The New England Historic Genealogical Society has received its largest donation in its history -- $7.5 million. As the oldest and largest genealogy society in the U.S., the non-profit can't believe its good fortune. In the midst of a recession it gets the largest donation in its 164-year history.
"I was of course blown away," said Brenton Simons, president and CEO of the New England Historic Genealogical Society.
A donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has pledged $7.5 million to the society. The donor is a woman from the west coast, who used to be an intern with the archives at NEHGS.
Simons says they will use the gift to purchase more historical documents and for maintenance of their Newbury Street building. He says the most exciting change they will make will be to their Web site.
"We are going to build a completely new website, which will allow us to give access to our millions of collections here and other data that we'll put on line," Simons said.
This is fabulous news for NEHGS and for all of us who are tracing our roots in New England. Congratulations to NEHGS!
Posted by: Paula from SCGS | June 18, 2009 at 11:22 AM
What a kind thing to do!
Posted by: Who's Your Mama | June 18, 2009 at 07:36 PM
how wonderful...it sure would be great to see them digitize their collection, as they are hinting...i once joined for a year at $70.00 plus and did not find any documents that were relevant. i was using the computer because i live in virginia.
Posted by: jane cim | June 19, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Congratulations to NEHGS. This is very exciting news.
Posted by: Mike Brubaker | June 19, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Splendid! I am sure that the money will be used in responsible and imaginative ways.
Posted by: Mary Rhinelander McCarl | June 19, 2009 at 08:20 AM
Wahoo! The NEGHS is a wonderful organization who's website is definitely their weakest link! Thank you so much to the good samaritan!
Posted by: Donde Smith | June 19, 2009 at 10:48 AM
I hope some of the money will be assigned to reduce the rather steep cost of membership, so more of us less financially fortunate can access the fantastic treasure chest of genealogical info and documents they have gathered.
Posted by: Albert Edward Belanger | June 19, 2009 at 05:26 PM
As an estate planning member, I applaud the generosity of the anonymous contributor. Her service to this organization will be appreciated by untold numbers of researchers of the future. Thank you!
Posted by: Ms Oma L. Rose | June 19, 2009 at 05:34 PM