DALLAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Mesquite Historical & Genealogical Society Meeting
2025-01-09 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Virtual

Speaker: Sara Cochran

Topic: Using State and Federal Deed Records

Our speaker, Sara Cochran, will speak to us on the value of using State and Federal deed records ingenealogical research. Land records can be genealogical goldmines, even if your ancestor wasn’tthe deed holder. We start with an overview of how land transferred from the government to privatehands and between individuals. Then consider the power of land records to answer genealogicalquestions, and look at tips for finding and using these records. Includes a live look at Full-TextSearch.

Meet and greet at 6:00 pm with short business meeting at 6:30 pm then the program. The meeting is free to all but you must register in advance.

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TxSGS Genealogy Essentials
2025-01-13 00:00 - 2025-02-25 23:59
The Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS) is pleased to announce the launch of its new online education program, “Genealogy Essentials,” designed specifically for individuals interested in beginning or expanding their family history research skills and dedicated to “Building a Strong Foundation for Family History.”

This first offering in this program is a comprehensive, eight-session curriculum that will be released over four weeks starting January 13, 2025, with two sessions made available each week. Participants can access the video-based lessons at their convenience, complete practical homework assignments, and engage in guided Zoom discussions with expert instructors each Saturday. For those who are unable to attend live Zoom sessions, recordings will be provided.

“In designing ‘Genealogy Essentials,’ we aimed to create an accessible, flexible program that helps participants build a strong foundation in genealogy,” said Emily Richardson, incoming TxSGS president and course coordinator. “From understanding basic research concepts to evaluating sources and organizing family documents, this course empowers learners to discover their heritage with confidence.”

All participants will enjoy access to the course materials—including detailed handouts and Zoom session recordings—through February 25, 2025, allowing ample time for review and reinforcement. No prior experience is required; all you need is a computer with audio.

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All in the Family: Using Collateral Research to Build Your Family Tree
2025-01-20 03:00 - 03:30 | Bedford Public Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford, Texas, 76021, United States
Speaker: Sandra Crawley

DPL: Connecting to Cousins using FamilySearch's App
2025-01-22 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person & Virtual

You have the power to connect to family in your fingertips! Uncover hidden family connections using FamilySearch’s free Family Tree app available for both Apple and Android devices. Learn how to get started building a shared family tree, how to add special pictures & audio, and find your degree of cousinship with famous people throughout history OR even the person standing next to you!

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DPL: Get Started with Your Genealogy
2025-01-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Auditorium, Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75229, United States
In-person Only

If you’ve never taken the plunge to look into your family’s history, this program will help you know how to get started! Genealogy & History staff take you back to the beginning with step-by-step instructions on how to get started researching YOUR family’s history. Learn how to set reasonable goals for your research, create an online tree, and navigate popular genealogical websites.

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DPL: Tracing Enslaved and Formerly Enslaved in Newspapers
2025-02-05 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual & In-person

Newspapers are such treasure troves of important family information – you can even glean information from historical advertisements! DPL Genealogy Specialist II Ari Wilkins will discuss strategies for finding the enslaved and formerly enslaved in newspapers. She will present a case study on how newspapers can lead you to other sources & different types of newspapers, and talk about how to discern the political slant of historical newspapers.

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Mesquite Historical & Genealogical Society Meeting
2025-02-13 18:30 - 20:00
Virtual

Speaker: Becky Villareal

Topic: Introducing Genealogy to Younger Family Members

The Mesquite Historical & Genealogical Society is proud to announce that Becky Villareal will bethe speaker at our February 13, 2025, General Meeting of the Mesquite Historical &Genealogical Society. This meeting focuses on introducing genealogy to younger familymembers and ensuring that the rich history of our families is passed on to future generations.The meeting will be held via Zoom and is free to members and to the public. You must registerfor the meeting in advance by using the following registration link:

Meet and greet at 6:00 pm with short business meeting at 6:30 pm then the program. The meeting is free to all but you must register in advance.

