AGRA Announces Major Rebrand

The following announcement was written by the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA):

Following a long-term development plan, the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) has unveiled its new branding, to reflect its position within the industry and prospects for the future.

Founded in 1968 as a membership organisation to represent the best of independent professional genealogists and historical researchers, AGRA’s logo had been in use for over fifty years, and one of the outcomes of the development plan was recognition of the need to create a new look to better reflect the dynamic organisation that AGRA has become.

In consultation with its membership, AGRA’s council and marketing committee selected Rochester based design company, The Branding Fox, to bring about the new identity. Focusing on a contemporary style the new design demonstrates how members make connections throughout the research community, also reflecting the many diverse approaches to genealogical research such as the ever-changing technical demands of genetic genealogy or reflecting other specialisms such as House Histories.

The new brand, which has also been rolled out across the AGRA website (www.agra.org.uk), is just part of the current marketing strategy that AGRA has developed to reflect its vibrancy, activeness and growth for the future. By significantly rebranding, AGRA and its membership are looking forward to continuing to promote the core values of providing clients with genealogical excellence and research of the highest standards.

Commenting on the rebrand and outlook for the future, AGRA Chair, Gill Thomas, said:

‘AGRA has been representing independent professional genealogists for over 50 years. Although our membership works with records from the past, we are a vibrant forward-looking organisation and the time has come for our logo to reflect this. We are at the centre of the genealogical community, making connections and our members continue to offer excellence in research.’

The rebrand comes after a successful year of development which has seen Dr Sophie Kay become the first recipient of the annual Dr John Burt Bursary, Joe Saunders and Alexander Briggs appointed as Social Media Ocer and Communications Ocer respectively and the creation of Associate representation on AGRA Council with Richard Holt being voted into the role in June.

With AGRA membership at an all-time high, it is anticipated that the re-brand will be the first of several initiatives, whilst retaining the core AGRA strengths valued both by its membership and their clients.