DGS Celebrates 70 Years at December Meeting

The Dallas Genealogical Society marked a major milestone at its December 6, 2025 general meeting, celebrating the Society’s 70th anniversary with a thoughtful look back at its past and an inspiring examination of how genealogy has evolved over the decades.

Immediate Past President Tony Hanson opened the program with a retrospective on the history of the Society. His presentation highlighted the dedication of earlier members, officers, and volunteers who helped establish and sustain DGS since its founding in 1955. From modest beginnings to becoming one of the region’s leading genealogical organizations, the Society’s story reflects a shared commitment to preserving family history, fostering education, and building a strong genealogical community in North Texas.

The featured speaker for the evening was Sue Kaufmann, Genealogy & Local History Librarian at the Peoria Public Library and former Manager of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. Drawing on her extensive professional experience, Kaufmann traced the evolution of genealogy over the past seven decades. Her presentation was organized around three central themes: Society, Education, and Technology.

Kaufmann explored how genealogical societies have served as anchors for researchers, providing collaboration, mentorship, and shared resources long before the digital age. She then examined the changing landscape of genealogical education, from informal study groups and print-based learning to today’s webinars, institutes, and online courses. Finally, she addressed the dramatic impact of technology, charting the journey from handwritten charts and microfilm readers to online databases, DNA testing, and powerful research tools available at home.

Together, the historical reflections and forward-looking insights made the December meeting a fitting celebration of DGS’s 70-year legacy. Members were reminded not only of how far the Society—and genealogy as a whole—has come, but also of the enduring importance of community, learning, and adaptation in the years ahead.

Recordings of the meeting are available on the DGS website.