Register

Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2025-02-13 18:30 - 20:30
Topic: Researching Our Enslaved Ancestry

Speaker: Dr. Terry M Turner, Dallas Genealogical Society Secretary

Location: New Library: 450 Pioneer Trail in Cedar Hill (lower-level event room)

This presentation provides a six-step framework for identifying enslaved ancestors through U.S. Census data, Freedmen’s Bureau records, and estate inventories, and DNA testing to uncover familial ties. By examining marriage histories, slave manifests, and regional records, Dr. Turner highlights methods to reconstruct family lines.

The program begins at 7:00pm and socializing starts at 6:30 PM for free genealogy help, and snacks. Admission is free and guests are always welcome. Learn More

Most Dr Turner’s family research is in Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas. He has been able to make family connections as far back as 1770 in Georgia. Dr. Turner found several of his great-grand parents beyond the 1870 brick wall before the Emancipation Proclamation.He is a member of the National Genealogy Society, National African American Genealogy Society, Texas State Genealogical Society, Dallas Genealogical Society, Dallas African American Genealogical Society, Georgia Genealogical Society, Oklahoma Genealogical Society, and Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

DPL: Exploring Dallas Public Library's Digital Collections
2025-02-19 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual & In-person

Dallas Public Library is proud to launch an updated digital collection, full of images and content to help you with your genealogy and historical research of Dallas and beyond! See how to search the updated collection in our new digital platform called ReCollect.

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Van Zandt County Monthly Meeting
2025-02-22 14:00 - 16:00
Speaker: Carrie Anne Wilson Woolverton

Topic: Researching Your Scottish and Irish Roots

Location: Main County Library, 317 First Monday Lane, Canton

A large percentage of American families have ancestors from Scotland and Ireland. Many of these immigrants eventually arrived in Texas. The resources available for those looking for Scottish and Irish ancestors have increased in recent years. Ms. Woolverton’s presentation will provide important information for both beginner genealogists and experienced researchers.

As with most of the Society’s events, the meeting is free, membership is not required, and refreshments will be served.

DPL: Meals & Memories: a Community Tasting for Black History Month
2025-02-22 16:00 - 18:00 | 7th Floor – O’Hara Hall – J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Years of history and tradition are contained in the food we eat every day. Celebrate Black History Month with food, community, and conversation. Enjoy a selection of small plates inspired by a traditional Arkansan-brunch created by Dallas chef Shanay Wise of Catering Done Wisely.

Arrive early to scan and record family photos and memories on Dallas Public Library’s mobile Vivid-Pix Memory Station. Participants will get a free USB of their digitized memories.

Meals and Memories is a series of FREE programs designed to the honor family history & genealogy preserved in our ancestral foodways through food, conversation, and preservation. This after-hours series is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the General Levi Casey Chapter, NSDAR.

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DPL: Researching Texas Women
2025-03-05 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual & In-person

In honor of Texas Independence Day and Women’s History Month, we will discuss methods and methodology for researching your female ancestors in Texas. Learn about search strategies for searching online, and different traditional and non-traditional resources that you may use for uncovering the hidden history of Texas women.

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RootsTech
2025-03-06 00:00 - 2025-03-08 23:59
Join the world’s largest family discovery event

Plus an on-demand learning library available anytime

Brought to you by FamilySearch

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Mesquite Historical & Genealogical Society Meeting
2025-03-13 18:30 - 20:00
Virtual

Speaker: Emily Coffman Richardson

Topic: Expanding Horizons: Local to International Genealogical Learning

Most individuals for whom genealogy is a hobby utilize their local genealogy society as place to go for education. However, even before the Zoom phenomenon, there were opportunities for learning from regional, state, national and international genealogical societies. This presentation will (re)introduce the participant to the multitude of learning experiences that are each uniquely designed and available to both the hobbyist and the professional genealogist.

Meet and greet at 6:00 pm with short business meeting at 6:30 pm then the program. The meeting is free to all but you must register in advance.

