is responsible for advising the President and the Board of Directors of the interpretation and application of the Bylaws and serves as a parliamentarian and/or Sergeant at Arms when asked.

Research Library Committee – Gerry Ward/Amy Breedlove/Leo Dougherty

The Research Library Committee maintains a library of bound and electronic genealogical materials and a computer facility to provide access to genealogical software applications to aid members in their genealogical research. Such materials, purchased by the Society or contributed by members and organizations include books, periodicals, journals, pamphlets, surname files, maps, etc. Subscriptions and internet access to Ancestry.com, Fold3, FamilySearch.org and other such general applications for the computers are maintained in a fully operational status, along with a printer/copier, and 2 scanners. An online searchable catalog includes all the printed resources in the Library. Many of our books may be loaned to members. Library and computer assistants are available during Library open hours.

Publicity Committee – Grace Lynch/Susan Jeter/Leo Dougherty

The Publicity Committee shall keep the members and local community aware of the Society’s monthly meetings and any special events through distribution of fliers to libraries and other genealogical repositories, posting on community websites and through other means as will provide information on the Society and its monthly programs. 

Webmaster – Leo Dougherty

The Webmaster functions under the Publicity Committee Chairperson, and with input from the Board of Directors, designs and maintains all elements of the Society website and related Internet activity including updating content.

Special Activities Chairman – Vacant

Special activities is responsible for planning and overseeing the execution of all special programs, projects and functions as well as collecting data for evaluation related to those programs. The Hospitality Chair reports to the Special Activities Chair. The Special Activities Chairman shall be responsible for leading, planning and execution of MVGS’ annual conference, the annual holiday party and special projects as directed.