Those AFGS members who have completed their own research often do not want "give up" genealogical research, it’s just too much fun! They often volunteer to research Austin-Austen records, such as digging out all the records for a state for our Austins in the Federal Census of 1850 series, our new Austins in the Federal Census of 1860 series, or transcribing Civil War military pension records, cemetery records, etc. Members’ research is published in the newsletter and bound into the AFGS books. This gives members a great deal of personal satisfaction, while benefiting present and future Austin researchers. At our annual International Austin Conventions an outstanding AFGS member’s research is recognized by the AFGS Austin Genealogical Research Award, better known simply as the "Eagle" award. Check out the Awards link above to learn more about those dedicated Austin researchers  who have received this prestigious award in recent years.