Register

Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2025-03-13 18:30 - 20:30
Topic: Tracing Your Family History on the US Census

Location: New Library: 450 Pioneer Trail in Cedar Hill (lower-level event room)

Help for those just starting their family history research and a refresher for the rest of us. This class will get you started using the US Census — the go to source for finding family. We will start with a short lesson on US Census basics, then we will go to the computers for some real-world researchBring your family information on paper, laptop (encouraged) or flash drive to our meeting and one of our genealogy detectives will work with you. Don’t have anything at all? We’ll give you a free USB memory stick containing our Genealogy Society starter kit, and help you start filling it.

This event is made possible through our partnership with the Traphene Hickman Library. The program begins at 7:00pm and socializing starts at 6:30 PM for free genealogy help, and snacks. Admission is free and guests are always welcome. Learn More

DPL: Organizing and Identifying Photograph Collections
2025-03-19 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual & In-person

We all have mounds of old unidentified family photos sitting in boxes. This lecture will offer step-by-step direction in organizing, preserving and cataloguing these precious collections for future generations. Learn how to identify, digitize in Dallas Public Library’s Creative Spaces: Heritage Lab and share collections using family trees and social media.

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GPGS Lock-In
2025-03-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Grand Prarie Memorial Library, 901 Conover Drive, Grand Prarie, TX, 75051, United States

Arlington Texas Stake Family History Seminar
2025-03-22 09:00 - 15:00
The Arlington Texas Family History Seminar is designed for local genealogists and researchers. This event promises to be an informative and engaging experience, with expert speakers sharing their knowledge on various aspects of family history research.

Location: 3809 Curt Dr., Arlington, TX 76016

Featured Speakers:

Our lineup includes experienced genealogists who will present on a range of topics, including:

Accessing the Records in the FamilySearch Research Wikis

Google for Genealogy

Family History Through Reunions and Vacations

Genealogy Resources In The Ft. Worth History Center Library

The Power of the Neighborhood For Gathering Information

Registration:

To secure your spot at this exciting event, please register by March 8, 2025. Although registration is not required, we would love to know who you are so we can prepare a seminar packet with all the handouts ahead of time.

MORE INFO

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DPL: Block by Block: Women, Quilts and Family History
2025-03-22 13:00 - 15:00 | 5th Floor – Hamon Room, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young, Dallas, TX-Texas, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Throughout American history, women have used quilting to express their support for different political and social causes. They have quilted their beliefs, block by block, into their quilts. These quilts have been used to keep those fighting wars warm, to guide those traveling on the Underground Railroad, and to memorialize those we have lost. This Women’s History Month, Dallas quilter and lecturer Denise Bartosh will help us explore women’s quilting history and vintage quilts.

Bring a 5″ x 5″ block or square of fabric to make a community quilt to be displayed in the Fine Arts Unit.

This program is brought to you, in part, by genealogy funding through the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the Gen. Levi Casey Chapter, NSDAR.

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DPL: Recording Family Stories with the Vivid-Pix Memory Station
2025-04-09 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual & In-person

Tell your family story the way YOU remember it! Dallas Public Library’s mobile Vivid-Pix Memory Station is a place to scan, record and share your family memories. This station has new software which allows you to seamlessly scan or upload multiple images quickly, restore them, and record a story to play over each photo in a digital video. Learn how to integrate this great technology into your photo and oral history preservation process.

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Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2025-04-10 18:30 - 20:30
Topic: Brick Wall Victories: How I finally found that relative who just wouldn’t be found

Location: New Library: 450 Pioneer Trail in Cedar Hill (lower-level event room)

We’ve all had them — the ancestor or cousin you could not find. It was like you hit a brick wall! And now, you know the joy and satisfaction you felt when you “finally caught them.” During our program, members of the Cedar Hill Genealogical Society will share with us how they finally found them and what they did to catch them. If you have a research victory to tell us about, we will have a computer and projector available to display any pictures (jpg, bmp, tiff or png, please) notes, charts or diagrams (Docs, Sheets or Slides etc)

This event is made possible through our partnership with the Traphene Hickman Library. The program begins at 7:00pm and socializing starts at 6:30 PM for free genealogy help, and snacks. Admission is free and guests are always welcome. Learn More

Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2025-05-08 18:30 - 20:00
Speaker: Patti Gillespie

Topic: Birth to Death and In-Between: Finding, Using, and Integrating Religious Records in the US

Location: New Library: 450 Pioneer Trail in Cedar Hill (lower-level event room)

So much information and so little time! Religious records are another document group that sometimes seems complicated to find and use.

