This first issue of the International Internet Genealogical Society (IIGS™) Newsletter has been quite successful; though, to get to this point has been a challenge. The newsletter staff has evolved and developed into a cohesive group that works together to accomplish what you see here. This first issue contains articles by our staff writers along with two articles by experts in their fields. Mr. Richard Pence has addressed the recent rumors circulating on a statistical U.S. Federal Census and Mr. John Carlin, Archivist of the United States addresses the rumors on NARA closures. Many thanks to Mr. Pence and Mr. Carlin for their timely articles.
Camilla von Massenbach, Michele Stephens, Debbie Spencer Axtman, Sue Cook, Gordon Fisher, Laura Cook, and Gloria Holback have all volunteered as staff writers. Some are new to writing and this will be their first experience while others are more seasoned veterans. Behind the scenes, there are more hard workers who have made this newsletter possible -- proofreaders Pat Erdmann, Judy Kelble, and Ray Revette, and Lesley Shockey, and assistant editor and staff writer Marthe Arends. Without their help and patience we would not be where we are today. Many thanks go out to these hard working volunteers who have spent endless hours on this project.
Along with the staff, there are several liaisons to other committees within IIGS™ (you may notice that three of the liaisons are also staff writers!). The liaisons include Laura Cook (Public Relations), Gordon Fisher (Translations), Wally Garchow (Webmasters and Maillists), and Camilla von Massenbach (Historical). Each of these people have spent numerous hours with us as well as with their own committees doing their "regular" jobs. It's people like these that make the "team" work and our heartfelt thanks go out to them.
Last but not least; we cannot forget those who paved the way for the newsletter -- Julie Case and
Myra Vanderpool Gormley. Julie and Myra quickly saw a need for a newsletter and journal and
began preparations for them. While no longer actively involved with our newsletter, they still
have a large presence as Associate Editors of the IIGS™ Journal (J). Watch for them there.