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Genealogists Endorse Open Records
Formation of the Keeping Genealogical Records Open Workgroup (KGROW)
WESTMINSTER, Colo., March 21 - The Association of
Professional Genealogists (APG) contends that there is no proof that open
records significantly contribute to ID theft or terrorism. In a position paper
that outlines the case for open public records, APG asserts that open records
are rarely used by identification thieves and maintains that the benefit of open
access to records far outweighs any potential abuse.
APG has joined forces with other genealogical organizations including the
National Genealogical Society (NGS), The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)
and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) in
endorsing the position paper and calling on legislators to keep records open.
"Public records allow genealogists and other professionals such as medical
researchers, journalists, historians and academic researchers to do their jobs,"
explains APG President, Jake Gehring. He urges that "concerned citizens tell
their representatives that they want to keep public records open."
A group of professional genealogists within APG formed the Keeping Genealogical
Records Open Workgroup (KGROW) in 2007 and prepared the position paper. Melinde
Lutz Sanborn, FASG (Fellow, American Society of Genealogists) and member of the
committee, says, "Open records and transparency in government are the best
protections we have against twenty-first century fraud."
The KGROW committee recommends in their paper that "lawmakers respond to the ID
theft problem, not try to prevent a nonexistent problem." Further, they
encourage "private companies and government improve their protection of personal
data." The Case for Open Public Records position paper is available on the APG
website at
http://apgen.org/publications/press.
The Association of Professional Genealogists is an independent organization
whose worldwide members number over 1,800. The group's principal purpose is to
support professional genealogists in all phases of their work: from the amateur
genealogist wishing to turn knowledge and skill into a vocation, to the
experienced professional seeking to exchange ideas with colleagues and to
upgrade the profession as a whole.
Contact: Kathleen W. Hinckley, CG, Executive Director,
Association of Professional Genealogists
P.O. Box 350998, Westminster, CO 80035-0998
Phone 303-422-9371, fax 303-456-8825, e-mail
admin@apgen.org
Page Last Updated:
October 09, 2008