In this presentation, Patti will give us:

an overview with specific examples

why we want to look for religious records

what sorts of records might be found

who might be included in them

where to look for these documents

This presentation will simplify your religious records search experience.

This event is made possible through our partnership with the Traphene Hickman Library. The program begins at 7:00pm and socializing starts at 6:30 PM for free genealogy help, and snacks. Admission is free and guests are always welcome. Learn More

Patti brings energy and humor to her classes. She is a believer in lifetime learning and inclusive presenting. An avid hobby genealogist for 30 years, Patti formed Family Lines & Stories, her own research company, 9 years ago. She stays busy researching for clients and speaking to groups, small and large, in and out of Texas. She continues as 5th term president of Wise County Genealogical Society while waiting for a willing soul to step up. A former teacher of French & English, Patti very much enjoys presenting.

DPL: Researching your Arab American Family
2025-04-23 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual & In-person

April is Arab American History Month! Genealogy & History Manager Stephanie Bennett is a second generation Arab American and has been research her Arab American roots for over 10 years. Learn how to get started finding more information in U.S. records and repositories about your immigrant ancestors who came from Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East.

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Van Zandt County Monthly Meeting
2025-04-26 14:00 - 16:00
Speaker: Mic Barnette

Topic: Extend Your Direct Maternal Lineage: Take an mtDNA Test

Location: Main County Library, 317 First Monday Lane, Canton

Mic Barnette, will show what mtDNA is. (Hint: It’s more specialized than the ordinary DNA test most genealogists begin with.) He will also show how family researchers can use mtDNA to improve their family study, because mtDNA measures the matrilineal (mother) line. Mr. Barnette, a professional genealogist who is a library associate at the Dallas Public Library Genealogy Department, wrote a historical-genealogical column in the Houston Chronicle for many years. He lectures widely on family research, with particular specialization in DNA matters.

As with most of the Society’s events, the meeting is free, membership is not required, and refreshments will be served.

DPL: Using Cemetery Research to Find Your Ancestors
2025-05-07 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual & In-person Only

May is a month for memorializing those who have passed away, particularly U.S. military personnel who died in service. Learn all about cemetery records, specialized databases, and how to locate where a person is buried.

Special guests from the Dallas Genealogical Society will be available to answer questions about Dallas County cemetery research during the question and answer portion of the program.

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Cedar Hill Genealogy Society Monthly Program
2025-05-08 18:30 - 20:00
Speaker: Patti Gillespie

Topic: Birth to Death and In-Between: Finding, Using, and Integrating Religious Records in the United States

Location: New Library: 450 Pioneer Trail in Cedar Hill (lower-level event room)

So much information and so little time! Religious records are another document group that sometimes seems complicated to find and use.

In this presentation, Patti will give us:

an overview with specific examples

why we want to look for religious records

what sorts of records might be found

who might be included in them

where to look for these documents

This presentation will simplify your religious records search experience.

This event is made possible through our partnership with the Traphene Hickman Library. Admission is always free.

Patti brings energy and humor to her classes. She is a believer in lifetime learning and inclusive presenting. An avid hobby genealogist for 30 years, Patti formed Family Lines & Stories, her own research company, 9 years ago. She stays busy researching for clients and speaking to groups, small and large, in and out of Texas. She continues as 5th term president of Wise County Genealogical Society while waiting for a willing soul to step up. A former teacher of French & English, Patti very much enjoys presenting.

