This year, the Birdie Monk Holsclaw IGHR Scholarship was awarded to Kaitlyn Pauley. The scholarship is in honor of Birdie who was a friend and mentor to so many in our field.

“Birdie was a regular attendee and lecturer at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR). Her passion for family history and genealogical education inspired everyone. We honor Birdie’s memory by offering this scholarship in her name to continue her mission in helping others to learn and grow as genealogists.”

We would love to have donations to the Birdie Scholarship to keep the mission alive. Birdie was a huge believer in education and this fund helps bring education to genealogists looking to do what Birdie loved, learn and grow as genealogists. Donations for the scholarship are accepted all year round. You can make the tax-deductible donation through IGHR’s PayPal link. If you would rather send a check, the Donations by check should be made payable to the Georgia Genealogical Society, with a memo noting IGHR and the name of the scholarship for which the payment is intended. Please mail checks to the IGHR Scholarship Fund, c/o Georgia Genealogical Society, PO Box 550247, Atlanta, GA  30355-2747. Any amount is helpful show your love for Birdie or your love for education.

If you would like to apply for the scholarship for 2027, apply before January 15, 2027. The link to the form and other information about the scholarship can be found on the IGHR website.

If you can’t make a donation, and you aren’t interested in being a student, you can also help by spreading the word about the scholarship to any societies or local genealogical groups you belong to. There is a digital flyer available here.

Any help you can give is appreciated. Thank you for your support to honor the memory of Birdie!