The Best Practices SIG is for genealogists who want to learn advanced methodology skills and techniques.
In July’s selection, we turn to a vivid work of narrative history that brings the turbulent summer of 1776 into sharp focus. Moving between Philadelphia, New York City, and London, the book traces the precarious path toward independence through the perspectives of political leaders, soldiers, and ordinary citizens. By weaving together battlefield realities with the high-stakes debates of the Continental Congress, this selection highlights the uncertainty, risk, and contingency at the nation’s founding—inviting readers to reconsider the Revolution not as an inevitable triumph, but as a fragile and deeply human moment in history.
Join genealogist Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal of The Family Heart for an exploration of the free genealogy resources available through lineage societies that have spent more than 125 years preserving family histories, records, and research. From the online databases and digitized applications of the Daughters of the American Revolution to pioneer rolls, military ancestor lists, and other valuable records, this presentation will highlight the surprising tools available to every researcher — no membership required. Learn where to find these resources, how to use them effectively and how they can help you uncover new clues about your own family history.
Dr. Sam W. Haynes, professor at University of Texas at Arlington, brings the story of the American Revolution forward into the 19th century, revealing how its ideals echoed far beyond 1776. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this program explores how the language, memory and myth of the “Spirit of ’76” shaped the rebellion in Texas and the movement that ultimately led to independence from Mexico.
The sound of a loved one’s voice = irreplaceable family memories. Learn how to digitize and preserve your audio recordings stored on cassette tapes, microcassette tapes and LPs. Hear from one of Dallas Public Library’s librarians on how to edit your audio and share your precious family memories using the Heritage Lab located on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.
Ari Wilkins presents at the Hopkins County Genealogical Society Summer Seminar. Sessions include: Black and White Families in Southern Plantation Records, Mysterious Relatives, Reconstructing Communities Using Sanborn Maps, Census Records and City Directories, and Sources for Researching Rural Ancestor.
Join Bob Greiner as he presents on “Germans Found in U.S. Federal Records on the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society Website.”
Camcorder tapes, VHS, VHS-C, 8 mm film – the opportunities to make home movies in the 20th century seem endless. Now, it ends up being hard to find the equipment to view your forgotten treasures and harder still to digitize it for free. Join Genealogy & History Manager Stephanie Bennett to learn about the ins and outs of family movie digitization and how the Heritage Lab located on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library can help you make your precious family memories easier to share with loved ones.
The Liberty & Lace Ball honors the first bold steps toward independence—personal, cultural and national—while recognizing that freedom in 1776 was not yet a reality for all. In the grand tradition of Revolutionary-era gatherings, guests are invited to celebrate progress, express their unique heritage and dance in the enduring pursuit of liberty for everyone.
In June’s selection, we turn to a powerful and thought-provoking novel that blends historical fiction with speculative elements to confront the realities of slavery in America. When a modern Black woman is repeatedly pulled back in time to a Maryland plantation, Kindred forces readers to reckon with the human impact of the nation’s founding era. Through its intimate, unflinching portrayal of survival, power, and ancestry, this selection deepens our understanding of the complex and often painful histories that underpin America’s story—an essential reflection as we approach the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
This program will introduce attendees to the transcription process and support those interested in starting to assist with local transcribing with Dallas Public Library projects or on a broader level with Smithsonian documents. It is recommended for attendees to bring their own laptops to get started with projects during the free working time; however, we will have a limited number of public computers available as well.
Join genealogist James M. Beidler for an engaging session on how chronology and geography can sharpen your family history research. Learn how building accurate timelines and understanding the places your ancestors lived can help separate individuals with similar names, uncover missing records, and solve stubborn research problems. Using practical examples and proven strategies, this program will demonstrate how “hitting the bullseye” with chronology and location can lead to more accurate and meaningful genealogical discoveries.
Oral history is essential to preserving and interpreting the voices and memories of individuals and communities involved in past events. They can be as simple as sharing stories from everyday life, to as complex to how you remember important events. All help us understand how the world used to be by those who experienced it.
In the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary, this book club explores history through both fiction and non-fiction that challenge familiar narratives and invite fresh perspectives on the American past. Each selection encourages readers to look beyond the textbook version of history and consider the people, choices, and hidden stories that shaped the nation.
Discover a lesser-known story of the American Revolution at Spanish Texas during the American Revolution: Life and Legacy, 1775 – 1783,” a compelling new exhibit on the 8th floor of the Dallas Public Library. Designed and produced by The Mexican American Museum of Texas, this display highlights how Tejanos and Spanish settlers contributed to the American Revolution while navigating the challenges of daily life on the Texas frontier.
Join Kim Richardson (remote) as she presents “A New Strategy for Brick Walls.”
Learn techniques to locate your Native American ancestors.
In the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary, this book club explores history through both fiction and non-fiction that challenge familiar narratives and invite fresh perspectives on the American past. Each selection encourages readers to look beyond the textbook version of history and consider the people, choices, and hidden stories that shaped the nation.
Family stories can dramatically enhance your genealogical research. In this program with Dallas Public Library’s own Ari Wilkins, learn how memories passed down through generations can help uncover names, dates, and places, while also revealing the reasons behind migrations, the stories behind marriages, and the personalities of those who came before us. Family stories and personal recollections often preserve details that traditional records leave out, making them a powerful tool for anyone exploring their roots.
Join us for a day designed to help you live well, stay sharp, and connect with others! Enjoy short, engaging sessions led by experts on topics like sleep and stress, brain and memory, caregiving and self-care, technology, and community connection. Free lunch is provided along with a genealogy collection tour.