DPL: Preserving your Family Archives
2025-05-10 13:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In-person Only

Stacks of old photos. Mounds of loose paper. That one vase that belonged to your great aunt Winifred. We all have old things that we’ve kept throughout the years that belonged to our loved ones. Yet, through those years, information has been lost, photos are crumbling and memories have faded. Get advice about caring for YOUR family archives from DPL’s Family Archives Librarian Samantha Diaz. Participate in interactive activities to rediscover your family treasures and stories. Attendees will get a take-home kit of archival materials so they can get started preserving their family collections at home.

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DPL: The Quiet Strength of Resilience with Ron Schwarz, a Second Generation Holocaust Survivor
2025-05-21 14:00 - 15:00 | 8th Floor – Genealogy Section, J. Erik Jonnson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Virtual & In-person Only

Author Ron Schwarz will discuss his book, The Quiet Strength of Resilience: A Holocaust Story Spanning Four Generations. It tells the life story of the author’s father, Holocaust survivor Charles Schwarz.

Charles Schwarz survived the Holocaust by constantly hiding and moving to avoid the fate of so many millions of his fellow Jews at the hands of the Nazis. Drawing on research spanning thousands of pages from archives all around Europe, along with hours of interviews with his father, Schwarz paints a compelling picture of resilience and endurance in the face of the greatest adversity while providing us a glimpse into the darkest days of world history through a child’s eyes.

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National Genealogical Society Annual Conference
2025-05-23 00:00 - 2025-05-26 23:59
Ready to take your family history research to the next level? Tales & Trails, the NGS 2025 Family History Conference, brings you leading speakers, essential education, and amazing networking opportunities with 1000+ friends and colleagues in Louisville, Kentucky.

Join fellow family historians and genealogy organization leaders from across the country for four energizing days of shared discoveries and fresh perspectives. Connect with passionate researchers like yourself while gaining new skills and insights to help you uncover, preserve, and share your ancestors’ stories.

Pre-conference tours, workshops, and genealogy organization activities are on 23 May. The main conference begins the evening of 23 May with the Expo Hall opening reception and continues through evening events on Sunday, 25 May. Stay through Monday to join us for a special Memorial Day event on 26 May.

As genealogists, we seek to understand those who came before us. We learn about our ancestors’ lives, the opportunities they had, and the sacrifices they made. We travel, both literally and figuratively, the trails they left behind. The NGS 2025 Family History Conference, Tales and Trails, connects us with stories of the people and places we come from.

The NGS Family History Conference welcomes all who are passionate about family history. Whether you are taking your first steps into genealogy, pushing through challenging research barriers, exploring professional opportunities, or leading a genealogy organization, you will find valuable insights here. Our sessions deliver the knowledge you need to succeed, from AI-powered research tools to advance your research to proven strategies for building vibrant genealogy communities.

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TIGR: Texas Institute of Genealogical Research
2025-06-16 08:00 - 2025-06-20 17:00
Registration for the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research (TIGR) is open. Held virtually this year, TIGR 2025 takes place June 16-20, 2025.

TIGR promotes learning in an instructional classroom atmosphere, taking each attendee’s skills to another level. A course coordinator and instructors lead students for five days in the same virtual classroom on a progression of topics on the same subject. This format provides a hands-on learning experience during the week along with great discussions with your instructors and classmates. Learn more about TIGR here.

TIGR 2025 offers five courses that create a unique learning experience for those researching ancestors.

Course 1 – “Research in the Lone Star State,” led by Kelvin L. Meyers

Course 2 – “Building Communities Across the South” led by J. Mark Lowe, FUGA

Course 3 – “Legally Texas: Advanced Legal Research in the Lone Star State” led by Judy G. Russell, CG®, CGL(sm), JD, FUGA

Course 4 – “Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Genealogical Research and Writing” led by Nicole Elder Dyer

Course 5 – “Beyond the Battlefield: Advanced Military Research Analysis and Methodology” led by Michael L. Strauss, AG®

Each of these courses includes sessions taught by nationally-recognized faculty who are experts in their genealogical fields.

To learn more, see the TIGR 2025 course descriptions, which includes links to the course schedules and faculty.
