Arlington, Va. 1 January 2016- The National Genealogical Society (NGS) will open the call for proposals for the 2017 Family History Conference, Family History Lives Here, on 1 January 2016.  The conference will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina, from 10-13 May 2017.

Throughout its history, North Carolina has been home to a diverse population including Native Americans and those who trace their heritage back to Europe and Africa. During colonial times, it was one of a few colonies that embraced religious diversity, welcoming Quakers, Huguenots, Methodists, and Moravians. It is a land rich in cultural traditions. From the lighthouses on the outer banks to the falling waters on the Piedmont, to the dramatic overlooks in the mountains, this land calls us back to take a closer look. The Tar Heel story is vibrant, shared through the words of each family, and recorded in the wonderful records, manuscripts, and artifacts preserved in the numerous North Carolina archives, special collections, museums, libraries, historical sites, and societies.

Among the topics being considered by NGS for its 2017 conference are presentations on North Carolina history, including available records, and repositories; land grants, and other land records; court system and laws; ethnic and religious groups; military, farming, and other occupations; neighboring states; and migration to, from, and within the Carolinas. The Society will also consider other topics of interest reaching from the Colonial era to the 21st Century. In addition, NGS encourages the submission of proposals for broader genealogical categories, including methodology, problem solving, and technology.

Speakers who wish to submit lecture proposals, and organizations interested in sponsoring tracks or individual lectures, should follow the published guidelines at the NGS website page: http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/call_for_proposals.

Speakers may submit up to eight proposals electronically via https://goo.gl/wCs8wn.

Organizations wishing to sponsor a lecture may submit proposals via https://goo.gl/6SYFcc.

All proposals must be submitted electronically through the NGS website by 11:59 p.m. EDT on 1 April 2016.

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogical education, exemplary standards of research, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, Virginia-based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, and guidance in research. It also offers many opportunities to interact with other genealogists.