(Baton Rouge, Louisiana) -- The Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Society (LGHS) is pleased to announce the addition of Liz Thomas and Jessica Sanders to its leadership team.

"Please join me in welcoming Liz and Jessica to our board of directors," said Robert Brevelle, Chairman of LGHS. "We are fortunate to have them on our team. They bring decades of experience in genealogical research, Louisiana and Texas history, and nonprofit leadership. They are also major contributors to platforms such as Family Search, Find a Grave, and Ancestry."

Liz has been a member of LGHS for over 2 years. She is a native of Concordia Parish. She retired after 30 years of teaching. She volunteers at the local private school, church, and is the vice chair of her subdivision's home owners association. She also serves on the board of a Florida condo association. Liz has a bachelor's degree from the Louisiana State University of Alexandria.

"I am so excited to be part of LGHS," said Liz. "Over the past 20 years, I have helped so many of my extended family trace our ancestry, and it would have been impossible without organizations such as LGHS. Besides genealogy, I am also passionate about local and Louisiana history. 10 years ago, I started volunteering and helping out at a small museum near my hometown. That was very rewarding. Now I look forward to giving back in a more impactful way through LGHS."

Jessica has been an on and off member of LGHS for over a decade. She is a native of Rapides Parish and grew up in picturesque Forest Hill. Jessica is a part-time bookkeeper and full-time grandmother. She previously worked for several nonprofits including the American Red Cross and United Way Worldwide. As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Jessica worked as a health care administrator and social worker. Jessica has a bachelor's degree from Northwestern State University and a master's from the University of California San Diego.

"I have learned that change can be a good thing," said Jessica. "LGHS is evolving into a more modern, professional genealogical and historical society. The members and the state have needed this change for quite some time. The average age of our members used to be around 70. I am confident it's now closer to 50, which is phenomenal for a historical society. That's why I stepped up and volunteered. I want to be part of this change."

The LGHS was founded in 1953 to collect, preserve, and publish genealogical and historical materials for the state of Louisiana and its people. The society works closely with genealogy and ancestry libraries, historical societies, state agencies, research facilities, and universities. LGHS is headquartered in Baton Rouge and sponsors two seminars each year at the Louisiana State Archives building and at alternating location typically at a genealogical library or historic site. The society provides for a certification and renewal program for genealogists and heraldists. Additionally, the society maintains the official state registries containing 7 registers: Indigenous Tribes of Louisiana, Founding Fathers of Louisiana, First families of Louisiana, Creoles of Louisiana, Cajuns of Louisiana, Slaves of Louisiana, and Manilamen of Louisiana. For over 70 years, the society has published The Louisiana Genealogical Register – an eclectic collection of Louisiana records as well as historical and genealogical articles. Over 100 libraries subscribe to this journal. Other publications include historical books such as Louisiana Soldiers in the War of 1812, Federal Census of 1810 for Territory of Orleans, A Guide to Printed Sources for Genealogical and Historical Research in the Louisiana Parishes, Be it Known and Remembered: Bible Records (Volumes 1-5), The Savages Creed: Chronicles of the Adai Caddo Warriors, and Early Louisiana Families. Visit us at www.laghs.com.